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| News Around World |
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| Canadian researchers have harnessed the usage of a chlorophyll-based drug for the treatment of cancer. By injecting the drug into patients, chlorophyll which can release a surge of free radicals upon induction of light is “activated” by tiny lasers in the relative darkness of the human body. The free radicals then attack the neighbouring cells, destroying them and killing cancerous cells within days. Though the technique remains experimental, trials at University College London and in Canada show great promise in the future of oncology.
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| According to a University of Toronto study, knowledge on the mechanisms of plant respiration may potentially allow the selective breeding of drought-resistant plants. In a paper which offers an example of a gene controlling the closing of surface pores in plants, University of Toronto Botany Professor and senior author Malcolm Campbell enthuses the various possible applications for such knowledge and may help scientists understand the responses of plants to their environment.
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| Prepare for deadly flu pandemic |
| The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned against the recurrence of a massive flu outbreak the likes of those in 1968 and 2003. According to spokeman, Margaret Chan, history has shown that nothing can foretell or prevent the occurrence of a pandemic. She urged that nations should prepare themselves in the event of an outbreak to soften its impact on the society.
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| First human bird flu vaccine created |
US scientists announce the formulation of the first vaccine which may protect people against bird flu. Announcing the good news, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease also voiced concern over the ability to produce sufficient amounts of the vaccine. To date, the deadly H5N1 strain of the avian influenza has claimed 57 lives and infected 112 individual, causing billions in lost revenue with the culling of tens of millions of birds.
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