Scientists have developed what they say is the first 'dipstick' test which can instantly determine blood type of a patient or donor.
The inexpensive and portable test involves placing a drop of blood on a specially treated paper strip which then changes colours to determine the type of the blood.
Australian scientists, who reported their research in the American Chemical Society's journal Analytical Chemistry, said the new blood testing method could be a boon to health care in developing countries.
"The test also could be useful in veterinary medicine, for typing animals' blood in the field," they noted.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Japanese doctor uses iPad to assist surgery [Video].
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During a procedure at Kobe University's hospital, the unnamed doctor used the device to zoom in and out of medical images and video.
It's not clear whether they were pre-downloaded pics being displayed in the iPhotos app, or whether it'd been hacked to run custom software, but the pinch-to-zoom functionality is intact, despite the user wearing latex surgical gloves.
In fact, for sterilisation purposes, the entire gadget was wrapped in cling-film.
Scientists solve mystery of resistant flu virus.
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Scientists have worked out how the seasonal flu virus has become resistant to the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu and why these drug-resistant strains have spread explosively in the past two years.
The H1N1 seasonal flu virus first became resistant to Tamiflu more than 10 years ago because of a single genetic mutation. But these strains were unable to spread because the same mutation that conferred resistance to Tamiflu also made the virus less infectious.
However, the researchers have discovered further genetic mutations that overcame this drawback to the drug-resistant strain. These mutations allowed the virus to spread explosively after the 2007-08 flu season so that by the following year, Tamiflu was next to useless against virtually all seasonal H1N1 flu viruses – although still effective against other flu viruses .
The H1N1 seasonal flu virus first became resistant to Tamiflu more than 10 years ago because of a single genetic mutation. But these strains were unable to spread because the same mutation that conferred resistance to Tamiflu also made the virus less infectious.
However, the researchers have discovered further genetic mutations that overcame this drawback to the drug-resistant strain. These mutations allowed the virus to spread explosively after the 2007-08 flu season so that by the following year, Tamiflu was next to useless against virtually all seasonal H1N1 flu viruses – although still effective against other flu viruses .
Chilli peppers can help you shed weight .
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Capsaicin, the stuff that gives chilli peppers their kick, may cause weight loss and fight fat build-up by triggering certain beneficial protein changes in the body, says a new study.
The study could potentially open up new treatments for obesity.
Mr Jong Won Yun, biotechnologist from Daegu University, Korea, and colleagues point out that obesity is a major public health threat worldwide, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems.
Lab studies have hinted that capsaicin may help fight obesity by decreasing calorie intake, shrinking fat tissue and lowering fat levels in the blood. Nobody, however, knows exactly how capsaicin might trigger such beneficial effects.
The study could potentially open up new treatments for obesity.
Mr Jong Won Yun, biotechnologist from Daegu University, Korea, and colleagues point out that obesity is a major public health threat worldwide, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems.
Lab studies have hinted that capsaicin may help fight obesity by decreasing calorie intake, shrinking fat tissue and lowering fat levels in the blood. Nobody, however, knows exactly how capsaicin might trigger such beneficial effects.
Why teenagers can't concentrate: too much grey matter.
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UK research into teenagers' brains shows their mental processes are like those of younger children.
New research has found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previously thought. Adolescents may look like young adults but their brain structure resembles that of much younger children, according to the study to be published in the Journal of Neuroscience on Wednesday.
"It is not always easy for adolescents to pay attention in class without letting their minds wander, or to ignore distractions from their younger sibling when trying to solve a maths problem," said Dr Iroise Dumontheil of University College London's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, one of the authors of the research. "But it's not the fault of teenagers that they can't concentrate and are easily distracted. It's to do with the structure of their brains. Adolescents simply don't have the same mental capacities as an adult."
Using MRI scans, the brain activity of adolescents were monitored as they tried to solve a problem in their heads while ignoring environmental distractions.
New research has found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previously thought. Adolescents may look like young adults but their brain structure resembles that of much younger children, according to the study to be published in the Journal of Neuroscience on Wednesday.
"It is not always easy for adolescents to pay attention in class without letting their minds wander, or to ignore distractions from their younger sibling when trying to solve a maths problem," said Dr Iroise Dumontheil of University College London's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, one of the authors of the research. "But it's not the fault of teenagers that they can't concentrate and are easily distracted. It's to do with the structure of their brains. Adolescents simply don't have the same mental capacities as an adult."
Using MRI scans, the brain activity of adolescents were monitored as they tried to solve a problem in their heads while ignoring environmental distractions.
