A new treatment to slow or prevent blindness from glaucoma could be available in five years, say US scientists. Glaucoma (caused by a build-up of eye fluid which puts pressure on the optic nerve) can lead to blindness, despite the use of surgery and drugs to ease the pressure. The tests on rats suggested that high levels of nitric oxide could lead to glaucoma, and that reducing levels of this enzyme could save the vision of sufferers who do not respond to current therapies. (Reuters)
Is there a gene for faithfulness? Scientists in the US have transformed promiscuous male mice into faithful partners and doting dads by inserting a gene from a prairie vole. While male mice usually abandon the female after mating, prairie voles tend to be monogomous and to remain with and protect the female and their offspring. By transferring a vole gene to mice, the male mice became more attached to their mate - although the occasional "extra-marital affair" still occurred. This is the first time one gene has proved sufficient to change complex social behaviour, says the report, published in Nature.
A new survey shows 12 per cent of Irish women in their 30s are using the new hormonal contraceptive, Mirena, launched only nine months ago. Mirena, an intrauterine device fitted by a doctor, releases a low dose of contraceptive hormone continuously for up to five years. It is as safe as sterilisation, yet it is reversible. Removal of the device restores full fertility almost immediately, and Mirena has the side-effect of reducing the duration of periods.
Stress and pain are two common causes of insomnia, which affects 56 per cent of the US population several nights a week. A new drug which helps insomniacs to get to sleep fast, usually within 30 minutes, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The drug, Sonata, is unusual because it can be taken immediately before going to bed or after going to bed, if you have difficulty sleeping. It does not cause the next-day grogginess or "hangover" of many sleeping tablets, provided it is taken four hours before the patient gets up, because it is active for a short period, after which the natural sleep process takes over. (Eureka)
Mozart and Bach are good for the brain, according to US experts. In Florida, all state-funded pre-schools are required by law to play classical music, while in a Dallas maternity hospital, babies are exposed to classical music before they have even tasted their mother's milk. A Dallas professor of music, John Flor, who has monitored brain waves of children who undertake tasks while listening to classical music, believes the rhythm and beauty of the music can help children's brains to develop. Some sceptics have questioned the science behind the theory and warn of over-stimulating young children's brains. (BBC)
People over 75 who are taking drugs to lower blood pressure have a lower risk of dementia than those not taking the drugs, according to scientists in Sweden. The risk of dementia was reduced by up to 40 per cent in those taking diuretics, which lower blood pressure by increasing urine excretion. Other blood pressure-lowering drugs were not as effective. The researchers suggest the drugs may reduce the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. (Archives of Neurology)
The Irish Cancer Society's Health Promotion Unit is running a skin cancer information service today, from noon until 3 p.m. A nurse will be available for consultation and advice at the Central Library, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1.