Humans

Health & Medicine

Epigenetic changes show up in people with PTSD

Study finds alterations in genes tied to immune system and brain development, but whether they cause the disorder remains unclear.

Health & Medicine

Vitamin D: Obese and ‘uniform’ risks

Although Vitamin D insufficiency has reached what might be considered epidemic proportions, it’s failed to move onto the radar screens of most physicians, much less consumers. A host of new studies now link excess weight with a deficiency in this, the sunshine vitamin. But that wouldn’t explain why female soldiers become increasing D-ficient during basic combat training. For them, an Army study suggests, the problem may trace to what they wear.

Life

DNA comparison of identical twins finds no silver bullet for MS

The first study of its kind suggests an unknown environmental cause for multiple sclerosis, but future research could still yield a genetic trigger.

Health & Medicine

Vitamin E, diabetes drug may reverse fatty liver disease

Test results in obese people suggest these two treatments may work against cirrhosis precursor.

Physics

Army takes gun acoustics beyond ‘bang’

Dissecting the sound of weapon fire may give soldiers an edge.

Materials Science

Infection, kill thyself

Scientists devise wound dressings that trick bacteria into suicide.

Health & Medicine

Chili pepper holds hot prospects for painfree dieting

A cousin of the chemical that packs the heat in chilis not only can rev up the body’s metabolism but actually encourage it to preferentially burn fat, according to a new trial in obese men and women. And the kicker: The molecule is itself so fat that it can’t fit into the receptors that would ordinarily register pain.

Humans

Vision gets better with the right mind-set

Volunteers’ eyesight improved when they believed that they could see particularly well.

Health & Medicine

This off-white rice may be heart healthy

The outer coating of a semi-polished rice – a layer which manufacturers ordinarily polish off of brown rice in the process of making it white – offers cardiovascular benefits, new data indicate.

Ecosystems

Forests on the wane

Early last decade, the world’s tree coverage dropped by more than 3 percent.

Health & Medicine

Baby’s calcium might play defining role in adult bone health

Calcium makes bones strong. But a new animal study suggests that to do this, ample calcium may need to be available from birth. Too little in the early weeks of life may reprogram certain stem cells – those in the marrow – in ways that permanently compromise bone structure. Perhaps even fostering osteoporosis.

Health & Medicine

Body makes its own morphine

A study in mice suggests other mammals, including humans, can produce the painkiller in their bodies.