Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for November 1-8, 2010

Truffles’ sex lives unravelled, may be affordable now

LONDON – Scientists have unravelled the secretive sex lives of black truffles, which may help make the delicacy more affordable.

Prized by chefs worldwide, the tuber is notoriously expensive – at 100 pounds a piece – because they are so rare and extremely difficult to grow.
Black truffles, also used as an aphrodisiac …. Read the original article  : Truffles’ sex lives unravelled, may be affordable now.

Advertisers say children’s junk food ads ‘made for adults’

SYDNEY – Advertisers in Australia were breaching codes aimed at reducing children’s exposure to junk food marketing by claiming their ads were targeting adults, according to an analysis.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, the industry ad watchdog dismissed complaints about ads for Oreo, Smarties and LCMs rice bars after accepting manufacturers’ …. Original article  : Advertisers say children’s junk food ads ‘made for adults’.

Eating peanuts during pregnancy ‘ups child’s risk for peanut allergy’

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that pregnant women who eat peanuts might be putting their children at an increased risk for peanut allergy.

Scott H. Sicherer at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and his colleagues evaluated 503 infants aged three to 15 months with likely milk or egg allergies or with significant eczema and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Eating peanuts during pregnancy ‘ups child’s risk for peanut allergy’.

Workouts during free time ‘cut depression risk’

LONDON – A new research suggests that people with depression could benefit from regular physical activity – but only if it’s in their leisure time.

People who take regular exercise during their free time are less likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to researchers in the UK and Norway.

However, they said physical …. Original article  : Workouts during free time ‘cut depression risk’.

Alcohol more damaging than heroin, cocaine?

LONDON – Alcohol is more damaging than heroin or crack cocaine in terms of harm to the individual as well as society, says a new study.

The study led by David Nutt, a professor at Imperial College, London, shows that when both factors – harm to the individual and society – are combined, alcohol …. Source  : Alcohol more damaging than heroin, cocaine?.

China bans 15 products over heart disease concern

BEIJING – China has banned 15 weight-loss products containing a drug that could lead to increased risk of heart disease.

The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) has banned the production, sale and use of all anti-obesity medications containing sibutramine, China Daily reported Monday.
The drug watchdog made the decision after a latest research on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China bans 15 products over heart disease concern.

Booze ‘much more harmful than crack or heroin’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that alcohol causes much more damage to health than heroin or crack cocaine.

Professor David Nutt, the government’s former chief drug adviser, conducted an analysis that assesses both harm to the individual and harm to the rest of society – and alcohol turned out to be worse than both … Original article on : Booze ‘much more harmful than crack or heroin’.

Karzai criticizes US-Russia drugs raid in Afghanistan

KABUL – Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has criticized a large-scale drug raid in which US forces and Russian drug agents took part, calling it a violation of Afghan sovereignty.

US officials have described the seizure of 55.9 million dollars worth of heroin and the discovery of four clandestine drug-producing labs as a major success.

However, Karzai said …. Read the original article  : Karzai criticizes US-Russia drugs raid in Afghanistan.

Working out during lunch-breaks builds everyday fitness

WELLINGTON – Too lazy to get up in the morning for exercise? Well, taking stairs during lunch breaks in the office would be enough to keep you fit.

A personal trainer, Lee-Anne Wann, believes that 45 minutes workout is ample, and for those who are really time-poor, she suggests a 20-minute interval training session.

Either on a …. Source article  : Working out during lunch-breaks builds everyday fitness.

Traffic pollution ‘makes childhood asthma worse’

MELBOURNE – An Australian study has pointed out that traffic pollution, particularly in urban areas, exacerbates asthma in children.

The study, conducted by University of Western Australia epidemiologist Gavin Pereira, showed how traffic pollution was a major factor in the ‘worsening of the respiratory condition’ in children, reports News.com.au.

“This study was conducted in Perth, Western …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Daffodils may harbour brain cancer cure

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered narciclasine, a natural compound found in daffodil bulbs, may be a powerful therapeutic against biologically aggressive forms of human brain cancers.

“We are planning to move a narciclasine derivative toward clinical trials in oncology within a three to four year period in order to help patients with brain cancers, including gliomas, …. Original source  : Daffodils may harbour brain cancer cure.

