Scientists might be allowed to make genetically modify humans, changing DNA to avoid diseases.

Scientists want to be able to genetically engineer humans so that they don't get diseases. That is the conclusion of a new report from two of the world's most elite scientific institutions, which calls for people to be allowed to make modifications to inherited human DNA so that diseases are edited out or treatments are edited in. Such controversial changes could allow scientists to stop diseases from being passed on to future generations. Gene editing, which effectively allows the precise "cutting and pasting" of DNA, is already used in basic research and clinical studies that involve non-heritable "somatic" cells. continue

Air Pollution Caused 1.1 Million Premature Deaths In India During 2015.

A new study reveals that India will soon outpace its Asian neighbor, China in the context of increasing air pollution levels. U.S.-based Heath Effects Institute, along with the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation released a report , which indicates that 1.1 million premature deaths were encountered in 2015 due to increasing air pollution in India. The same statistic applies for China as well, but the country has taken numerous measures to keep a check on carbon emissions and also to stabilize the level of air particulates in the atmosphere. Michael Brauer, a professor at the University of British Columbia and the lead author of the study, states that this situation is the "perfect storm" for India. Factors Contributing To The Pollution The report states that the amount of a fine dust particulate matter known as PM2.5 has risen sharply and is largely responsible for the 1.1 million premature deaths in India. Brauer believes that the country's growing industrialization, along with the rapid growth in population, are behind the rise of PM2.5 in India. continue

AVMA introduces 2 new mental wellness initiatives to boost veterinarians.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, has launched two new mental wellness initiatives to protect the health and welfare of its members. Joined by their insurance trusts, AVMA LIFE and AVMA PLIT, the AVMA initiated a pilot programme to train individuals to identify and assist those who might be considering suicide. The programme is free of charge to 4,000 veterinarians and 1,000 veterinary students. Cost considerations restrict the number of participants at this time, but the program may be expanded in the future. In addition to the training, a new LinkedIn community offers all veterinarians the opportunity to connect with thought leaders in the mental health profession and discuss a wide range of topics related to wellness and well-being. “AVMA is very much a family,” said AVMA President Dr. Tom Meyer. “When a recent study reported that one in six US veterinarians has contemplated suicide, we needed to act. As veterinarians we are saving the lives of our patients every day. We need to empower our member veterinarians with knowledge that might save a colleague’s life." Training for veterinarians: Called QPR – an acronym that stands for “Question, Persuade, Refer” – gatekeeper training teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to: Recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide; Establish a dialogue with the person; Guide the person to seek professional help. continue

New abattoir will promote health , employment.

The idea of establishing a modern abattoir in Akure by the Ondo State Government was first conceived in 1983 with the acquisition of 18 hectares of land for both the abattoir and cattle market project on the outskirts of Akure metropolis along Ado road. The cattle market project took off in 1985 but the abattoir project could not take off due to paucity of fund. In 2001, contract for the construction of the semi-mechanised abattoir was awarded but the contract was terminated in 2004 due to the contractor’s incompetence. In 2011, the contract was rewarded with the main abattoir project ,the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh who was the Guest of Honour at the event commended the resolve of the Ondo State Government to build an abattoir of World Health Organisation (WHO) standard. Speaking on the health benefits of the facility, Ogbeh who was represented by the State Director of Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Funke Omagbemi said it holds the key in the provision of hygienically processed meat which will enhance good and healthy eating habit. The process through which the animal is slaughtered contributes a great deal to the hygiene of the meat. The animal will first be kept in the lairage i.e shelf to rest for at least 24hours where it can not be fed but can be given water. This will prevent it from the harsh weather, reduce glycogen and make the meat fresh. visit

New study finds potential link between dementia and heading in football.

Footballers who repeatedly head the ball can end up suffering from dementia, new findings have suggested, prompting calls for more research into a long-suspected issue in the sport. A potential cause of dementia thought to arise from blows to the head has, for the first time, been confirmed in a group of retired footballers following a small study. The results provide a platform for a “pressing research question” on whether dementia is more common in footballers than the general population, the authors said. Dawn Astle, daughter of former England and West Brom striker Jeff Astle, who died of a degenerative brain disease in 2002 aged 59, said such findings are no surprise. The brains of six of the 14 retired players involved in the research — none of whom have been identified — underwent post-mortem examinations and four were found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) pathology, while all six had signs of Alzheimer’s disease. CTE can cause dementia and, like Alzheimer’s, is characterised by a buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain. The rate of CTE detected in the footballers’ brains was greater than the 12 percent average found in a previous study which looked at 268 brains from the general population. The results show more research is urgently needed in the area, Professor Huw Morris of UCL Institute of Neurology said, but he cautioned the risk for people who enjoy playing football in their spare time is likely to be low. source

FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER .

A farm operation manager is needed; The person required must be highly skilled in sheep management and handling, The person must have good numerical skills, be competent with data handling and computing, and be able to manage both permanent and contract farm workers. There is a requirement that the person must be able to carry out the normal range of farming duties such as spraying, fencing, tractor work, welding and mechanical repairs. , apply.

Cashing in on agribusiness to be a millionaire.

Investment opportunities in agriculture to smile to the bank.Agriculture contributes 6.5% to global GDP and in Nigeria, it contributes over 25% of our GDP. During the recession of 2016, Agriculture was one of the sectors or industries that experienced growth. There are numerous opportunities to invest in agriculture,but it’s advisable to pick an agribusiness idea to invest in which is a reflection of your passion so that you can give it all it takes to make it profitable .The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to inject $3.2 billion to the Bank of Agriculture in 2017 who in turn should give out loans to farmers and food processors,this is a jump-start for any agripreneur. Business unusual in agribusiness to cash in are as follows 1) Provision of information, farmers need information all the time. They need to know where to get the best seeds, where to buy the best feed ingredients,cost of various inputs and also groups and forum where information can be exchanged. Farmers need an information portal for all their farming and agribusiness needs. 2) sales of new technology, the world is now enlightened on nutrition with many people turning to organic farming to stay healthy. The introduction and provision of tools for organic farming will be a money spinner. The introduction of liquid organic fertilizer is a key component of this strive for foodsecurity and foodsafety. 3) Starting an HR farm for farmers. Staffing your farm can be a herculean task if you dont know who and where to turn to,but an agency that can provide farm hands,helps and drivers will be well rewarded. 4) Setting up a biogas plant. The waste generated from farms can be harnessed and converted to electricity alongside fertilizer and waste water which are nutrient laden that can be used to wet crops. This area is still green now because of lack of an organized sector,but if tapped into its a goldmine that will change the financial situation.Farmers need their farm waste to be removed,so if farmers are grouped according to different livestock ventures and zoned according to districts then waste generated per zone can be sent to a biogas plant and the area powered up by electricity. explore more