Health line: Disrupting the communication among bacteria

By Times staff, wire reports
Published December 18, 2007

Bacteria release molecules that enable millions of individuals in their population to coordinate their behavior. Disease-causing bacteria use this communication to decide when to infect a host. Now, British researchers say, they are on the verge of decoding this elaborate chemical signaling process, known as "quorum sensing." Theoretically, this could lead to new medicines that block the signals and therefore prevent infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, among them the so-called superbugs that infect more than 90,000 people in the United States each year.

Safe returns for dementia patients

More than 60 percent of people with Alzheimer's will wander from their home at some point during the course of the disease. MedicAlert, the emergency medical information service, has joined the Alzheimer's Association to offer a 24-hour response service when a person with dementia becomes lost. With the MedicAlert + Safe Return program, first responders are alerted and can access the patient's health records. The program includes a custom-engraved bracelet and a wallet card for the patient, a 24-hour hotline and a confidential medical-record repository. When someone enrolled in the program wanders away, caregivers call the toll-free hotline to activate a support network of Alzheimer's Association chapters and law enforcement agencies. The cost is $49.95 to enroll, with a $25 annual fee. Go to www.medicalert.org/SafeReturn.

Cleaner hands can be all in the wrist

You don't have to be obsessive to be vigilant about keeping your hands clean, what with concerns about spreading cold and flu germs or contracting the super-bacteria illness called MRSA. Keeping hands clean has become so important one company is offering a hand sanitizer that is worn like a pudgy bracelet. The Pure-Go is a refillable silicone device that can hold any alcohol-based hand sanitizer. A few drops from the Pure-Go are squeezed into the palm of the opposite hand, then the hands are rubbed together. The bracelet comes in five colors and in a clear version; the Web site offers the chance to custom-order other colors. Costs are $10 for two or $25 for five. Call toll-free 1-877- 696-7484 or go to www.purgo-creations.com for information or to order.

Why it's good to eat your veggies

Scientists in Taiwan are reporting new insights into why diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of obesity. Their study focuses on healthful natural antioxidant compounds called flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and plant-based beverages such as coffee, tea and wine. The researchers studied how 21 of these substances affected fat cells and reported that the compounds could reduce obesity and high blood sugar.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 15:22:03]