Pulse Beat

Prof Dr BM Hegde 14 October 2014

Dengue

There is a fear that genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes might worsen dengue fever as people may lose natural immunity gained through regular mosquito bites! A study conducted by researchers from Oregon State University and Clemson University, and published in the journal, Epidemiology & Infections, expressed concern that the vaccine for dengue that is being prepared might actually increase the incidence of the disease in the first few years. There is also a fear that the vaccine might increase the virulence of the virus.

Magnesium and Health

Magnesium is an important mineral for cell-wall integrity and good health. In short, any disease can have a connection to the magnesium levels in your body. The cell-wall’s electric stability depends on magnesium, to a great extent; cardiac arrhythmias come under this category too. The blood levels will not fall until the body store gets almost depleted. Banana, mango, sprouted grains, seafood, rock salt (sea salt), nuts, avocadoes, pumpkin seeds, raw vegetables, sprouted nuts, legumes and many other common foods are rich in magnesium for those who may need to increase their magnesium intake.

Bitter Melon and Diabetes

Chinese researchers have been able to isolate a protein in bitter melons that seems to stimulate insulin receptor activity. Chien-Yun Hsiang, of Taiwan’s China Medical University, and her team, used the protein to analyse the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine. In previous research, her team found evidence suggesting that a protein in bitter melon interacts with the insulin receptors. Normally, insulin activates this receptor, triggering a signalling cascade that allows fat and muscle cells to absorb glucose from the blood. In the new study, the researchers probed the specific interactions between the insulin receptor and the bitter melon protein.

Dirt and Human Health

We are the only species that does not eat dirt directly; but our immune system depends, to a great extent, on stimulants from dirt, among other things, to keep our immunity in good condition. Bacillus Subtilis is one such germ that lives in dirt and filth but is vital for stimulating our immune system. Western ways of keeping the house free from all kinds of dirt will make the next generation more susceptible to infections and allergies.

Vaccine Production from Plants

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an arm of the US Department of Defense which finances cutting-edge research, has funded a large study on how plant-based vaccines could be produced at very short notice and in any quantity, unlike conventional vaccines. Tobacco leaves have been found useful for this purpose. Even a drug for Ebola has been isolated from the tobacco leaf. Ayurvedic specialists have discovered some medicine for dengue from papaya leaves. Could a vaccine also be developed from that?

Narcotic Overdose Deaths Multiply

Gil Kerlikowske, director of the US Office of National Drug Control Policy, stated that the use of narcotic painkillers and other opioids is “having a devastating impact on public health and safety in communities across the nation.” A total of 259 million prescriptions were written in 2012 in the US which is now experiencing unacceptable levels of drug overdose-related deaths. These drugs are fine for short-term pain relief; but prescribing them for chronic long-term pain control is unwise and wrought with risk of suicides. Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), given along with narcotics, could increase the risk of heart attacks even five years after use.

New Doctoral Degrees from Maryland University

Higher education controllers in the US have permitted doctoral degrees in acupuncture, oriental medicine and clinical nutrition from the next academic year. These new courses in Ayurveda, yoga and many other fields must, in fact, be taught in India. Unfortunately, we still treat these fields of study as untouchables.

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