• Single gene behind 15 kinds of eczema

  Irish researchers working in Dublin and Dundee have discovered 15 gene mutations that can lead to eczema, writes Dick Ahlstrom . p
  

• Tweaking body's stop-signals could control swelling

  Scientists at University College Dublin are trying to find ways to turn down the inflammation that arises with diseases such as arthritis, writes Claire O'Connell . p
  

• Electrical pulse could neutralise hospital superbugs

  An Athlone-based researcher is studying a new device that sterilises surgical instruments with a zap of electricity rather than with chemicals or antibiotics, writes Dick Ahlstrom . p
  

• Gross national happiness is a better measure than GDP

  Under the Microscope / Prof William Reville: Gross national product (GNP) is the index commonly quoted to indicate the economic well-being of a nation. But, if we wish to indicate the overall wellbeing of the country, a much better index would be gross national happiness (GNH). p
  

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