Near-death experiences 'explained': Scientists believe it's the last gasp of a dying brain.
A study of the brains of critically ill men and women revealed a brief burst of activity moments before death.
Researcher Lakhmir Chawla, an intensive care doctor, said: 'We think that near-death experiences could be caused by a surge of electrical energy as the brain runs out of oxygen.
As blood flow slows down and oxygen levels fall, the brain cells fire one last electrical impulse.
'It starts in one part of the brain and spreads in a cascade and this may give people vivid mental sensations.'
Dr Chawla, of the George Washington University medical centre in Washington DC, monitored the brain activity of seven terminally-ill people to ensure the painkillers they were being given were working.
In each case, the gradual tailing off of brain activity in the hour or so before death was interrupted by a brief spurt of action, lasting from 30 seconds to three minutes.
Researcher Lakhmir Chawla, an intensive care doctor, said: 'We think that near-death experiences could be caused by a surge of electrical energy as the brain runs out of oxygen.
As blood flow slows down and oxygen levels fall, the brain cells fire one last electrical impulse.
'It starts in one part of the brain and spreads in a cascade and this may give people vivid mental sensations.'
Dr Chawla, of the George Washington University medical centre in Washington DC, monitored the brain activity of seven terminally-ill people to ensure the painkillers they were being given were working.
In each case, the gradual tailing off of brain activity in the hour or so before death was interrupted by a brief spurt of action, lasting from 30 seconds to three minutes.
Acupuncture does work as it stimulates a natural pain killer, scientists find.
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Acupuncture works by stimulating a natural painkiller in the body that swells arteries and allows more blood to flow through, scientists have discovered.
Scientists were able to triple the beneficial effects of simply sticking needles in mice by adding a leukaemia medication that increased their amounts of the molecule.
Dr Maiken Nedergaard, a neuroscientist at the University of Rochester, New York, said: "Acupuncture has been a mainstay of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for 4,000 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained sceptical.
Scientists were able to triple the beneficial effects of simply sticking needles in mice by adding a leukaemia medication that increased their amounts of the molecule.
Dr Maiken Nedergaard, a neuroscientist at the University of Rochester, New York, said: "Acupuncture has been a mainstay of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for 4,000 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained sceptical.
Bottled water contains more bacteria than tap water.
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Bottled water contains more bacteria than tapwater, with some brands found to harbour levels 100 times above permitted limits, according to new research.
A team of scientists found that 70 per cent of popular bottled water brands available in shops had high levels of bacteria.
The researchers from Ccrest Laboratories in Canada found that tap water had less bacteria than bottled water.
Microbiologist Dr Sonish Azam, of Ccrest Laboratories, said bottled water did not live up to its claims or purity.
She said: "Heterotrophic bacteria counts in some of the bottles were found to be in revolting figures of one hundred times more than the permitted limit."
A team of scientists found that 70 per cent of popular bottled water brands available in shops had high levels of bacteria.
The researchers from Ccrest Laboratories in Canada found that tap water had less bacteria than bottled water.
Microbiologist Dr Sonish Azam, of Ccrest Laboratories, said bottled water did not live up to its claims or purity.
She said: "Heterotrophic bacteria counts in some of the bottles were found to be in revolting figures of one hundred times more than the permitted limit."
Violent video games touted as learning tool.
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Playing a video game - and you may be improving your vision and other brain functions, according to research presented Thursday at a New York University conference on games as a learning tool.
"People that play these fast-paced games have better vision, better attention and better cognition," said Daphne Bavelier, an assistant professor in the department of brain and cognitive science at the University of Rochester.
Bavelier was a presenter at Games for Learning, a daylong symposium on the educational uses of video games and computer games.
The event, the first of its kind, was an indication that electronic games are gaining legitimacy in the classroom.
Panelists discussed how people learn and how games can be engineered to be even more educational.
"People do learn from games," said J. Dexter Fletcher of the Institute for Defense Analyses.
"People that play these fast-paced games have better vision, better attention and better cognition," said Daphne Bavelier, an assistant professor in the department of brain and cognitive science at the University of Rochester.
Bavelier was a presenter at Games for Learning, a daylong symposium on the educational uses of video games and computer games.
The event, the first of its kind, was an indication that electronic games are gaining legitimacy in the classroom.
Panelists discussed how people learn and how games can be engineered to be even more educational.
"People do learn from games," said J. Dexter Fletcher of the Institute for Defense Analyses.
Brush your teeth twice daily 'to avoid heart disease'
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Here's another reason to brush your teeth at least twice everyday — poor dental hygiene can significantly raise your risk of developing heart disease, say researchers.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that those who don't brush their teeth regularly are 70 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who'reconscientious about cleaning their teeth morning and night.
"Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of (heart) disease," Professor Richard Watt of University College London, who led the study, said.
The study looked at data on more than 11,000 adults. All the subjects were asked about their lifestyle behaviours, including how often they brushed their teeth. Nurses also took information on medical history and family history of heart disease as well as blood pressure levels and blood samples.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that those who don't brush their teeth regularly are 70 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who'reconscientious about cleaning their teeth morning and night.
"Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of (heart) disease," Professor Richard Watt of University College London, who led the study, said.
The study looked at data on more than 11,000 adults. All the subjects were asked about their lifestyle behaviours, including how often they brushed their teeth. Nurses also took information on medical history and family history of heart disease as well as blood pressure levels and blood samples.
Toddler smokes 40 cigarettes a day!
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Rizal, who lives in a fishing village Musi Banyuasin in Indonesia, smokes at least 40 cigarettes in a day. He got addicted to smoking after his father gave him a cigarette when he was just 18 months, a report in thesun.co.uk, said.
Rizal, who weighs more than 25 kilograms, finds it almost impossible to run with other kids.
"He's totally addicted. If he doesn't get cigarettes, he gets angry and screams and batters his head against the wall. He tells me he feels dizzy and sick," his mother Daina, said.
Skip breakfast 'before workout' to be fit.
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Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day but a new study says that skipping it before exercise can make you fitter and stronger.
Many athletes believe that they should have a high- carbohydrate meal to provide energy for a morning’s training. But the latest study appears to show the opposite is true.
Researchers in New Zealand have found that by not eating, the body is put under stress quicker — and the longer it can endure the stress the more beneficial the exercise, the 'Daily Express' reported.
For the study, the researchers conducted two tests in which two groups of cyclists were sent on 75-minute early morning bike rides for four weeks. One group had a high-carbohydrate breakfast, while the other did without. The riders who set out on an empty stomach performed the better, the findings revealed.
Many athletes believe that they should have a high- carbohydrate meal to provide energy for a morning’s training. But the latest study appears to show the opposite is true.
Researchers in New Zealand have found that by not eating, the body is put under stress quicker — and the longer it can endure the stress the more beneficial the exercise, the 'Daily Express' reported.
For the study, the researchers conducted two tests in which two groups of cyclists were sent on 75-minute early morning bike rides for four weeks. One group had a high-carbohydrate breakfast, while the other did without. The riders who set out on an empty stomach performed the better, the findings revealed.
Ninth worker death at Taiwan iPhone firm Foxconn.
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What's behind those flashy lights ?? iPhone touted the most desired gadget around the world doesn't have good and friendly atmosphere to work ? What does the increase in number of suicide say?
A ninth employee has jumped to his death at Taiwanese iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, China's state media reports.
Xinhua said 21-year-old Nan Gang leapt from a four-storey factory in the early hours, soon after finishing work.
Shortly after, it emerged that the death of a worker at a Foxconn plant in Hebei province earlier this year was also a suicide.
A ninth employee has jumped to his death at Taiwanese iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, China's state media reports.
Xinhua said 21-year-old Nan Gang leapt from a four-storey factory in the early hours, soon after finishing work.
Shortly after, it emerged that the death of a worker at a Foxconn plant in Hebei province earlier this year was also a suicide.
Eat your way to a better tan.
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Fruits such as cantaloupe melon and apricots, and vegetables like peppers, carrots and spinach all enhance skin tone and make people look more attractive, academics have found.
Switching to a healthier diet can have visible effect on the complexion in as little as a month, they discovered.
The findings, which have yet to be officially published, could be used as part of a more positive campaign to convince people to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Switching to a healthier diet can have visible effect on the complexion in as little as a month, they discovered.
The findings, which have yet to be officially published, could be used as part of a more positive campaign to convince people to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Beetroot boosts stamina, scientists find
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Beetroot juice boosts stamina by making muscles more fuel-efficient, scientists have found.
Last year the same researchers reported that the red vegetable juice can increase physical endurance.
The study focused on men aged 19 to 38 cycling on exercise bikes. Drinking half a litre of beetroot juice a day for a week enabled them to cycle 16 per cent longer before getting tired out.
Last year the same researchers reported that the red vegetable juice can increase physical endurance.
The study focused on men aged 19 to 38 cycling on exercise bikes. Drinking half a litre of beetroot juice a day for a week enabled them to cycle 16 per cent longer before getting tired out.
Happiness begins at 50: scientists
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London: For many, the age of 50 may be the beginning of the end, but a group of scientists claim the good life begins only when people reach their fifties.
