Fly growth mimics cancer cells.

A study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows how the extreme growth experienced by fruit flies in their earliest stage of life shares biochemical similarities with the growth of cancer cells. Scientists who study a molecule known to play a role in certain types of cancers and neurodegenerative disorders have a powerful new tool to study this compound due to research conducted at Indiana University,they found that the same molecule implicated in human cancers is also produced by fruit flies during their larval stage. This discovery is important because it provides the first animal model to understand how these molecules function in healthy cells, if they can understand the function of this molecule in normal cells, then can better understand how it causes human disease and subsequently proffer a solution. The study is the first to find that fruit flies produce L-2-hydroxyglutarate, or L-2HG, a molecule commonly regarded as an "oncometabolite," which can promote tumor formation and growth.

Potential biological control agents found for fungal diseases of soybean.

A new research carried out in the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) suggests we take a closer look at viruses because viruses are everywhere. They affect all forms of life, from complex mammals down to the mere fungus. We may not give much thought to fungal viruses, or mycoviruses. It turns out there are good reasons to care about mycoviruses. Fungal diseases account for approximately 10 percent yield losses annually in corn and soybean. When certain mycoviruses infect those fungi, they can become less virulent -- good news for crop yields. These forms were the targets of a recent investigation by Domier and his colleagues,the research team. The team extracted genetic material, DNA and RNA, from five major types of plant-pathogenic fungi and used computers to search for genetic sequences that resembled those of known viruses. "We found a lot of sequences that were very similar to previously described fungal viruses, but also found some encapsidated forms that were similar to plant viruses. Those were the ones they were most interested in, because they reduce fungal virulence and can be transmitted outside the fungus. This key combination may make it possible for these viruses to be used as biological control agents. "Some mycoviruses have been shown in laboratory or greenhouse studies to be very effective biocontrol agents," Domier says. One day, the encapsidated forms they discovered may be sprinkled on a field to kill pathogenic fungi and improve soybean yield. This study was published in the Journal of Virology.

The new fertility tracker band.

The wristband tells you when you are pregnant, the fertility tracker collects millions of data points while you sleep. 

The high-tech wristband has been launched in the UK that promises to help women get pregnant, by highlighting the time in the month when they are most likely to conceive. The Ava BRACELET contains sensors that monitor nine physiological parameters — including pulse rate, breathing rate, sleep quality, heart rate variability and temperature. 

 All of these parameters are affected by a rise in the reproductive hormones estradiol and progesterone, which are produced when a woman is fertile. The bracelet is designed to be worn at night. It collects more than three million data points while you sleep, and then syncs with an app on your smartphone in the morning. In this way, it claims to be able to detect an average of more than five fertile days per CYCLE in real time, while avoiding the hassles, mess and invasiveness of other fertility tracking methods like ovulation strips and BBT thermometers.

 The Ava bracelet, developed by Swiss medical technology company Ava, is already available in the US, where it is registered as a Class 1 medical device. In a clinical study at the University Hospital of Zurich, it was proven to detect an average of 5.3 fertile days per CYCLE with 89% accuracy. A second clinical study is currently underway, with results expected later this year. continue

Insecticides mimic melatonin, creating higher risk for diabetes.

A study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, shows that synthetic chemicals commonly found in insecticides and garden products bind to the receptors that govern our biological clocks. The research suggests that exposure to these insecticides adversely affects melatonin receptor signaling, creating a higher risk for metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The research combined a big data approach, using computer modeling on millions of chemicals, with standard wet-laboratory experiments. Disruptions in human circadian rhythms are known to put people at higher risk for diabetes and other metabolic diseases but the mechanism involved is not well-understood. This study demonstrates how environmental chemicals found in household products interact with human melatonin receptors, research focused on two chemicals, carbaryl, the third most widely used insecticide in the U.S. but which is illegal in several countries, and carbofuran, the most toxic carbamate insecticide, which has been banned for applications on food crops for human consumption . It is still used in many countries, and traces persist in food, plants and wildlife.

Pig gene advance could boost sperm stocks from prized animals.

Pig gene advance could boost sperm stocks from prized animals.Gene-editing techniques could help to improve stocks of farmed pigs by boosting supplies of sperm from prized sires. The study is published in the journal Scientific. Scientists have created male pigs that could be used as surrogates capable of producing sperm that contains the genetic blueprint of sought-after pigs. Researchers say the breakthrough will allow farmers to preserve sperm from prized animals in perpetuity. The surrogates have functional testes but do not have specialized stem cells that are required to produce sperm containing their own genetic information, the researchers say. Stem cells from male pigs with desirable characteristics such as greater resilience to disease could be transplanted into the surrogates to produce limitless supplies of their valuable sperm.

CDC quietly cancels long-planned climate summit.

