(June 12, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Japan - In a study of sleep deprived rats, researchers found that those exposed to the aroma of roasted coffee beans exhibited near-normal levels of "messenger molecules" in the brain, compared to those that were not exposed to the smell of coffee. Many of the genes believed to be the cause have human equivalents, and the researchers hope to identify the coffee molecule responsible for this rejuvenating effect in rats.

From Washington - A new type of drug being tested may be promising for the treatment of Alzheimer's. The drug, called a gamma-secretase modulator, has been shown to inhibit the production of abnormal clumps in the brain called amyloid plaques. Results from a study involving 1,600 people are expected later this summer.

And finally, from London - The rates of certain types of cancer are rising faster among adolescents than adults. Among teenagers aged 15 to 19, cervical cancer rates have increased by nearly 7% each year, despite dropping in all other age groups, and skin cancer rates have increased the most in people aged 20 to 24, rising by about 4% each year. In addition, the incidence of skin cancer appears to be more common in those from affluent backgrounds.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.