Be thankful for modern dentistry!

I’m nervously clutching my jaw and hoping I don’t have any bad dreams over a recently-discovered textbook from the 18th century. The book, ‘A Treatise on the Disorders and Deformities of the Teeth and Gums and the Most Rational Methods of Treating Them’, was written in 1770 by Thomas Berdmore, ‘Operator to the Teeth’ of… Continue reading Be thankful for modern dentistry!

Condemned to life together – literally

A sobering news report on MSNBC reminds us to be grateful for our good health – and that of our children. Anastasia and Tatiana Dogaru, who will be 5 in January, were born in Rome to Romanian parents. The top of Tatiana’s head is attached to the back of Anastasia’s, meaning the girls have never… Continue reading Condemned to life together – literally

Will ‘heavy water’ slow the aging process?

I’m intrigued by a British news report claiming that ‘heavy water’ may be a solution – you should pardon the expression – to the problem of aging. For centuries mankind has sought the secret of a long and healthy life. And for centuries it seems we were looking in the wrong place. Forget exotic pills… Continue reading Will ‘heavy water’ slow the aging process?

First successful transplant of a cell-grown organ!

I’m very excited to read about a real medical breakthrough. For the first time, a patient has had one of her organs (well, in this case, more a body part than an organ) grown from her own bone-marrow stem cells, and transplanted into her. This is a huge advance, and hopefully the harbinger of things… Continue reading First successful transplant of a cell-grown organ!

New skin from the old ceremony?

Oy gevalt! It seems that circumcision isn’t only useful as a Covenant ceremony, or an aid to male cleanliness – it now produces cells for facial enhancement! This treatment, called Vavelta, has been developed by the British biomedical company Intercytex. What is radical about it is that it seems to rejuvenate and restructure ageing and… Continue reading New skin from the old ceremony?

Love-handles = coffin-handles?

A report from the BBC indicates a significant correlation between abdominal fat and the risk of early death. Carrying extra fat around your middle dramatically increases your risk of early death, even if your overall weight is normal, say researchers. A study of almost 360,000 people from nine European countries found waist size a “powerful… Continue reading Love-handles = coffin-handles?

Anti-smoking drug linked to suicide?

I’m alarmed by a report from England indicating that a popular anti-smoking medication, sold there under the brand name of Champix and in the USA under the name of Chantix, may give rise to suicidal impulses. I’ve had experience with this medication myself – hence my concern. Health chiefs have revealed that ten people have… Continue reading Anti-smoking drug linked to suicide?