Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at the Ondokuz Mayis University, Turkey, tested the telephones of physicians and nurses in hospital operating rooms as well as intensive care units. They found that about 95% were contaminated with bacteria of different types, including the 'superbug', MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), thus potentially causing infections ranging from relatively minor skin complaints to life-threatening illness. Only 10% of staff regularly cleaned their phone.

Researchers at McGill University, Canada, have discovered DNA variations in a gene that increases susceptibility to developing Crohn's Disease.

Their study was published in the January issue of the Journal Nature Genetics.

Finnish researchers have found single strains of probiotic bacteria have a greater effect on cytokine production than those used in combination.