<img alt=“headache.jpg” src=“https://blogs.nature.com/nm/spoonful/headache.jpg” width=“250” height=“174” align=“right” border=0 hspace=“10px”/>

— Even the blind experience heightened intensity of migraines when their eyes are exposed to light. The finding comes from a study of 20 blind individuals, 14 of which had light-sensing pathways still intact and experienced the effect. Further investigation into a neural pathway in rats hinted that light might promote migraines by activating a region linked to circadian rhythms rather than sight. (Boston Globe)

— The UK General Medical Council (GMC) began a hearing today on Robert Trossel, a doctor accused of making false claims about stem-cell therapy and sending patients abroad for such treatment. Trossel’s troubles don’t end with the GMC, though: He was convicted in Belgium for violating its stem cell laws, but his prison sentence was suspended. (BBC)

— Business is booming for biotechnology, as the industry recorded an 85% increase in funds last year. The jump from $30.1 billion in 2008 to $55.8 billion in 2009 is attributed to partnerships with ‘Big Pharma,’ though we may also need to start referring to ‘Big Biotech.’ (SF Chronicle)

— Data from a European study of prostrate cancer screening shows that the prostate specific antigen (PSA) technique gives one false positive among every eight men. This isn’t the first time PSA screening is under fire – just check out our December feature. (BBC)

Image by Avenue G via Flickr Creative Commons