Health News Blog

Health news: Scorpion venom for cancer treatment. Me: the importance of biological diversity

2006-07-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

A nice example of why biological diversity is useful and necessary:

Venom protein may lead to brain cancer cure- study

"The study showed that a synthetic version of a protein found in the venom of giant yellow Israeli scorpions targeted tumor cells but did not harm the healthy cells of brain cancer patients.

"We're testing a new agent that has a lot of potential for patients who have had no meaningful treatments thus far," said Dr. Adam Mamelak, lead author on an article to appear in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. "
...
Other researchers are investigating whether a protein in snake venom can stop bleeding and whether Gila monster venom can treat diabetes. They also have developed a painkiller based on the venom of a deadly sea snail.

I think this is the scorpion we r talking about.

Cool, no? Who would have imagined that scorpion venom would be useful for saving people's life? The least who would have imagined it say a century ago?
Shall I mention about one century in the future...

Study: Water Contaminant Can Cause Cancer

2006-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Now that I am on the health topic, here is another interesting news:
Cancer Risk From Industrial Chemical Rises, Study Finds
Study: Water Contaminant Can Cause Cancer

"Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is widely found in drinking water. California has some of the nation's worst contamination."

I should read more on this. By now I have a strong impression that CA water is not really safe for drinking. Or I guess Santa Clara water. Starting from this report I've seen on the news how it's known to increase infertility (supported by a proper study, indeed). The one above goes in same direction, though cancer is even nore dangerous.
Well, I don't like the taste of the water here anyways. So buying water sounds best.

Ah, here is a bit more of the info. Here we go, Santa Clara is mentioned in particular...

After a detailed study of the most widespread industrial contaminant in U.S. drinking water, the National Research Council will report today that evidence is growing stronger that the chemical causes cancer and other human health problems.

The 379-page report clears a path for federal regulators to formally raise the risk assessment of trichloroethylene, known as TCE, a step that has been tied up by infighting between scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Defense Department.

California has some of the nation's worst TCE contamination, including vast tracts of groundwater in the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys that are a drinking source for more than 1 million Southern Californians. The state's 67 Superfund sites with TCE contamination are clustered in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties.

Diabetes: Study: Low-fat, vegan diet might reverse type-2 diabetes symptoms

2006-07-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

My first diabetes link. I'm planning of keeping track of all these useful diabetes news which I read.
Vegan diet reverses diabetes symptoms, study finds

This is indeed about type 2 diabetes cases. Unfortunately the study seems to be on 99 people. & I have not read very properly more details (but I think reuters is to be trusted in general with the punch line they take out of a paper...)

More of these:
Study Finds Vegan Diet Reverses Diabetes Symptoms
Study: Low-fat, vegan diet might be best for type-2 diabetes

First post :)

2006-07-29T15:18:00.000-07:00