What the scientists are saying…
Dormouse “endangered” Long at risk, the dormouse should now be classified as endangered in the UK, researchers have advised, following a new study showing that their numbers have fallen by 72% in the past 20 years. “Dormice are declining despite strict protection and widespread efforts to conserve one of Britain’s most endearing woodland mammals,” said Cecily Goodwin of Exeter University, who led the study. Dormice are under threat from climate change and habitat loss; but the Exeter team think they could be helped by more active woodland management. Hazel dormice – the type found in Britain – are nocturnal; they sleep in trees in spring and summer, but spend their long winter hibernation in woven nests at ground level.
Three-in-one blood test for cancer A sophisticated new blood test may be able tell prostate cancer patients whether they’ll respond well to a range of exciting new drugs, whether their treatment is working, and whether they may be at risk of relapse. The “three-in-one” test works by looking for fragments of cancer DNA in the bloodstream – a procedure known as a “liquid biopsy”. In a new study involving 49 men with advanced prostate cancer, doctors were able to use the test to identify which patients would be likely to benefit from treatment with drugs called poly (Adp-ribose) polymerase – or PARP – inhibitors. They also used the test after the treatment had started, to spot the patients who were not responding to it, enabling them to be rapidly switched to an alternative therapy. Finally, they used the test to look for signs that the cancer was evolving genetically – an indication that it may be becoming resistant to the drugs. The researchers, at The Institute of Cancer Research in London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, think the test could make it possible for PARP inhibitors to become a standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer, as it would make it simple to identify which patients would benefit from them, and to monitor their effectiveness.
Ban Botox for children We need new regulations to protect children from the cosmetics industry, according to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. In a new report, it recommends a ban on cosmetic procedures being given to under-18s, except on medical grounds, and sweeping restrictions on the online games that promote them: with names such as Plastic Surgery Princess, and Pimp My Face, many of these are plastic surgery simulators that show children and teenagers how their bodies could be altered. “We’ve been shocked by some of the evidence we’ve seen, including makeover apps and cosmetic surgery ‘games’ that target girls as young as nine,” said Jeanette Edwards, professor of social anthropology at the University of Manchester. There are regulations preventing children from using sunbeds, or having tattoos – yet there is little to stop them having invasive treatments including Botox and implants. “Under-18s should not be able to just walk in off the street and have a cosmetic procedure,” said Edwards.
Medical file Parents would do better to give their children crisps than raisins, if looking after their teeth is a priority, experts have claimed. A spokesman for the British Dental Association has warned that while dried fruit might seem the healthier option, eating raisins is like “gluing sugar to the teeth”. By contrast, crisps are “totally fine” for the teeth, said dentist Ben Atkins; although he added that some children’s crisp brands contain added sugar and should be avoided.