CDC quietly cancels long-planned climate summit.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly and abruptly canceled a major climate change summit scheduled for next month shortly after Donald Trump was elected president, according to emails sent to those scheduled to speak and obtained by E&E News. The Climate and Health Summit was scheduled to be held in Atlanta, where the CDC is headquartered, in February. Agency leaders did not directly address why the summit was canceled and instead forwarded an email sent to participants indicating it may be rescheduled. Trump has made no secret of his opposition to climate change policy. He has called climate change a "hoax," and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said the president believes warming is "a bunch of bunk." One of the Trump administration's first moves yesterday was to replace the Obama administration whitehouse.gov site with issue platforms — the first of which vows to dismantle "harmful and unnecessary" climate change policies. continue

French company Ynsect keen to replace fish and pet foods with crushed insects.

French company Ynsect keen to replace fish and pet foods with crushed insects.The current systems in place for feeding fish, pigs and poultry are not sustainable and crushed insects will be a far better alternative, according a French entrepreneur. Insect breeding specialist Ynsect has raised $50 million ($US37 million) in the last three years from private investors which it used to build and scale up its fully robotic demonstration plant in France. At the same time, the European Union's regulation of animal feed has also changed, and from July 1, 2017, feeding farmed fish insect meal will be permitted. The company hopes to expand further and supply feed to poultry, pigs and pets. "The world's population is growing, people are eating more and more fish and meat, and that means we need to produce more feed for those livestock. "Those animals eat insects as part of their natural diet, and today the commercial diets don't include them." "We are producing insect feed to provide a more natural diet." Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) are raised from eggs to larvae, and from there they are processed into a protein meal. By-products, like oil, are also used to produce animal feed. more

Cannabis medicines for pets developed by Aussie firm.

Cannabis medicines for pets developed by Aussie firm. An Australian pharmaceutical developer has received the European Union's first ever health registration to commercialise medical cannabis for pets. ASX-listed Creso Pharma is now registered with the EU and is in the process of applying for a global import and export license as it aims to sell two cannabidiol-based pet products by April. The products, which are essentially food additives for horses and dogs, are designed to help target behavioural disorders including anxiety and noise phobias as well as chronic pain, arthritis and diabetes. Shares in Creso Pharma, which has been developing cannabis- and hemp-derived supplements for both humans and animals, gained 2.5 cents, or 11.9 per cent, to 23.5 cents. Chief executive and co-founder Miri Halperin Wernli said the registration marked a huge milestone for cannabis-based therapies, with the market currently lacking a lot of therapeutic alternatives for vets and pet owners. Many of the ones available are human-based medicines that have been poorly adapted for animals, the unique CBD-based nutraceutical products are developed specifically for companion animals and are an alternative therapeutic options to a number of common medical conditions among pets that often remain poorly treated. source

Rice bran cereals could get antioxidant boost from Assam tea fortification

Rice bran cereals could get antioxidant boost from Assam tea fortification: Rice bran cereals can be fortified with Assam tea extract (ATE) to boost its antioxidant properties without sacrificing taste and texture, states a new study.

Does caffeine keep you younger for longer? Stanford study thinks so

Does caffeine keep you younger for longer? Stanford study thinks so: The anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine may be why coffee drinkers live longer, says a Nature study, in which its research team provide proof for the compound’s role in heart health.

Icelandic farmers launch lamb promotion

Icelandic farmers launch lamb promotion: Iceland’s lamb farmers are promoting the unique nature of their meat products, in a bid to cope with falling local meat prices caused by overproduction and declining exports.

CCTV in French abattoirs ‘won’t halt malpractice’

CCTV in French abattoirs ‘won’t halt malpractice’: Putting video cameras in France’s 960 slaughterhouses will not stop malpractice, industry groups have argued, following a proposed law mandating video surveillance in slaughterhouses.

Several states legally require hand sanitation stations at animal contact exhibits.

Several states legally require hand sanitation stations at animal contact exhibits.Seven states have implemented statutes or regulations that require animal contact exhibits such as petting zoos and agricultural fairs to provide hand sanitation stations as a preventive measure against zoonotic infections, according to CDC researchers. “Proper handwashing is an effective way to prevent transmission of disease to persons at animal exhibits; however, outbreaks at animal contact exhibits continue to occur, in part because of a lack of handwashing stations,” Aila Hoss, JD, of CDC’s Public Health Law Program, and colleagues wrote in a recent MMWR. continue

Large assessment of Ebola survivors in Guinea paints post-disease picture.

Ebola survivors deal with a litany of post-disease symptoms that include pain, depression and ocular disorders, according to a multidisciplinary analysis of initial data from a large group of survivors in Guinea, the epicenter of the recent West African outbreak. The ongoing Postebogui cohort study, conducted by an international group of researchers, includes more than 800 survivors of the largest Ebola outbreak in history, including 100 children. According to the researchers, survivors who experienced a symptom during the acute phase of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were at an increased risk for presenting with the same symptom when they were enrolled in the study, suggesting the symptoms were either persistent or recurring.continue

U.S helps build Ugandan capacity to combat wildlife crime.

U.S helps build Ugandan capacity to combat wildlife crime.The U.S. Government is helping to build the capacity of Ugandan authorities to protect the country’s natural heritage and to combat illicit trafficking that threatens both Uganda’s abundant wildlife and security. The donation of 10 wildlife crime scene investigation (WCSI) kits by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will assist several Ugandan agencies in their mission to combat wildlife-related crimes throughout the country. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Uganda Police Force (UPF), and the Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN) were among the beneficiaries on this donation, and also received training in forensic investigation techniques. Law enforcement and forensic science experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior (the lead U.S. agency for public land management) – trained 17 investigators from UWA, UPF and NRCN during a recent week-long workshop near Murchison Falls National Park. With support from the Uganda Conservation Foundation, these experts helped participants develop the skills to conduct wildlife crime scene investigations, including collecting evidence and preserving the chain of custody. The workshop also fostered cooperation and information exchanges among the participants from UWA, UPF, and NRCN, which will help to advance future investigations. read

Cats with 9lives.

Cats with 9lives, thinking of getting a cat? cat lover or curious about cats? watch this clip,learn,laugh and launch out.

FDA Bans Powdered Medical Gloves.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is completely banning the use of all powdered gloves in exam and operating rooms, banned are powdered surgeon’s gloves, powdered patient exam gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating surgical gloves. Powdered gloves are medical gloves that contain cornstarch to lubricate the gloves and make them easier to put on your hands. The FDA says the cornstarch can be extremely dangerous for the well-being not only of patients but also the wearer and other bystanders. Possible dangers include:1) Severe airway inflammation from inhaling the powder. 2) Wound inflammation from contact with the powder. 3)Post-surgical adhesion's from contact with the powder. 4)respiratory allergic reactions from breathing powder that carries proteins from natural latex gloves. Cornstarch powder was introduced to medical gloves in 1947 after the previously used talcum powder was recognized to cause postoperative adhesions and granuloma formation, according to the FDA. The modified cornstarch powder still came with its own share of problems.

Red alert!!! Vampire Bats Found Feeding on Human Blood.

Vampire Bats Found Feeding on Human Blood,and its not a movie clip.DNA samples from the dung of hairy-legged vampire bats, which survive by drinking bird blood, were recently discovered to have traces of human blood. The urban legend of the vampire that haunts our nightmares might not be just a legend after all. Vampire bats have evolved to subsist entirely on blood, and now for the first known time one type of vampire bat has started feeding on humans. The hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata) has always been known to survive on the blood of various birds. A new study published in the journal Acta Chiropterologica found that this species of vampire bat is now feeding on human blood as well. Two other species of vampire bat—the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) and the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi)—are known to jump from one source of blood to another, but never human blood. All three species of vampire bats can be found across the Americas, ranging from Mexico to Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. They feed by puncturing the skin of their prey with sharp incisors and drinking the blood that flows from the wound. Deforestation has been wreaking havoc on the Caatinga dry forests of northeastern Brazil, displacing the vampire bat population. Brazilians have also been hunting the tinamou and guan birds, which are the prey of vampire bats. With food sources running dry, investigators from the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil decided to find out what these vampire bats were surviving on instead. Predictably, DNA analysis of fecal samples from 15 bats showed that most of the samples contained chicken blood. But 3 the 15 samples contained traces of human blood. Enrico Bernard, the lead researcher on the study, was surprised at this discovery, saying, “This species isn’t adapted to feed on the blood of mammals.” Vampire bats are adapted to process fat, which is a primary component of bird blood, compared with the thicker, high-protein blood of mammals. This new-found evidence is a cause of concern to investigators, worried about the spread of viruses from the bats to their human prey. A similar phenomenon occurred in northeast Brazil in 2015,when deforestation led another type of vampire bat to bite and infect more than 1,000 people with rabies, causing at least 23 deaths. Investigators are worried about what this discovery might mean for Brazilians and their well-being because the hairy-legged vampire bat has been known to carry the deadly hantavirus. The hantavirus can cause a respiratory disease in humans that can be fatal. The investigators believe these vampire bats are entering people’s bedrooms through holes in roofs or windows while they’re sleeping. To learn more, the research team is following up by visiting homes of local residents to find out how often they are being bitten, when they are being bitten, and how they are being bitten. source

Animals with Superpowers.

