Prenatal Smoking Tied to Kids' Behavior Issues

Women who smoke during pregnancy may be putting their children at increased risk for conduct problems in childhood, researchers found.

Across three different studies, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy -- whether they were reared by their genetically-related mother or an adoptive mother -- had higher mean scores on measures of conduct problems compared with children whose birth mothers did not smoke during pregnancy, according to Gordon Harold, PhD, of the University of Leicester in England, and colleagues.

In the two studies that included children raised by their genetically-related mothers, there was a positive association with number of cigarettes smoked per day and conduct problem scores among genetically-related children (P<0.001 and P=0.005), they wrote online in JAMA Psychiatry.

In the two studies (including one from the previous pair) that included children adopted at birth and raised by genetically-unrelated mothers -- but whose birth mothers smoked during pregnancy -- researchers found a positive association between conduct problem scores and the number of cigarettes that their genetically-related mothers smoked daily while pregnant (P=0.007 and P=0.04).

Prior studies have shown a relationship between children's conduct disorders and prenatal smoking in mothers, although that research did not separate prenatal environmental influences from genetic and postnatal environmental factors.

Past research also has shown a relationship between smoking while pregnant and a child's hearing loss and obesity in the offspring.

The authors studied the relationship between genetically-related mothers' smoking while pregnant with their children's conduct disorders in three studies of 1,088, 310, and 636 children, respectively, raised by genetically-related or -unrelated mothers.

The first study -- the Christchurch Health and Development Study -- was a longitudinal birth cohort in New Zealand that assessed maternal smoking during pregnancy and child behavior until age 7.

The second study -- the Early Growth and Development Study -- was a U.S., ongoing, longitudinal, multisite study of adopted children and parents, as well as birth parents. Birth parent data were used to assess maternal smoking, while adoptive parent data were used to assess the child's home environment.

The third study -- the Cardiff In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) study -- was an English study of children conceived through reproductive technologies such as homologous IVF, single-parent IVF, and embryo donation, where authors focused only on children born through maternal IVF.

Conduct problems were reported by mothers and teachers in the Christchurch study, by adoptive mothers and fathers in the Early Growth study, and by mothers and fathers in the IVF study.

Neonatal maternal smoking was reported retrospectively in each study.

Outcomes were adjusted for child sex, birth weight, race, placement age, breastfeeding, maternal education, maternal age at birth, family breakdown, parenting practices, and family socioeconomic status.

Parenting practices were assessed through measures of maternal emotional responsiveness and avoidance of restriction, and punishment and hostility.

Maternal smoking habits were broken down into zero cigarettes daily, one to nine cigarettes daily, and 10 or more cigarettes daily.

The prevalence of smoking varied by study. The New Zealand study had a prenatal smoking prevalence of 50% among children raised by genetically-unrelated mothers and 32.7% by those raised by their birth mothers. In the U.S. sample, smoking was common to 40.8% of pregnant mothers. The English study had a prevalence of 5.7% of smoking mothers who raised their children, and 3.9% of smoking mothers whose children were raised by others.

Although rates of conduct problems differed between studies, associations between maternal smoking and child behavior problems were significant in each. However, there was no significant relation between maternal smoking and behavior issues in children born through embryo donation (P=0.98).

An accompanying editorial by Theodore Slotkin, PhD, of Duke University Medical Center, noted that "There is little doubt that at least one component of tobacco smoke, nicotine, is sufficient to disrupt brain development and to evoke subsequent behavioral abnormalities" in prior research, and that the current study clearly shows that the effects seen in animal models are replicated in humans.

The model used in this literature should inform future studies into toxicants responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders related to cigarette smoke, Slotkin added.

The authors found their study was limited by the small number of genetically-unrelated smokers in the English study, as was the prevalence of maternal smoking during pregnancy among those genetically-related mothers. The study was also limited by a lack of data on co-exposure to other drugs or alcohol, use of self-reported smoking data, and lack of time-specific data on smoking and other behaviors and exposures.

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Prenatal Smoking Tied to Kids' Behavior Issues

Women who smoke during pregnancy may be putting their children at increased risk for conduct problems in childhood, researchers found.

Across three different studies, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy -- whether they were reared by their genetically-related mother or an adoptive mother -- had higher mean scores on measures of conduct problems compared with children whose birth mothers did not smoke during pregnancy, according to Gordon Harold, PhD, of the University of Leicester in England, and colleagues.

