Tuesday, 22 May, 2012

The candidates are skirting issues related to environment, energy and science policy. Heard promising plans for greener energy, solid science advice, or coping with the decline of oil? We neither…

Activity is not just for the heart: For older people, it spells longevity, mobility, independence. Exercise fights diabetes and MS; even extends the lifespan. Time to get moving?

Skin cancer is rising faster than the price of oil (almost). How can you identify skin cancer? How can you protect yourself? Is ozone loss one of the causes? Does sunscreen prevent melanoma?

Injecting a protein in the brain stifles the drive to drink among lab rats; one dose lasts three hours or more. Does GDNF offer a new angle on alcoholism?

After decades of effort, gene replacement brings eyesight to the blind. How did it work? What does animal research say about gene therapy for curing cancer, reducing pain or reversing muscular dystrophy? Why has gene therapy taken so long?

Scientists are desperately scrounging for new ways to fight pathogenic bacteria. But would you believe healing clay, gator blood, honey and crushed leaves?

In the brain, dopamine carries signals that make us eat, take drugs and have sex. New research shows that dopamine plays a key role in rewarding mice for aggression.

New discovery shows how all animals store fat in cells, could lead to advances in fight against obesity or diabetes. Funny, maybe storing fat is a good thing.

Up to 20 percent of cancers are caused by a viral infection. A new study turns cancer-causing viral proteins into a homing beacon to attract radioactive isotopes that kill tumor cells.

30 years ago, a legendary biochemist said vitamin C could cure cancer. Har, har, said the scientific establishment. Now a mouse study shows C fighting two cancers. Did brilliant scientist and peace activist Linus Pauling get it right?