"Cockroaches, Reconsidered"

The New York Times has an interesting essay on its blog about cockroaches and their dirty reputation:

Dr. Joseph G. Kunkel, a biology professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, notes that while cockroaches are magnets for bacteria and viruses, the roach is more likely to pick up germs from us than the other way around. Every time we cough or touch anything, we leave behind viruses and bacteria. If a roach crosses our path, it collects our germs.

Most Asthmatics Don't Have Illness Under Control

Interesting recent news article on the state of asthma in the United States. According to the research, the cockroach allergen has correlation to asthma, especially among inner-city youth.

Most Asthmatics Don't Have Illness Under Control

Two-thirds of the survey respondents said they have their asthma symptoms under control, but more than half reported experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and/or phlegm production at least once a week.