Scientists make strides to better lives

Every few days, a new breakthrough shows promise

Thank you, science, for offering up some good news lately.

Granted, it’s a matter of perspective, because the droughts, heat waves, toasty oceans and global warming reports are far from happy news.

But for the moment, let’s put the focus on the bright spots, shall we?

Scientists have discovered a variety of corn grown in Oaxaca, Mexico, that essentially creates its own fertilizer. USA Today reports that the trait that makes this possible is pretty remarkable, and scientists hope it can be bred into other strains of corn. That in turn would mean “an equivalent reduction of nitrogen fertilizer use globally.”

The study could lead to improvements in water and air quality, and financial savings as well, USA Today reports.

Imagine the implications of not having to fertilize corn. The savings financially could be significant, and worth the effort to continue to pursue the project.

In other promising news, a drug is showing potential to help people lose weight, and keep that weight off for years, without raising their risk for heart problems, the Associated Press reports.

Belviq isn’t a wonder drug per se. The weight loss was modest - about 9 pounds after 40 months, the AP reports.

But, it is the first weight-loss drug to clear a heart safety study, so it has some potential.

And if it can help people get started on the journey to a healthier weight, it may be worthwhile.

And finally, a report by the National Institutes of Health says a new experimental medication might slow down the brain damage caused by multiple sclerosis. Gizmodo reported on the drug, called ibudilast, and says that initial tests found people on it had “noticeably less brain shrinkage than those on the placebo.”

Multiple sclerosis is a brutal disease with serious consequences on one’s quality of life. Any medication that offers hope for slowing or eliminating the symptoms of MS is one worth pursuing.

Every few days, there is a new scientific or medical announcement with the potential to improve someone’s life. These stories verify over and over again just how important science is.

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