Stress affects fertility in both men and women

In this study, 818 couples had their levels of stress compared to their ability to conceive in a fertility clinic. 60% of the couples were successful with fertility treatment. It was found that the level of stress affected mens fertility, but affected womens fertility to an even greater degree. Women with greater stress, especially marital stress, required 3 treatment cycles if they were eventually successful, whereas less stressed women required 2 treatment cycles. The study is published in the June 2005 issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility.

Unpasteurized fresh cheese from Mexico may have caused 35 cases of tuberculosis in New York City

In Mexico, 17% of cattle are infected with Mycobacerium bovis, a type of tuberculosis that normally only affects cattle. 20% of the cows milk used to make fresh cheese in Mexico is unpasteurized. Investigators from the CDC have connected consumption of fresh Mexican cheese made using unpasteurized milk to 35 cases of Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis in 35 New York City residents. The investigation started when a 15 year old boy died from an intestinal infection with M. bovis in March, 2004.

Ginseng and Ashwagandha may regenerate damaged brain cells and improve memory

Reconstructing neuronal networks where brain nerve tissue meets and communicates with each other is necessary for the therapeutic treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Researchers examined the ability of different herbs to heal brain nerve tissue and it was found that both Ashwagandha and Ginseng contain constituents that healed nerve tissue after it was damaged by beta-amyloid protein - the plaque producing protein in Alzheimer's diseased brains. Ginseng potently regenerates axons and synapses and Ashwagandha also heals nerve tissue. The research is published in the January-April issue of the journal Neurosignals.

In a seperate study it was found that the ingredients in Ashwagandha significantly healed brain nerve tissue (neurons) in animals with beta-amyloid plaque, regenerating both axons and dendrites. This study is published in the April 2005 issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology.