Health | WPN World People News

WHO reports unprecedented progress against 17 neglected tropical diseases*, thanks to a new global strategy, a regular supply of quality assured, cost-effective medicines and support from global partners.

As part of the Energy Department's efforts to diversify the nation's energy portfolio and support America's energy entrepreneurs and innovators, the Department today announced up to $10 million to help unlock the potential of biofuels made from algae. The funding will support research projects aimed at boosting the productivity of algae cultivation systems and developing and demonstrating effective, energy-efficient, and low-cost algae harvest and processing technologies, such as centrifugation and extraction.

Giving the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine in the thigh rather than the arm reduces a toddler's risk of an injection-site reaction that requires medical attention, according to a new study.

The U.S. Environmental Protection has removed mercury that contaminated several homes and schools in the Parcelas La Cordillera community of Ciales, Puerto Rico and completed the cleanup of the affected homes and schools.

“The protocol gives the world a unique legal instrument for countering and eventually eliminating a sophisticated international criminal activity that costs a lot, especially for health,” said WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan on the occasion of the signing ceremony.

Millions of people around the world suffer from severe spinal cord injuries that result in permanent loss of control of their arms or legs, or loss of bladder, bowel or sexual functions. Now, US researchers have developed an oral medication that offers hope that some of these lost functions could be regained. When given to laboratory mice shortly after a spinal cord injury, the drug restored the animals' mobility.

Winter brings special challenges for elderly people and they need to be aware of these issues and take steps to protect themselves, an expert says.