Health Research: .How to eliminate pain tied to tooth decay ♦ 3-D mapping a new drug-delivery too ♦ Gene mutation linked to reckless drunken behavior

Gene mutation linked to reckless drunken behavior Researchers of the University of Helsinki, Finland, have identified a genetic mutation which renders carriers susceptible to particularly impulsive and reckless behavior when drunk

.How to eliminate pain tied to tooth decay An abundance of sweets during the holidays increases the threat of cavities and tooth sensitivity. Researchers have found a way to regrow enamel to protect teeth. Perhaps one day their gel could be used as teeth strips or in a mouth guard.

3-D mapping a new drug-delivery tool Scientists have developed a new method that can 'see' inside dispersed cubosomes (dispersed cubic liquid crystalline phases) with unprecedented detail. The breakthrough can help to improve their design significantly for better drug or nutrient delivery.

Tougher disability benefit assessment may have taken 'serious' toll on mental health The introduction of a more stringent test to assess eligibility for disability benefit in England may have taken a 'serious' toll on the nation's mental health.

Health Research: Include men in osteoporosis screening ♦ Kidney failure impacts survival of sepsis patients ♦ Natural plant chemicals could help fight tooth decay

Include men in osteoporosis screening guidelines,Osteoporosis affects more men than prostate cancer. In a large study of smokers, men were more likely than women to have osteoporosis and fractures of their vertebrae. Smoking history and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were independent risk factors for low bone density among both men and women. Researchers say screening for low vBMD by using QCT in men and women who are smokers will identify and treat osteoporosis.

Kidney failure impacts survival of sepsis patients Kidney function plays a critical role in the fate of patients being treated for sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. Acute kidney injury is a serious and common health complication, occurring in up to 20 percent of all hospitalized patients and more than 45 percent of patients in a critical-care setting. Sepsis, which is defined as systemic inflammation resulting from an infection, results in an abrupt decrease in the kidney's ability to filter the blood.

Natural plant chemicals could help fight tooth decay Oral-care products containing a natural chemical that stops bacteria harming teeth could help prevent decay. The plant natural product acts against harmful mouth bacteria and to prevent the build-up of plaque.

Discovery of a treatment to block the progression of multiple sclerosis A drug that could halt the progression of multiple sclerosis may soon be developed thanks to a new discovery.

Epstein-Barr virus co-infection may boost malaria mortality in childhood Malaria researchers are calling attention to a trouble-maker whose effects may be underappreciated: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Their experiments with mice show that co-infection with a virus closely related to EBV can make a survivable malaria parasite infection lethal.