Diets high in lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E lower risk for cataracts (News-Medical-Net) Women who have higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin—compounds found in yellow or dark, leafy vegetables—as well as more vitamin E from food and supplements appear to have a lower risk for developing cataracts, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. [News Source]

Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E eyed for cataracts (Nutraingredients.com) "The results of the present study add to the growing body of observational evidence that suggests a possible beneficial effect of lutein/ zeaxanthin in delaying cataract formation," wrote lead author William Christen from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. [News Source]

Scientists unveil ’supercarrot’. Scientists in the US say they have created a genetically-engineered carrot that provides extra calcium. [News Source]

Senate says no to Frankenmeat (and Frankenmilk). The U.S. Farm Bill may prop up King Corn, inadvertently cause childhood obesity, and line the pockets of bigwig farmers and chemical pesticide makers. But it won't allow Frankenmeat (or Frankenmilk, for that matter) to enter your local grocery store. [News Source]

Food prices increase by 5.4%. The rush for biofuels and record-setting oil prices appear to be having a ripple effect on rising food prices. [News Source]

Mediterranean diet ‘cuts baby asthma risk’. Pregnant women who eat a Mediterranean diet may help protect their children from asthma and other allergies, researchers say. [News Source]

Arpad Pusztai: biological divide. The scientist at the centre of a storm over GM foods 10 years ago is unrepentant. Many blame him for tilting the balance in the PR battle over GM food towards public rejection. [News Source]

Where cancer-causing agents lurk. What do cosmetics have in common with cellphones? They both worry a leading cancer scientist about their potential as health risks. [News Source]

Shadings to greener buildings. Cutting the fuel appetites of vehicles down to Prius-size portions or better is a good idea. But what about buildings? [News Source]

Air pollution causes sperm mutations. Air pollution can cause DNA mutations in the sperm of mice reared in an industrial city, researchers have found. The results add to ongoing concerns about the effects of air pollution on human health and fertility. [News Source]

Could vitamin D really cure your arthritis? (Daily Mail) A new and controversial book by American doctor, Dr James Dowd, suggests that taking high levels of Vitamin D - the 'sunshine' vitamin - can work wonders in improving the symptons of chronic disorders such as arthritis, back pain and headaches [News Source]

Vitamin D2 Supplements Might Lower Risk Of Some Older Women Falling Down (Medical News Today) High-risk older women, especially those from sunny climates, and especially during the winter, may benefit from a reduced risk of falls if they take Vitamin D2 supplements, according to an article in Archives of Internal Medicine (JAMA/Archives), January 14th edition. [News Source]