Are sick schools, poor results linked?

A letter-writer to The Boston Globe suggests unhealthy indoor air quality in public schools might contribute to lack-luster results.

Pest control in the distant future?

Scientists are researching ways to turn off "post-mating" behavior, like egg-laying in insects, according to Reuters.

Many female insects undergo profound changes in behavior after mating. Some
species start laying multiple eggs. Female mosquitoes, for example, seek out a
meal of blood -- often spreading malaria in the process.

Scientists have known for some time that such behavior is triggered by a so-called sex peptide molecule in the male's seminal fluid, but it has been unclear how it exerts its impact on the female.

Now Dickson and his colleagues have identified the receptor for the molecule in fruit flies and shown it is key to post-mating behavior. Females lacking the receptor continue to behave as virgins, even after mating, they reported in the journal Nature.

It's no fa-la-la-la-la: Tis the season for asthma

Some winter tips for asthma suffers, particularly children from InsideBayArea.com.

THE NUMBER of children with asthma continues to rise; it is now considered the
most common cause of childhood hospitalization and school absences — an
estimated 14 million lost school days. With the arrival of winter, the estimated
6 million children who suffer from asthma face numerous triggers of the disease.

Breathing in cold winter air can provoke asthma symptoms, as can the
increase in viruses and upper-respiratory infections this time of year. However,
what most people don't know is that there are a host of indoor irritants that
can bring on symptoms as well, such as dust, mold and mildew that accumulate on
holiday decorations during storage, fireplace fumes and scented candles or
potpourri.

"Zombie" Roaches Lose Free Will Due to Wasp Venom

The National Geographic has a story on how wasps can knock out cockroaches with their venom:

The parasitic jewel wasp uses a venom injected directly into a cockroach's brain
to inhibit its victim's free will, scientists have discovered.

And it gets creepier from there!

'Tis the Season For Allergy, Asthma

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is offering holiday allergy tips:

The stress of the holiday season can sometimes trigger an asthma attack. Monitor your stress levels. If you do feel stressed, deep breathing and relaxation may
help.

If you're sleeping away from home, bring your own pillow with an allergen-proof cover. Ask for down-free pillows.

Avoid wood smoke, which can trigger an asthma attack.