In the two studies that included children raised by their genetically-related mothers, there was a positive association with number of cigarettes smoked per day and conduct problem scores among genetically-related children (P<0.001 and P=0.005), they wrote online in JAMA Psychiatry.

In the two studies (including one from the previous pair) that included children adopted at birth and raised by genetically-unrelated mothers -- but whose birth mothers smoked during pregnancy -- researchers found a positive association between conduct problem scores and the number of cigarettes that their genetically-related mothers smoked daily while pregnant (P=0.007 and P=0.04).

Prior studies have shown a relationship between children's conduct disorders and prenatal smoking in mothers, although that research did not separate prenatal environmental influences from genetic and postnatal environmental factors.

Past research also has shown a relationship between smoking while pregnant and a child's hearing loss and obesity in the offspring.

The authors studied the relationship between genetically-related mothers' smoking while pregnant with their children's conduct disorders in three studies of 1,088, 310, and 636 children, respectively, raised by genetically-related or -unrelated mothers.

The first study -- the Christchurch Health and Development Study -- was a longitudinal birth cohort in New Zealand that assessed maternal smoking during pregnancy and child behavior until age 7.

The second study -- the Early Growth and Development Study -- was a U.S., ongoing, longitudinal, multisite study of adopted children and parents, as well as birth parents. Birth parent data were used to assess maternal smoking, while adoptive parent data were used to assess the child's home environment.

The third study -- the Cardiff In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) study -- was an English study of children conceived through reproductive technologies such as homologous IVF, single-parent IVF, and embryo donation, where authors focused only on children born through maternal IVF.

Conduct problems were reported by mothers and teachers in the Christchurch study, by adoptive mothers and fathers in the Early Growth study, and by mothers and fathers in the IVF study.

Neonatal maternal smoking was reported retrospectively in each study.

Outcomes were adjusted for child sex, birth weight, race, placement age, breastfeeding, maternal education, maternal age at birth, family breakdown, parenting practices, and family socioeconomic status.

Parenting practices were assessed through measures of maternal emotional responsiveness and avoidance of restriction, and punishment and hostility.

Maternal smoking habits were broken down into zero cigarettes daily, one to nine cigarettes daily, and 10 or more cigarettes daily.

The prevalence of smoking varied by study. The New Zealand study had a prenatal smoking prevalence of 50% among children raised by genetically-unrelated mothers and 32.7% by those raised by their birth mothers. In the U.S. sample, smoking was common to 40.8% of pregnant mothers. The English study had a prevalence of 5.7% of smoking mothers who raised their children, and 3.9% of smoking mothers whose children were raised by others.

Although rates of conduct problems differed between studies, associations between maternal smoking and child behavior problems were significant in each. However, there was no significant relation between maternal smoking and behavior issues in children born through embryo donation (P=0.98).

An accompanying editorial by Theodore Slotkin, PhD, of Duke University Medical Center, noted that "There is little doubt that at least one component of tobacco smoke, nicotine, is sufficient to disrupt brain development and to evoke subsequent behavioral abnormalities" in prior research, and that the current study clearly shows that the effects seen in animal models are replicated in humans.

The model used in this literature should inform future studies into toxicants responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders related to cigarette smoke, Slotkin added.

The authors found their study was limited by the small number of genetically-unrelated smokers in the English study, as was the prevalence of maternal smoking during pregnancy among those genetically-related mothers. The study was also limited by a lack of data on co-exposure to other drugs or alcohol, use of self-reported smoking data, and lack of time-specific data on smoking and other behaviors and exposures.

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Obama nominates Caroline Kennedy as Ambassador to Japan

U.S. President Barack Obama has nominated Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former president John F Kennedy, as his next envoy to Japan.

If confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Kennedy would replace U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, who has been serving in this position since 2009.

Mr. Obama made the announcement along with nomination of some other key administration post, including Marcel Lettre as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence, Department of Defence.

“These fine public servants both bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles. Our nation will be well-served by these individuals, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” Mr. Obama said in a statement.

President of the John F Kennedy Library Foundation and Chair of the Senior Advisory Committee of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, Caroline is the editor of several New York Times best-selling books on topics including constitutional law, American history, politics, and poetry.

In September 2012, she was appointed as a General Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.

From 2002 to 2012, she served as Vice Chair of the Fund for Public Schools in New York City.

She is also on the Board of Directors of New Visions for Public Schools and serves as Honorary Chair of the American Ballet Theatre.

From 1998 to 2009, she served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People Legal Defence and Educational Fund.

