World of Medicine

Drink This Before Driving

Mild dehydration may increase driver inattention and compromise safety as much as alcohol does. A small UK study tracked men during two simulated driving tests. In one test, they drank large amounts of water the day before and the day of the test. In another, they had limited water both days. When dehydrated, the men made 101 minor driving errors (comparable to a blood-alcohol level of 0.08%) but only 47 errors when hydrated.

Breath Test for Liver Disease

It is difficult to detect liver disease, but a breath test that identifies a compound found in oranges and lemons may help doctors diagnose it sooner. In a UK study, the compound, limonene, was higher in the breath samples of 31 patients with cirrhosis than it was in healthy participants. People with cirrhosis (liver scarring) are unable to fully metabolise limonene, which is then stored in body fat. Researchers are now working to develop a small portable breath test.

What Your Music Says

About Your Brain

In a study published in the journal PLOS One, 4500 participants completed psychology-based questionnaires and rated up to 50 songs. Those who scored high on empathy preferred gentle music with string instruments – think Jeff Buckley’s rendition of ‘Hallelujah’. Systemisers (those who focus on rules) preferred high-energy, percussive music – like the song ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica.

Fishing for New Sunscreens

A molecule found in algae as well as reef fish mucus could be the basis for a potential new kind of sunscreen. The UV-absorbing molecules protect marine life from the sun’s rays, according to a report in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The researchers combined the molecules with chitosan, a biopolymer from crustacean shells.

In other research, Australian CSIRO scientists have mimicked coral’s natural UV filters so that it can be safely used as an ingredient in human sunscreen.