Arm Catheterization

Some heart catheterization patients may end up holding out their arm for the procedure, instead of having the traditional incision in the groin. Heart specialists at Penn State College of Medicine have found that heart muscle biopsies can effectively be done through an incision in the wrist. Researchers studied a small group of heart transplant patients who needed follow-up cardiac biopsies. Many had severe scarring in their legs from previous procedures. In all cases, patients experienced less discomfort with the wrist procedure, and were discharged sooner.

Tough Mosquitoes

University of California at Davis researchers say a type of mosquito that's prevalent throughout North America is becoming resistant to common mosquito pesticides. Pyrethroid is often used to control mosquito populations. However, recently investigated populations of mosquitoes have become tolerant to the pesticide. You can help decrease the mosquito community by eliminating standing water, their egg-laying habitat.

Exercise Psych

Exerting your muscles can help improve your overall fitness, and has another side-benefit...better brain function. A study at Ohio State University checked both physical and mental progress of people on a ten-week exercise program. A year later, the same participants were checked for gains or losses in physical and mental fitness. Patients who stopped exercising lost all of their strength, endurance AND mental performance gains, while those who kept up with their workouts maintained their body and brain benefits.