Despite increased risk of death and disease, it seemed that people in their fifties worry less, ignore the negatives and accentuate the positives, according to scientists at Stony Brook University, New York.
The researchers said that when people reach the landmark age, their stress, anger and worry fade gradually and feelings of happiness start to surge, the Telegraph reported.
Despite increased risk of death and disease, it seemed that people in their fifties worry less, ignore the negatives and accentuate the positives, according to scientists at Stony Brook University, New York.
The researchers said that when people reach the landmark age, their stress, anger and worry fade gradually and feelings of happiness start to surge, the Telegraph reported.
Mobile phones do not raise risk of brain tumours, say scientists
Biggest study ever into link between handset use and cancer finds no evidence they are connected, reports Steve Connor.
The largest and most detailed study yet into the health risks posed by mobile phones has failed to find a link between cellphones and brain cancer, although scientists said that they still cannot give categorical assurances that there are no risks attached to using the devices over long periods of time.
More than 10,000 people from 13 countries took part in the study, which compared mobile phone use among people with brain tumours with healthy "controls". It was the biggest such study by far, yet the researchers found no increase in the risk of getting either of two types of brain tumour – and even detected a slightly lower cancer risk among mobile phone users.
The largest and most detailed study yet into the health risks posed by mobile phones has failed to find a link between cellphones and brain cancer, although scientists said that they still cannot give categorical assurances that there are no risks attached to using the devices over long periods of time.
More than 10,000 people from 13 countries took part in the study, which compared mobile phone use among people with brain tumours with healthy "controls". It was the biggest such study by far, yet the researchers found no increase in the risk of getting either of two types of brain tumour – and even detected a slightly lower cancer risk among mobile phone users.
Toddlers who lie 'will do better', says study.
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Toddlers who tell lies early on are more likely to do well later, researchers claim.
The complex brain processes involved in formulating a lie are an indicator of a child's early intelligence, they add.
A Canadian study of 1,200 children aged two to 17 suggests those who are able to lie have reached an important developmental stage.
Only a fifth of two-year-olds tested in the study were able to lie.
The complex brain processes involved in formulating a lie are an indicator of a child's early intelligence, they add.
A Canadian study of 1,200 children aged two to 17 suggests those who are able to lie have reached an important developmental stage.
Only a fifth of two-year-olds tested in the study were able to lie.
Aamir khans advice to fans on diet.
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The 44-year-old actor, who flaunted a six-pack body in the 2008 movie 'Ghajini' but again gained weight for his college-kid role in '3 Idiots', has embarked on a diet and excercise plan and has invited his fans to join him.
"Visited my dietician today. I really need to get back into shape. So Monday onwards back to my diet and workout.
Hey why don't those of you who want to, join me in this. Every day we post a report of whether we were able to stick to the diet, and whether we hit the gym. How does that sound?" the actor wrote on his Facebook page.
"Visited my dietician today. I really need to get back into shape. So Monday onwards back to my diet and workout.
Hey why don't those of you who want to, join me in this. Every day we post a report of whether we were able to stick to the diet, and whether we hit the gym. How does that sound?" the actor wrote on his Facebook page.
Dieters 'underestimate how many calories they are eating'
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Article appeared on telegraph.co.uk
Most dieters vastly underestimate how many calories they are eating, according to a survey of GPs.
Data from 10,000 slimmers and 200 doctors found 87 per cent of GPs believe dieters are in the dark about how much they actually eat.
Meanwhile, more than nine out of 10 people (92 per cent) see their dieting attempts end in failure, with 18% ending up weighing more than when they started.
Only around one in three (32 per cent people take up more exercise when they are trying to lose weight, while only 23 per cent check food labels before buying.
Most (91 per cent) never weigh out food or control their portion size.
Overall, 90 per cent of GPs said people needed to change their eating habits to lose weight and that losing excess pounds can be as difficult as quitting smoking.
Most dieters vastly underestimate how many calories they are eating, according to a survey of GPs.
Data from 10,000 slimmers and 200 doctors found 87 per cent of GPs believe dieters are in the dark about how much they actually eat.
Meanwhile, more than nine out of 10 people (92 per cent) see their dieting attempts end in failure, with 18% ending up weighing more than when they started.
Only around one in three (32 per cent people take up more exercise when they are trying to lose weight, while only 23 per cent check food labels before buying.
Most (91 per cent) never weigh out food or control their portion size.
Overall, 90 per cent of GPs said people needed to change their eating habits to lose weight and that losing excess pounds can be as difficult as quitting smoking.
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