18/05/2011

Available for over a year

Women with bad period pains experience increased sensitivity to pain throughout the whole month, according to new research. So could treating period pain in these women reduce their aches and pains at other times of the month? One UK doctor has used a body scanner to show that their brains process pain differently. Dr Katy Vincent, who’s a gynaecologist from Oxford University, applied a hot plate to different parts of women’s bodies – and asked them to rate their pain. Women who suffered with bad period pains rated theirs higher than those who didn’t – whether they were having their period or not. Dr Vincent says their brains process pain differently and their plight should be taken seriously. Most children develop communication skills very quickly, sometimes picking up dozens of words a day. But for those who don’t find it so easy scientists in London are hoping to intervene early – to help improve the chances of them catching up on their language and social development. Spotting these children early is difficult. But a computer screen which can tell exactly where babies are focussing their gaze and attention could provide the answer. Psychologists from the University of East London and Birkbeck College are testing their equipment on volunteer families at various east London children’s centres – before the babies have even learned to speak. And Health Check uncovers medical myths – this week – do hot baths really lower a man’s sperm count?