(March 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

From Minnesota - According to a report published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, optimistic lung cancer patients may live longer than pessimistic patients. Researchers studied over 500 lung cancer patients, using personality scores from a test taken 18 years before their diagnosis. Results showed that optimistic patients lived an average of six months more than pessimistic patients.

From New Orleans - A new tablet may be able to reduce symptoms of grass allergy, according to a report presented at the annual meeting for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Researchers studied 344 children, randomizing some to placebo or to the tablet that contains Timothy grass pollen. Results showed that children taking the tablet (which is placed under the tongue) scored 26% better on symptom scores than placebo.

And finally, from Sweden - According to a report published in the journal Ophthalmology, women on hormone replacement therapy who regularly drink alcohol are at significant increased risk of cataracts. Researchers studied over 30,000 postmenopausal women, finding that those currently undergoing HRT who drank one or more alcoholic drink daily had a 42% increased risk of developing cataracts.