From 1994 to 2011, she served on the Board of Directors of the Commission on Presidential Debates.

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House rejects bid to curb spy agency data collection

(Reuters) - A U.S. spy program that sweeps up vast amounts of electronic communications survived a legislative challenge in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the first attempt to curb the data gathering since former NSA contractor Edward Snowden revealed details of its scope.

The House of Representatives voted 217-205 to defeat an amendment to the defense appropriations bill that would have limited the National Security Agency's ability to collect electronic information, including phone call records.

Opposition to government surveillance has created an unlikely alliance of libertarian Republicans and some Democrats in Congress, The House vote split the parties, with 94 Republicans in favor and 134 against, while 111 Democrats supported the amendment and 83 opposed it.

The White House and senior intelligence officials opposed the amendment by Republican Representative Justin Amash of Michigan, which had been prompted by Snowden's revelations. Snowden, a fugitive from the United States, has been holed up at a Moscow airport for the past month unable to secure asylum.

The House later approved the defense appropriations bill, which included nearly $600 billion in Pentagon spending for the 2014 fiscal year, including the costs of the Afghanistan war.

Republican Representative Tom Cotton, who endorsed the NSA program, described the "metadata" being collected as essentially a five-column spreadsheet containing the number called, the number of the caller, the date, the time and the duration of call.

"This program has stopped dozens of terrorist attacks," Cotton said. "That means it has saved untold American lives. This amendment ... does not limit the program, it does not modify it, it does not constrain the program, it ends the program. It blows it up."

Cotton, a former Army captain who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said a comprehensive set of phone call records was needed in order for the program to work.

"If you want to search for a needle in a haystack, you have to have the haystack. This (amendment) takes a leaf-blower and blows away they entire haystack. You will not have this program if this amendment passes."

'SIMPLY WRONG'

But Amash, a conservative Republican, and other supporters of the amendment said the fundamental issue was whether the U.S. government had the right to collect and retain the personal communications data of American citizens.

"Government's gone too far in the name of security," said Representative Ted Poe, a Texas Republican. "Rein in government invasion, no more dragnet operations, get a specific warrant based on probable cause or stay out of our lives."

Representative Joe Barton, another Texas Republican, said the issue was not whether the NSA was sincere or careful in collecting data for use in anti-terrorism operations.

"It is (about) whether they have the right to collect the data in the first place on every phone call on every American every day," he said, noting that the law only allowed collection of relevant data. "In the NSA's interpretation of that, relevant is all data, all the time. That's simply wrong."

U.S. spy chiefs, the White House and senior lawmakers responsible for overseeing intelligence agencies in Congress had joined ranks against the effort to curb the program.

Representatives Mike Rogers of Michigan and Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the Republican chairman and senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement after the vote that the amendment would have eliminated a "crucial counterterrorism tool."

"The charge that the program tramples on the privacy of citizens is simply wrong," they said, promising to work to build public confidence in the program's privacy protections.

In an unusually public discourse on a secret spying program, James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, urged the House in a statement on Wednesday to be wary of the "potential effect of limiting the intelligence community's capabilities" under the current law.

Clapper's statement came amid a push against the proposal by the White House and other senior intelligence officials, including Army General Keith Alexander, the head of the NSA, who visited lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to warn about the implications of the amendment.

The House overwhelming approved a separate amendment dealing with the NSA surveillance program that was billed as an alternative to the Amash amendment.

But critics charged that the measure only restated current law, which prevents collection of the content of emails and phone calls, and would not deal with collection of "metadata."

(Reporting by David Alexander, Tabassum Zakaria and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Vicki Allen and Jackie Frank)

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Ladakh incursions: India-China border talks today

New Delhi: Amid fresh reports of Chinese troops intruding into the Indian territory in Ladakh region, India and China will hold border talks on Tuesday. 

Three months after the 21-day stand-off in Depsang valley in Ladakh, Chinese troops again came deep inside the Indian territory in that area last week to reach upto 2 kms close to Indian posts, in one of five such incursions in the recent past. 

In the Chumar sector, the Chinese troops had entered the area on July 16-17 and July 18 also and before that, their choppers had entered and violated Indian air space on July 11. 

Called the 'Working Mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs,' the talks will look at the ground situation and how to resolve incursion. 

Depsang plains were the scene of a face-off in April when Chinese had pitched their tents 19 km inside India. 

They vacated their positions only after the two sides agreed to maintain pre-April 15 positions along the LAC in the entire Ladakh sector. 

