Today we remind you to take your dose as prescribed and report any side effects. Also, there’s news from genetics and, the topic of the week, volcanoes.

— While most groups agree that the ash cloud over much of Europe has little effect on the health of the general population, the airport mess has actually delayed some necessary medical transplants and procedures. For example, cancelled international flights have affected 16 patients with the UK’s Anthony Nolan Trust, which finds bone marrow matches; one young girl, the group says, is waiting on cells from Canada. (Reuters)

— Old habits die hard — and cost a lot of money, apparently. A new report by Express Scripts estimates that US employers and workers could save $163 billion a year if they make a few simple changes. Among them are: take medication as directed, get your refills on time, and switch to generics as available. (Reuters)

— A study of 300 patients taking anti-depressants found that self-reporting of side effects gave 20 times the number of recorded effects as what was documented by psychiatrists. Patients took a self-administered test asking the frequency and degree of trouble caused by side effects, and while the reason for the findings may vary by patient/psychiatrist, the authors say that knowing the full extent of side effects is important for safety and adherence. (ScienceDaily)

— Researchers say that a gene linked to obesity might also be correlated with reduced volume of certain brain regions. MRI scans were performed on more than 200 people, and those with the obesity-linked allele of the FTO gene had 8% less tissue in the frontal lobes (thought to be involved in decision making) and 12% less tissue in the occipital lobes (responsible for vision and perception) than those not carrying the allele. (Reuters)

Image by Helge V. Keitel via Flickr Creative Commons