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Tips for heart healthiness

Everyone should know the warning signs for a heart attack -- but according to Dr. Isaac Eliaz, effective prevention requires much more than a list of potential symptoms.

23 Feb 2011

Canadian Cancer Society calls for legislation to ban cosmetic pesticides

With a new poll showing more than 70 per cent of British Columbians believe exposure to cosmetic pesticides increases their risk to cancer and threatens the environment, the Canadian Cancer Society wants all leadership candidates to pledge introduction of legislation banning cosmetic pesticides.

19 Feb 2011

Protalix: New data from taliglucerase alfa, oral GCD trials to be presented at Lysosomal Disease Network Symposium

Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc., announced today that new clinical data from the switchover trial of taliglucerase alfa in Gaucher disease patients and preclinical data on oral enzyme glucocerebrosidase (oral GCD) will be presented today at the 7th Annual Meeting of the Lysosomal Disease Network: WORLD Symposium 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

19 Feb 2011

Metallic copper surfaces kill bacteria on contact

Metallic copper surfaces kill microbes on contact, decimating their populations, according to a paper in the February 2011 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. They do so literally in minutes, by causing massive membrane damage after about a minute's exposure, says the study's corresponding author, Gregor Grass of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. This is the first study to demonstrate this mechanism of bacteriocide.

17 Feb 2011

Research: MEF2D protein in mitochondria appears to contribute early steps in Parkinson's disease

For the last several years, neurologists have been probing a connection between Parkinson's disease and problems with mitochondria, the miniature power plants of the cell.

15 Feb 2011

New research shows link between two pesticides and Parkinson's disease

New research shows a link between use of two pesticides, rotenone and paraquat, and Parkinson's disease. People who used either pesticide developed Parkinson's disease approximately 2.5 times more often than non-users.

14 Feb 2011

Gene-transfer system may control mosquito-borne diseases without pesticides

Scientists have modeled a system that may be used to control mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, without the use of pesticides. In the proposed system, mosquitoes are engineered to carry two genes. The first gene causes males to transmit a toxin to females through their semen. The second gene, when expressed in females, makes them immune to this toxin.

14 Feb 2011

Pyrethroid insecticides linked to delayed mental development in children

When the EPA phased out the widespread residential use of chlorpyrifos and other organophosphorus (OP) insecticides in 2000-2001 because of risks to child neurodevelopment, these compounds were largely replaced with pyrethroid insecticides. But the safety of these replacement insecticides remained unclear, as they had never been evaluated for long-term neurotoxic effects after low-level exposure.

11 Feb 2011

Mothballs may cause brain damage in babies: Experts

Pediatricians have called for a ban on the sale of mothballs containing the chemical naphthalene citing evidence that these can lead to severe blood problems and even brain damage for significant numbers of Australian babies.

7 Feb 2011

ACS launches inaugural edition of International Year of Chemistry Virtual Journal

The American Chemical Society (ACS) today launched the inaugural edition of its International Year of Chemistry (IYC) Virtual Journal, a dynamic online snapshot of the countless ways in which chemistry improves everyday life for people around the world. It includes a special video welcome from Nancy B. Jackson, Ph.D., who serves as ACS President during the IYC. Jackson is with the Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico.

1 Feb 2011

Water contamination warnings after floods

The public has been warned to stay out of some southeast Queensland waterways containing high levels of sewage contamination from floodwaters. Moreton Bay itself has avoided major sewage contamination says the Queensland Government.

31 Jan 2011

Biotage announces release of new Analytical Sample Preparation Catalog

Biotage, a leading supplier of tools and technology for medicinal and analytical chemistry, announced the release of its new Analytical Sample Preparation Catalog. The expanded, 200-page catalog includes a range of products for Bioanalytical, Forensic, Clinical, Environmental, Agrochemical and Food Applications.

27 Jan 2011

Regulatory changes needed to protect public health from exposure to toxicants

Americans are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of suspected toxic substances every day, substances that affect the development and function of the brain, immune system, reproductive organs or hormones. Children are the most vulnerable. But no public health law requires product testing of most chemical compounds before they enter the marketplace.

25 Jan 2011

Organic milk best: Study

The latest research published by Newcastle University, UK has shown that organic milk contains less unhealthy fat, as well as a range of important healthy nutrients. It contains fewer chemicals and poses less risk for children to develop allergies and eczema. Organic milk is also rich in omega 3 fatty acids that re good for the heart. However it costs more. At least 60 per cent of the diet of organic cows has to be organically grown grass and its traditional derivatives — silage and hay.

18 Jan 2011

Banned chemicals found in pregnant women

The bodies of virtually all U.S. pregnant women carry multiple chemicals, including some banned since the 1970s and others used in common products such as non-stick cookware, processed foods and personal care products, according to a new study from UCSF. The study marks the first time that the number of chemicals to which pregnant women are exposed has been counted.

14 Jan 2011

Largest long-term examination of children's health and development in the US

The National Children's Study (NCS) has begun inviting women in San Diego to participate in the largest long-term examination of children's health and development ever conducted in the United States.

13 Jan 2011

Best diet aid: Water

If you're like most people, losing those last few holiday pounds is high on your list of to-dos this month. Fortunately, one of the best diet aids is free, abundant and right at your fingertips: water.

12 Jan 2011

Intertek announces acquisition of American Analytical Chemistry Laboratories

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, has acquired American Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Corp (AACL), a testing, analytics and research company focusing on food, functional foods, nutritional supplements, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

12 Jan 2011

Manhattan enters settlement and release agreement with Nordic and H Pharmaceuticals

Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that on January 4, 2011, the company entered into a settlement and release agreement with Nordic Biotech Fund II K/S and H Pharmaceuticals K/S. Manhattan Pharmaceuticals and Nordic are partners in the H Pharmaceuticals joint venture for the development and commercialization of Hedrin®, a non-pesticide treatment for head lice.

10 Jan 2011

Scientists report that organically grown vegetables have less healthful antioxidants

With the demand for organically produced food increasing, scientists are reporting new evidence that organically grown onions, carrots, and potatoes generally do not have higher levels of healthful antioxidants and related substances than vegetables grown with traditional fertilizers and pesticides. Their study appears in ACS' bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

6 Jan 2011