Top 10 Daily Medical News Stories (4/12/13)

Back by popular demand, this new MedFriendly Blog feature compiles the top 10 daily news stories from reputable sources across the internet. No more searching multiple health websites for health news as they are accessible from here. Bookmark for future reference.

1. Fewer moms having C-sections before 39 weeks: Moms can be convinced to change their minds about having their babies before they are at full term, according to a study released this week in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

2. Study shows pain really is all in your head, and you can see it: Researchers say they’ve figured out an objective way to measure pain -- by imaging the brain’s response, in real time.

3. Some drinking tied to longer life post-breast cancer: Women with breast cancer who had a few alcoholic drinks per week before their diagnosis were slightly less likely to die from their cancer, according to a study that followed newly-diagnosed patients for 11 years, on average.

4. U.N. aims to end child deaths from pneumonia, severe diarrhea: Child deaths from pneumonia and severe diarrhea, mainly among the poor in Africa and South Asia, could be virtually eliminated by 2025 under an "integrated" strategy that includes better sanitation and newer vaccines, U.N. agencies said on Friday.

5. Implanted "Bracelet" Helps Treat Chronic Heartburn: A tiny magnetic bracelet implanted at the base of the throat is greatly improving life for some people with chronic heartburn who need more help than medicine can give them.

6. Worrisome Levels of Lead Found In Imported Rice: An analysis of imported brands found surprising levels of the metal.

7. Melanoma Succumbs To Natural Plant Substance Gossypin In Lab Tests: For the first time, using lab tests on cell cultures and mice, researchers in the US have shown that gossypin, a naturally-occurring substance found in plants, may be an effective treatment against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

8. Why Chocolate Can Be Deadly For Dogs: Chocolate is a sweet treat for many people, but for dogs it can be a killer.

9. NYC soda ban would lead customers to consume more sugary drinks, study suggests: A new study suggests this type of law may backfire and actually cause people to purchase more sugary beverages.

10. Belly Fat May Be Tied to Kidney Damage: Study links an apple-shaped figure to early signs of kidney problems.