Cure for the common cold a step closer

LONDON – Scientists have moved a step closer to a cure for the common cold and the winter vomiting bug after they pinpointed a vital mechanism the body uses to fight off viruses.

The landmark discovery by scientists at a Medical Research Council lab at Cambridge University could transform our understanding of immunity to illness and …. Read the original article  : here.

Heart patients better off eating a KFC Double Down than one egg yolk!

WASHINGTON – Consuming one egg yolk can increase chances of vascular diseases much more than eating a Double Down from Kentucky Fried Chicken, says a new study.

An egg yolk, depending on its size, can contain 215 to 275 mg of cholesterol while the Double Down from Kentucky Fried Chicken contains 150 mg of cholesterol.

Patients at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Heart patients better off eating a KFC Double Down than one egg yolk!.

Less salty foods cut down heart disease by a fifth

LONDON – Heart disease could be cut by almost a fifth if food companies were banned from adding too much salt to their products.

A major study has found such laws would be 20 times more effective in improving health than offering dietary advice.
Many foods, including ready meals, pizzas and sandwiches, contain …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cut salt from your diet ‘to prevent heart disease’

LONDON – A new research has shown that heart disease could be cut by almost a fifth if food companies were banned from adding too much salt to their products.

A major study has found such laws would be 20 times more effective in improving health than offering dietary advice, reports the Daily Mail.

Experts say eating … Read : Cut salt from your diet ‘to prevent heart disease’.

Rice grain sized chip could keep your heart ticking

LONDON – A tiny microchip not much bigger than a grain of rice could monitor the heart round the clock and save lives.

The chip has been designed to pick up the early warning signs of heart failure, a condition that affects almost one million Britons.
The chip works by measuring the heart’s function …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rice grain sized chip could keep your heart ticking.

Is cure for common cold in sight?

LONDON – A cure for common cold seems to be in sight after scientists identified a vital mechanism that fights off viruses.

The breakthrough by scientists at a Medical Research Council lab at Cambridge University focuses on boosting the person’s natural defences against viruses.
Viruses need to infect cells, such as those in the nose, …. Original source  : Is cure for common cold in sight?.

People who exercise regularly ‘less likely to get a cold’

LONDON – A new research has indicated that people who are physically fit and active have fewer and milder colds.

The US researchers based their findings on 1,000 adults up to the age of 85 whose respiratory health was tracked for 12 weeks during the autumn and winter of 2008.

Six out of 10 participants were …. Read the original article  : People who exercise regularly ‘less likely to get a cold’.

What a pregnant woman eats, drinks, feels affects baby well into adulthood

LONDON – It’s a known fact that a mother’s diet affects her baby’s health, but new studies are showing that these effects are carried out well into adulthood.

The food and drink she consumes, the emotions and stresses she feels, the exercise she takes, and even the job she does – is shared in some …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : What a pregnant woman eats, drinks, feels affects baby well into adulthood.

UAE lifts ban on birds’ imports from Gulf countries

Dubai, Nov 1 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted a temporary ban on the imports of birds and their by-products from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, minister of Environment and Water, issued a resolution which stipulated that all such inbound shipments should be subjected to veterinary quarantine laws …. Original source  : UAE lifts ban on birds’ imports from Gulf countries.

Injuries and illnesses ‘increase levels of elderly disability’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the illnesses and injuries that can restrict the activity of older adults or land them in the hospital are linked to worsening functional ability, especially among those who are …. Source  : Injuries and illnesses ‘increase levels of elderly disability’.

Beetroot juice helps elderly prevent dementia

WASHINGTON – Drinking beetroot juice can increase blood flow to the brain in older adults, potentially halting the progresses of dementia.

“There have been several studies showing that drinking beet juice can lower blood pressure, but we wanted to show that drinking beet juice also increases perfusion, or blood flow, to the brain,” said Daniel …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Working in shifts ‘ups risk of injury on the job’

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that Canadians who work night and rotating shifts are almost twice as likely to be injured on the job than those working regular day shifts.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia examined data on more than 30,000 Canadians collected as part …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Working in shifts ‘ups risk of injury on the job’.

Jellyfish glow helps spot cancerous tumours

LONDON – Scientists have found a way of using luminous cells from jellyfish to spot tumours deep within the human body.

Professor Norman Maitland, of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Laboratory at York University, Britain, has used a harmless virus to carry the protein to the tumour.
He believes the technology could be at least 10 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jellyfish glow helps spot cancerous tumours.

