GOOD NEWS

To stop bleeding

MIT and Hong Kong University researchers have shown that some simple biodegradable liquids can stop bleeding in wounded rodents within seconds. When the liquid, composed of protein fragments called peptides, is applied to open wounds, the peptides self-assemble into a nanoscale protective barrier gel that seals the wound and halts bleeding. Once the injury heals, the nontoxic gel is broken down into molecules that cells can use as building blocks for tissue repair. The study marks the first time that nanotechnology has been used to achieve complete hemostasis, the process of halting bleeding from a damaged blood vessel.

Vision of love

A pediatric ophthalmologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis and St Louis Children’s Hospital conducts specialised testing and vision correction (refractive) surgery, on children with cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome and neurobehavioural disorders such as autism. To date, this is one of the only US medical centres performing refractive surgery on these children and has the highest volume, operating on about 60 special-needs children a year. “One by one, he restores their sight by going through every detail and figuring out what is wrong and what he can fix,” says a fellow doctor.

BAD NEWS

Brew trouble

Coffee addicts who switch to decaf for health reasons may not be as free from caffeine’s clutches as they think. People advised to avoid caffeine because of certain medical conditions like hypertension should be aware that even decaffeinated brew can come with a kick, says a study in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. “If someone drinks five to 10 cups of decaffeinated coffee, the dose of caffeine could easily reach the level present in a cup or two of caffeinated coffee,” said a researcher.

Toothlessness

People missing some or all of their teeth or who have significant loss of bone and tissue surrounding their teeth may be at an increased risk for having a stroke, says an article in the Journal of Periodontology. Researchers investigated the relationship between periodontal disease and history of stroke in patients 60 years of age and older. “However, it is unclear whether periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for stroke or simply a risk marker that reflects negative effects of risk factors common to both periodontal disease and stroke,” they said.