Health & Science

Wednesday, December 13th 2017 - 23:59 UTC
Nobel Prizes criticize current US policy during the awards gala banquet

A United States researcher who shared this year's Nobel Prize for medicine bluntly criticized political developments in the US in his address at the awards' gala banquet Sunday night. Michael Rosbash, who was honored for his work on circadian rhythms — commonly called the body clock — expressed concern that U.S. government support such as that received by him and colleagues Jeffrey Hall and Michael Young is endangered.
Wednesday, December 13th 2017 - 22:08 UTC
“Ground break” in tackling protein defect that causes Huntington's disease

Scientists have for the first time corrected a protein defect that causes Huntington's disease, by injecting a drug into the spine, offering new hope for patients with the devastating genetic disease. Lead researcher Sarah Tabrizi, professor of clinical neurology at University College London, said the ability of the drug to tackle the underlying cause of Huntington's by lowering levels of a toxic protein was “ground-breaking”.
Tuesday, December 12th 2017 - 21:04 UTC
Universal health coverage is a fundamental human right

“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Wednesday, December 6th 2017 - 13:47 UTC
Brazil and US scientists discover molecule that has destroyed millions of citrus groves

Researchers have identified the molecule that attracts the insect that transmits citrus greening disease, a development expected to help farmers control a plague that has destroyed trees in growing regions of Brazil and the United States. The scientific breakthrough is the result of six years of research on Diaphorina citri, the vector of citrus greening disease.
Wednesday, November 29th 2017 - 06:15 UTC
One in ten medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified

An estimated one in ten medical products circulating in low- and middle-income countries is either substandard or falsified, according to new research from the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that people are taking medicines that fail to treat or prevent disease.
Saturday, November 25th 2017 - 23:39 UTC
Yellow fever cases re-emerge in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo

Between July and mid-October 2017, a total of 71 suspected yellow fever cases were reported in São Paulo State, Brazil. Of these, two were confirmed, six are under investigation, and 63 were ruled out.
Thursday, November 16th 2017 - 15:15 UTC
Falklands announces new Legislative Assembly and portfolios assigned

The new Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands has been announced, following the General Election which concluded on Thursday 9th November.
Wednesday, November 15th 2017 - 11:50 UTC
Did you have your pill? US approves first pill that can be digitally tracked through the body

US regulators have approved the first pill that can be digitally tracked through the body. The Abilify MyCite aripiprazole tablets - for treating schizophrenia and manic episodes - have an ingestible sensor embedded inside them that records that the medication has been taken, and a patch worn by the patient transmits this information to their smart phone.
Tuesday, November 14th 2017 - 18:25 UTC
High blood pressure redefined at 130/80, says American Heart Association

High blood pressure was redefined Monday by the American Heart Association, which said the disease should be treated sooner, when it reaches 130/80, not the previous limit of 140/90.
Friday, November 10th 2017 - 17:35 UTC
WHO, FAO and OIE call for responsible use of antibiotics in humans and animals

In the lead-up to World Antibiotic Awareness Week (13-19 November 2017), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) are together calling for responsible use of antibiotics in humans and animals to reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.