British hospitals are under attack from a variety of pests, according to reports obtained under U. K. 's Freedom of Information Act. From January 2006 to March 2008, almost 20,000 incidents of infestations were reported by the National Health System. They included sightings of rats, mice, fleas, bedbugs, ants and cockroaches.

It's good news for all couch potatoes, who could soon be able to use an exercise pill to keep the body trim and fit without having to move from the sofa. Scientists have successfully tested a drug on mice that could deliver some of the benefits of exercise, even to sedentary people. In tests, mice were able to run 44 percent farther, suggesting humans may be able to do the same without prior training, researchers reported in the journal Cell.

A new study found that stopping drinking alcohol can be detrimental to one's mental health. According to the findings of the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studies performed on mice who voluntarily drank alcohol for 28 days showed that when their alcohol consumption was stopped, it caused depression and a negative mood that set in 14 or more days after their systems were cleared of alcohol. This led scientist to believe that people who quit drinking, even moderate drinkers, will experience "negative mood states" days or weeks after the alcohol is out of their bodies.

British magazine Bookseller recently published poll results that revealed the past year's three strangest book titles, continuing the magazine's annual trend. The award, named the Diagram Prize, for the oddest book title for 2007 was given to one titled "If You Want Closure In Your Relationship, Start With Your Legs. "

It's the Chinese Year of the Rat but it is unlikely the animal's status could be elevated above the sewer and loathsome level. Never mind that last year's hit film Ratatouille showed their humorous - and culinary - side and that Mickey Mouse and Tom and Jerry have been a long-time favorites.