Health (General) – Newsletter for November 14, 2010

GM mosquitoes released to fight dengue in Cayman Isles

LONDON – Scientists have released three million genetically-modified (GM) mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands to fight dengue fever.

Batches of the male mosquitoes were released in a 40-acre area, from May to October, to mate with wild female counterparts of the same species, so they wouldn’t be able to produce any offspring. Only female mosquitoes … Original source on Gaea Times at : GM mosquitoes released to fight dengue in Cayman Isles.

Having relative with atrial fibrillation ‘ups own risk’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that people who have a first-degree relative with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk themselves for the potentially deadly heart rhythm disorder.

The finding is based on an examination of the heritability of atrial fibrillation (AF) among more than 4,000 participants in the Framingham Heart Study.

“A heritable component … Read more : Having relative with atrial fibrillation ‘ups own risk’.

World Diabetes Day: Grim Reminder For India

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Even as the World Diabetes Day is being marked today by several health entities and institutes all over the world, there is some bitter news for Indians. The latest studies indicate that India is the country with the biggest population with the dreaded ailment diabetes. The number of diabetic people …. Read the original article  : here.

Modern lifestyle bringing back rickets to Britain

LONDON – Rickets, a ‘17th century diseases’ caused by low levels of vitamin D, is rearing its ugly head in Britain after 80 years, and modern lifestyle is to blame.

It is thought that extensive use of sunscreens, children playing computer games and watching TV rather than being outdoors and a poor diet are … Original source on Gaea Times at : Modern lifestyle bringing back rickets to Britain.

Green tea, grape seed can protect food against contamination: Scientists

WASHINGTON – Scientists have suggested that extracts from natural sources such as green tea, grape seed and bacteriocins such as nisin could be alternatives for food processors instead of chemicals as a means of protecting against pathogen contamination.

Researchers for the Food Safety Consortium at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture have applied the natural … Read more : Green tea, grape seed can protect food against contamination: Scientists.

Doctor dissects father’s body to teach anatomy

BELGAUM – In a rare instance in the medical field, an Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) doctor in this north Karnataka city Saturday dissected the embalmed body of his father to teach anatomy to his students.

Mahantesh Ramannavar, 40, has been teaching anatomy to his students at the Kankanwadi Ayurveda medical college in Belgaum, 550 km …. Original source  : Doctor dissects father’s body to teach anatomy.

Women’s education important for health: Patil

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Saturday termed women’s education as the most important determinant for good health of women and children.

Education is a powerful driver of health. The relationship between poverty, lack of education and limited access to health services, is well recognised, Patil said, inaugurating a two-day international conference on “Partnership for … Read : Women’s education important for health: Patil.