Editor's letter
Welcome to the first edition of MRC News in 2005. It's a new year, and our scientists are already gearing up to make the discoveries that will help the MRC realise its vision: building a healthy nation through research.

It is precisely with a healthy nation in mind that this edition was compiled. Among others, we report on research into the astounding health benefits of rooibos and honeybush tea, an exercise programme for basketball players and on the worrying fact that the physical symptoms of depression can often go unrecognised.

While all of the MRC's research ultimately benefits the people of South Africa, we are also proud that many of our scientists play an active role in reaching out to the community. In this issue, we salute an MRC-supported researcher who is relieving the pain of the poor and hopeless by treating their HIV/ AIDS-related heart problems.

We also talk to a young scientist who was nurtured by the MRC's Research Development Directorate and is now playing an active role in preventing sports injuries in the less well-to-do areas around Cape Town.

Starting with this issue, a new feature in MRC News is consumer-friendly research summaries based on the work of the Cochrane Collaboration. If it is high-quality, trust-worthy health information that you want, look no further than page 16. We also explain why you can put so much trust in the work of this group of dedicated scientists.

And as the MRC welcomes its new interim president, we also say goodbye to former MRC News editor Izelle Theunissen, who has taken the brave step of joining the ranks of South Africa's freelance writers and editors. We wish her all the best.

Hope you enjoy both the new year and this information-packed issue of MRC News. Here's to your health!

- Elmien Wolvaardt (acting editor)