GOOD NEWS

Cancer cell killer

Researchers at the Ohio State University have found that a derivative of vitamin E, or alpha tocopheryl succinate, causes the death of cancer cells. The researchers have used this knowledge to make the agent an even more potent cancer killer. The substance kills cancer cells by causing them to undergo a natural process known as programmed cell death, or apoptosis, according to the study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. The researchers say the finding could lead to a potent chemo-preventive agent that has both strong anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. “Such an agent might help reduce the risk of prostate, colon and other cancers,” the researchers write in their report.

Happy mothers

Having a job and being a mum in a steady relationship helps keep women healthy and in good shape in the long run, according to a report in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The report goes on to add that being a homemaker seems to increase the chances of becoming obese. The findings are based on data from women participants in the Medical Research Council National Study of Health and Development, which tracks the long-term health of British men and women born in 1946 throughout their life.

BAD NEWS

Artificial labour

Artificial labour or stimulated contractions are not good for your health. Saint Louis University researchers have found that pregnant women going for these options are at a greater risk of developing chorioamnionitis (an infection of the placental tissues and amniotic fluid). This can increase the risk of sepsis, abnormal bleeding and future infertility, as well as infections in the new-born baby. The lead researcher Elisabeth Erekson, a resident in obstetrics, gynaecology and women’s health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, suggests that women should let nature take its course.

Donation shy

A British Medical Journal report claims that the biggest obstacle to improving the organ donation rate in the UK is the number of relatives who refuse consent. According to a report in the Newswise magazine, the main reasons for this refusal are “relatives don’t want surgery to the body” and “they are not sure whether the patient would have agreed to donation”.