New research of 96,000 children in Denmark shows that pregnant women who had flu while they were pregnant were twice as likely to have a child later diagnosed with autism. Those who had a fever lasting a week or longer were three times as likely to have an autistic child. Experts say the study raises as many questions as it answers, but it does fit in with a growing body of evidence suggesting that a link between the mother’s immune system during pregnancy and the developing child’s brain. (Not sure if YOU need a flu shot? Check out our guide to flu shot myths and facts.) Edible Deodorant? [ABC News] Who needs deodorant when candy can give you that fresh-as-a-daisy scent? Um, yeah. A new candy—called Deo Perfume Candy—claims to tackle body odor from the inside out. According to the company, the rose-flavored sweets contain geraniol, an alcohol found in rose oil that “aromatizes” as it evaporates through the skin. But, not surprisingly, smell scientists are skeptical about Deo’s deodorizing effects. (See our list of surprising things that make you smell and how to fix it—no candy required.) Probiotics Heart Your Heart [The Huffington Post] Need another reason to reach for yogurt? Probiotics—live microorganisms in foods like yogurt—could do the heart some good, finds new research. Taking two doses a day of a kind of probiotic seemed to decrease levels of total and “bad” cholesterol in people with high cholesterol, according to a study of 127 adults with high cholesterol. Cranberry Sauce With A Kick [Eat, Live, Run] What happens when bourbon and vanilla meet cranberries? A match made in heaven, says the chef blogger of Eat, Live, Run. Her version of cranberry sauce took only 15 minutes to make, and is sure to have you abandoning the canned variety for good.
