Addiction-prone (ScienceNOW)
Researchers have examined the brains of the siblings of addicts, and find that the structures associated with self-control are smaller in them. (Presumably they are in the actual addicts, but it's hard to tell since the addiction could have messed with the brain.) So this suggests that being prone to addiction is hereditary, at least sometimes. But those siblings were not themselves addicts, so it also raises the question of how they worked around the problem when their addicted brothers or sisters did not.
Dental ecology (Discover Magazine)
We all know that bacteria living in our mouths cause tooth decay. But there are hundreds of different species, and now it seems that only one of them is the culprit. Get rid of that one decay-causing species and you halt tooth decay, if an interesting new study (albeit with a small sample size) pans out. Furthermore, the benign bacteria crowd in and help prevent reinfection.
Quick fix for paralysis (New Scientist)
Neurologists have developed a method for repairing paralyzing nerve damage in rats. The recovery becomes evident in in a few days. But the method has to be applied quickly, too. As the body tries to heal the severed nerves, it seals off the separated ends, which is what makes rejoining impossible. The new method prevents the sealing, then joins the severed nerves surgically, then lets normal healing proceed.
How massage works (Science News)
We all know massage makes aching muscles feel better, but now we know more about why. The massage reduces inflammation in the muscles. This not only reduces pain, it opens the way for the muscles to build themselves up after exercise. The inflammation study also shows that the benefit of massage is physical, not just a psychological effect.
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