Health & Science

Thursday, May 29th 2014 - 02:45 UTC
WHO calls on countries to raise taxes on tobacco to prevent addiction

On World No Tobacco Day (31 May), WHO calls on countries to raise taxes on tobacco to encourage users to stop and prevent other people from becoming addicted to tobacco. Based on 2012 data, WHO estimates that increasing tobacco taxes by 50%, all countries would reduce the number of smokers by 49 million within the next three years and ultimately save 11 million lives.
Wednesday, May 28th 2014 - 22:04 UTC
Antarctica ice sheet melting episodes have occurred over the last 14.000 years, say scientists

A new study has found that the Antarctic Ice Sheet began melting about 5,000 years earlier than previously thought coming out of the last ice age, and that shrinkage of the vast ice sheet accelerated during eight distinct episodes, causing rapid sea level rise.
Wednesday, May 28th 2014 - 21:11 UTC
Krill oil more advantageous than fish oil in reducing high blood triglycerides

A study from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet and the University of Bergen, Norway, published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that the omega-3s in Aker BioMarine’s Superba krill oil are advantageous for reducing high blood triglycerides compared to fish oil.
Wednesday, May 28th 2014 - 08:52 UTC
Caribbean Community moving closer to decriminalization of marihuana

The Jamaica government is being urged to enact legislation that would decriminalize marijuana as well as establish a medical marijuana industry. The Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce said Jamaica would significantly benefit from a regulates medical marihuana industry.
Wednesday, May 28th 2014 - 08:16 UTC
Falklands and Punta Arenas close medical professional relations

Relationships between medical professionals in Southern Chile and the Falkland Islands have been strengthened following a visit by the Islands’ radiographer to Punta Arenas.
Monday, May 26th 2014 - 13:23 UTC
Thousands march across the world to protest against Monsanto and GMO foods

Hundreds of thousands people have united across the world to voice concern over the spread of GMO foods and crops and to raise awareness over the biotech giant Monsanto’s growing grip on the global food supply chain.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:52 UTC
FAO challenge: insects to feed sustainably a world population of 9 billion

Insects can provide a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option for animal feed, in addition to already being a mainstay of human diets for 2 billion people worldwide, FAO Assistant Director-General Eduardo Rojas-Briales told an international gathering of researchers in The Netherlands.
Saturday, May 24th 2014 - 09:41 UTC
OIE world assembly begins on Sunday with representatives from 178 members

The 82nd General Session of the World Assembly of OIE (Animal Health Organization) Delegates will be held from 25 to 30 May 2014, bringing together representatives of 178 OIE Members and observers from international organizations that have signed an official agreement with the OIE, as well as other international and regional organizations and invited guests.
Wednesday, May 21st 2014 - 07:10 UTC
Mosquito-borne Chikunguna cases reported in Miami

The viral mosquito-borne disease, Chikunguna, has been confirmed in three counties of the state of Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health, the women who recently travelled to the Caribbean include a 29-year-old from Broward County.
Tuesday, May 20th 2014 - 08:48 UTC
Brazil World Cup host cities with an early warning system for dengue

A heightened risk of an outbreak of dengue fever during the upcoming soccer World Cup in Brazil has prompted a high alert in three out of 12 host cities. For the first time, scientists have developed an early warning system that predicts the risk of dengue fever infections throughout parts of Brazil.