Animals are the bomb, while some are friendly others are no go-no see or touch creatures but the beauty of it all is that they are important in the circle of life. A lot of innovative products have stemmed from animals that are beneficial to man such as the geko bra,the genius of the wall geko. see Animals have certain adaptive properties that make them unique and stand out in their environment,making magic out of their survival. 1) Photophores ; are light-producing organs that create bioluminescence in various invertebrates and fish living in the deep sea, such as the smalltooth dragonfish and splitfin flashlight fish. In the smalltooth dragonfish (shown below), three photophores are located underneath its eyes and they produce red light, orange light, and blue light. The red light is used both to see prey that can’t see them and to carry out conversations with other fish they’re attempting to court. The blue light is used as a sort of flashlight that helps the fish see in the deep dark. 2) Heat Sensors; Pit vipers and other snakes have heat-sensing protein channels located in tiny holes on their faces that help them “see” in the dark. These “pit organs” contain a membrane that can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies, making it much easier to detect and sense prey in the pitch dark. Scientists say they can detect prey up to 3 feet away. 3) Ampullae of Lorenzini This mouthful is the reason why sharks are such great predators. Ampullae of Lorenzini are electroreceptors that are found in sharks, rays, and chimaeras. They are visible as dark spots in the skin. These organs form a network of jelly-filled pores that provide fish with the ability to detect electric and magnetic fields as well as temperature gradients. This helps sharks and other fish that have these organs find their prey more easily in dark, murky waters. continue

Study Maps Genes Causing Fear and Aggression in Dogs .

Scientists believe they may have found a genetic trigger for aggression in dogs. The new findings could have applications for both animals and humans. It is common to see dogs with anxiety or aggression issues in veterinary practice. These traits can severely impact quality of life for both the canine and their human owners by influencing the dog’s health and social interactions. In an attempt to better understand these traits, researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital worked to identify genetic components, separate from physiology and neuroanatomy, that lead to the development of such traits. In the study, scientists conducted genomewide association (GWA) mapping of breed stereotypes for fear and aggression traits among several hundred dogs. The dogs represented a variety of breeds. The findings were confirmed using GWA in a second test group composed of overlapping breeds of dogs. A previously identified locus – the specific location of a gene’s DNA sequence on a chromosome - was used to create a model predicting fear and aggression stereotypes in a third, final test group of dogs that were not involved in the first two studies. The results of the study showed that four genome loci on two different chromosomes were involved in the development of these traits. Two loci variants, IGF1 and HMGA2, in dogs of small body size were shown to be associated with separation anxiety, touch-sensitivity, owner directed aggression, and dog rivalry. The two other loci, GNAT3 and CD36 were not associated with body size. These two loci were shown to be associated with touch-sensitivity, non-social fear, and fear and aggression directed toward unfamiliar dogs and humans. source

Nurse gives part of her liver to save baby.

SAUDI nurse Abeer Attalah Al-Anzi who donated part of her liver to Bashayir Al-Rashidi, a toddler she had never met before and was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver since birth, the liver transplant took place on Dec. 28, 2016. Anzi, who is in her 20s, is not related to Bashayir learned through Twitter that Bashayir, who was at Prince Sultan Medical City in Riyadh, needed a donor, she responded to the appeal and communicated with the family. Once Anzi confirmed the details of Bashayir’s health issues, she decided to donate part of her liver to the young girl. Anzi, who explained that what motivated her to decide to give away part of her liver, was the photo of the child. “Bashayir’s photo struck me; I empathized with her. She was just a child who cannot express the pain she was feeling,” Anzi said, adding at that very moment “I made up my mind, and without any hesitation contacted her father to inform him of my decision. That was four weeks ago.” “The donation coordinator in Fahd Al-Ahmari Hospital briefed me points from the donation manual prior to the surgery,” she said. “But being a nurse I have a general idea about medical transplants. The surgeons also thoroughly explained to me all the aspects of the surgery, which added to my resolve.” continue

How to keep your sanity in veterinary practice.

How to keep your sanity in veterinary practice. This is a wake-up call,a reality check,loving animals to a fault? but there is a limit you can push yourself to or else you burn-out. The veterinary oath binds us to pet health,wellness and safety, compelling us to go the extra,extra,extra mile for our pets and livestock. This is our calling,giving it all it takes. What do you do,when youve done all within your timeline and prognosis is fatal? or you did everything accordingly ,pet left you jumping and energetic only for you to get a bad report later? how do you react? sad? depressed? low self esteem? We all tend to have a beautiful vision of our veterinary careers from our colleges, we imagine ourselves changing the lives of every client, patient and stray animal that crosses our path every single day. When we start the practice and are faced with the not-so-glamorous aspects such as the lazy cleaners,care-free work force, inoperable tumors, crazy clients, driving long hours to and from work, gossip, , body pains, headaches, and then eureka! it hits us that we need to put a lid on it before you lose it. How to keep your sanity in veterinary practice,look at these tips; 1) Pet hero. I know we all want to save every pet that comes our way,the pet hero but it becomes clear to you ,its impossible to do that.Its not your responsibility to take care for every stray and abandoned animal that crosses your path. Be the pet hero of those you can save but dont bite more than you can handle. 2) Anxiety. Anxiety about your day,clients your surgeries, or your staff and whatever else you can fret about is a total stressor. You will lose focus and control of the present,messing things up,so just plan ahead and go with the flow. 3) Rumor mill. When you start listening to who said what,why this and that responded this way then tension sets in,smoke coming out of mouth and ears= going bananas. Dont fuss over anything or anyone,just ignore,dont pay attention to murmurs. 4) Work/home balance You need to strike a balance ,dont take your work issues home and dont bring home issues to work.This way you separate the vet from the mum,wife ,sister,lesson teacher and whatever other roles you play. 5) Click. joining a click in the office,that tries to define you,mold you to fit their purposes is a sure way to lose your mind. Be comfortable with you,just do you;no clicks,clubs or gangs just be proficient. 6) Set a standard; This is very important,define yourself and work with your set out values. 7)Time out. This is so very important,take time out to refresh ,energize and chart a better path to make your practice super fun. 8)Time wasters. Do away with unnecessary tours,meetings and chats that drains you of strength,just say no and pass-up the invite,, stay in the productivity zone. The veterinary industry comes with its challenges just like any other profession,so avoid unnecessary stressors and enjoy life.Cheers to a noble profession.

Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs.

Mushrooms of the fungi class are a bundle of vitamins and minerals to keep us fit and trim. Mushrooms are a source of iron,selenium ,vitamin D amongst other nutrients. Mushrooms are considered potent medicines as most of the common everyday antibiotics such as penicillin,streptomycin and tetracycline all come from fungi extracts. Mushroom has found a room in many homes that explores the potentials such as 1)weight loss .2)boosting the immune system 3) ready source of vitamin D in diet 4) cancer treatment 5)anti-aging properties. Mushrooms good and beneficial as they are can be a source of poisoning to you and your pets.There are toxic and nontoxic species and depending on the rate of toxicity and intervention the prognosis can be fatal. Mushrooms are absorptive,absorbing the contents of the ground or creature they are sprouting out of. Mushrooms absorb and concentrate the compounds,nutrients,waste,runoff pesticides e.t.c,hence resulting in their potency thus the key to food safety will be to pick or purchase mushrooms from clean soil preferably organic farms will be fine. When your dog accidentally ingests mushrooms ,these signs follow 1) excessive salivation 2)vomiting 3)diarrhea 4) jaundice 5)seizures and in severe cases 6) coma. If you are privy to the fact that the dog took mushroom them do the following 1) induce vomiting. and take pet to veterinarian immediately. Read how anticancer properties of mushrooms saved a dog

Belgium horsemeat call after drug found in Brazilian imports

Belgium horsemeat call after drug found in Brazilian imports: A discovery of Brazilian horsemeat laced with naproxen in Belgium has sparked calls for tough controls over EU imports of horsemeat.

$700,000 of cocaine found in Jamaican beef patties

$700,000 of cocaine found in Jamaican beef patties: A Jamaican woman faces drug charges after US authorities busted an attempt to smuggle $700,000 worth of cocaine into New York concealed in a box of Jamaican beef patties.

CytoSorbents Launches VetResQ™ for U.S. Veterinary Market.

CytoSorbents Launches VetResQ™ for U.S. Veterinary Market. CytoSorbents Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSO), a critical care immunotherapy leader using blood purification to treat deadly inflammation in critically-ill and cardiac surgery patients around the world, announces the marketing launch and commercial availability of the VetResQ™ sorbent cartridge for the United States veterinary market. VetResQ is a broad spectrum blood purification adsorber designed to help treat deadly inflammation and toxic injury in animals with critical illnesses such as septic shock, toxic shock syndrome, severe systemic inflammation, toxin-mediated diseases, pancreatitis, trauma, liver failure, and drug intoxication. source

Elephants and their healing powers.

Elephants are believed to have healing powers and many people hunt them down to treat various ailments. Elephant's skin can cure skin diseases like eczema,you burn pieces of skin by putting them in a clay pot,then you get the ash and mix it with coconut oil to apply on the eczema. A paste made from ground up elephant teeth would cure pimples and remove black spots, your face will be smooth and white after you use it. Elephant poaching in Myanmar has jumped tenfold in recent years, the government said this week, driven by growing demand for ivory, hide and body parts. Increasingly carcasses are being found stripped of their skin, the hide used for traditional medicine or reportedly turned into beads for jewelry.source

Inflammation,food and diabetes.

Every meal triggers inflammation. Short-term inflammatory responses play a key role in sugar uptake and activation of immune system.When we eat, we do not just take in nutrients -- we also consume a significant quantity of bacteria. The body is faced with the challenge of simultaneously distributing the ingested glucose and fighting these bacteria. This triggers an inflammatory response that activates the immune systems of healthy individuals and has a protective effect, as doctors have proven for the first time. In overweight individuals, however, this inflammatory response fails so dramatically that it can lead to diabetes. It is well known that type 2 diabetes leads to chronic inflammation with a range of negative impacts. A number of clinical studies have therefore treated diabetes by impeding the over-production of a substance involved in this process, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). In diabetes patients, this messenger substance triggers chronic inflammation and causes insulin-producing beta cells to die off. According to the researchers, this mechanism of the metabolism and immune system is dependent on the bacteria and nutrients that are ingested during meals. With sufficient nutrients, the immune system is able to adequately combat foreign bacteria. Conversely, when there is a lack of nutrients, the few remaining calories must be conserved for important life functions at the expense of an immune response. This may go some way towards explaining why infectious diseases occur more frequently in times of famine.

