The UK Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation in Pharmacogenomics (UK CERSI-PGx), led by the University of Liverpool, has published its first clinical guideline focused on the use of the antiplatelet medication clopidogrel, widely prescribed in the UK to prevent blood clots. Pharmacogenomics looks at how differences in our genes can change the way medicines affect each person.

A new study suggests that certain genetic differences, passed down from ancient human ancestors, and exposure to common present-day chemicals could explain why some women are more likely to develop endometriosis. 

As winter closes in, you might start to notice your fingers and toes freezing when you go outside, or your face flushing hot when you go into a heated building. In these moments of changing temperature, we become more aware of our bodies. 

Until now, bodily temperature has been seen as a purely physiological signal. But a new review published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences looks at how ‘thermoception’ – our perception of changes in skin temperature, such as a warm hug or a chill in the air – influences how strongly we experience our bodies as “our own.” 

Real progress in oral health doesn’t come from expensive gadgets, but from better daily habits. That is the conclusion of dentist- periodontist Tim Thomassen in his dissertation Oral Disease Prevention, which he will defend on 12 December at the University of Amsterdam. In his research, he examines how effective different types of toothbrushes are and how much impact the actual time people spend brushing has on oral health.