q DIABETES ANALYSIS: Scientists may have discovered a method of monitoring for diabetes using breath-analysis rather than a blood test, according to a new study.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, used a chemical analysis technique developed for air-pollution testing.
Children with type-one diabetes were found to exhale significantly higher concentrations of methyl nitrates when they are hyperglycaemic.
It is hoped the discovery could precede the invention of a breath device that can warn diabetics of high blood sugar levels and the need for insulin.
Currently, diabetics monitor blood-sugar levels using devices that break the skin to obtain a small blood sample, so a breath test would be far more convenient.
q FOSTER INFORMATION: The HSE's Dublin southeast fostering team yesterday launched a campaign to highlight the possibilities of becoming foster parents.
Staff will be on hand to distribute information and speak with anyone considering becoming a foster carer at area shopping centres on the following days: Superquinn, Ballinteer and Dunnes Stores' Ballyogan branch, Thursday September 27th and Friday 28th, 9am-9pm; Swan Centre, Rathmines, Thursday October 4th and Friday 5th, 9am-9pm; Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham on October 4th and 5th, 9am-9pm.
Foster carers are not required to be married couples, and basic weekly allowances are paid to carers.
For further information telephone: 01-2680361 or 1800-454500.
q RCPI'S NEW REGISTRAR: The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) has appointed Prof Frank Murray as registrar of the college.
Prof Murray is a consultant physician/gastroenterologist, at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, and an associate professor of medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Prof Murray has been involved in the RCPI for several years, and currently serves as chairman of the general professional training committee and is secretary of the Irish committee of higher medical training.
q REMEMBER THIS: Older adults who are overweight do not seem to be at any extra risk of memory decline, according to a new study.
In fact, researchers found, it was underweight men and women who were more likely to see their memory suffer over time.
They speculate that this is because poor nutrition and weight loss may be early manifestations of Alzheimer's disease in some older people.
The findings, reported in the medical journal Neurology, stand in contrast to previous research that has linked obesity in middle age to a greater risk of dementia later in life.
q MAGIC HERBS: Household herbs are the natural way to lower stress levels, according to new research.
Adding everyday fresh herbs to your diet is a simple way of looking after your general wellbeing, reducing stress levels and helping to relax your mind and body. This is according to new research conducted by the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University.
Fresh herbs are full of flavonoids, which are proven to assist with many different health complaints and can actively reduce the effects of anxiety and insomnia, acting as a calming agent, according to the findings.
Adding a small amount of fresh herbs into the diet can actually reduce blood pressure, and other stress-induced symptoms.
q FIBRE FOOD: A new product which, its makers say, is aimed at making it easier to increase your fibre intake is available in the Republic.
Fibresure is available in powder or capsule form. The powder can be added to a glass of water and it is said to contain up to 5g of fibre or more than 20 per cent of the adult guideline daily amount (GDA).
The company behind Fibresure says up to three helpings can be taken per day. Fibre is found in a number of foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables.
Fibre is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.