Black raspberries ‘highly effective in preventing colorectal cancer’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that eating black raspberries could reduce your risk of getting colon cancer.

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago reported that compounds found in black raspberries are highly effective in preventing colorectal tumours in mice.

The study pointed out that supplements of the raspberries …. Original article  : Black raspberries ‘highly effective in preventing colorectal cancer’.

Regular exercise wards off common cold

LONDON – People who are fit and active are far less likely to get coughs and sniffles. And even if sporty types get colds, they are milder and don’t last as long, says a new research.

The research found the severity of common cold symptoms fell by 41 percent in those who were the fittest …. Source  : Regular exercise wards off common cold.

Cholera bacteria in Haiti similar to Southeast Asian variety

Port-au-Prince, Nov 3 (IANS/EFE) The origin of the cholera bacteria discovered in Haiti, which over the past two weeks have caused at least 337 deaths and infected more than 4,700 people, is similar in appearance to the type found in Southeast Asia, Radio Kiskeya said, citing US and Haitian experts.

According to a publication on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cholera bacteria in Haiti similar to Southeast Asian variety.

Rs.300 crore cancer hospital to open in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD – A new super speciality cancer hospital being built here is set to open Nov 11.

Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas told mediapersons Tuesday that the 320-bed hospital would have a linked research centre and medical college.
“It is a facility planned at par with the best in the country,” he said.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tibb-e-Unani took medical care to common man, says Vice President Ansari

NEW DELHI – Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Tuesday said the Tibb-e-Unani evolved in India with the addition of numerous native drugs to its system, taking medical care to the common man.

Delivering inaugural address at the 18th General Session of All India Unani Tibbi Conference here [..] Read the original article: here.

22 new dengue cases in Delhi

NEW DELHI – With the national capital reporting 22 cases of dengue Tuesday, the number of cases finally seem to be dipping as an average of 70 cases were reported till last week.

As many as eight people have succumbed to the vector-born disease this year, a Municipal Corporation of Delhi official said.
The total …. Read the original article  : 22 new dengue cases in Delhi.

Organic onions, carrots ‘do not have higher levels of healthy antioxidants’

WASHINGTON – Organically grown onions, carrots, and potatoes generally do not have higher levels of healthful antioxidants and related substances than vegetables grown with traditional fertilizers and pesticides, scientists have reported.

In the study, Pia Knuthsen and colleagues point out that there are many reasons to pay a premium for organic food products. The most important …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Drug used to treat asthma ‘prevents spread of breast cancer’

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that a drug commonly used in Japan and Korea to treat asthma can stop the spread of breast cancer cells traditionally resistant to chemotherapy.

“Tranilast, a drug approved for use in Japan and South Korea, and not in use in Canada or the U.S., has been used for more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Drug used to treat asthma ‘prevents spread of breast cancer’.

Private hospital to treat victims at accident sites

BHUBANESWAR – A private hospital in Orissa Wednesday said it will provide free treatment to road accident victims at incident sites from next month — a service being introduced in the state for the first time.

The “fast responder” service would be launched initially in and around the capital city of Bhubaneswar and later extended …. Source  : Private hospital to treat victims at accident sites.

82 ill after eating pork at funeral feast

SHILLONG – At least 82 people, including eight children, fell ill after eating pork at a funeral gathering in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills district, an official said Wednesday.

“The people complained of giddiness and started vomiting after they ate lunch, served with pork at a funeral gathering in village Iooksi Kyanmynsar yesterday (Tuesday),” E. Lyngskor, … Read more : 82 ill after eating pork at funeral feast.

Artemis hospital nominated for hygiene excellence award

GURGAON – Artemis Health Institute, a private hospital in the national capital region, has been nominated for the Asia-pacific hand hygiene excellence award.

The award has been instituted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in association with Hpitaux Universitaires de Genve (HUG) and the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control.
Artemis is the only … Read more >>>.

Dengue Fever Took the Life of Andy Iron

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Andy Iron, a three times surfing world champion hailing from the Kaua’i island died today morning after suffering from dengue fever. The man who could fight any waves, sadly he could not fight against the dreaded disease dengue fever. The news of his sudden death spread shock and fear among …. Original article  : Dengue Fever Took the Life of Andy Iron.

