MANILA, Philippines — The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has pushed an estimated 75 million to 80 million more people in developing Asia into extreme poverty as of last year compared with what would have happened without Covid-19, as per a new report by the Asian Development Bank released on Aug. 24. The report, “Key Indicators for Asia and the […]

WASHINGTON — Eating fructose alters cells in the digestive tract in a way that enables them to absorb more nutrients, according to a new study. These changes could help explain the well-known link between rising fructose consumption around the world and increased rates of obesity and certain cancers. The findings of the research were published […]

An Israeli scientific breakthrough could allow pig organs to be transplanted into humans. This is a promising solution to an acute shortage of organs for transplant. The domestic pig is an excellent potential source of donor organs for humans. Pigs are easily available, and their organs are closer in size to human organs than are […]

A novel therapeutic strategy for treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) would work by removing inflammation-inducing succinate molecules secreted by gut bacteria. The method is based on findings in the biochemistry and pharmacology lab of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev professor Ehud Ohana showing increased gut levels of succinate in people with IBD. Succinate is a […]

WASHINGTON — A new study by Salk scientists has shown that time-restricted eating (TRE), a dietary regimen that restricts eating to specific hours, has multiple health benefits besides weight loss. The study also indicates that these benefits may depend on sex and age. The study “Sex- and age-dependent outcomes of 9-hour time-restricted feeding of a Western high-fat high-sucrose diet in […]

WASHINGTON — A new study suggests several simple, practical steps that families can take to help with the mental health of youths during the Covid-19 pandemic. These include reducing passive screen time and news consumption, having a structured daily schedule, and getting enough sleep. The study “Promoting youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal […]

WASHINGTON — In his previous comments, Hollywood star Sean Penn recently double-downed that the Covid-19 vaccine should be mandatory for all. “I am so grateful that audiences — and yes, we’ll come around to that I would request only vaccinated audiences — have an opportunity to see this theatrically,” said Penn in an interview about his film “Flag […]

MARYLAND CITY, Md. — A group of American scientists has developed a new artificial intelligence blood testing technology to detect lung cancer. In samples from nearly 800 individuals with and without cancer, over 90 percent of lung cancers were detected by a novel artificial intelligence blood-testing technology developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. The […]

WASHINGTON — Blood infections, meningitis, and stillbirth in newborns are common causes of the bacteria known as group B Streptococcus (GBS). However, GBS infections can often be treated or prevented with antibiotics, and the bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant. The researchers have discovered that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), short strings of sugar molecules abundant in breast milk, can […]

WASHINGTON — Patients with colon cancer who take common blood-pressure drugs may have a greater chance at survival, according to new research.  The findings of the study were published in the journal’ Cancer Medicine‘. After reviewing the outcomes of almost 14,000 patients with colorectal cancer, researchers determined that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics […]

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Hundreds of thousands of people are suffering from one of the worst droughts in southern Madagascar in 40 years, the United Nations has warned.  Issa Sanogo, the United Nations resident coordinator in Madagascar, warned that the population faces a severe humanitarian crisis during a recent visit to the region. “We started the […]

MUMBAI, India — Easing restrictions and built-up demand are driving Indian malls’ recovery faster after the second Covid-19 wave relative to the after-first wave figures, according to an analysis of the country’s top 14 malls by Indian analytical and research company Crisil Ratings. “With retail sales in malls rebounding strongly post reopening, pressure on rentals for mall owners […]

SINGAPORE — Emerging Southeast Asian economies face intense headwinds from continuous Covid-19 pandemic waves, S&P Global Ratings said on Aug. 19, adding that private consumption and services will be hit hardest. The duration and severity of the pandemic have been more adverse than previous baseline expectations. “As a result, we are revising downward our 2021 growth expectations for […]