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TALL STORY Researchers in Austria have found that children born
in the spring grow taller than those with fall birthdays. They
suspect that increased light levels in the three months either
side of birth may be responsible.
POSITIVE RESULTS A European placebo-controlled trial of
interferon-[beta]-1b, betaferon, for treating multiple sclerosis
has been halted early so that the control group can be switched
to the drug, which has been showing positive benefits.
CHEERS French scientist Serge Renaud has found that two to three
glasses of wine a day reduce death rates from all causes by 30%.
But more than four glasses increases the rates.
Sources: Nature; The Lancet; Epidemiology
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KEEP ON FLOSSING American researchers have found that the
bacteria present in dental plaque and gum disease can cause
blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
TB OR NOT TB Tuberculosis kills more youth and adults every year
than any other infectious disease. The World Health Organization
estimates that unless treatments improve, 70 million people will
die from the disease before 2020.
ILLEGAL ABORTION With the prosecution of two doctors in Western
Australia over an abortion they performed, all such procedures
may be suspended while the public prosecutor reviews the law
that abortions in W.A. are legal only if the mother's life is in
danger.
Sources: American Association for the Advancement of Science;
World Health Organization; The Lancet
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