Seoul virus outbreak associated with home-based rat-breeding facilities.

Seoul virus outbreak associated with home-based rat-breeding facilities.Experts from CDC are working with the Illinois Department of Health and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to investigate cases of Seoul virus infections among eight people who worked at several rat-breeding facilities in the two states. Seoul virus is not commonly found in the United States, though there have been several reported outbreaks in wild rats. This is the first known outbreak associated with pet rats in the United States. A home-based rodent breeder in Wisconsin was hospitalized in December 2016 with fever, headache, and other symptoms. CDC tested a blood specimen and confirmed that the infection was caused by Seoul virus, a member of the Hantavirus family of rodent-borne viruses. A close family member who also worked with rodents also tested positive for Seoul virus. Both people have recovered. A follow-up investigation at several rat breeders that supplied the initial patient's rats revealed an additional six cases of Seoul virus at two Illinois rat breeding facilities. Seoul virus is carried by wild Norway rats worldwide. People usually become infected when they come in contact with infectious body fluids (blood, saliva, urine) from infected rats or are bitten by them. Most cases in people are reported in Asia. The virus is not spread between people and cannot be transmitted to or from other types of pets. Rats infected with Seoul virus typically do not appear sick. Human and animal health officials are working together to make sure infected rats are not distributed further. Seoul virus in the Hantavirus family, produces a milder illness than some other Hantaviruses. The symptoms may include fever, severe headache, back and abdominal pain, chills, blurred vision, redness of the eyes, or rash. In rare cases, infection can also lead to acute renal disease. However, not all people infected with the virus experience symptoms. Most people infected with Seoul virus recover. To prevent infections from Seoul virus and other diseases carried by rats, people should: 1)Wash your hands with soap and running water after touching, feeding, or caring for rodents, or cleaning their habitats. Be sure to assist children with handwashing. 2) Be aware that pet rodents can shed germs that can contaminate surfaces in areas where they live and roam. Make sure rodent enclosures are properly secured and safe, so your pet doesn't get hurt or contaminate surfaces. 3) Clean and disinfect rodent habitats and supplies outside your home when possible. Never clean rodent habitats or their supplies in the kitchen sink, other food preparation areas, or the bathroom sink. 4)Avoid bites and scratches from rodents. Be cautious with unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly. Take precautions when cleaning out rodent cages or areas with rodent urine or droppings. 5)Visit your veterinarian for routine evaluation and care to keep your rodents healthy and to prevent infectious diseases. If bitten by a rodent: Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately. Even healthy pets can carry germs. Seek medical attention if: 1) Pet appears sick. 2) Your wound is serious. 3) Your wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen. 4) Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. 5)You develop sudden fever or flu-like illness in 1-2 weeks after being bitten. source

Malaria drug successfully treats 26-year-old brain cancer patient.

Malaria drug successfully treats 26-year-old brain cancer patient.The anti-authophagy drug chloroquine may be a unique way to resensitize some cancer patients to treatment. 26-year-old Lisa Rosendahl's doctors gave her only a few months to live,when her brain cancer became resistant to chemotherapy and then to targeted treatments. A paper published in the journal eLife describes a new drug combination that has stabilized Rosendahl's disease and increased both the quantity and quality of her life: Adding the anti-malaria drug chloroquine to her treatment stopped an essential process that Rosendahl's cancer cells had been using to resist therapy, re-sensitizing her cancer to the targeted treatment that had previously stopped working. Along with Rosendahl, two other brain cancer patients were treated with the combination and both showed similar, dramatic improvement.

Study of round worm that returns to life after freezing.

The first molecular study of an organism able to survive intracellular freezing i.e freezing within its cells is published in a new paper that represents a milestone in scientists’ understanding of an extraordinary adaptation. The tiny Antarctic nematode, more commonly known as a round worm, (Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1) was cultured from a coastal Antarctic penguin rookery at McMurdo Sound, and is the best-documented organism able to survive the disruptions brought about by total freezing. The nematode is also able to undergo a form of freeze avoidance by eliminating all of its water content, called cryoprotective dehydration. However, it is the ability to survive intracellular freezing which makes this organism really stand out.continue

Smartphone microscope offers cost-effective DNA sequencing and genetic mutation analysis.

