Researchers have identified a link between two different pathways–formerly thought totally unrelated–and also a way to manipulate what they now recognize as a single system. One potential benefit could be medications that can still take advantage of the benefits of COX 2 inhibitors like Vioxx for treating inflammation without danger. The discovery shows that iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) boosts the effects of COX 2–and thus may allow an effective dosage that’s low enough to prevent risks of heart attack or stroke. Read all about it at Johns Hopkins Gazette.

The human body and all its systems continue to be a huge mystery–an endless puzzle that scientists are working, and for each piece they find that fits, they discover endless other possibilities. Finding a link like this is likely to lead to a whole passelful of ’em.