Rarity bites

Neurological Rarity

Correspondence to: Dr S Stacpoole Department of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; [email protected] S pinal, also called neurogenic, claudication is common, and in the elderly it is almost invariably caused by degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. There are, however, a few rare but important other causes that should be co...

Bio-Bites!

Bio-Bites!

Vermont has mandated labeling of food containing genetically modified ingredients by July 2016. Representatives of the food and biotechnology industries and the Us Grocery Manufacturers Association in Washington DC are opposed to the law, and it is likely to be challenged in the federal court. References the week in science: Britain pledges to be more open about animal research; stanford Univer...

Bio-Bites!

Arthropod bites.

The phylum Arthropoda includes arachnids and insects. Although their bites typically cause only local reactions, some species are venomous or transmit disease. The two medically important spiders in the United States are widow spiders (Latrodectus), the bite of which causes intense muscle spasms, and the brown recluse (Loxosceles), which may cause skin necrosis. Widow bites usually respond to n...