| Virus warning: Don't join MyParty
Anti-virus vendor MessageLabs reports it is already the most popular virus of the last 24 hours. The worm spreads by attempting to trick victims into opening a file promising entertaining party snaps. Once executed the worm sends itself to everyone in the victim's address book - appearing to come from the infected machine's owner. As such when future recipients receive the virus, it will most likely come from a friend or colleague, increasing the likelihood of it being opened. As yet virus experts have identified no malicious payload. Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos anti-virus, said the worm represents a new level of social engineering. "This is something that comes from your mates, and promises party photos. It is very plausible for many users," he said.
Syria seizes drugs destined for Saudi Arabia
Syrian customs authorities have seized hundreds of thousands of smuggled stimulant pills bound for Saudi Arabia, reported AP.More than 400,000 pills of the amphetamine-like drug Captagon hidden in bathroom tissue rolls were seized last month at a shipping company office in the northern city of Aleppo.The pills were bound for Saudi Arabia and a Syrian man from Aleppo who was involved was later arrested in the Syrian port city of Latakia. Captagon, also known as fenethylline, was listed by World Health Organization in 1986 as a pyschotropic substance, and is banned in most places and was once prescribed as an antidepressant or to treat hyperactive children. .
Struggling mother grateful for help
Courtney Hightower has had a string of unlucky breaks over the past month. But the Eastover woman says she remains focused on a brighter future for herself and her three children. Hightower, 24, ran into financial difficulties in late December, when her car broke down and she wasn't able to drive to her job at a package delivery company. Her father, visiting for Christmas, managed to repair the 1994 Oldsmobile, but two days after Christmas it was stolen from her home. With mounting household bills and her daughter, Jalyn, facing surgery this month to repair a cleft palate, Hightower turned to the Woodyard Fund to help with her utility bill. She received $269. "I feel like I'm making it," Hightower said. "Put it this way, if I didn't have the kids to live for, I don't know where I'd be." Hightower has three children: Myniqua Hightower, 6; Jalyn Hightower, 5; and Darreun Miller Jr., 4.
Quit-Smoking Drug May Raise Suicide Risk
FRIDAY, Feb. 1 (HealthDay News) -- There's increasing evidence that the smoking-cessation drug Chantix is linked to serious "neuropsychiatric" side effects, including agitation, depressed mood and even suicide, U.S. health officials said Friday. .
Eli Lilly considers $1 billion fine to settle U.S. case
Eli Lilly and U.S. prosecutors are discussing a settlement of a civil and criminal investigation into the company's marketing of the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa that could result in Lilly's paying more than $1 billion to federal and state governments. If a deal is reached, the fine would be the largest ever paid by a drug company for breaking the U.S. laws that govern how drug makers can promote their medicines. Several people involved in the investigation confirmed the settlement discussions. They insisted on anonymity because they have not been authorized to talk about the negotiations. Zyprexa has serious side effects and is approved only to treat people with schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder. But documents from Lilly show that between 2000 and 2003, Lilly encouraged doctors to prescribe Zyprexa to people with age-related dementia, as well as people with mild bipolar disorder who had previously been diagnosed only as depressed.
What's a Superdelegate To Do?
Imagine for a moment you're a member of what's becoming the most scrutinized group of political players in years: the 796 superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention. You are unbound by any rule or custom in choosing whether to vote for either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. It's increasingly likely that you and your fellow supers—senators, House members, governors, state party chairs, national committee members, and other worthies—will hold the key to the nomination. So, how do you decide whom to support? Let's assume you're determined to apply the soundest principles of fairness and justice (I know, I know, you're a political animal, but indulge me). Let's also assume that you've somehow put on one of John Rawls' "veils of ignorance," which means you're making your decision free of knowing which candidate would benefit from it.
Geriatrician Care Guards Against Risk of Inappropriate Meds
FRIDAY, Jan. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Elderly Americans taking prescription medications face a lower risk for being given an inappropriate drug or dosage if they receive care from a geriatrician, new research reveals. The finding is based on a large, national review of mostly male veterans who sought care at VA facilities across the United States. The analysis indicates that roughly one in four vets were inappropriately prescribed medications, while those few who had visited with a geriatrician in the past year had reduced exposure to such critical mistakes. "Geriatric care seems to help protect patients who are receiving prescription medications," said study author Mary Jo V. Pugh, a research health scientist with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, and an assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Sorority promotes healthy, diverse lifestyle
Beauty, food and dancing are part of the focus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.'s annual Total Body Takeover week that kicks off today.
"AKA has always focused on promoting good and healthy practices among women," said Sade Jackson, public relations officer for AKA. "This year we still wanted to promote that but focus on some different events to involve everyone."
Today from noon to 2 p.m., AKA will pass out apples across from Starbucks in the Student Center to promote a healthy lifestyle and to educate people about various cultures and their health issues and practices.
"This week is simply about appreciating and educating ourselves and our peers about the beauty and complexity of other cultures," said Alise Marshall, president of AKA.
The sorority is tackling health and cultural awareness during this year's event, themed "The Color of One," Marshall said.
Egypt moves to close Gaza border
Last month tens of thousands of Gazans overran the border into Egypt, flooding stores to purchase goods that were in short supply as a result of an Israeli blockade. Since then, the flow of Palestinians into Egypt has dropped, and Egyptian and Hamas security forces began sealing parts of the Gaza-Egypt border last week. Israel closed all border crossings with Gaza on January 17 to punish Hamas leaders for days of rocket attacks on southern Gaza. Egypt has been under pressure by Israel and the United States to reseal the Rafah border crossing to prevent the flow of terrorists and weapons into Hamas-controlled Gaza. The border is supposed to be jointly maintained by Egypt and the Palestinian Authority under the oversight of the European Union monitors but was closed after Hamas took over Gaza and split with the Palestinian Authority leadership last year.
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