Malachite green: a carcinoge

Malachite green, a mineral banned for human consumption, is a carcinogen. It is used extensively in India in the dyeing of cotton, wool, jute and leather, as well as an antiseptic. The Cancer Research Institute and the Tata Memorial Hospital of India have conducted experiments using malachite green that resulted in malignant transformation of Syrian hamster embryo cells. The chemical, also used surreptitiously in colouring sweets, poses a considerable risk to workers in printing and textile industries ( PTI Science Service , Vol 19, No 23).

Vaccine in a potato

An edible vaccine for hepatitis B is in the final stages of development. Once ready, it will work just as the existing vaccine that is injected and used widely around the world does. The current hepatitis B vaccine is based on an antigen (a protein) that stimulates the body to produce antibodies produced in yeast. Researchers have produced the same antigen in genetically modified potato that produces the vaccine in its flesh. For years scientists have known that a protein, known as HBsAg, can act as an antigen.

Remember to have breakfast

Don't forget to eat your breakfast or you may end up forgetting a whole lot more. A study from Canada shows that senior citizens fare better in memory tests when they eat breakfast. "Breaking the morning fast is important for cognitive functions," says Carol Greenwood, research scientist at the University of Toronto, Canada. The study reports that the general brain functions are not affected by the consumption of food. But the performance on some tests improves. According to Greenwood, effects of poor diet over long periods are cumulative.

Heart condition

research has shown that south Asians living in Canada have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems when compared to other ethnic races such as Chinese and Europeans. The cardiovascular problems taken into consideration included conditions such as angina, impairment of cardiac muscles, and prior cardiac surgery.

Losing count

sperm density among residents of the us and Europe is on the decline, says a recent analysis of 101 studies from 28 different countries, published between 1938 and 1996. But the analysis finds no decline in the sperm density in the 'non-western' countries. The analysts say that environmental problems may be one the reasons for the decline.

Sounds bad!

According to tests announced recently by Britain's Consumers' Association, using a hands-free earpiece with a mobile phone may channel more microwave radiation into your head than holding the phone up to your ear. Earlier tests have found that hands-free kits cut the amount of radiation. But tests on five types of cellphones and 10 different hands-free earpiece kits showed that they could transmit up to three and a half times as much radiation to users' heads as the cellphone alone. But the tests also found there might be a cheap and simple solution.

No blurry vision

One drink of beer a day can prevent cataracts. Scientists in Canada carried out tests on rat lenses and found that antioxidants, like those in beers, protected cells in the eye which, if damaged, lead to an increase in cataracts. They say that high glucose levels damage key elements of cells called the mitochondria. These are mini-organs that are responsible for converting glucose into the energy needed by cells to function properly. When the mitochondria found in the cells of the outer lens of eye are damaged in this way it can lead to the development of cataracts.

Ecstasy and agony

Evidence is mounting that regular use of the drug Ecstasy may cause long-term brain changes. A team from the University College London, UK, has completed research that suggests that former ecstasy users may suffer memory impairment -- even a year or more after giving up the drug. Researchers also say that the drug can have a negative effect on those who do not drink water as a precaution while taking it.

Growing killer

the first case of aids in India was reported in 1986. Today, there are more that 3.7 million patients -- equalling that of South Africa. Yet, the country has not formulated an integrated policy on aids treatment.

Thirsty for breath?