HD Medical developing hand-held ultra sound equipment

CHENNAI – City-based medical devices company HD Medical Services is working on a stethoscope that can look deep into the body, transmit the sounds while displaying the images on a palm sized screen.

“Work is on developing a hand-held ultrasound equipment that doctors can use. It will take sometime to come out with the product. … Read more >>.

Weak at maths? Try zapping your brain!

LONDON – Jolting the brain with an electric current can make it good or bad with numbers, depending on the spot where it is applied, study shows.

Oxford University and University College London students agreed to having a current passed through their brain while they did numerical tests.
Passing the current one way through the … Read more >>.

Hard work ‘improves’ taste of food

WASHINGTON – The harder we have to try to obtain something, the more we realise its worth. This applies even to food we normally find unappetising, a study shows.

A Johns Hopkins University study suggests that hard work enhances our appreciation for something as uninspiring as low-fat, low calorie food.
For example, if we had … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hard work ‘improves’ taste of food.

Vitamin E ‘could increase stroke risk’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that taking vitamin E could slightly increase the risk of a particular type of stroke.

An international team of researchers has found that for every 1,250 people there is the chance of one extra haemorrhagic stroke – bleeding in the brain.

Researchers from France, Germany and the US studied nine …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vitamin E ‘could increase stroke risk’.

‘Health ministry to expand female foeticide project in Haryana’

NEW DELHI – To counter the low sex ratio in Haryana, the union health ministry has decided to expand the scope of social group Centre for Social Researchs (CSR) project on female foeticide, a project official said Thursday.

The ministry has decided to take the project “Meri Shakti Meri Beti” further in two Haryana districts … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Health ministry to expand female foeticide project in Haryana’.

‘Low water intake causes urinary tract infections’

NEW DELHI – Low water intake leads to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, doctors said Thursday.

About 25-30 percent of our UTI patients are women who drink less water. Inadequate amount of water and salt increase the risk of this disease, said Sunil Prakash, head of nephrology at Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon.
The …. Read the original article  : ‘Low water intake causes urinary tract infections’.

25 faint due to gas leak in Karachi

KARACHI – At least 25 people, including 18 students and seven women teachers, fainted due to gas leakage in a private school in Karachi Thursday, a media report said.

Due to a power cut at the J.Q. Academy in Kahardar area, school authorities turned its gas generator on. However, after some time, the whole school … Read : 25 faint due to gas leak in Karachi.

39 more infected with dengue in Delhi

NEW DELHI – As many as 39 cases of dengue were reported from the capital Thursday, taking the total number of people infected with the vector-born disease to 5,682.

According to an official of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), eight people have succumbed to the mosquito-born disease this year.
With the morning and …. Original article  : 39 more infected with dengue in Delhi.

Bone marrow cancer drug could be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that a drug that is used to treat bone marrow cancer could also provide a promising treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The study conducted by Greek researchers has suggested that the biologic drug bortezomib (Velcade), a … Read more >>.

World’s first robot-assisted pancreas transplant performed

LONDON – Doctors have carried out the world’s first robotically-assisted pancreatic transplant on a mother-of-two in Italy.

The team from Pisa Hospital performed the operation on a 43-year-old woman who had been suffering from type one diabetes since 19 years and previously had a kidney transplant.
She suffered no complications during the three-hour procedure.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : World’s first robot-assisted pancreas transplant performed.

Scientists reveal prostate cancer’s multiple personalities

WASHINGTON – A team of scientists has taken an important step toward a better understanding of prostate cancer by uncovering evidence that it is not one disease but rather several factors which can be measured and, in the future, destroyed by targeted therapy.

The research team led by of Dr. Mark A. Rubin, at Weill …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Scientists reveal prostate cancer’s multiple personalities.

Overweight children eat healthier food than normal weight children: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that obese children eat more healthy foods such as fruit, vegetable and fish along with low energy cheese and yoghurt in comparison to normal weight children.

The research has been conducted by Telemark University College and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

The study claimed that overweight children drank juice … Read more : Overweight children eat healthier food than normal weight children: Study.

Bikram yoga ‘doesn’t really help you lose weight’

NEW YORK – Experts have said that Bikram yoga, which is believed to help weight loss, doesn’t really work.

Star athletes, actors and everyday New Yorkers have tested the mettle of Bikram Yoga, which makes one sweat but tremendously improves mental and physical strength as well.

