European drugs agency heavily criticised
A leading medical journal has accused Europe's medicines regulator of withholding vital information about new drugs. The journal also attacked the agency for placing commercial interests above those of the public and carrying out less than rigorous evaluations of drug applications. In an editorial, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) claimed …
Popping pill better than brushing teeth
A US pharmaceuticals firm has developed a pill that can help halt the progression of gum disease. The treatment uses a novel approach - instead of attacking the bacteria that cause the disease, the drug works by blocking an enzyme that destroys gum tissue. 'This is a whole new concept,' …
MCD's last chance on mosquito control
After finding that several people were ignoring the appeals of the civic authorites through various media to ensure control of dengue causing aedes egypti mosquitoes, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has now given citizens "a last opportunity" to take corrective measures.
Treating infections the Russians way
Russian scientists have devised a new technique to treat severe wound infections. The technique, developed by medical experts at the Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, involves carrying out surgery on pus-filled wounds within 12 to 36 hours of the injury.
"Save forests to avert water crisis"
Noted environmentalists Sunder Lal Bahuguna said today massive deforestation would lead to a crisis of drinking water and "next war will be fought for water". Justifying his protest against the construction of Tehri Dam, Mr Bahuguna said the environment was polluted due to unplanned deforestation and rampant use of chemicals …
Changes in norms for watershed development
The government is considering amendments in guidelines for watershed development, particularly to achieve goals of desert development and drought-prone area programmes. Proposals sent by several states for amending the guidelines are being examined by the ministry of rural areas and development and will be finalised soon, an official release said …
Diarrhoea claims 600 lives in Bangladesh
At least 600 people have died of diarrhoea as Bangladesh sent medical teams to remote villages to battle the disease which has afficted nearly 500,000 others, news reports and officials said.
Don't sweat it
Californian scientists have turned a potentially lethal bacterial poison into a new treatment for underarm perspiration. The therapy could help people who suffer from excessive sweating and spell the end of the modern antiperspirant. Dermatologist Richard Glogau, and colleagues from the University of California in San Francisco, based the treatment …
Australians push for green power
Australian scientists have been given the go-ahead to research a revolutionary new green and clean energy process. The researchers hope the system could end up powering cities and industry in the next century. A feasibility study has suggested that a hybrid solar-fossil fuel system has the potential to produce a …
Prostate cancer test
US scientists have developed a simple test to determine the severity of prostate cancer. The breakthrough could help doctors decide whether patients require aggressive radiation therapy or a gentler form of treatment. Michael Zelefsky and colleagues at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York studied 213 men with localised …
Gene mutation may produce more fat cells
Building on earlier discoveries in mice, scientists have discovered a new gene mutation in humans that appears to contribute to obesity by signalling the body to make more fat cells, or by otherwise boosting its fat-storage mechanisms. The research, described by an international team of researchers in New England Journal …
Mysterious illness around nuclear sites
A mysterious pattern of illness from immune systems gone haywire to brain malfunctions is emerging around the United States nulcear weapon plants and research facilities, a media report said. Scientists have been concerned for decades about radiation from nuclear production and its link to cancer.
Calcuttans face a new health hazard
Widespread growth of the parthenium plant in the region around Calcutta is causing respiratory and skin-related problems for the residents. The parthenium plant is an environmental hazard, which is growing indiscriminately in the Salt lake region of Calcutta, experts say.
Monograph on healthcare released
With the Primary Health Care system in India under tremendous strain, there is need for increasing community involvement and introducting effective management practices to optimally utilise its meagre resources, both human and material. This was said by the Director, Indian council for Medical Research, Mr N K Ganguly, at the …
Cerebral malaria hits western Orissa
After making newspaper headlines across the country for starvation deaths, now the tribal dominated districts iin Orissa are likely get front page coverage for cerebral malaria, if the diseases, spreading at an alarming rate, is not checked immediately.
High-potassium diet staves off stroke
Go Bananas and cut your stroke risk. Foods rich in potassium and related nutrients may help reduce the risk of stroke, especially in people with high blood pressure, according to a recent study. Bananas, tomatoes, spinach, oranges are good sources of potassium. The eight-year study of nearly 44,000 men in …
Health meet for Mizos
The 53rd General conference of the Young Mizo Association concluded on Thursday, with a call to protect the state from foreign infiltrators.The two-day conference at Korthah in Aizawl west district also discussed about AIDS and the probelm of drug abuse among youth.
Lilly to develop impotence drug
Eli Lilly and Co., maker of the best selling anti-depressant Prozac, said that it would form a joint venture to develop an impotence pill with Icos Corp., a company partly owned by Bill Gates, the chairman of Microsoft Corp.
Crackdown on old vehicles begins today
Phasing out of old commercial vehicles in Delhi begins on Friday with 20-year old automobiles being shown the door in a bid to clean up the fourth most polluted city in the world.
No scientific justification to suspend Hepatitis B immunization
On 1 October 1998, the French Ministry of Health announced a decision to suspend routine HB immunization of adolscents in French schools, while continuing the immunization of infants and high risk adults. This decision followed concerns, despite lack of scientific evidence establishing a casual relationship, that Hepatitis B immunization might …
