The bodies are taking action following reports of cases of contact lens wearers experiencing eye health problems after buying lenses without getting proper eye care and advice.

Two new studies from Australia and the US have also suggested increased risks associated with purchasing contact lenses online. The risk of serious infection was found to be nearly five times higher.


Sleep good for the memory


A good night's sleep improves the way the brain functions the next day and boosts memory, scientists have shown. Sleep appears to strengthen connections between the nerve cells in the brain.

Researchers in Geneva studied volunteers who were taught a new skill. One group was allowed to sleep for eight hours, the others were deprived of sleep or only allowed a nap.

The next day they were asked to repeat the tasks while their brain was scanned. Those who slept properly performed better and this was reflected in their brain activity.


Nuts 'link to asthma' claim


Mothers-to-be who eat nuts every day may increase their child's risk of developing asthma by 50 per cent, claim Dutch researchers.

Nearly 4,000 pregnant women completed diet questionnaires, and their children were monitored for eight years.

The results, published in a US journal, suggest that potent allergens found in some nuts might prime the foetus to be allergy-prone. Other studies, however, have been less conclusive about nuts and asthma risk.


Glossing over risk of cancer


Shiny lip glosses and balms may increase the risk of cancer, according to skin experts in America.

The skin on your lips is very thin and more prone to ageing from sun damage. Rather than protecting lips, the glosses which contain oil and no SPF may attract ultra violet rays and increase the risk of skin cancer.