Komen takes a new approach

I'm sure you've seen the ads with Nancy Brinker. She's the sister of Susan Komen who died in her 30's of breast cancer. The Komen foundation was founded in her memory and they're one of the largest funding sources for breast cancer research.

You probably also know that every year Albany hosts the KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE. This year the race is October 6th at the Empire State Plaza.

Komen is doing things a little differently this year. They've launched a campaign called YOU ARE THE CURE. They'll be giving out little gift packs with info to help all women be more informed about breast cancer. Early detection is your best chance at cure.

Locks of Love

The big day has finally arrived. This morning, Benita and several other women -- including NewsChannel 13 producers Alicia Banker and Kathy Barrans -- got their hair cut for Locks of Love at Rumors in Latham.

Benita is putting together a story on the experience for NewsChannel 13 Live at Five tonight. In the meantime, here are some before, during and after shots...

Statins: the antibiotic effect

The millions of people prescribed STATINS to lower their cholesterol are getting an added benefit. It appears this class of drugs battles bacteria and fungi.

The anti-bacterial / anti- microbial effect has only been seen in the lab, and a modest effect at that, but an English researcher says that's probably why,in part, some observational studies have found that statin users are less susceptible to infections.( the researcher is Jon Cohen, MBBS, of Brighton and Sussex Medical School in Brighton, England)

The real payoff here could be a new way of looking at drugs -it may point the way to new antibiotics derived from the statins.

Just and interesting tidbit as we kick off the work week.

( the work was presented at the recent Interscience Conference on Anti-microbial Agents and Chemotherapy)