Medicine stuff from the week 28/5 - 3/6/12

GM anti-virals have been used to pinpoint the weaknesses of influenza
http://phys.org/news/2012-05-genes-flu-virus.html

Scientists at an Israeli company have modified cannabis so that it doesn't get you high!
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient that causes cognitive distortion (being high), and the munchies.
With the THC out, the medical benefits can be had, without these major drawbacks.
http://phys.org/news/2012-05-israelis-cannabis-high.html

People with ear infections sometimes develop a film of bacteria behind their ear drums, which is similar to plaque on teeth, and can now be identified using a new technique - optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Biofilms resist antibiotics, so use of OCT will enable physicians to avoid dangerous overuse of them, and employ efficacious treatments instead.
http://phys.org/news/2012-05-device-bacteria-eardrum.html

Spinal anaesthetics, injected directly into the spine, tend to drift off-site under gravity. Mixing the anesthetic with ferromagnetic fluids gives anaesthetists control over its flow, so they can keep it where its needed, and away from areas where it does damage, for example around the heart.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-magnets-rare-complication-spinal-anesthesia.html

Bad news for depression sufferers, like me - it pretty much has a holistic effect in increasing mortality
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-depression-death-diabetes.html

Anxiety in children is usually missed, a study in Denmark has found
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-anxiety-disorders-children-due.html