The chemistry in pleasant odours – such as newly cropped grass – is so powerful, their scents can alter gene expression in the brain and reduce aggression, according to a neuroscientist.

Dr Judith Reinhard’s team at the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland is working to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the phenomenon of aromatherapy, which has long been used to calm the nerves and sharpen the mind, the Telegraph reported.

The researchers have so far discovered aggression in honey bees can be reduced by exposing them to pleasant odours, such as the smell of freshly cut grass.

“Honey bees are an excellent model because just like humans, they are extremely social and prone to stress, which makes them aggressive,” Dr Reinhard said.

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Half of people with atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition characterised by irregular heartbeat, say that foods and drinks exacerbate their symptoms, and caffeine is among the most common.

AF is caused by faulty electrical signals in the heart and it raises the risk of stroke five-fold and heart disease three-fold.

It’s therefore crucial that it is properly managed and treated — yet studies show there is an average delay of 2.6 years between symptoms starting and a person being diagnosed.

Diagnosed patients are treated with cardiac ablation — an operation to burn away the nerves causing the faulty signals that trigger irregular beats.

They are also prescribed flecainide, a drug that regulates heart arrhythmias.

As many as 50 per cent of people with AF say caffeine exacerbate their symptoms, but surprisingly, there’s little evidence to back up this perceived link, said Jo Jerrome, deputy chief executive of the Atrial Fibrillation Association.

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A major trial of a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine has ended in failure, marking a major setback in the fight against the disease, which cause 1.4 million deaths a year.

The latest vaccine, known as MVA85A, failed to protect babies who had already had the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the BBC reported.

BCG is only partially effective against the bacterium that causes TB, which is why several international teams are working on new vaccines.

The trial, in South Africa, involved 2,794 healthy children aged four to six months, half of whom received MVA85A and the rest a placebo.

They were followed up for an average of two years.

The researchers found 32 cases of TB in those who had received the vaccine compared with 39 in the placebo group.

This gave an effectiveness of 17 percent, which is so low as to be statistically non-significant.

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Dr.Priyam Ahuja is an anti obesity expert, a passionate diet and health consultant. She is practicing dietician and founder of ‘Diet of a Dietician’ TM, having extensive experience in nutrition counseling in fitness center, hospitals, community and sports professionals.

Priyam deals with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, Heart diseases, stroke, forgetfulness, thyroid, PCOD, post pregnancy weight gain, eating disorders and lifestyle modifications.

Priyam answered Sify readers’ queries related to the above in an exclusive chat. Read the transcript below.

I m over all slim but i have a bulged out belly. kindly advice how to get rid of it?

Healthy Diet along with Yoga and Massage helps in enhancing the circulation and toning up your body. Have good fibres , protein and fluids in your diet.

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