Some brain cells are naturally protected against a stroke – and now we know why. Jack Mellor at the University of Bristol, UK, exposed slices of rats' hippocampi to the low-oxygen conditions typical of a stroke. Neurons in the hippocampi known to resist stroke damage acted differently from a population of vulnerable cells: they removed receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate from their cell surface, reducing their sensitivity to the chemical. … full story

One way of prompting physical activity among children is to promote them duringleisure time, tailored to the specific gender. Researchers found children’s perceptions of what constituted play included both physically active and sedentary behaviours. Rowan Brockman from the University of Bristol Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, who led the study, said: “Contemporary children do engage in active play and value both the physical … full story

Drinking coffee boosts women’s brainpower but addles that of men. While sipping a cappuccino or quaffing an espresso boosts women’s performance, the same drink impairs men’s memories and slows down their decision-making. And given that Britons alone down 70 million cups of coffee a day, the implications are significant, reports the Journal of Applied Social Psychology. Psychologist Lindsay St. Claire, Bristol University, who led the study, said: … full story

Scientists have figured out why not cleaning your teeth can invite heart attacks. Until now nobody had been able to determine exactly why not brushing regularly might bring on a heart attack. A dental scientist has now discovered that a common bug that causes tooth decay and gum disease can infiltrate into the bloodstream and help blood clots to form, reports the Telegraph. Consequently, these clots can cause heart attacks and strokes, which together … full story

Children who are overweight by the age of nine have greater chances of developing heart disease. By the time they are 15, they have higher blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood insulin levels than normal, which raise the chance of a premature death from heart disease. Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum said the study provided more evidence that childhood obesity should be tackled earlier, the British Medical Journal reports. “We have … full story