Many Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and now Lady Gaga, who practice the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bikram yoga ‘doesn’t really help you lose weight’.

Looking older than your age doesn’t imply poor health: Study

WASHINGTON – A research has indicated that looking older does not necessarily point to poor health.

The research found that a person needed to look at least 10 years older than their actual age before assumptions about their health could be made.

“Few people are aware that when physicians describe their patients to other physicians, they …. Original article  : Looking older than your age doesn’t imply poor health: Study.

German drug halts Alzheimer’s disease in mice

GOETTINGEN – Scientists in Germany said they had developed a drug that halts the progress of Alzheimer’s disease in mice and hope to begin tests on humans in two years’ time.

The treatment, which they described as immunisation, employs a new antibody to stop brain degeneration.
The findings were announced by the medical department of … Read more : German drug halts Alzheimer’s disease in mice.

Cheese causes E.coli outbreak in five US states

NEW YORK – An E.coli outbreak in five US states has been traced to cheese sold at a supermarket chain, a media report said.

At least 25 people fell sick after consuming the cheese, officials said.
The Bravo Farms Dutch Style Raw Milk Gouda Cheese was sold at Costco supermarket stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, … Original article on : Cheese causes E.coli outbreak in five US states.

Women putting their health at risk by using DIY teeth-whitening: Scientists

LONDON – Dentists have warned that young women are jeopardising their health by using DIY teeth-whitening treatments involving baking soda, ash and hydrogen peroxide.

A growing number of websites are promoting at-home techniques, which can cause permanent damage to tooth enamel and gums.

Dentists warn that some of the DIY treatments can … Original source on Gaea Times at : Women putting their health at risk by using DIY teeth-whitening: Scientists.

High heels injure over 3 million women

LONDON – More than three million women have received medical attention or been rushed to hospital because of their passion for killer heels.

Researchers say that a fifth of women have gone to such extreme lengths to wear trendy shoes that they have ended up twisting their ankle or tearing a tendon.
And a third …. Source article  : High heels injure over 3 million women.

Oz researchers close to solving mystery of epilepsy deaths

MELBOURNE – A team of researchers from Australia is on the verge of solving the mystery behind sudden deaths of young people with epilepsy.

Around 150 youngsters, either who are in the late teens, 20s or 30s, die due to the disorder every year.

A team of researchers from the Centenary Institute at the University of Sydney …. Source article  : Oz researchers close to solving mystery of epilepsy deaths.

Facial reflexology offers relief in stress, insomnia

LONDON – Facial reflexology is now increasingly used for hard-to-treat common conditions like stress, insomnia, digestive problems, joint pain, menopausal flushes and memory loss as they yield to the therapy that stimulates pressure points.

An estimated 35,000 reflexologists are now practising in Britain and a growing number are using the face instead of … Read more : Facial reflexology offers relief in stress, insomnia.

57-year-old Indian woman delivers twins, sets Australian record

MELBOURNE – A 57-year-old Indian woman gave birth to twins in the Australian city of Perth, setting a new Australian record.

The woman is believed to have become the oldest woman to give birth in Australia, beating a woman who became a mother at age 56, The Sunday Herald Sun reported.
The delivery took place … Read more >>>.

Teen stress doubles depression risk in adult life

LONDON – Stressed teenagers could face double the risk of developing depression in early adulthood, say experts.

The pressures of modern life may be more hazardous to our mental health than previously believed after scientists found there may be a link between the recent rise in mood disorders and the increase of daily stress.
…. Original article  : Teen stress doubles depression risk in adult life.

Early warning signs for prostate cancer identified

LONDON – Scientists have discovered potential early warning signs for prostate cancer that could be used to spot the disease before symptoms emerge.

They identified two proteins that are present in higher levels in men with prostate cancer, which kills 10,000 a year in Britain.
The proteins are called ‘growth factors’ that regulate …. Source  : Early warning signs for prostate cancer identified.

Men using laptop in laps ‘may be risking fertility’

MELBOURNE – Men who use their laptops while keeping them in their laps could be risking their fertility, a new research has found.

A new study by Fertility and Sterility has found that when men use their laptops in their laps instead of on their desks, they may be overheating those male parts, which, in turn, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Men using laptop in laps ‘may be risking fertility’.