Researchers at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK have found that antinuclear antibodies commonly used as an indication of whether a person has an autoimmune reaction may prove to be more practical than existing tests as a way to screen the general population for increased heart disease risk. Their research data shows that in the study group with artery blockage 70% had antinuclear antibodies. In the group without artery disease, the percentage was 17%.
Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases January, 2002.

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba, Japan have mapped the genetic make-up of Clostridium perfringens.
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, January 22, 2002.