Health News: New strain of norovirus hits Minnesota ♦ Understanding the sense of smell in cells ♦ Eyes turn into skin: How inflammation can change the fate of cells

New strain of norovirus hits Minnesota Health officials say common intestinal illness often comes from eating contaminated food, can be avoided with vigilant handwashing and food handling A new strain of norovirus, the most common cause of sudden intestinal illness, has shown up in Minnesota, and that could mean more norovirus illnesses this winter, state health officials warned today.

Eyes turn into skin: How inflammation can change the fate of cells Chronic inflammation can cause regenerating cells to grow into new, aberrant types; this is called metaplasia, and is a disorder linked to prolonged inflammation. A new study highlights a new concept of chronic inflammation and could lead to better treatments.

How graphic photos on cigarette packs help smokers consider quitting A new study is the first to provide real-world evidence of the effectiveness of smoking warning labels that include graphic photos of the damage caused by regular tobacco use.

A multitool for cells: Understanding the sense of smell in cells Cells have an infallible sense of smell that tells them which direction to grow in to move closer to the source of a scent. Now, researchers have now learned how this sense of smell works

Health Research: Virus-carrying mosquitoes are more widespread than ever ♦ The riddle of Celiac disease solved? ♦ Medical tourism: Implications for patients, health systems

Longer acquaintance levels the romantic playing field Partners who become romantically involved soon after meeting tend to be more similar in physical attractiveness than partners who get together after knowing each other for a while, according to new findings

Smell fingerprints? Each person may have a unique sense of smell Scientists have developed an 'olfactory fingerprint' test that may do more than just identify individuals.

Virus-carrying mosquitoes are more widespread than ever, and spreading Scientists behind the first global distribution maps of two species of dengue and chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes warn they are spreading to new areas where they could cause disease

The riddle of Celiac disease solved? The cause of celiac disease has been found, researchers claim. Experts estimate that 1% of people have celiac disease. This is a partly hereditary disease that may place considerable strain on patients and their families. The immune system of patients with celiac disease reacts to gluten proteins from cereal grains, causing inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. This reaction to gluten causes the immune system of celiac patients to attack their own body.

Medical tourism: Implications for patients, health systems Patients who travel abroad for medical treatment risk returning with complications or infections that require costly treatment, and is one of the issues highlighted in a new handbook exploring medical tourism