...coming too fast to discuss at length. So let me just point to:

Stem Cells from Skin Cells

...in mice. Researches believe it can be done with humans too.

The obvious benefit would be to allow researchers to cheaply and ethically develop embryonic stem cell lines matching anyone.

Genetic risk factors for seven diseases identified

The seven being:

• Crohn's disease
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Type 1 diabetes
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
• Bipolar disorder
  
• Coronary heart disease
  
• Hypertension

Scientists studied DNA samples from 17,000 people. This was only possible because DNA sequencing costs keep plummeting.

Miracle Weight Loss Hormone Discovered!

Sounds like a headline from a tabloid, but researchers are very excited.

Researchers have identified a master hormone that allows the body to fuel itself with stored fat during times of fasting. The hormone mobilizes lipids from fat cells, and then directs the liver to transform those lipids into energy-rich molecules that circulate throughout the body.

...

FGF21's unexpectedly broad role in fat-burning was reported in two papers published in the June, 2007, issue of the journal Cell Metabolism.

...

“FGF21 seems to have these almost magical properties,” said [UT Southwestern researcher] Kliewer. “It improves insulin sensitivity, making insulin in the body work more efficiently. It lowers lipid levels, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels, and induces weight loss.

Wow: a beneficial five-fer.