Engineered Goats May Usher In New Age of Drugs

Hypothermia prompts 'hibernation' that aids doctors

(NEWSER) - Last year, surgeons eyed induced hypothermia to treat trauma ; now, experts think a deep chill could help stroke patients recover, the Daily Mail reports. Doctors throughout 20 European countries think inducing hypothermia could cut stroke victims’ brain damage; they’re now seeking funding for testing. “Hypothermia might improve the outcome for more than 40,000 Europeans every year,” says a Scottish doctor. More»

Wavelengths cause chemical reaction, researchers find

(NEWSER) - Scientists have shed light on a new way to kill hospital superbugs like MRSA: literally shed light on them. A set of wavelengths called HINS-light acts by stimulating molecules in the bacteria, causing them to create chemicals that kill the germs. In trials, the process appears far more effective than “cleaning and disinfection,” the Daily Mail reports. More»

Ethicists object to creating human-animal hybrid

(NEWSER) - Animal organ transplants in humans are now a step closer to reality: Scientists have successfully combined animal lungs with human blood, keeping a pig lung alive and functioning as the blood flowed through it. “The blood went into the lungs without oxygen and came out with oxygen, which is the exact function of the lungs," a researcher tells the Daily Telegraph . The first pig-human transplant could happen within five years. More»

Indoor play cuts sun, Vitamin D

(NEWSER) - Britain is experiencing an uptick in rickets, a Victorian-era disease caused by Vitamin D deficiency that causes children to develop bow legs. Today's computer-loving kids spend more time playing indoors, avoiding sunlight and the Vitamin D is provides. Researchers suggest adding Vitamin D to milk and other foods to combat the problem. More»

(NEWSER) - A French man who received a groundbreaking face and double hand transplant to repair damage from severe burns has died from a massive infection, reports the Independent. The patient, 30, suffered a heart attack during surgery to battle a super bug invasion in his face. Despite the problem, his body did not reject the transplants, said doctors. He was the sixth person in the world to receive a face transplant. One other died in China after ceasing drugs to fight rejection of transplanted organs. More»