Health Highlights: Jan. 19, 2010

Jan. 20 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Nanoparticles New Weapon Against Heart Disease?

American scientists say their creation of nanoparticles that can find and treat hardened arteries may offer a new way to fight heart disease.

The "nanoburrs," as they are called, look for damaged cells in blood vessel walls. They then attach to the site and release drugs for an extended period, said the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) team, BBC News reported.

"This is a very exciting example of nanotechnology and cell targeting in action," said Professor Robert Langer, one of the study authors. The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This technology appears "promising," but requires much more work before it might be used to treat people, Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, told BBC News.

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Dietary Supplements Recalled by MuscleMaster.com

Seventeen dietary supplements sold by MuscleMaster.com Inc. are being recalled because they may contain steroids, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall covers all lots and expiration dates of the 17 body-building products that were sold online between June 1 and Nov. 17, 2009, the Associated Press reported.

For more information, consumers can call 800-240-4767.

Steroids can cause liver damage and other serious long-term health problems. Massachusetts-based MuscleMaster.com says it hasn't received any complaints of illnesses or injuries associated with the recalled products, the AP reported.

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Artificial Muscles Help Facial Injury Patients Blink

A new technique for implanting artificial muscles enables people with facial injuries to blink, which is essential for healthy eyesight.