Dispensary Corner 16 May 13
May 16, 2013
ONE day spiders may not be
as feared as they are now, with
scientists in Brazil citing promising
research into a potential spider
venom immunisation.
In experiments the researchers
created a synthetic protein,
which protected rabbits from
the effects of the poison of the
Loxosceles spider which each year
hospitalises almost 7,000 people
annually.
The report in the Vaccine journal
said that rabbits which were
immunised using the protein were
protected from skin damage at
the site of the spider bite, as well
as from haemorrhaging.
UNICEF has officially declared
the tiny island of North Tarawa
as the Pacific region’s first
“open defecation-free” or ODF
destination.
North Tarawa is part of Kiribati,
and has a population of about
5,000 people - most of whom
used to go and poo on the beach.
UNICEF spokeswoman Nuzhat
Shahzadi said the move was
a major breakthrough for the
island nation, where up to 70% of
people in many communities still
practice open defecation.
“North Tarawa Island can look
forward to significant reduction
in diarrheal diseases and lower
infant and under five mortality
rates as a result,” she said.
Kiribati president Anote Tong
has set a target date of December
2015 for the entire country to
become ODF.
The makers of a popular British
renovation product have launched
special underpants which aim to
minimise “unsightly cracks”.
Polyfilla, which is used to
prepare walls for painting, said
the innovation has a higher, more
secure waistband to protect the
wearer’s modesty.
And the company also reported
a survey which found the average
Briton is exposed to a backside
more than three times a week,
with builders the main culprits.
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