National Geographic News - Health

Dogs Smell Diabetic Attacks Coming

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Some dogs can smell odors given off by humans with bladder cancer and diabetes, researchers say. In some cases, the canines warn of oncoming attacks. Video.

Gray Hair Caused by Stress (Cell Stress, That Is)

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Work or personal stress might make you want to pull your hair out, but it's damaged DNA that actually turns it gray, according to a new study done in mice.

Humans Can Learn to "See" With Sound, Study Says

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Like bats and dolphins that can navigate with sound, humans can be trained to echolocate using simple clicks of their tongues, researchers show.

Crow Meat Comes Back -- Boosts Sexual Potency?

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In Lithuania, eating crow isn't an exercise in public humiliation, as the English idiom suggests. Here, crow is literally eaten, and says one connoisseur, "it increases sexual potency." Video.

Battling Termites? Just Add Sugar

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Consider it sweet revenge: A substance derived from glucose has been shown to weaken termites' immune systems, possibly opening the door to safer pest controls, a new study says.

"Space Headache" a New Type of Astronaut Affliction?

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

"Exploding" or "heavy feeling" headaches reported in a new astronaut survey might be due to shifting bodily fluids, "bad" air in confined spaces—or may be a brand new class of space disorder.

"Essence of Maggot" Ointment to Heal Wounds Faster?

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bandages and gels laced with a maggot enzyme may soon be coming to a drugstore or hospital near you, doctors have announced.

Gene Doctors Milk Mice; Yield Human Breast Milk Protein

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mice genetically engineered to produce a human protein that protects nursing babies from viruses and bacteria could be a first step toward healthier baby formula, Russian scientists report.

Exploding Bubbles Can Trim Enlarged Prostate

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A new "pressure washer" technique using tiny bubbles has allowed doctors to shrink dogs' prostates quickly and virtually painlessly, researchers announced recently.

Dentists to Put Bile Acids in Your Teeth?

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A new filling derived from the bile produced during digestion could eliminate the need for mercury and other toxic chemicals in modern dentistry, a new study suggests.