home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- THE WEEK, Page 27HEALTH & SCIENCEEt Cetera
-
-
- RISK-FREE OYSTERS?
-
- Raw oysters often carry the hepatitis A virus, which causes a
- truly unpleasant (though not necessarily fatal) liver disease.
- Now comes a vaccination of sorts, and one that many people will
- find easier to swallow than the oysters. According to a report
- in the journal Epidemiology, chasing oysters with a glass of
- wine or a cocktail can reduce the risk by a whopping 90% no
- matter how many oysters are downed. It's the first time anyone
- has shown alcohol can prevent viral illness.
-
- ROUSING NEWS
-
- Johns Hopkins researchers say they have discovered what may be
- the essential signal that triggers erection: a tiny secretion of
- nitric oxide by penile nerves. An ointment that promotes the
- production of nitric oxide might alleviate impotence; one that
- inhibits production could relieve priapism, prolonged erections
- unrelated to desire. Also, if nitric oxide turns out to rouse
- the clitoris, medicated cream could help women reach orgasm.
-
-
-
-
-
-