Beneficial beer
Beer-drinkers may have more to toast than Oktoberfest. A new brew in the works may actually be healthy for you.

In studies, the compound Xanthohumol has been shown to be very effective against cancer. Xanthohumol is also found in hops, in small sticky beads. Since hops are a principle ingredient in beer, scientists theorize that specially-brewed beer could provide this powerful anti-oxidant, also known as Xan.

Xanthohumol inhibits a family of enzymes called cytochromes p-450 that can activate the cancer progress. It also helps the body detoxify carcinogens, topping the tumor growth at an early stage. Preliminary studies at Oregon State University show that Xan can kill breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancers.

Xanthohumol contains more powerful antioxidants than vitamin E. But its health benefits do not stop there. Studies are now showing it also reduces the oxidation of LDL, or bad cholesterol. But drinking more beer will not do the trick.

It would take 60 regular beers to equal the amount of Xan that German researchers are brewing in this special beer. That is why scientists are now working on ways to give all beers higher levels of Xanthohumol, and even find ways to add it other foods, like chocolate.

And while these studies are not final yet, anti-oxidants are not the only things beneficial in hops.

Some compounds found in hops are potent phyto-estrogens and could help prevent hot flashes and osteoporosis.

Why the flu in winter?
Why is it, exactly, that the flu is so prevalent during the cold, winter months, and not during the summer?

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine think they know why: cold and dry winter air is exactly what the flu bug needs to remain stable and in the air longer.

The research was done experimenting with guinea pigs, which are some of the only lab animals that can transmit the flu.

The animals were most likely to give one another the flu when it was 41 degrees with low humidity.