During the incursion on July 16-17, around 50 Chinese troops entered the Chumar sector on horses and ponies and returned after spending the night in the Indian territory. 

In view of the increasing instances of incursion, the Indian Army formations in Ladakh have sought a flag meeting with their Chinese counterparts in Spangur Gap border meeting point in Ladakh, sources said. 

The meeting is expected to be held in the next few days. 

Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh, yesterday, briefed Defence Minister A K Antony on the current situation on the LAC, Army sources said. 

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LaGuardia Plane Crash: Eight People Injured

Eight people have been injured after a plane's landing gear collapsed as it touched down at a New York airport.

The accident left the Boeing 737 – operated by Southwest Airlines – with its nose resting against the runway at LaGuardia.

The accident forced the temporary closure of the airport, which mostly handles flights to and from other US cities.

Some 150 people were on board at the time.

The airline confirmed that emergency services had helped with the evacuation of the passengers and crew of flight 345 from Nashville.

"Eyewitness reports indicate the aircraft's nose gear collapsed upon landing," it said in a statement.

"Initial reports indicate local responders are caring for five customers and three flight attendants who have reported injuries at this time.

"Southwest is cooperating with local authorities, and the (US aviation safety body) NTSB has been notified."

Television images showed the plane with its nose angled down to the ground and its evacuation slides out. The fuselage was surrounded by emergency vehicles.

Passengers on board the plane saw sparks flying as the nose scraped along the runway, according to accounts given to waiting relatives and friends.

Planes scheduled to fly to LaGuardia were held at their origin airports, while those already en route were diverted to New York's other hubs, Newark and John F Kennedy, contributing to long delays.

All take-offs were suspended for more than two hours after the accident.

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Report: Apple experimenting with bigger iPhone, iPad screens

iPhone and iPad users looking with envy at the ever-ballooning screen sizes of Android devices shouldn't lose hope just yet.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has been experimenting with iPhone screen sizes larger than the current four inches, echoing rumors from earlier this year that the company may be looking to supplement its current offerings.

The WSJ also says that Apple is experimenting with larger iPads, specifically a model with a gigantic 13-inch display. While a larger iPhone would be in line with current trends, the trend in tablets has been toward smaller screen sizes, not larger ones.

In either case, those hoping for a bigger iPhone or lap-sized iPad shouldn't necessarily hold their breath.

Apple regularly tests out new screen sizes and even brand-new product lines without ever bringing them to market; those that do see the light of day can take their time emerging from Apple's labs.

The iPad mini itself was the subject of similar speculation in the months and years before it was finally released, and the iPhone 5's 4-inch screen was the subject of rumors that predate the 3.5-inch iPhone 4S.

Apple is expected to update both the iPad and the iPad mini later this year.

Speculation is that the larger tablet will go on the iPad mini diet, shedding some weight, thickness, and bezel width. The smaller tablet, on the other hand, may or may not receive a high-resolution Retina display -- these rumors have been known to change daily based on what the folks at Apple rumor sites see in their tea leaves each morning.

Both tablets were last refreshed in November 2012.

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Over 35 and pregnant? What you need to know

Approximately 20 percent of women in the United States have their first baby after age 35, and if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, you might be worried about having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

After 35, a woman has a higher chance for having a baby with trisomy 13, 18 and 21.  Trisomy 21 is also known as Down syndrome, a condition that affects one in every 691 babies in the United States, according to the National Down Syndrome Society.

Down syndrome is a big concern for women. According to a recent survey by Ariosa Diagnostics, more than 50 percent of women said they were worried about Down syndrome and other genetic conditions.

At age 30, the chances of having a baby with Down syndrome are about one in 900 and at age 35, they increase to one in 300. Yet “the majority of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under age 35,” according to Dr. Genevieve Fairbrother, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Atlanta, Ga.  She said that although the individual risk is lower, more women under 35 are having babies.

Also, women over 35 who become pregnant have an increased risk for gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption and placenta previa. They’re also more likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disease.

If you’re over 35, here are some things you should consider:

Lose weight and get healthy

“There’s no magic threshold about 35,” Fairbrother said, who added that aside from genetic problems, most women who give birth after 35 will be fine. Yet many complications can be prevented with simple lifestyle choices. So if you have diabetes, thyroid disease or are overweight, get your health under control. And if you drink or smoke, stop immediately.

