Neotropical Blueberries Are The Ultimate Superfruits

According to a study, blueberries are feted as a super fruit, full of disease-fighting antioxidants that help the body eliminate harmful free radicals. However, the “highbush” blueberries that are available in U.S. supermarkets are not as loaded with antioxidants as some blueberry varieties available in Mexico, Central & South America.

Scientists refer to the “neotropcial” blueberries as extreme superfruits that are crammed with almost 11 times the antioxidant punch of ordinary blueberries and are able to afford increased protection against cancer, heart disease and other ailments.

The only catch is that neotropical blueberries are not easy to source in the U.S.

Meanwhile, folks could do worse than have highbush blueberries.

Blueberries have several health benefits – they help protect against urinary infections, cancer and the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in arteries – which can trigger heart attack & stroke. They’re low in calories, high in fiber & they contain iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A & C.

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Dishwashers Harbor Harmful Fungal Pathogens

The presence of deadly fungal pathogens in most of our household appliances, particularly in dishwasher seals, has been confirmed by researchers.

Electrical equipment like coffee machines, washing machines and dishwashers serve as the ideal breeding ground for the pathogens because of the moist & hot environment.

This is why the fungi survive even in high temperatures between 60 º - 80 º C & despite using salt and detergents in the dishwasher.

62% of dishwashers revealed the presence of deadly fungi on the rubber band in the door and 56% of these included the harmful black yeasts E. phaeomuriformis and Exophiala dermatitidis.

Both Exophiala species showed remarkable tolerance to aggressive detergents, high salt concentrations, heat and to acid as well as alkaline water.

Exophiala dermatitidis is particularly dangerous for persons with cystic fibrosis, as it tends to attack their lungs. Besides, it’s been known to occasionally lead to deadly infections in healthy people.

Moreover, the invasion of killer bugs into homes represents a serious health hazard.

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3D Glasses Responsible For Spread Of Conjunctivitis: BMC

Planning on watching the latest 3D film? Well, you may need to think again. The BMC says that the 3D glasses provided at multiplexes & theatres for viewing such films are reportedly the reason for rising incidences of conjunctivitis in Mumbai.

Multiplexes and theatres screening 3D films have been issued an advisory by the BMC to either sterilize the glasses or provide viewers with disposable spectacles.

Conjunctivitis is a viral infection that’s quite common during monsoon. It spreads via air, contact with articles such as towels & handkerchiefs used by infected persons, in a crowd or lack of personal hygiene. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis are red eye, irritation & watering of the eyes.

In the last month several 3D films have been screened, including Pirates of the Caribbean, the Green Lantern and Kung Fu Panda 2. Cases of conjunctivitis have risen in areas where 3D films have released.

The civic body has also cautioned citizens against using 3D glasses that have been used earlier by others for viewing 3D films.

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Japan Develops ‘Mermaid’ Swimming Capsule Endoscope

Japanese researchers have developed the first-ever remote controlled self-propelled capsule endoscope that “swims” through a person’s digestive tract.

Scientists have been able to successfully capture images inside an individual’s stomach & colon by means of the tadpole-shaped scope.

Nicknamed the “Mermaid”, the blue & clear device is about 1cm in diameter & 4.5 cms long and is fitted with magnetic fin-like driving gear, allowing for accurate control of its location and direction.

A small battery & an electromagnet power the endoscope’s movement and also help drive the fin.

A joystick is used by doctors to control the Mermaid’s movements, which are viewed on a monitor screen. The capsule endoscope can be swallowed for stomach examination or inserted rectally for examining the colon.

Scientists from Ryukoku University & Osaka Medical College say they can now precisely take pictures of the area which has to be tested via remote control of the capsule endoscope, which can take 2 shots per second.

In a couple of hours the endoscope examines the digestive canal, right from the esophagus to colon and can help diagnose diseases like cancer.

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