Drinking tea may be good for you, British researchers report, because it has anti-bacterial properties. Extracts of green tea make many strains of drug-resistant bacteria more sensitive to the antibiotic penicillin. Researchers found green tea extract works synergistically with antibiotics, making them more potent. Unfortunately, research doesn't show whether an ordinary cuppa will do the trick. (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Bad news for women: an irregular heartbeat significantly increases the risk of dying, particularly for women. Although women tend to live longer than men, US scientists found women are at least 30 per cent more likely than men to die early as a result of the heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, thus eliminating the survival advantage women generally have over men. (Journal of the American Heart Association)
We all know extra-heavy school bags are bad for children, but that's not all. US research found bicycles and television sets are also injuring youngsters. Since 1990, 28 toddlers have been killed by a TV set toppling on top of them as they attempted to climb up dressers or TV stands to change channels. And handlebars of bicycles can be hazardous, acting as "hidden spears" and causing serious internal injuries to children involved in seemingly minor bike accidents. Is nothing safe? (Pediatrics Journal)
Insomnia is widespread in the stressful modern world, but help is at hand. Everything you always wanted to know about sleep, and were too tired to ask, can be found on the Internet. Take a simple Sleep Test to put a name to your sleep disorder then surf the Web for the Sandman's guide to everything from insomnia, jet lag and ageing to restless leg syndrome. At www.sleepnet.com
Smokers' mistaken beliefs about Light cigarettes may keep them smoking, according to US research. Many smokers switch to Light cigarettes as a step towards giving up completely, unaware that Light/Ultra Light cigarettes can give a smoker as much tar and nicotine as one Regular. Over 50 per cent say they would be more likely to quit if they learned this was true. Sure . . . (American Journal of Preventive Medicine)
Babies remember birth, according to US psychologist David Chamberlain, who found his clients could source the origins of their adult problems in the birth process or before. Discover more at Chamberlain's public lectures: "Wonders of Life in the Womb" on Thursday and "The Lifelong Impact of Birth" on Friday. Both lectures begin at 7.30 p.m. at All Hallows College, Grace Park Road, Dublin 9. Cost £20 each.