Take a prenatal vitamin

Starting a prenatal vitamin with at least 1 milligram of folic acid for at least three months before getting pregnant and continuing through pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Get an ultrasound at 6 weeks

Most providers won’t do an ultrasound until eight weeks, but if you’re over 35, you should consider an ultrasound at six weeks, according to Dr. Sara Gottfried, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Berkeley, Cali., and author of the New York Times bestseller The Hormone Cure. If you’re considering first trimester genetic screening, an early ultrasound can help you get ahead of the game and can also look for placenta previa – a condition that occurs when the placenta cover’s the mom’s cervix.

Get screened for high blood pressure

Since blood pressure drops in the second trimester, it’s important to have your blood pressure measured in the first trimester to determine your risk for pre-eclampsia. “You don’t want to miss that window,” Gottfried said.

Decide on genetic tests early

Before getting pregnant or as soon as you know you are, it’s important to decide if you want to have genetic testing.  Tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) need to be done early, usually around 11 weeks.

“I think one of the important pieces for a woman to understand (is) what her values are and what kind of testing she wants to do, because the timing of it can come up pretty fast,” Gottfried said.

Consider the risks

At age 35, you have the same risk of having a miscarriage or other issue if you have an amniocentesis as you do having a baby with a genetic problem. An amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure that involves using a needle to take a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. According to the Ariosa Diagnostics survey, 58 percent of women over 35 would avoid an amniocentesis. 

If you’re concerned, you might want to consider the new, non-invasive, and extremely accurate cell-free DNA tests. “I think every couple has to ask themselves, ‘How are we going to use this information, how accurate is it, how important is it for us, what level of certainty do we need to know?’” Fairbrother said.

Get screened for gestational diabetes

Gottfried recommends women over 35 get an early screening glucose loading test done at the first prenatal appointment to look for high blood sugar.  Women should then repeat the test between 24 and 28 weeks.

Eat right and exercise

“Pregnancy is a stress test on your body,” Fairbrother said. And gaining too much weight can increase your risk for gestational diabetes, weight problems and for having an overweight child.

Aim to eat an extra 200 to 300 calories a day, and be sure to eat plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and healthy fats. Also, 30 minutes or more of exercise on most days is ideal.

Julie Revelant is a freelance writer specializing in parenting, health, food and women's issues and a mom. 

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Ashes 2013: James Pattinson ruled out of remaining Tests

Australia fast bowler James Pattinson will miss the rest of the Ashes series against England after suffering a stress fracture of the lower back.

The 23-year-old complained of soreness in his hip and back at the end of the second Test at Lord's.

Cricket Australia confirmed Pattinson would miss the rest of the tour after a scan revealed the extent of the injury.

"Unfortunately he will not take any further part in this Test series," said Australia team doctor Peter Brukner.

"Scans have identified an early stage low back stress fracture.

"He will commence a rehabilitation programme with the aim to have him back for the Australian summer."

The tourists say they have no immediate plans to call up a replacement for Pattinson, which could mean a recall for Mitchell Starc.

Starc was left out of the side which was thrashed by 347 runs by England at Lord's on Sunday.

James Faulkner and Jackson Bird are also available as back-up to frontline seamers Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris.

Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Chadd Sayers are among those who could potentially be called up from the Australia A squad currently playing in South Africa.

Cricket Australia general manager Pat Howard said: "While we are obviously disappointed for James, the selectors have five bowlers fit and ready to perform in England, providing them with many options.

"It is also important to note that several players have been performing for Australia A and are available to be called up at any stage if the national selection panel [requires] them."

Pattinson took seven wickets in the two Tests at a cost of 307 runs, and almost helped Australia pull off an unlikely Trent Bridge victory with a gritty 25 not out in a thrilling climax to the first Test.

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Royal baby: Kate gives birth to boy

The Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy, Kensington Palace has announced.

The baby was delivered at 16:24 BST at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, weighing 8lb 6oz.

The Duke of Cambridge said in a statement the couple "could not be happier". He and the duchess will remain in the hospital overnight.

The news has been displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in line with tradition.

A bulletin - signed by the Queen's gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who led the medical team that delivered the baby - was taken by a royal aide from St Mary's to the palace under police escort.

The document said: "Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm today.

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Wiggins: Cycling's future is bright post Armstrong blood letting

After the blood letting and recriminations in the wake of Lance Armstrong's doping confession, cycling continues to face questions over whether the sport is riding clean.

The fall out from Armstrong's public confession sent shock waves through the sport and current Tour de France leader Chris Froome has voiced his frustration at continued questions about doping.

