Health Report

THE GOOD NEWS

-- Researchers have identified a protein responsible for cell death in mammals. When the protein goes awry, it may be a factor in Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even forms of cancer. In separate studies, scientists have inhibited the protein's function, raising hopes for new treatments for these illnesses.

-- A newly developed vaccine promises to protect sick and premature infants against respiratory syncytial virus, which causes 4,500 deaths each year in the U.S.

-- Scientists are developing testing procedures that will allow doctors to screen unborn infants for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome by isolating fetal cells in the mother's blood, thereby reducing the need for riskier procedures.

THE BAD NEWS

-- Hantavirus, the mysterious and lethal disease carried by rodents, has so far afflicted 42 people in the U.S., killing 26 of them. Now scientists are discovering new variants of the disease among different species of rodents living in Europe, raising concern that fresh outbreaks may occur.

-- Unexpectedly large numbers of America's elderly suffer from hunger: 63% of elderly Hispanics, 42% of elderly blacks and 26% of elderly whites. Hispanics suffer most because many of them do not receive Social Security.

-- Should global warming continue, scientists now fear, certain infectious diseases may flourish as the range of disease-bearing mosquitoes and other insects expands outward from the tropics.