The Duchess nails it

BREAKTHROUGH OF THE WEEK

BABIES with holes in their diaphragms could soon become the first humans treated with ''spare parts" built from their own stem cells.

The cells, taken from the amniotic fluid while in the womb, would be grown in a laboratory and be ready to be implanted when the baby is born.

If the trial goes ahead, according to New Scientist, it could be the start of a new approach to treating congenital defects.

Also, genes such as the one causing haemophilia could be treated while the baby is still inside the womb.

NUTRITION BITE

NEW research from the Faseb Journal, a US medical research NGO, says eating mustard helps increase appetite and builds muscle fibre.

The study found that homobrassinolide, which is a plant steroid present in the mustard plant, led to increases in lean body mass, muscle mass and physical performance.

IF YOU COULD DO ONE THING FOR YOUR HEALTH

WHEN you are out shopping, stick with your own tubes and tins of make-up should you need to freshen up rather than use the samples that are found at a store's make-up counter.

A two-year study has found that the high levels of bacteria in the majority of skin are a result of making use of eye and lip make-up samples at department stores.

BIZARRE OF THE WEEK

LAST week Chris Walton was named by Guinness Records as the woman with the longest fingernails in the world.

Known as ''The Duchess", Walton's nails measure 3.05m on her left hand and 2.74m on her right hand.