Peachy results
A technique that boosts the size of peaches may also be able to block the growth and spread of tumours, according to preliminary studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Researchers used a protein called actibind to block blood supply to cancerous cells, which hindered their ability to move through the blood stream. The technique doesn't affect normal cells and has none of the side effects of radiation or chemotherapy. Oded Shoseyov told Reuters his team initially used protein to successfully inhibit the growth of pollen cells in peach trees, increasing the size of each fruit by reducing the yield.
Driven to distraction
Using a phone while driving - even a hands-free device - is more dangerous than drink-driving and increases the risk of an accident more than five-fold, with phone drivers missing up to half of visual cues. A University of Utah study tested 40 people on driving simulators: some used mobiles (including hands-free), some had a 0.08 per cent blood- alcohol content, and some had no distractions or impediments. Drunk drivers tended to be aggressive, whereas those using phones were sluggish, healthday.com reports. Phone use slows braking reaction time by 9 per cent. 'There's no difference between hands-free and hand-held devices - the problem is the conversation,' says team member Frank Drews. 'Fifty per cent of the visual information wasn't processed at all.'
Anti-radical mushrooms
Mushrooms contain more antioxidants than many vegetables - and white button mushrooms are the best, providing more than tomatoes, green beans, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots or green capsicum, according to a Pennsylvania State University study. Antioxidants help block cell damage from free radicals, which have been linked to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's.
Low blow for smokers