Health Research: Stretchable, wearable sensor made with chewing gum ♦ Understanding why group singing helps in dementia ♦Swimming devices could deliver drugs inside the body

Experts urge early evaluation of fracture risk in diabetics Despite an up to six-fold increased risk of fragility fractures in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, there is a general lack of knowledge about the complex relationship between bone and diabetes. In order to promote understanding of the latest advances and to encourage early evaluation of fracture risk, a group of experts has now published a scientific review which highlights new information regarding fracture risk in T1DM patients

Swimming devices could deliver drugs inside the body A new method of guiding microscopic swimming devices has the potential to deliver drugs to a targeted location inside the body, according to new research. These devices, which are a similar size to cells and bacteria -- around a hundredth of the average diameter of a strand of human hair -- could be used to deliver drugs to a specific location inside the body or outside of the body to diagnose diseases in blood samples.

Understanding why group singing helps in dementia Couples where one partner is suffering from dementia can benefit from taking part in group singing.

Stretchable, wearable sensor made with chewing gum Body Sensors now allow any wearer to easily track heart rate, steps and sleep cycles around the clock. Soon, they could become even more versatile -- with the help of chewing gum. Scientists report a unique sensing device made of gum and carbon nanotubes that can move with your most bendable parts and track your breathing.

Health News: Singing's secret power ♦ Why many alcohol drinkers also are smokers ♦ Let your head do the talking

Singing's secret power: The Ice-breaker Effect A study with adult learners showed groups doing singing bonded faster than others. The study looked at how people attending adult education classes grew closer over seven months. The conclusion -- singing groups bonded more quickly than creative writing or craft classes.

New finding helps explain why many alcohol drinkers also are smokers Alcohol and nicotine use have long been known to go hand in hand. Previous research shows that more than 85 percent of US adults who are alcohol-dependent also are nicotine-dependent. Now, researchers have found that nicotine cancels out the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol. It's a finding that sheds light on the reason alcohol and nicotine usage are so closely linked.

Let your head do the talking When people talk or sing, they often nod, tilt or bow their heads to reinforce verbal messages. But how effective are these head gestures at conveying emotions? Very effective.

Intestinal worms 'talk' to gut bacteria to boost immune system Researchers have discovered how intestinal worm infections cross-talk with gut bacteria to help the immune system. Intestinal worms infect over 2 billion people across the world, mostly children, in areas with poor sanitation. But despite causing serious health problems, worms can actually help the immune system of its host as an indirect way of protecting themselves.

Children's Health: Helping kids hear better ♦ Children's ability to think linked to weight and activity ♦ Northern climates make a difference with growth hormone treatmen

Northern climates make a difference with growth hormone treatment The rate of growth in children varies with the season while higher latitude and greater summer daylight exposure makes a significant difference in results for children treated with growth hormone.

Singing calms baby longer than talking In a new study, infants remained calm twice as long when listening to a song, which they didn't even know, as they did when listening to speech.

Helping kids hear better A first-of-its-kind study discovered that many hard-of-hearing children who receive optimal, early services are able to 'catch up or significantly close the gaps with their hearing peers,'

New growth charts developed for US children with Down syndrome Pediatric researchers have developed the first set of growth charts for US children with Down syndrome since 1988. These new charts provide an important tool for pediatricians to evaluate growth milestones for children and adolescents with this condition. With these new charts, pediatricians will be able to compare each patient's growth patterns with peers of the same age and sex who have Down syndrome.

When it comes to children's ability to think, weight and activity level both matter Weight and physical activity levels are both factors in a child's ability to acquire and use knowledge, a new study finds. Children who were lean and active scored better on cognitive tests than either their lean, inactive peers or overweight, inactive children, according to the study, which provides some of the first evidence that weight, independent of physical activity, is a factor