CHILL OUT THE NATURAL WAY

Researchers suspect the capsules containing omega-3 fatty acids alleviate mood swings by dampening cell-signaling systems in the brain. Overactive signal pathways are associated with bipolar disorder, otherwise known as manic depression. Dr. Andrew Stoll of McLean Hospital in Massachusetts and his colleagues conducted a study on 30 patients. About half were fed seven fish-oil capsules twice daily; the remainder took placebos containing olive oil, according to their report in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Omega-3 oils are found in fatty fish such as salmon and in canola oil.

While the study is preliminary, the scientists reckon it could point the way to developing a new class of mood-stabilizing drugs. And a fish dinner might just be the answer for highly strung types feeling down after a bad day in the office trenches. At least, it should be tastier than anti-depressant pills.

IN BRIEF

Slow Burn Balloon angioplasty is commonly used to help clear clogged-up arteries. But this procedure can stimulate the growth of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. In a third of patients, this new tissue threatens to block arteries again within six months. Now a new laser technique developed at University College, London, may eliminate the need for a second operation, reports the New Scientist. Patients about to undergo angioplasty are given a chemical which sensitizes the tissue to light. Immediately after the procedure, doctors insert an optical fiber into the artery. A low-powered laser light is then zapped to the cleared site to kill smooth-muscle cells. Such tissue grows back, researchers say, but very slowly.

Fit Feet Ironman contestants and hikers, take note. Cotton isn't always better. We are talking, of course, about socks. Many still swear by natural fibers. But some experts say state-of-the-art synthetics (Teflon, for instance) make better socks. The material is more effective at drawing sweat away from the foot for one. Staying dry is important as wet feet tend to blister and become infected, explains Stephen Pribut, a podiatrist at George Washington University in Washington D.C. Cotton is fine for casual wear. But stick to synthetics for energetic workouts, the experts advise. A warning, though. These socks won't come cheap.