The international economic crisis, climate change and food security were the issues on which the G8 leaders focused in the first day’s proceedings at the L’Aquila Summit. The Group of Eight (G8, and formerly the G6 or Group of Six) is a forum, created by France in 1975, for governments of eight nations of the northern hemisphere: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States; in addition, the European Union is represented within the G8, but cannot host or chair.
Economy
HIV :: Lack of HIV prevention for male sex workers in the Caribbean could fuel AIDS epidemic
Male sex tourists, largely from the United States and Europe, may be fueling an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean, and efforts to stop the epidemic will be severely hampered unless HIV prevention dollars are diverted to help male prostitutes, a new study suggests.
Dementia :: New research shows dementia burden will be £5.8 billion more then predicted
The research, from a London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) report, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, shows that the cost to provide long-term care to older people with dementia will increase to £16.7 billion by 2031, as opposed to £10.9 billion as estimated in 2003.
Food :: Toxic food trend continues to worry US public
In the past year there have been several high profile recalls of toxic foods, from spinach to canned green beans, pet food to chili. A new book “Death in the Pot” (Prometheus Books, $24) traces the history of food poisoning and how it affects us all. Author and internationally renowned food expert Morton Satin documents several culinary mishaps and misdeeds in an engrossing narrative that spans from the ancient world to present day.
Osteoporosis :: International study strengthens case for daily calcium pill
A landmark study by University of Western Sydney researchers has found people over 50 who take calcium supplements suffer fewer fractures and enjoy a better quality of life.
NHS :: ?52 million deal for NHS staff, UK
Health Secretary Alan Johnson today endorsed the offer of an improved pay package worth ?52 million which will see enhanced pay and training opportunities for NHS staff but which keeps this year’s pay increases in line with the Government’s public sector pay policy.
NHS :: UK Dept of Health to reopen negotiations on the PPRS
UK Health dept intends to re-open negotiations about the current Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS). A UK Dept of Health spokesperson said
Heart Disease :: Shorter heart health programs just as effective in saving lives
Secondary prevention programs for coronary heart disease that contain less than 10 hours contact with health professionals and those provided by family doctors are just as effective in saving lives as more expensive, longer and more specialized hospital-based alternatives, according to cardiovascular researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
Stem Cell :: Advanced Cell Technology Applauds Inclusion of Stem Cell Provision In $152 Billion Federal Funding Measure
On June_21, 2007, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of a $152 billion Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. An amendment to the bill would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research by changing a critical date relating to the eligibility of stem cell lines.
Deep Vein Thrombosis :: 4 hour travel doubles deep vein thrombosis risk
Deep vein thrombosis is a common but difficult to detect illness that can be fatal if not treated effectively. According to the American Heart Association, more than two million Americans develop deep vein thrombosis annually.