I have heard that dark chocolate is better: because it has more cocoa per gram, you don't need to eat as much to get the chocolate kick.

This is a review in New Scientist of the phenomenon:

http://environment.newscientist.com/article/mg18024215.100

There are at least 14 real human chimeras documented; formed from the fusion of two individually fertilized eggs. Kind of the opposite of twins. Some of their organs have the DNA of one egg; some of the other. It has even been suggested that autoimmune diseases actually spring from this kind of chimerism.

Thanks guys. Given that the terms come from a Mexican guide to traditional herbal medicine (or so it seems to my non-Spanish-reading brain), it is probable that some of them are quite general terms. I will include the translations given here from you all: it seems that you all agree on the meanings, which is really helpful.

Actually, still on the medical translation side of things: I'm also discussing the concept of culture-bound syndromes, in particular the Hispanic concept of "susto", or sudden fright. Does anyone know - perhaps Olivia, in particular may know - if this syndrome is still commonplace in Hispanic younger people in the US? Or is it very traditional and restricted to older people?

Apologies for asking you to effectively do my research for me:$. Feel free to tell me to naff off!

Thanks guys! ProcrastinPro, your translations are very helpful. I just wondered if there were some nuances to the meanings that only a fluent or native speaker would get; for example one of them translated automatically as "liver irritation", but that could be either cirrhosis or infection, to my mind. Olivia, I may take up your offer! The book the info is from is about Mexican herbal medicine, and I bought it from Amazon not realising it was entirely in Spanish...of which my knowldege iz zero. Good luck with your paper!

Are there any native Spanish speakers onboard? I'm trying to get an accurate translation of some medical conditions, and the usual translation websites are a bit too literal. The phrases are:

-mal de pecho
-enfermadades del Corazon
-irritation de higado

I'd be really happy if someone can help me with these :-)

Good idea; so change one thing a week and soon I'll be healthy again.

Could try not having an afternoon vending machine trip!

Lara, this looks like being a week off for me! I'm so good at excuses. I'm writing an article so I need brainfood; I'm working late so I need energy. What is it with me?!

That's so true. In Amsterdam you get machines vending proper food; why can't we do it? And definitely with you on the odd-flavoured crisps issue. To my mind, there are only three acceptable crisps flavours:

In order of preference -

1. Cheese and onion
2. Prawn cocktail
3. Salt and vinegar.

You can keep yer Thai Green Curry crisps: it just doesn't work.

I think I'm going to hang my favourite (and slightly too tight) outfit on display in my flat; preferably in the kitchen. An incentive.

I've not done too well this week; although I don't generally eat takaways I've been lured by the vending machines into buying KitKats several times. It's this cold weather! Especially when you realise you'll be staying late and your'e hungry and the only option is the vending machine, and they don't vend salads.

Juno knows that feeling well. We've all been supplied with earplugs and when the fire alarm goes off, we're actually supposed to put the earplugs in. Who thinks about their ears when the building is on fire?!

Smoobles' approach sounds very healthy to me. I would normally weight myself once a week, cos otherwise I had too many daily fluctuations. But maybe it is better just to go on what you see in the mirror.

I would say 3-4 miles is a normal amount to walk if you don't drive. I probably do that in a day (1.5 miles to uni and the same back, plus going to Asda a couple of evenings a week.

I've paid 48 quid at two different dentists, so I guess it's a regular charge. 12 is a bargain! Mind you, you can't put a price on teeth.