Fingerprinting for diagnosis
India, being the third country in the world to have developed its own DNA fingerprinting technology, is set to take a giant leap forward with the application of pre-natal diagnosis to detect myraid genetic disorders and improve understanding of genetic diseases.The centre for DNa fingerprinting and diagnostics, Hyderabad, would soon …
Ignorance leading to rise in breast cancer
About 500 to 600 new cases of breast cancer are referred every year to the Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital of All India Institute of Medical Sciences and 80 per cent are in an advanced stage as most patients are either unaware of the disease or have misconceptions about it which …
Pivotal bone linked to shape of human face
A study by Dr. Daniel Lieberman of Rutgers University suggests that the shape and dimensions of the modern human face depend to a large extent on the development of one small bone, known as the sphenoid, at the base of the skull.
A gene for genius?
Researchers led by Robert Plomin of London's Institute of Psychiatry found that smart DNA could explain how IQ is inherited.
Threats posed by pain killers
Did you know that the regular use of common pain killers like ibuprofen or aspirin-based drugs can damage the stomach lining and even cause bleeding in the stomach? Still, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), as the above are known, are being used by the public in an indiscriminate manner without having …
Ajvayan identified as heart-friendly
Ajvayan, the grandma's recipe for stomach disorders, has been identified as being heart-friendly as well. Having as much as 90 per cent fibre content, the consumption of this common kitchen item can lower the rick of heart attack by lowering the levels of blood cholesterol.
Biodiversity action plan 'inadequate'
Having obtained the approval of nearly $1 billion from the Global Environment Facility to finalise the bio-diversity action plan, it is time for the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to initiate an open, transparent and participatory process for a national biodiversity action plan and strategy, according to Mr. Ashish …
133 Nepalese die of diseases
Some 133 persons have died of seasonal contagious diseases since April in the far northwestern region of Nepal, a leading Nepali language daily reported on Friday.
Profit motive means disaster for health sector
VHAI : The unprecedented growth of health-destructive industries like liquor, tobacco, chemiclas and pesticides, and promotion of profit-driven privatised health care spell disaster for the health services sector in India, an 'Independent Commission on Health in India' set up by Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) has reported.
Eco-immunity
Evidence is accumulating that the immune system works like an ecosystem, in that its component cells compete with one another for survival. This could have important implications for the treatment of auto-immune diseases.
Keyboard injury test case won
Five former Midland Bank workers won a legal test case when a judge in London ruled that they suffered from "diffuse" repetitive strain injuries (RSI) as a result of overworking at keyboards and awarded them compensation totalling more than $83,500.
Setback for Pfizer after six die while on Viagra
The inexorable rise of Viagra, the world's first pill for countering impotence, faced its first setback when it emerged that six people had died while taking the drug. The US Food and Drug Administration said it was not clear whether the deaths were caused by the drug.
IMA favours opening up of health insurance
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for opening up of health insurance to private sector participation for allowing healthy conpetition and has suggested a separate medisave scheme on lines of that in Singapore to encourage individual respobsibility and participation in health care in a liberalised economy.
Fuel-saving booster awaits govt nod
A new mechanical booster device which can save about 30 per cent fuel in four-wheeled automobiles is yet to get the approval of the government for implementation, though patented in 1989 by an Indian technologist.
Vaccine stockpiling for civilians to be ordered
President Bill Clinton has decided to order the stockpiling of vaccines and antibiotics to treat huge numbers of civilians in the event of an attack against the United States with biological weapons, according to sources familiar with the plan.
Wisconsin clinics again performing abortions
Medical clinics in Wisconsin have resumed performing first trimester abortions after local law enforcement officials reassured them that physicians would not be prosecuted under a new state law that bans what opponents call"partial birth" abortions.
Waghela for speedy completion of Narmada dam
Fighting, what he describes as "whims of intelligentia", the former Chief Minsiter of Gujarat and president of All India Rashtriya Janata Party, " Mr. Shankarsinh Waghela, is determined to get drinking water for the people of his State. And this, he believes, can be achieved by completion of the Narmada …
Proposed ban on NGO blood camps likely to boomerang
The government intends to bring about a legislation soon to stop NGOs in the country from holding blood donation camps on their own. Their role, henceforth, will be limited to assisting in the Government held blood donation camps.
