— The enzyme responsible for the tuberculosis bacterium outsmarting the immune system has been found. By blocking the enzyme mPTPB, which inhibits the production of infection-fighting cytokines, researchers managed to prevent further bacterium growth in lab tests. Your move, TB. (ScienceDaily)

— A word of caution: Always be careful of the fine print, especially when it’s your DNA. An Australian private health insurer is now offering half-price genetic testing to 5,000 of its customers. While deal-takers won’t have to provide their results back to the company, called NIB, the fine print notes how people applying for life insurance, which NIB also sells, might have to hand over the data. Americans, beware: The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) doesn’t include protection from life insurers either. (ABC News)

— Oxytocin, the hormone known for mother-child bonding, may help alleviate symptoms of autism. Among 13 high-functioning autism patients, those who inhaled a dose of oxytocin were more likely to trust a fictitious partner in a ball-throwing game, as well as pay more attention to faces. For an earlier look at oxytocin’s potential, check out our 2008 story. (Reuters)

— Pre-meds, rejoice! Getting into medical school could be a little easier in just a few years. Nearly two dozen schools are expected to open in the US soon, amounting to an 18% boost in the 131 medical schools currently dotted across the country. (NYTimes)

Image by MASH DnArt via Flickr Creative Commons