Medicine News Clips

• Researchers are perfecting an artificial silicon retina that could restore sight to those suffering with macular degeneration—the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65. So far, trials in animals have been successful, and human tests will be conducted in about a year. 

• In the 1950s, scientists postulated that rapid-eye-movement (REM) during sleep somehow helped the brain process information taken in throughout the day. But scientists at Columbia University have shown that there may be another reason. The liquid behind the cornea does not circulate enough to deliver fresh oxygen to the cornea when the eyes are still, as in sleep. REM serves to stir up the liquid to keep corneal cells from being deprived of oxygen. This theory could explain why periods of REM sleep become longer as the night goes on.

• Right now, 40 million Americans—15% of the population—suffer from some form of arthritis, and over 60% of arthritis patients are under age 65. By the year 2020, the number of arthritis sufferers is expected to rise to 60 million. About $65 billion is spent annually to manage the disease.

• In a study of 118 patients, the removal of dental mercury-amalgam fillings resulted in the reduction or elimination of 80% of symptoms associated with chronic mercury poisoning. The symptoms included general fatigue (83%), poor concentration (76%), poor memory (65%), irritability (64%), muscle fatigue (62%), and metallic taste (61%). A special protocol of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary guidelines was followed during amalgam removal to minimize any contamination by mercury from the fillings.  Based on information in: Technology Review, May/June 1998; Scientific American, May 1998; Arthritis and Rheumatism, May 1998; Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, May 1998

Excerpted from Spectrum Magazine

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