Scientists are developing a needle-free vaccine, which targets the bacteria responsible for nearly one half of all ear infections, and gets absorbed through the skin via a small, dime-sized patch. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in US found that when the experimental vaccine is applied to the outer ear, it appears to pack a one-two punch against nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae.
It attacks key parts of the bacteria’s defenses and kick-starts the body’s own immune system to help clear out the infection.
This dual mechanism helps explain earlier animal research conducted by the team that showed the vaccine could be used as a either a preventative or a treatment for ear infections.
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Unhealthy eating can worsen mood
Washington: Indulging in unhealthy eating behaviours can worsen the mood, especially in women who are concerned about their diet and self-image, according to a new study.
Researchers from the Penn State University found that college-age women who were concerned about their eating behaviours reported that their moods worsened after bouts of disordered eating.
“There was little in the way of mood changes right before the unhealthy eating behaviours. However, negative mood was significantly higher after these behaviours,” said researcher Kristin Heron.
Researchers found that people who experience disordered eating patterns may exhibit behaviours such as binge eating, loss of control over eating and food intake restriction.
— PTI