Jetlagged hamsters on Viagra
The male impotence drug Viagra may be useful in treating jetlag (but only if you're heading east) and may also help ease problems associated with shift work. In studies by Universidad Nacional de Quilmes in Buenos Aires, hamsters given low doses of sildenafil (sold as Viagra) recovered from disruptions to their circadian rhythms as much as 50 per cent faster than those who weren't. Team leader Diego Golombek says sildenafil works at least as well as the natural jetlag treatment melatonin. Among other things, Viagra interferes with a molecule involved in the brain's body clock mechanism, healthday.com reports. However, it can cause side effects such as low blood pressure.
Mice point the way to baldness cure
American researchers have successfully grown new hair follicles in mice, pointing the way to a genetically based remedy for hair loss, as well as the treatment of wounds and other degenerative diseases. Although human and mouse skin heal differently, the University of Pennsylvania researchers say the 'unexpected findings could change our understanding of regeneration in adult mammals'. It's long been assumed that mammalian hair follicles were non-renewable, AFP reports. The researchers identified a gene that's essential for hair development, called Wnt, and were able to stimulate or stop hair growth by turning it on or off.
Mouthing off about tobacco hazards
Smoking is the most damaging lifestyle factor involved in worsening periodontal disease, which has been linked to serious health issues, including heart disease. Not getting enough sleep was the second worst, a four-year study by Osaka University of more than 200 factory workers has found. Researchers also examined the effects on oral health of physical exercise, alcohol use, diet, stress and working hours. Periodontal disease, which affects the teeth and gums, is thought to be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth, WebMD reports. But recent research suggests that other factors may be involved.