Smartphone microscope offers cost-effective DNA sequencing and genetic mutation analysis.Just like an alphabet is made up of individual letters, DNA is composed of chemical bases. And in the same way that letters must be placed in a specific order to form words and sentences, the sequence of chemical bases is incredibly important in how DNA functions and codes our lives. One reason scientists pay close attention to DNA sequence is that it can help them identify a gene or a mutation that may cause a disease. But the analysis typically requires sending patients' cell and tissue samples to well-equipped labs, which in many cases are located far away. This is a particular challenge in settings with limited resources—in developing countries and underdeveloped communities, for example—where health care workers do not always have the tools or the expertise to conduct DNA sequencing analysis.continue

Trading on Wall street with the president.

Trading on Wall street with the president. Traders are using algorithms that capture Trump's remarks and then buy or sell affected stocks.The jaw-dropping speed at which certain stocks have moved in response to Donald Trump's tweets about corporate America makes it seem as if Wall Street already was waiting for the president words. Some sophisticated traders with automated programs are using computer algorithms that instantly capture Trump's Twitter remarks and then immediately buy or sell the affected stocks, analysts said. "It's in the algorithms. They've done it," said Joe Gits, chief executive of Social Market Analytics Inc. Gits' firm isn't among those traders, he said. Instead, the company culls the 500 million tweets issued daily on Twitter to find comments from influential people such as Trump that could affect stocks and then immediately relays that "sentiment" data to traders. continue

The magic pill.

The magic pill. There is a new drug trending now,although it has been around for centuries recent research has shown its efficacy. The drug aptly referred to as the magic pill because when you pop it,all depression,anxiety,tiredness jumps off you immediately. The great thing about this drug is the fact that its cheap,readily available and wait for it,its not a prescription drug. The magic pill is not only beneficial to health but can make you very rich if you know how to make it yourself and sell to others who cannot produce it. Scientific research shows that if everybody in the world has access to this drug,then the world will be a better place with great innovations and inventions. The magic pill has the capacity to employ millions of people,provide basic necessities and even traveling opportunities ,you get to see the world in a new light and experience new possibilities. The world is beautiful,take a good look at it and experience the beauty,splendor and vibrations calling out to you. The magic pill is laughter,yes laughter. You can make the pill right now and change your perspective,see the rainbow,listen to the rustling trees,fast flowing streams...welcome to the world of magic pill. If you are thinking of making your pill,and dont know how? look at this and start laughing

Laughter is medicine.#Laugh out loud.

Laughter is medicine. Animals are not only our pets or farm animals,most are considered as family and treated as member of the house. Animals bring joy to a lot of families, helping the sick,the depressed , traumatized and nowadays fighting wars and battling crime on our behalf. Animals and man do have a bond, that probably explains why we share more than our homes with them, as diseases and therapy are also common points. Fun and laughter cuts across borders,see how these animals make us reel with laughter.

Teenager has massive hairball pulled out of stomach.

A teenager has massive hairball pulled out of stomach.Doctors have removed a massive hairball from a teenager’s stomach in India. The 16-year-old from Srinagar, Kashmir, suffers from a hair-eating addiction known as Rapunzel Syndrome. She claimed she had no appetite, but had been addicted to eating her own hair for six years, her condition was so severe that sometimes she would even eat her friend’s hair.The hairball, which was eventually removed by doctors in SMHS Hospital, had collected and grown in her stomach and intestines. The girl is suffering from Rapunzel syndrome, a rare condition in which a tail-like extension of hairball is found in the stomach. The addiction of eating hair has resulted in many episodes of vomiting. The girl wasn’t able to eat properly. The girl had maintained a habit of holding her hair in the mouth and plucking hair off other people. source

Common causes of scooting in dogs.

Scooting simply refers to a condition where dogs drag their anal region on the floor,indicating a itch in that axis . Scooting usually occurs when there is an irritation or inflammation the the anal region that the dog is trying to relieve. Scooting has been associated with 3 conditions, and these are immediate pointers when you observe scooting. 1) anal gland conditions such as inflamed, impacted or infection of anal glands. 2) Tapeworm; dogs normally scoot when there is irritation in the anal region due to tapeworms. The dogs drags the anal region to get rid of the itch and irritation caused by the worms. Tapeworm infestation is accompanied by other signs such as weight loss,rough coat and rice-like whitish strands in the feces. 3) Tumors in the peri-anal region is another cause of scooting in dogs.

5 Essential Positive Character Traits For A Better Life.

You have everything within you to achieve your best life possible. The great thing is that all success is learnable. You can learn any character traits to make yourself a more successful person. There are many ways that you can become successful and many different meanings of the word success. Here are five important, character traits that one must learn to develop to achieve success and a better life. 1) Common Sense The first and most important of the personal qualities needed for success is, common sense. It is said that the average person has an enormous amount of common sense because he or she hasn’t used any of it yet. Common sense seems to be something that a person accumulates as the result of experience over a long period of time. Common sense is defined as the, “Ability to cut to the core of a matter, to recognize and deal with the essential elements of a problem or a situation, rather than getting sidetracked by smaller issues or symptoms.” Another definition of common sense is, “The ability to learn from experience and then to apply those lessons to subsequent experiences.” Common sense was seen as the core of all personal qualities that enabled a person to become increasingly more effective over time. 2) Be Good At What You Do The second of all the personal qualities needed for success is that of expertise. Most successful people are very good at what they do and they know they are very good. They have learned, practiced, reflected, and have gotten better and better until they are recognized by their peers as being among the very best in their fields. This feeling of being the best is an absolute prerequisite for achieving a better life and it starts with great self-confidence. continue

