Omega-3 is the name of a family of fatty acids made of chains of carbon atoms of varying length. They cannot be synthesised in the human body, and so must be obtained from our diet. Three members of the family are particularly important to human health. Short-chain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a key molecule found abundantly in green leafy vegetables, walnuts and flax (linseed), math (canola) and soybean oil, broccoli and algae. It is the vital precursor molecule that gets converted by all mammals into two important long-chain relatives in the omega-3 family, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). New Scientist.
]]>Illegally brewed alcohol is readily found across India and is popular because it is cheap and said to be stronger than legal brews. But it is often laced with chemicals and pesticides in an attempt to boost its strength and has often caused people to die.
The number of people who have died in the western Indian state of Gujarat after drinking toxic illegal alcohol has now risen to 107, BBC News.
]]>O-negative blood can be transfused into anyone without fear of tissue rejection and is the only safe option when a patientÂ’s blood group is unknown or not immediately available. This precious blood is in limited supply because only 7% of the population belongs to this blood group. BBC News.
]]>Doctor: "You have cancer, so take these pills to stop it setting up elsewhere while we schedule further treatment."
]]>Cystic fibrosis produces thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and the pancreas, leading to life-threatening chest infections and problems with digestion. It has been known for 20 years that cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a gene called CFTR. However, it has become apparent in recent years that other genes also play a role in determining the severity of lung disease associated with the condition. BBC News.
]]>Cancer metastasis, where the cancer spreads from its original location, is known to be responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths. But scientists say they have discovered a way to stop cancer spreading to other parts of the body, according to BBC News.
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