By Mark B. Evans. A recently published study by Janet Funk, MD, at the University of Arizona College of Medicine adds to the literature supporting the potential health benefits of the spice turmeric, showing that it may be an effective resource for preventing osteoporosis, or bone loss, a significant concern for postmenopausal women, among others. The study findings also point to characteristics of the turmeric tested that may determine its efficacy.

By David Rookhuyzen. A state health official says that the worst of H1N1 passed last flu season, but don’t put away the hand sanitizer just yet. The state’s public universities are taking measures to ensure the health of students and faculty. Dr. Allan Markus, director of Campus Health Services at Arizona State University, said that ASU will continue a public information campaign from last year to warn students and staff about influenza. Johnny Cruz, a spokesman for the University of Arizona, said the university will have on-campus vaccinations. This includes drive-through vaccinations, where anyone can receive a flu shot right in their car.

By Hayley Ringle. It's the second year Campo Verde has offered the Project Lead the Way program, a non-profit organization that works with school districts to offer the four-year biomedical courses as well as courses in other fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It also offers an engineering program, available in Gilbert Public Schools at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa. Campo Verde's biomedical program is one of only two in the state. Students will become involved in volunteering, internships and job shadowing through partnerships with Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, which is east of the school, the Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix, Catholic Healthcare West, Arizona State University's biomedical-informatics program, and A.T. Still University of Health Services in Mesa.

By Michael Reppenhagen. A new tool developed by an ASU professor and graduate student could make diagnosis in underdeveloped nations quick and easy. The device can identify infectious disease and unhealthy protein levels, said Antonio Garcia, a bioengineering professor who worked with graduate student John Schneider to design the device. The device uses light emitting diodes, or LEDs, and microelectronic amplifiers as opposed to lasers or robotics that are currently utilized in advanced hospitals. The prototype could be developed into something that can be used to provide quick and easy diagnosis in nations that do not have the advanced medical equipment that the U.S. and other nations have, Garcia said.