Lack of sunshine blamed for vitamin D deficiency (WTHR Indianapolis) Vitamin D is very important in bone and muscle health, and a lack of sunshine can affect how much of the vitamin taken in by the body. [News Source]

Mercury in Alaska fish: Something else to worry about. For the most part, most Alaska fish species have relatively low levels of mercury, but recent studies have cast doubt. [News Source]

Disease risk to mozzarella output. The production of one of Italy's best known exports, mozzarella, is under threat from an infection spreading through herds of water buffalo. [News Source]

Japanese PM pledges strengthened ties with China. Japan will seek to strengthen ties with China through cooperation on such fields as energy-saving and environment- protection, and make efforts to build a Japan-China relationship which contributes to stability and development of Asia and the world, Fukuda said. [News Source]

Fight back against indoor pollutants during winter months. When it comes to your family's health, especially during cold winter months, one of the most risky places to be is home sweet home. [News Source]

Scientists find way to increase corn’s vitamin A (Environmental News Network) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. scientists have developed a way to breed corn that can boost the vitamin A it gives people who eat it -- a potentially important advance for regions of the world burdened by vitamin A deficiencies. Vitamin A deficiency is an important cause of eye disease and other health problems in developing countries. [News Source]

Scientists find way to increase corn’s vitamin A (Reuters via Yahoo! News) U.S. scientists have developed a way to breed corn that can boost the vitamin A it gives people who eat it -- a potentially important advance for regions of the world burdened by vitamin A deficiencies. [News Source]

Calcium, vitamin D combo best at preventing bone loss (New Kerala) Washington, Jan 18: A combination of calcium and vitamin D is better at preventing bone loss in elderly women than simply taking calcium alone, says a new study. [News Source]