A flight attendant from Israel is fighting for her life after contracting the measles. CNN reports that a 43-year-old woman is in a coma and battling encephalitis at a hospital in Israel. According to the report, the woman received one round of the MMR as a child. The news is a stark reminder to adults to check their immunity status to the measles.In a report released by CNN, the unidentified flight attendant works for El Al an Israeli national airline. She worked on flights between New York and Israel. Due to her job, doctors do not know the location she contracted the virus. She might have contracted the virus in New York, Israel, or on the international flight. On March 31, the woman developed a fever and went to the hospital. Shortly after her arrival at the hospital, she slipped into a coma. When she fell into the coma, she lost her ability to breathe on her own. “She’s been in a deep coma for 10 days, and we’re now just hoping for the best,” said Dr. … [Read more...] about Vaccinated Flight Attendant in Coma After Contracting Measles
Health
‘Frankenstein’ scientists bring pigs’ brains back to life hours after death
Scientists in the US restored circulation and cellular activity in 32 pig brains obtained from a meat-packing plant. While there was no evidence of re-awakening awareness or consciousness, the brains were said to be "cellularly active". The study has huge implications that challenge long-held assumptions about the finality of death, and opens up a new frontier in brain research. Lead scientist Professor Nenad Sestan, from Yale University, said: "The intact brain of a large mammal retains a previously under-appreciated capacity for restoration of circulation and certain molecular and cellular activities multiple hours after circulatory arrest." Cellular brain death is usually considered to be swift and irreversible. Once the supply of oxygen and blood are cut off, the brain's electrical activity and signs of awareness vanish within seconds. A cascade of destruction occurs leading to widespread degeneration from which there is no turning back. However, Prof Sestan and his team … [Read more...] about ‘Frankenstein’ scientists bring pigs’ brains back to life hours after death
Irish academics develop way to solve problem of arsenic in rice
Irish academics develop way to solve problem of arsenic in rice Independent.ie Researchers have discovered a new way to make eating rice safer. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/irish-academics-develop-way-to-solve-problem-of-arsenic-in-rice-38027392.html https://www.independent.ie/incoming/article35784327.ece/7ed64/AUTOCROP/h342/rice.jpg Email Researchers have discovered a new way to make eating rice safer. Contamination of rice with cancer-causing arsenic is a major problem in some parts of the world. Academics at Queen's University Belfast have discovered they can reduce the presence of the chemical by modifying processing methods at traditional small-scale parboiling plants in Bangladesh. The new method also increases the calcium content of rice, the experts said. "There has long been a search for ways to remove arsenic from rice that is both low-tech and can be widely adapted," said Professor Andrew Meharg of the Institute for Global Food Security. "Our … [Read more...] about Irish academics develop way to solve problem of arsenic in rice
Biscuits and full-fat butter are in as new hospital menus ‘reflect how people eat’
Patients will be served mostly traditional food with a typical three-course dinner of a bowl of soup, roast meat, mashed potato with butter, topped off with jelly and ice cream for dessert. Snacks can include family favourites like ginger nut biscuits and cream crackers, while marmalade and full-fat butter can also feature in a patient's dining experience, depending on their health condition. The updated food and hydration policy was launched in the Mater Hospital yesterday by Health Minister Simon Harris, who pointed out that in a survey of more than 13,000 patients, 71pc rated hospital food good or very good. "It is essential we continue to improve this," he said. Barbara Gillman, a clinical specialist renal dietitian who was in charge of developing the new policy, said patients should be screened on admission to hospital. This is to assess if they are nutritionally well or at risk from conditions such as malnutrition, diabetes, allergies or swallowing issues, or if they need … [Read more...] about Biscuits and full-fat butter are in as new hospital menus ‘reflect how people eat’
Almost 400 patients in beds waiting for nursing home spot
It comes as hospitals continue to suffer overcrowding due to lack of beds, with 478 patients on trolleys yesterday, including 61 in University Hospital Limerick. The HSE confirmed there are 620 patients in hospitals who are delayed discharges - people who are medically ready to leave but need suitable step-down care. A spokeswoman said that 378 of those patients are awaiting placement in a nursing home although not all have yet submitted their application for financial subsidy to the Fair Deal scheme. It emerged earlier this week that funding for the Fair Deal this year is coming under pressure as nearly 200 extra nursing home residents need support. The numbers in the scheme are 23,228 compared to a HSE budgeted target of 23,042. The HSE spokeswoman said that the Fair Deal approval process, once the application form has been fully completed, is currently being maintained at approximately four to five weeks. "The Fair Deal budget for 2019 is €985.6m. Patients in acute hospitals … [Read more...] about Almost 400 patients in beds waiting for nursing home spot