So much so that Team Sky gave French newspaper L'Equipe data of 18 of Froome's climbs since he made his major breakthrough in 2011, leaving the French newspaper's sports science expert, Fred Grappe, satisfied the results were consistent with doping-free riding.

Froome's teammate and reigning Tour de France champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist and Knight of the British realm Bradley Wiggins insists the sport is on the path to a bright future.

Transparency

The 33-year-old's place in cycling's elite circle was cemented by his success in the sport's showcase event 12 months ago, the first time a Briton has claimed the coveted crown.

And though injury has robbed him of the chance to defend his title in 2013, Wiggins thinks the sport is in rude health now the furore surrounding its shamed American star has begun to subside.

"The thing with the whole Lance story is his confession wasn't the tip of the iceberg where now all these other problems of the sport have now arisen," Wiggins told CNN's Changing Gears series, speaking ahead of the Tour de France.

"His problem was the final chapter of how the sport was 10, 15 years ago. That can now be put to bed and we can focus now on what's great about the sport now and the athletes we have.

"I think that's a great starting point for the future of the sport."

Read: Doping past haunts Tour

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after admitting to persistent use of banned substances during his halcyon days at the sport's lofty peak.

Wiggins denies the supremacy of Team Sky in last year's race -- that hinted they could dominate for years to come -- could propel other teams and riders towards the illicit substances that robbed Armstrong of his legacy.

"I don't think they're thinking that," he said. "I think we're the role model, the template of how things are being done now. There's no secret of how we're doing it. We're very transparent, very clear.

"There's been a lot of riders at this team that have left for other teams that know how it works here, so slowly that will get around and I don't think people (will) revert back to that.

"I think the sport is in such a strong position with the anti-doping, the biological passports, that it's becoming harder and harder for people to go back to the old ways.

"I think one of the things that stood out for me, with the whole Lance Armstrong thing, was that he even said 10, 15 years ago there was no out of competition testing.

"It's a daily thing with the whereabouts system, giving your whereabouts seven days of the week. It's a completely different sport now and I think we're leading the way as a sport for other sports to follow.

"No matter what you're doing, you'll always get people that are cynical and are doubters.

"But by continuing to do what we're doing by answering these questions and putting ourselves out there to be shot at in time, it might take 15 years, I think we will gain credibility."

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All the benefits of exercise, from a pill?

Good news for couch potatoes: Researchers are developing a drug that provides all the benefits of exercise, with no actual workout required, according to the New York Times.

In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers injected a compound into obese mice that increased production of the muscle protein REV-ERB, which is known to have an impact on sleep and on animals’ internal biological clocks.

The animals injected with the compound lost weight and improved their cholesterol levels – even when on a high-fat diet, the New York Times reported. Furthermore, the injected mice also used more oxygen during the day and expended 5 percent more energy compared to mice in the control group – even though they were not exercising more.

Researchers also examined the effect that REV-ERB had on muscles by engineering a test group of mice designed to express abnormally low levels of REV-ERB. This group of engineered mice were highly un-athletic, exhibiting very low levels of endurance and displaying a maximum oxygen capacity approximately 60 percent lower than that of normal mice.

However, when researchers injected these mice with the compound, they were able to stimulate the production of REV-ERB, strengthening the muscles of the weakened mice, according to the New York Times. 

Additionally, when researchers injected the compound into sedentary mice, the animals were then able to run longer and for greater distances than untreated mice.

The drug "certainly seems to act as an exercise mimic," study co-author Thomas Burris, chairman of the department of pharmacological and physiological science at St. Louis University School of Medicine, said.

Though it is still unclear whether or not the drug can be safely used in humans, researchers hope it will someday be used to help disabled people experience some of the health benefits of exercise.

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Homicide police investigate prostitute's death in St Kilda

POLICE are investigating the suspected killing of a prostitute whose body was found in a van in St Kilda's red-light district yesterday.

The 40-year-old sex worker suffered upper body and facial injuries and died inside the van, police believe.

Officers were called to Greeves St about 2.55pm yesterday.

The woman had been living inside the white Ford Econovan that had been parked on Greeves St for the past month, police said.

Detectives will await a post mortem examination in the coming days to determine the cause of death.

Police photographers were gathering evidence when the Herald Sun visited the site yesterday.

Greeves St is part of St Kilda's red-light district, where street prostitution is prevalent.

Anyone who may have seen any activity around the van between 10am and 3pm is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

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