Insidermedicine in 60 - July 25, 2008

From California - According to a study in the journal Cell, new possibilities are arising for slowing or even reversing the aging process. Researchers from Stanford University studied the aging process in nematode worms and found that genes linked to aging are activated by a biological switch. The researchers speculate that if aging is not only caused by wear and tear on cells but by regulatory genes as well, then theoretically these genes could be switched off.

From the UK - According to an editorial in the British Medical Journal, having no more than two children could help combat climate change. The editorial, written by a family planning expert and a GP, notes that consumption of food, water and fuel is beginning to exceed supply, and estimates that each new birth in the UK will result in 160 times more greenhouse gas emissions than a new birth in Ethiopia. The editorial argues for information on the link between population and the environment to be part of family planning.

And finally, from Seattle - According to a study from the University of Washington, laundry detergents and air fresheners may be hazardous to your health. In a study of six top-selling products, each contained at least one toxic chemical, and five contained carcinogens. None of the products mentioned these hazardous ingredients on their labels. The researchers did not release the names of the products tested, but recommended avoiding air fresheners altogether.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Allison Chow.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• age
• genes
• wrinkles
• elderly
• genetics
• family
• children
• climate
• change
• global
• warming
• environment
• air
• freshener
• toxic
• hazard