Category: Features
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo a global health emergency
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern”. The Ebola crisis has so far affected 2,500 people in the region since August […]
Australia develops world’s first AI-flu vaccine
A new influenza vaccine has been developed in South Australia by an artificial intelligence (AI) program, after a spate of confirmed cases in the country. The first accomplishment of its kind sees the flu drug being independently created by SAM […]
Philippines declares national dengue alert
A recent surge in dengue cases in several regions has prompted Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) to issue a national alert for the first time. About an 85% increase in nationwide cases were reported in the first six months of […]
China records high salt intakes for four decades in a row
Excess salt intake raises blood pressure and is a major cause for strokes and heart disease. This knowledge seems redundant, as the salt intake of the Chinese population has been consistently high for the past four decades, accounting for some […]
Seagulls in Australia carry dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Australian coasts teem with numerous seagulls –the birds could now be dangerous to human health. Research on silver gulls found more than 20% of the species nationwide carry bacteria that causes urinary tract/blood infections and sepsis, contracted from scavenging in […]
Heart fat efficiently reduced through weightlifting
Reducing fat around the heart is more likely through resistance training instead of aerobic exercise – researchers have observed that weight lifting reduced a type of heart fat linked to cardiovascular disease, and aerobic exercise (endurance training) likewise reduced another […]
Australia’s novel surgical technique promises new life for tetraplegics
Select, formerly paralysed young adults in Australia are now able to perform everyday tasks independently thanks to a combination of nerve and tendon transfer surgeries. A nerve transfer is known to restore natural movement and fine motor control to the […]
“Unsuitable” antidepressant drugs pose problem to older adults
Older adults are easily susceptible to major depressive disorder. Data points to some 15-20% of people aged 65 and above, who live independently, deal with serious symptoms, and those in nursing homes face depression rates of up to 50%. However, […]
US breakthrough research eliminates HIV from infected mice
The elimination of the HIV virus requires clearance and removal of infected DNA from cells and tissues but, current treatment can only suppress its replication. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is then required to stall the virus’ spread – usually a lifelong […]
Study finds treadmill exercise reduces menstrual pain
Painful periods are distressing for many women and are a deterrent to many activities as well – a study now suggests that the cramps/pains can be more manageable with weekly exercise on the treadmill. Leica Claydon-Mueller, from UK’s Anglia Ruskin […]
