CUn international team of scientists identified a gene variant that may explain the cause of several common types of migraine. The study, which analyzed genetic data from more than 50,000 people, provides the first information about what might cause some people more susceptible to migraine. The researchers, who published details of the study in the journal Nature Genetics, hope the study will lead to the development of new therapies against the disorder that affects one in six women and one in 12 men.

Migraine is a disorder that causes the release of the nerves and blood vessels in the head of inflammatory chemicals that cause pain. Usually migraine attacks occur once a month, but the frequency can vary from once a year to once a week. (more…)

A married life is more beneficial for men than for women, at least for those who want a long life. Previous studies have shown that men with wives younger than themselves quite live up to an older age than men married to women their own age. (more…)

A team of scientists has presented the results of a study showing that the particle size affects the toxicity of zinc oxide, a material widely used in sunscreens. Particles smaller than 100 nanometers are more toxic to the cells of the colon than the conventional zinc oxide. It requires the particle-cell contact to induce cell death.

Philip Moos and his colleagues note that there is a progressive consensus as to the potential toxicity of nanoparticles of various materials. These nanoparticles may have chemical and physical properties quite different from those of larger particles. (more…)