Health News: Raw pet food sales are booming, but is food safe? ♦ Trauma experiences change the brain ♦ Romantic kissing is not the norm in most cultures

Raw pet food sales are booming, but is food safe? Along with serving grain-free, organic and all natural foods to their cats and dogs, more Americans are dishing out raw food to their pets. In the past year, retail sales of raw freeze-dried dog and cat food jumped 64%, from $25 million to $40 million, and sales of raw frozen pet food jumped 32% from $52 million to $69 million.

Trauma experiences change the brain even in those without PTSD Trauma may cause distinct and long-lasting effects even in people who do not develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), according to research. It is already known that stress affects brain function and may lead to PTSD, but until now the underlying brain networks have proven elusive.

Scientists identify key genetic factor that keeps moles from turning into melanoma Moles are benign tumors found on the skin of almost every adult. Scientists have known for years that a mutation in the BRAF gene makes them start growing, but until now haven't understood why they stop. Now, researchers have identified a major genetic factor that keeps moles in their usual non-cancerous, no-growth state.

Romantic kissing is not the norm in most cultures For generations, passionate kisses immortalized in movies, songs and the arts have served as a thermometer of romantic affection. But current research has found that not only is romantic kissing not the norm in most cultures, some find it uncomfortable and even flat-out repulsive.

Research team gets the beat, develops method of quantifying ciliary movement Researchers have figured out how to objectively quantify the beating action of cilia, the tiny, hair-like projections on cells that line nasal passages, the lungs and almost every other body tissue, according to a study. Such digital signatures could help doctors more quickly and accurately diagnose ciliary motion defects

Health Research: Educating the immune system to prevent allergies ♦ New form of inherited blindness discovered ♦ Sound waves diagnosing minor fractures

Findings reveal clues to functioning of mysterious 'mimivirus' Researchers have discovered the structure of a key protein on the surface of an unusually large virus called the mimivirus, aiding efforts to determine its hosts and unknown functions. The mimivirus was initially thought to be a bacterium because it is much larger than most viruses

Computerized vital signs analysis may help prevent trauma patients from bleeding to death A research team has successfully field tested a system that analyzed patient vital signs during emergency transport in a fully automated fashion, finding that such a system could diagnose those with life-threatening bleeding before they arrive at the hospital, potentially saving lives.

Sound waves could be viable alternative in diagnosing minor fractures A study has been conducted of the usefulness and efficiency of portable ultrasound in detecting the presence of minor fractures in patients presenting to a minor injuries unit. Analysis showed that 85% of patients with a fracture confirmed by X-ray had injuries detected through ultrasonography. The authors say emergency clinicians could rule in fractures by studying the ultrasound images

New form of inherited blindness discovered Scientists have discovered that mutations in the gene DRAM2 cause a new type of late-onset inherited blindness. The research describes individuals from five families with a variety of DRAM2 mutations, all of which lead to loss of central vision beginning at age 30-40.

Educating the immune system to prevent allergies With the arrival of spring, millions of people have begun their annual ritual of sneezing and wheezing due to seasonal allergies. A research team is bringing them hope with a potential vaccine that nudges the immune response away from developing allergies. The findings have major clinical implications since allergies and asthma often start in childhood and for which there is presently no cure.