Row over a dump site
CONSTRUCTION unions in Australia have vowed to go on a strike if a proposed waste dump for the obsolete Niddrie Quarry in Melbourne goes ahead. About a thousand locals attended a protest meeting in a
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Danger zone
the release of toxic emissions by chemical, paint and other polluting industries in the Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh is leading to serious genetic disor -ders among the people. P P
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Parking poison
Coal based plants spew mercury
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Rice bowls shall brim
A new and healthier version of rice promises to produce and provide more for Asia's teeming millions
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Real vision
Researchers delve into the mystery of how the hand percieves what the eye cannot
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A Doctor tension
In some people, blood pressure rises when they visit the doctor.How do they deal with it?
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Armageddon ahead
global warming could lead to more than floods and inclement weather. It could facilitate the spread of tropical illness like dengue fever, scientists have warned. Researchers at the John Hopkins
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MONEYMAKERS
sip in success: Dalmia Industries Ltd (DIL) has come up with a new cure for students having problems with remembering things. They have launched a memory drug Learnol, which is packaged both as a
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Striking home
A polymer based drug shows promise in cleaning cholesterol
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Doctors voice concern over drugs made from animal extracts
In a step that may result in far-reaching consequences, groups of doctors from around the world have voiced serious concern over prescription of drugs that are derived from animal extracts. In a conference held by Jain Doctors' Federation (JDF) last week, a large number of doctors vouched to minimize prescription of drugs that are derived from animal extracts, and instead use the best alternative allopathic medicine available. It was agreed upon by the doctors that there are a number of evidences where the human body suffers with side-effects like adverse allergic reactions as a result of popping those shiny, lubricated capsules or tonics, which do not serve any therapeutic purpose. Also, in extreme cases, they may lead to cancer. While some animal extracts are used to lubricate and colour capsules, the pancreatic juice from animals is used for smooth digestion in humans. "Animal extracts in medicines are known to have carcinogenic effect on the human body, not forgetting the cruelty done to the animals, especially when there is alternative medicine or ingredient available in allopathy,' said Dr Mangal Jain, associate professor of pharmacology in Grant Medical College, JJ hospital. A group of doctors is planning to approach the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tighten its rules and regulations, especially disclosure of information in public interest. "FDA should make it compulsory for all drug manufacturers to mention "made from animal extracts' in the list of ingredients on the cover of the medicine and prohibit use of any jargons. For example, "carminic acid' which is nothing but extract from insects. Carminic acid does not give any indication of any animal extracts being used,' added Dr Jain. The doctors are also trying to place
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Stringent measures
AN ACTION plan has been prepared for imposing controls on the European Union's (EU) food market. The European Commission (EC) has decided to set up a food and veterinary office (FVO) in Ireland.
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Each computer leaves a toxic trail
>> Computers, the hub of modern business and lifestyle, are considered to be the vanguard of clean technology that has freed us from the use of paper and unnecessary transportation. By default, the
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Purified, yet sullied?
with water-borne diseases on the rise, more and more people have been buying commercial domestic water purifier ( cdwp ) systems. However, a recent study indicates that these filters, instead
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Dangerous play
theEuropean Parliament has permanently banned the use of six phthalates used for making toys following health concerns. The unanimous decision was taken in Brussels, Belgium on July 5. The decision
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Neurons under study to tackle ailments better
defects in the growth process of neurons often underlie brain or nerve diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis. Scientists from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute for
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In vitro studies evaluating leaching of mercury from mine waste calcine using simulated human body fluids
In vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) studies were carried out on samples of mercury (Hg) mine-waste calcine (roasted Hg ore) by leaching with simulated human body fluids. The objective was to estimate potential human exposure to Hg due to inhalation of airborne calcine particulates and hand-to-mouth ingestion of Hg-bearing calcines.
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Sounds of silence
From battling cancer, to curing fractures in no time at all Ultrasound is coming of age
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Online
www.waterjournalism.orgHealthy initiative In 2004, five mainstream journalists and a producer from All India Radio teamed up with the Bangalore-based non-profit organisation, Communication for
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Mercury thermometers coldshouldered
With health consciousness showing an upward trend, disposable non mercury thermometers are catching on
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SOUTH AFRICA
Recycling of waste has become a major source of income as well as a tool to protect the environment in South Africa. Figures from the World Resource Foundation and Packaging Council of South Africa