Protein lack

scientists may have found a new approach to muscular dystrophy, a fatal genetic disorder characterized by weakening of skeletal muscles. Not much is known about how the disease manifests itself. Recently, however, a team of French and German researchers found that a kind of muscular dystrophy is caused due to a lack of protein in the muscle cells.

Taking sting out of Chikungunya

Scientists begin work on vaccine in Port Blair scientists at the Regional Medical Research Centre (rmrc) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are all set to begin work on developing a vaccine against Chikungunya, a viral infection that killed over 80 people in India in 2006.

Cigarettes lower immunity

more bad news for smokers. The cancer stick undermines the body's immune system, leaving it more susceptible to bacterial infections, shows new research. It is already known that smokers are more prone to infections and inflammatory diseases due to the hundreds of toxic components in cigarettes. Now researchers have found that the nicotine in tobacco affects the functioning of neutrophils--a

Pesticides may cause Parkinson's diseases

Influenza on the move

East and Southeast Asia are probably the breeding grounds for influenza viruses. A study has shown that the virus spreads through densely-packed cities in the region before hitching a ride on human hosts to other parts of the world.

Acne drug to cure Japanese encephelitis

acne and Japanese encephelitis (je) cannot really be spoken of in the same bracket. But if the results of a new study by the National Brain Research Centre in Manesar are validated, patients infected with the deadly virus might get the same treatment as adolescents with acne blotches. A simple acne drug, minocycline, has been found to be effective in treating je.

Probiotics Not as safe as believed to be

it's believed that probiotics--dietary supplements containing microbes--benefit health. A recent study dispels the notion and says they may adversely affect patients suffering from acute infection in the pancreas, called pancreatitis. Probiotics strengthen the natural microflora--yeast and bacteria--in the body and the researchers hoped that this trait would help cure pancreatitis. But they were proved wrong.

Bytes

real flab: Researchers in the US have found that artificial sweeteners are more fattening than sugar as the consumption of the low-calorie substitutes makes it harder for people to control their intake, as well as body weight. They say sugar can actually be healthier than low-calorie sweeteners as it sends signals to the brain to go for a small intake of food.

Smokers age faster

with each puff of cigarette smoke, one may add on a few virtual years. Scientists have discovered that the smoke suppresses a gene that prevents premature aging. The gene, called sirutin or sirt 1, also plays an important role in stress resistance and metabolism, and hence these functions also suffer.

Thalassemia patients might need fewer blood transfusions

thalassemia patients who undergo expensive treatment to remove extra iron from their system may now take to homoeopathy. Scientists have found a homoeopathic remedy that is inexpensive and without side-effects. The remedy, they say, lessens the frequency of blood transfusions.