(November 1, 2007 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - Obesity is the second leading cause of cancer, just behind smoking. Based on a meta-analysis of over 7,000 studies, obesity is a risk factor for colon, kidney, and breast cancers. The study also showed that 18 ounces of red meat per week is acceptable but every additional 1.7 ounces raised the risk of cancer by 15%.

From Missouri - The DNA of a cat named Cinnamon has been sequenced, adding cats to the list of organisms whose genomes have been mapped. Cinnamon had a variety of hereditary conditions, including the gene for retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes peripheral visual loss. This sequencing is particularly important due to a number of common diseases between humans and cats.

From Oxford - Elective c-sections are associated with a higher risk of death in both mothers and babies. In a study of nearly 100,000 Latin American deliveries, women were nearly twice as likely to have a serious complication or die than those who delivered naturally, and their babies were up to 70% more likely to die.

And finally from New Jersey - Wyeth is recalling some of its Robitussin and children's Dimetapp lines. This is because the included measuring cup does not adequately show the half-spoon mark which is used to dose the medicines in young children.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.