Health & Science

Tuesday, March 11th 2014 - 18:25 UTC
World Salt Awareness Week: “read the label, choose less salt”

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is calling on consumers to “Stop, look, choose…the lower salt option” during this year’s World Salt Awareness Week, March 10–16.
Monday, March 10th 2014 - 05:57 UTC
Alejandro Zaffaroni, Uruguayan biochemist developer of the birth control pill, dies at 91

The following is an obituary published in The New York Times to honor a Uruguayan born scientist, graduated in Montevideo's Medicine School, who in his long career in the US is credited with having developed the birth control pill and the nicotine patches among other biotechnological advances.
Friday, March 7th 2014 - 03:08 UTC
UK health authorities warn travelers to Brazil World Cup about tropical diseases

UK's Public Health England (PHE) and National Travel Health Network and Center (NaTHNaC9 have produced a factsheet for football fans going to Brazil for the FIFA Football World Cup from 12 June to 13 July 2014 with information on how to stay healthy and keep safe.
Thursday, March 6th 2014 - 21:40 UTC
Jamaica pledges to decriminalize cannabis ('ganja') “later this year”

Jamaica's Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce (CCMRT) says it has been given an assurance that the country later this year will decriminalize marijuana as the island seeks to establish a medicinal marijuana industry.
Thursday, March 6th 2014 - 12:48 UTC
WHO public consultation on sugars intake to help combat obesity and dental caries

The World Health Organization (WHO) is launching a public consultation on its draft guideline on sugars intake. When finalized, the guideline will provide countries with recommendations on limiting the consumption of sugars to reduce public health problems like obesity and dental caries (commonly referred to as tooth decay).
Wednesday, March 5th 2014 - 04:43 UTC
Scientific debate on synthetic chemicals in packaging and plastic bottles effects on human heath

Concerns about the contamination of food and drink by synthetic chemicals in packaging and plastic bottles has again come to the fore with calls for greater monitoring of the long-term effect on human health.
Friday, February 21st 2014 - 07:56 UTC
South Georgia research vessels' season: three were active in January plus HMS Protector

Several research vessels coincided in South Georgia Island during the month of January plus HMS Protector involved in extensive surveying of South Sandwich Island for the UK Hydrographic Office, reports the latest edition of the South Georgia newsletter.
Friday, February 14th 2014 - 07:24 UTC
Live Antarctic Search and Rescue Exercise by IAATO in conjunction with Ushuaia

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and two IAATO Member Operators, Aurora Expeditions and Oceanwide Expeditions, took part in a live Search and Rescue Communications Exercise in collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Ushuaia, Argentina.
Thursday, February 6th 2014 - 04:48 UTC
An only rare atypical case of L-type mad cow located and destroyed in Germany

German health authorities have picked up a rare atypical case of BSE in an aged cow, as part of routine screening work. A single animal from a group of 80 was found to have atypical BSE (L-type) after laboratory testing. Seven cohorts were destroyed as part of the examination, all found to be negative for BSE, following an epidemiological investigation.
Wednesday, February 5th 2014 - 22:53 UTC
UK obesity costs NHS £5.1 billion per year but overall the figure is closer to £ 16bn

Obesity costs the United Kingdom National Health Service, NHS £5.1 billion per year, according to latest estimates. But National Audit Office (NAO) figures suggest obesity is not solely a burden on the NHS.