Shah Rukh, Aamir Khan's surrogacy decision inspires
childless couples
Shah Rukh Khan may have a blockbuster coming up but as
always, it is his personal life that has been making headlines.
When news first surfaced that SRK and wife Gauri had signed
up for a baby by surrogacy, it seemed like a wild rumour.
However, as things turned out, the reports turned out to be
true what with Bollywood's power couple announcing the joyous addition of AbRam
to their family.
Preceding SRK was that other Bollywood premier league
twosome; perfectionist actor and now activist, Aamir Khan and wife Kiran, who,
long before presswallahs could
get wind of it, made public their decision of opting for a surrogate baby.
Truth be told, every aspect of a Bollywood star's life is
followed with great curiosity much to their chagrin, but in going public with
details on this very personal and sensitive matter, the Khan duo have rendered
yeoman's service to numerous childless couples in India.
Why, a conversation I overheard in a Mumbai local train
compartment between two ladies in their 50s was rather heartening. One was
inquiring after the likelihood of the other's daughter-in-law bearing her a
grandchild and the lady's reply was revealing. "If her health does not
permit it then they could go in for surrogacy or even adopt. After all, if bade
log like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan can do it, then it surely must be
okay."
A film star's biggest virtue they say, is to convincingly
pull off unimaginable feats on the 70mm screen, sometimes even compelling their
audiences to follow suit.
Now they seem to be setting a fine example off screen too
and for a good cause at that.
The nascent assisted reproductive technology industry — surrogacy
was legalised in India in 2002 — is already a booming multimillion dollar
industry within India, and yet one that is talked about in hushed tones.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
22.07.2013
New study links eating less to longevity
Eating less calories may help people extend their lifespan
by promoting growth of beneficial bacteria in the body, a new Chinese study
claimed today.
In a research conducted on two sets of mice, it was found
that the group fed with calorie-restricted low-fat diet lived the longest while
those eating high fat food had the shortest lives, a report in the state-run
China Daily said.
Analysis of the mice feces showed that some beneficial
bacteria that correlate positively with a longer life span are enriched by
calorie restriction.
"Scientific research has been pointing to the result
that calorie restriction increases life span, but the unanswered questions are
why and how," said Zhao Liping, a Microbiology professor at Shanghai Jiao
Tong University, who led the research."So this research provides a new
angle to explain the relationship between calorie restriction and life span
that calorie restriction might take effect via altering gut bacteria," he
said.
"Although we find an association exists between calorie
intake and gut bacteria, and bacteria and life span, this is definitely not the
only decisive factor for life span," Zhao was quoted as saying.
Another researcher involved in the study, Liu Yong from the
Institute of Nutritional Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said it
would be some time before the results could be applied to humans too.
However, he pointed out earlier research has shown the
influence of gut bacteria on people's health. "The human body is a
supraorganism (an organism consisting
of many organisms). There are enormous numbers of microbial
communities that influence people's health," Liu said.
"For example, a lot of research points to the fact that
unhealthy gut bacteria plays a role in causing obesity and metabolic disorders,
including diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some cardiovascular
disease," he added.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
22.07.2013
Now, smartphone app to detect breast cancer early
An Indian-origin student in
Australia has developed a smartphone app for early detection of breast cancer.
Sanjay Sreekumar, software
engineering undergraduate from Australian National University, designed the app
for breast cancer awareness organisation The Young Adults Programme (YAP).
The YAP app is designed to allow
individuals to self-monitor for early signs of breast cancer. By providing
monthly inputs of breast irregularities, the application can help identify if
further medical screening is required.
"There's a big potential for
apps to provide a proactive means of detecting illnesses. This is not something
that just targets specific people. It can affect everyone regardless of age and
gender," Sreekumar said.
"I always feel sympathetic when
I hear stories about people suffering from cancer. This is something I can
do," he said in a statement. Sreekumar is currently working on improving
the app by adding visual aids and multiple languages. He wants to get the word
out to breast cancer organisations and promote the app internationally.
"The core of YAP is providing
an additional means of examination to save lives. It could apply to many
illnesses. I want to see this technology being used world-wide," he said.
Source: www.indianexpress.com
22.07.2013
The best way
to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others
Mahatma Gandhi
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