According to Badger et al 2012, Clostridium difficile may be found in the normal flora in some healthy individuals. Some persons, however, have selective risk factors which turns them susceptible  to the morbidity and mortality of the diarrhoea caused by this bacteria. [1]

 Nitrates are widely used as fertilisers at farms. Excess levels of nitrates can damage freshwaters and the marine environment by promoting eutrophication. Excessive growth of algae chokes other life. Eliminating excess nitrates from drinking water is very costly. Keeping aquatic systems unpolluted is a responsibility of  mankind. [1]

Freedman et al. 2012 report that coffee consumption of 2 to 3 cups of coffee daily reduce mortality by 10% in men and by 13% in women. This was valid for deaths due to heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries and accidents, diabetes, and infections, but not for deaths due to cancer. [1]

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), together with BASF SE started a joint safety project to study long-term effect of nanoparticles in lung. Germany takes the world leadership in safety research on nanoparticles. The project will be funded with 5 million Euro during 4 years. [1]

Plant photoreceptors, called “phytochromes” contain bilin chromophore. Light triggers the conversion between the red light-absorbing form, Pr, and the far-red-light-absorbing form, Pfr of bilin. A chemical construct  induced  plant development in absence of light. [1]

Huang and Nowak-Wegrzyn report that some children with milk allergies may reduce allergic reactions when small quantities of milk and egg are present in baked foods. These children became able  to consume  milk at the end of the study. The authors caution, however, that not all children can cope with such strategy, they present allergy reactions further on. [1]

Feeding experiments demonstrated that high breakfast energy leads to greater overall intake. Instead of comparing people which eat much with people which eat less for breakfast, the study of Schusdziarra  an colleagues focused on individuals. [1]

Weiss et al. 2012 summarises the available data of  actual studies related to the environmental impacts of biofuels. One metric ton (t) of biofuel was found to save 55 ± 34 gigajoules of primary energy and 3 ± 1 t carbon dioxide equivalents of greenhouse gases, compared to conventional fuels. [1]

A study of Mansour et al.2012 suggest the use of ginger in weight control. The authors  demonstrated that 2g ginger powder (Zingiber officinale) dissolved in a hot water beverage enhances thermogenesis and reduces feelings of hunger in overweight men. [1]

Eroglu et al 2012 report that the breakdown products of beta-carotene are mostly vitamin A when breakdown happens centrally. However, if the breakdown takes place decentrally beta-apocarotenoids may be formed. These compounds act in opposition to vitamin A. [1]