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A chemical component extracted from the cannabis, or marijuana, plant may relax the colon and reduce stomach cramping after eating.

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Capsule colonoscopy, in which patients swallow a small video capsule that then examines the colon for polyps, could be a promising new tool for colon cancer screening in at-risk patients.

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Increased colorectal screening has reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer according to a new study. The decline in colorectal cancer cases from 1988 to 2002 coincides with improvements in, and the increased use of, tests such as the fecal occult blood test, the flexible sigmoidoscopy and the colonoscopy.

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A new study found that community education, including physician referrals and attention to cultural settings, tripled the number of colonoscopies performed among a predominantly Latino inner-city population.

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A common prescription medicine used to treat chronic heartburn and acid reflux disease (GERD), the proton pump inhibitor (PPI), was linked to halitosis, or bad breath.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has a negative impact upon patients' educational, professional, and personal lives. IBD causes long-term inflammation of the intestines and affects more than 600,000 Americans each year. Common forms of IBD include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

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A new consortium study found higher rates of chronic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) resulting from the common prescription medications known as antimicrobials and anticonvulsants. A surprising 23 percent of patients showed evidence of a chronic condition six months after their enrollment in a new study measuring DILI.

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College undergraduates in the United States do not recognize the magnitude of their risk behaviors for contracting Hepatitis C, according to a survey conducted at a large midwestern university. Researchers found that 75 percent of undergraduates in this study had a potential Hepatitis C risk factor, from tattoos to sharing body jewelry.

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New research finds that the consumption of more than three glasses of red wine a week reduced the risk for significant colorectal neoplasia (SCRN), or colon cancer. Researchers suspect the high content of the compound resveratrol in red wine plays a key role. Resveratrol is an anti-fungal chemical that occurs naturally under the skin of red wine grapes.

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Three new studies demonstrated that transoral endoscopic surgical techniques "“ entering the abdomen through oral cavities such as the nose and mouth "“ can be successful in both bovine and human patients. Further, patients who underwent endoscopic-guided transoral gastroplasty for morbid obesity showed signs of initial weight loss.

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David A. Johnson, M.D., FACG of Norfolk, VA was elected by the membership as the 2006-2007 president of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a national specialty association representing more than 9500 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases.

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The Task Force on Quality in Endoscopy, a joint effort of ASGE and ACG, has developed quality indicators for the four major endoscopic procedures: colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD, also known as upper endoscopy), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

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With screening and early detection, colon cancer can be prevented, but experts from the American College of Gastroenterology warn that too few Americans are getting screened. Physician experts available for comment.

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A new study shows that treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation may have a significant impact on absenteeism from work, as well as improving presenteeism "“ defined as coming to work but being less productive. IBS is second only to the common cold as the leading cause of work absenteeism.

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New research suggests that birth order impacts child perceptions of maternal solicitousness toward GI symptoms, particularly in families where the mother has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

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A new study confirms that patients with diabetes are significantly more likely to have colon cancer than individuals without diabetes.

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A new study of gender and risk factors for colorectal cancer reveals that while both tobacco and alcohol increase risk for colorectal cancer, women who smoke are at higher risk.

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Significant misconceptions about the causes of their condition and mistaken beliefs about its potential progression into other diseases, including cancer, marks the knowledge of a sample of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

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New research on acid reflux shows: 1. Patients with sleep complaints but no heartburn symptoms suffered episodes of nighttime acid reflux; 2. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are common and frequently severe in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

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In a trial of oral rehydration solutions, Gatorade proved as effective as Pedialyte in correcting dehydration and improving bowel symptoms for children with diarrhea and vomiting related to acute viral gastroenteritis.

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Patients who combine the common over-the counter pain medications ibuprofen and naproxen with aspirin have a risk of gastrointestinal complications including ulcers, perforations and bleeding that is two to three times greater than patients who take these medications but do not combine them with aspirin.

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A new study of the probiotic strain B. infantis 35624 shows promising results in normalizing frequency of bowel movements in patients suffering from constipation or diarrhea "“ the two ends of the spectrum in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

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Two new studies show that young African Americans are at a much higher risk for colon cancer than other races. One study found that African Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age than whites, while the other found younger blacks are more likely to have pre-cancerous polyps that younger whites or Hispanics.

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A new study suggests that changes in gastric physiology perform better than standard polygraph methods in distinguishing between lying and telling the truth. The study demonstrates a clear link between the act of lying and a significant increase in gastric arrhythmia.

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Jack A. DiPalma., M.D., FACG of Mobile, AL, was elected by the membership as the 2005-2006 president of the American College of Gastroenterology, a national specialty association representing nearly 9000 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases.

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New recommendations from the American College Gastroenterology urge healthcare providers to begin colorectal cancer screening in African Americans at age 45 rather than 50 years using colonoscopy as "first line" test.

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New study findings show a high body mass index (BMI) among women is a more significant risk factor for colorectal neoplasia than for men.

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Patients are receiving initial diagnosis of celiac disease at an older age and with a shorter duration of symptoms, according to a retrospective study.

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GI specialists will address the impact of new and emerging therapies for treating IBS, and how they can affect the quality of life for those suffering from the disorder.

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GI specialists will address cutting edge issues in obesity; including its epidemiology, and the medical and surgical methods available for treating this grave public health issue.