(January 28, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Scotland - According to research in BMC Endocrine Disorders, short bursts of exercise can improve metabolism. In a study of 16 sedentary men, researchers found that short bursts of high intensity exercise, such as riding an exercise bike four times a day in 30 second spurts twice a week, resulted in a 23% improvement in insulin sensitivity. It was concluded that tense muscle contractions during exercise enhance insulin's ability to clear glucose from the bloodstream

From Washington - According to research in Environmental Health, mercury has been found in high-fructose corn syrup. Researchers tested several samples of the sweetener, which is increasingly replacing sugar in processed foods, and found that nearly 50% of the samples contained mercury. In addition, the researchers found that, of 55 brand name foods and drinks tested, one-third contained trace amounts of mercury. The researchers stated that mercury is toxic in all its forms.

And finally, from Montreal - According to research in the journal Brain, concussions may have a lifelong impact on the brain. In a study of 40 otherwise healthy former hockey and football players aged 50 to 65, researchers found that those who had suffered a concussion about 30 years prior showed reduced frontal lobe function efficiency, reduced memory updating and significantly slower motor execution compared to those who had never suffered a concussion.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.