Archive for August, 2011
British Scientist working on new Sunscreen Pills
Image via sarasotadermatologyblog.com
Scientists in Britain are working on a new sunscreen pill that will protect the people skin and eyes of people for weeks. These scientists are using the same chemicals and technique that is used by coral to protect itself from the harmful ultraviolet rays. If the pills are successfully launched, it will make sunglasses and sunscreen cream unnecessary.
Researchers at King’s College in London have collaborated with US and Australian scientist and have made a breakthrough after studying how the coral from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia uses its own algae to protect itself from harmful UV rays. The alga produces a compound that is transported to the coral which modifies the compound which benefits both the algae and the coral.
Researchers are of the view that this compound not only protects the corals but also the animals that feed on the coral. The fishes that feed on the coral are also protected from UV rays because the compound is passed to them.
However, these pills are only in the preliminary stages of development and it may be more than five years before the pills are available in the stores. Also, these pills will only be available if they are prescribed by the doctor. These will not be sold as Over-The Counter (OTC) pills as overdose of these pills can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Chocolates in Moderate amounts is Good for Heart
There is good news for people who love eating chocolates. In a recent study that was published in British Medical Journal and presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s conference, it was stated that regular consumption of chocolates can reduce the risk of developing heart problems.
The study was conducted at University of Cambridge by Oscar Franco and his colleagues who put to test the studies that were previously conducted to find out the connection between heart disease and chocolate. They tested the results of previous studies and reviewed the data they had to check the reliability of claims made by researchers. According to Oscar Franco the test made on previous studies established the link between chocolates and heart disease.
The researchers tested the results of 7 studies that involved about 114,000 participants. When they pooled the results of the study they found that people who ate chocolates had a 37 percent less risk of developing heart disease when compared to people who did not eat chocolates. Researchers also found that people who ate chocolates had 29 percent less risk suffering from stroke than people who ate fewer chocolates. However, researchers found no connection between heart failure and chocolate intake. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge did not differentiate between sweeter products like cookies and snack bar and dark chocolates.
Oscar Franco further added that this study should not be used as an excuse by people who increase their intake of chocolates. He said that most chocolates that are available in the market have high fat and sugar content which can lead to weigh gain. Increase in weight of people can put strain on heart and increase the risk of other health problems. Franco added that eating chocolate in moderate amounts can reduce the risk of heart problems without increasing your weight.
One of the main reasons why chocolates are considered good for heart is because it contains antioxidants and polyphenols that improve the production nitric oxide in the body.