I-nutrition: This time it’s personal

I-nutrition: This time it’s personal: Personalised nutrition is emerging fast – as technologies like gene mapping and smartphones offer the potential for people to optimise nutrition, live healthier lives and reduce the burden of chronic disease like obesity and diabetes.

Peed piper: Urine fine to define dietary kind

Peed piper: Urine fine to define dietary kind: Researchers in Britain have developed a urine test which can distinguish between different diets, potentially allowing a person’s health to be assessed more effectively than through food surveys.

Mls over pills: Are drinks a tastier way to take your vitamins?

Mls over pills: Are drinks a tastier way to take your vitamins?: Move over large, bland multivitamin pills; energy juices and smoothies are becoming the preferred method of getting your daily quota in Asia, but is Europe following its lead?

Cracking cognition: Moderate egg consumption may boost certain brain functions

Cracking cognition: Moderate egg consumption may boost certain brain functions: Eating eggs can improve aspects of cognition, according to research that also concludes neither high intake of cholesterol or eggs are associated with an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Fruit & veg flavonoids prevent unhealthy fat build-up: Twin study

Fruit & veg flavonoids prevent unhealthy fat build-up: Twin study: Flavonoid-rich foods appear to alter body composition as UK researchers tie in a higher intake of anthocyanins, flavonols and proanthocyanidins with a lower body fat mass.

Traffic lockdown on third mainland bridge.

Traffic lockdown on third mainland bridge. The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) commenced rehabilitation on it on Monday, and there was little or no hassle.However, some of the trucks belonging to the agency parked right in the middle of the road inward Lagos Island on Friday, forcing vehicles to share two of the five lanes. As of 1:30pm, the traffic had extended beyond the Iyano-Oworo axis of the bridge to Seven Up towards the Old Toll Gate, Ojota, Anthony, and other parts of the city.continue

Benue Government gives land as cattle routes.

Benue Government gives land as cattle routes.Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has provided land in Agatu Local Government Area of the state for use as cattle routes. This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day meeting between Ortom, the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, Chief of Agatu, Godwin Onah, and Fulani Agatu, Ardo Boderi Tuja in Makurdi on Thursday. The communiqué, which was signed by the community representatives, said that both parties had agreed to give peace a chance and forgive one another. Reading the communiqué, Ortom said both parties agreed to designate Oguto Adanyi-Ogumagbo-Bagana as cattle routes in Agatu local government. “The dedicated routes agreed by both parties for movement of cattle are Oguto -Adanyi- Ogumagbo-Bagana. The above privilege is only granted to indigenous Fulani herdsmen, who were known to the Agatu people before the crisis.continue

Busy lifestyles: Global on-the-go breakfast market set to grow 46% by 2026

Busy lifestyles: Global on-the-go breakfast market set to grow 46% by 2026: Grab-and-go breakfast products are forecast for growth as busy Western consumers continue to forgo the traditional sit down breakfast.

United Biscuits to roll out waste cooking oil for lorries

United Biscuits to roll out waste cooking oil for lorries: United Biscuits (UB) has developed a sustainability initiative by using waste cooking oil to power 12 of its lorries and plans to roll out the project further across the business.

The circle of snacks: Chip waste to biogas is viable, says Naturally Homegrown Foods

The circle of snacks: Chip waste to biogas is viable, says Naturally Homegrown Foods: Potato chip waste converted into biogas to fuel production is a viable, eco-friendly waste reduction plan that other snack makers should consider, says the president of Naturally Homegrown Foods.

Dinant snack manufacturer generates electricity from African Palm fruit

Dinant snack manufacturer generates electricity from African Palm fruit: Dinant, which produces snacks, cooking oils, processed foods, fruits and vegetables, for Central America, the Dominican Republic and other global exports, has built a biogas plant using waste from the African Palm fruit.

Researchers find elephant protein destroys human cancer cells.

Researchers find elephant protein destroys human cancer cells. Researchers studied the blood of elephants from the Barnum and Bailey circus, and one at Hogle zoo, all with one idea in mind, “Elephants almost never get cancer, and we think the reason why is they have extra copies of this cancer-fighting protein.” That protein, called P-53, is showing some very exciting potential for Schiffman and his team, in a battle that is very personal for him as diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of childhood cancer at age 15. Doctor Joshua Schiffman shows how a synthetic elephant protein, made it in a lab. and introduced it into these cells, actually attacks human cancer cells as highlighted by the glowing green.continue