I’m fascinated by the huge variety of research that goes on around the world into all aspects of health. The things scientists are finding out every day are amazing and I’ve mentioned some of them here. There are no results yet from a Dutch study into whether vodka cuts your risk of getting heart disease, but when they’re out I’ll let you know!

JAPAN - CAN A CUPPA BANISH NIGHTMARES?

Drinking tea may lower of the risk bad dreams, according to a Japanese study. Researchers at Nihon University School of Medicine found people who have one or more cups of black or green tea a day are 50% less likely to have bad dreams than non-tea-drinkers or those who only enjoy the occasional cuppa. Tea is believed to help by reducing levels of anxiety and stress. Tea leaves contain an amino acid called theanine which has a calming effect on the brain. The study also revealed that women are more likely to have nightmares than men.

HOLLAND - WHY LICKING YOUR WOUNDS HELPS YOU HEAL

Spit helps wounds to heal more quickly, say Dutch researchers. They’ve found a protein, called histatin, in saliva that encourages fast healing. In a laboratory trial, small wounds were created in tissue. Those exposed to saliva had completely healed within 12 hours, while unexposed wounds were still open. The scientists believe this may explain why animals lick their wounds. They’re hopeful histatin will be able to be used in treatments for both trauma wounds and chronic wounds like diabetic ulcers.

BRITAIN - THE JAB THAT STOPS SNORING

A British doctor has come up with an injection that could drastically improve life for people whose partners snore so loudly it keeps them awake. Hadi Al-Jassim, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Liverpool, has been testing a procedure that involves injecting a substance called sodium tetradecyl into the roof of the snorer’s mouth. It hardens the soft tissue at the back of the mouth and stops it from vibrating, reducing that annoying snoring sound. Hadi says it helps 70% of snorers and lasts around four months.

ITALY- HOW BALLOONS CAN HELP YOUR BLADDER

This may sound bizarre, but having balloons inserted next to your bladder could help with incontinence. Many women suffer from stress incontinence – where laughing, lifting, sneezing or coughing can cause them to wet themselves due to weakened pelvic floor muscles as a result of the rigours of childbirth. An Italian trial studied a group of women who’d tried various treatments with no success. Two balloons were implanted (while deflated) under local anaesthetic next to their bladders and later inflated with liquid via a thin tube. The balloons push the bladder neck up and make it smaller, so the muscles don’t have to work so hard to keep it closed. They also help to protect against urine leakage by increasing the pressure that’s needed to urinate. This makes it harder for urine to leak as a result of coughing or sneezing. Scientists at the University of Udine in Northern Italy found that 70% of the women fitted with the device, which can last up to 10 years, reported that it stopped leakages.

UNITED STATES - IS A PICTURE OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE AS GOOD AS A PAIN PILL?

Looking at a photo of a loved one can be a powerful form of pain relief. A study has shown that snapshots of partners, parents or children can trigger positive feelings that are strong enough to override a patient’s discomfort. Researchers at the University of California asked volunteers to have heat applied to their arm until it hurt. They then looked at a photo of a loved one. They also held hands with a partner and a stranger, both of whom were behind a curtain. The greatest reduction in pain was noticed when the volunteers were looking at the photos. Researchers say patients visiting hospital for painful tests should consider bringing a photo of someone special to help them.

GERMANY - THE NASAL SPRAY THAT HELPS YOUR MEMORY

German scientists have invented a new memory-boosting nasal spray that could help students who are swotting for exams. A quick burst of the nasal spray just before bedtime helps the brain retain memories during sleep, according to the study at the University of Lübeck. The researchers got students to read a story, then use either the spray, which contains a molecule found in the immune system, or a placebo spray. The next morning, the students were tested on how much of the story they remembered and those given the spray did significantly better in the tests. The catch is, the spray only appears to work if you get a good night’s sleep after taking it. Researchers don’t yet know how long the effect lasts or how powerful it is.

ISRAEL - AN IMPLANT FOR ANAEMIA

An implant the size of a toothpick could help thousands of people who have anaemia, or serious iron deficiency. Anaemia – which affects more women than men – is due to a lack of red blood cells. One of the reasons for this may be that the kidneys aren’t producing a protein needed to kick start red-cell production. Some people with anaemia need regular injections of this protein as often as three times a week. However, Israeli researchers say the new implant works by releasing the protein around the clock, getting rid of the need for the jabs.