New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) To control the climate crisis, immediate action on methane emissions is crucial.

According to a study published in the journal, Frontiers in Science. methane, a gas responsible for about half of global warming to date, is increasing rapidly.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, yet only 2 per cent of climate finance targets its reduction. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30 per cent reduction from 2020 levels by 2030. The study highlights the economic benefits of methane mitigation, noting that every tonne emitted in 2020 caused damages estimated between US$470-1700, potentially up to $7,000 when considering health impacts. Mitigation can have immediate effects, as methane doesn’t persist long in the atmosphere.

An international team of researchers, led by Professor Drew Shindell from Duke University, emphasises that while CO2 has been the main focus, addressing methane can quickly reduce the rate of warming. The team outlines three key imperatives: reducing methane emissions, coordinating efforts to tackle both methane and CO2 and incentivising methane abatement.

The researchers developed an online tool to identify the most cost-effective methane reduction strategies by country. For example, major fossil fuel producers might benefit from regulating production and incentivising methane capture, while other countries might focus on landfill emissions. Individuals can contribute by reducing beef and dairy consumption supporting policies for composting and making polluters accountable.

Shindell concludes that while uncertainties remain, the urgency to reduce methane emissions is clear to mitigate accelerating climate damages.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Researchers at ETH Zurich have introduced an innovative approach to transform the bacterium ‘Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans’ into a highly-efficient cellulose-producing mini-factory.

This advancement promises to significantly enhance the production of high-purity bacterial cellulose, a material valued for its applications in biomedicine, packaging, and textiles.

Bacterial cellulose, known for supporting wound healing and preventing infections, is produced naturally by K sucrofermentans. However, the bacteria grow slowly and produce limited amounts, presenting a challenge for industrial applications.

To address this, Julie Laurent, a doctoral student developed a method that accelerates the evolutionary process using UV-C light, creating new bacterial variants that produce up to 70 per cent more cellulose.

The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The process involves exposing bacterial cells to UV-C light, inducing random DNA mutations. These cells are then encapsulated in nutrient solution droplets and allowed to produce cellulose.

Fluorescence microscopy identifies the most productive cells, which are sorted automatically using a system developed by ETH chemist Andrew De Mello’s team.

This system can process half a million droplets in minutes, identifying four variants that significantly outproduce the wild type.

The evolved cells form cellulose mats nearly twice the thickness and weight of those produced by wild-type cells.

Genetic analysis revealed that all four variants had the same mutation in a gene coding for a protease, which seemingly disrupts regulation and allows for continuous cellulose production.

“This approach is a milestone in enhancing non-protein material production using bacteria,” said Professor Studart.

The team has filed for patents and plans to test the new bacterial strains in industrial settings, aiming to revolutionise the sustainable production of bacterial cellulose.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Prof. (Dr) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, chaired a pivotal meeting with representatives from over 27 major health professional bodies in India.

The hybrid-mode meeting focussed on advancing the ministry’s initiatives for health promotion, specifically targeting the promotion of healthy diets, physical activity, and addressing key Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use.

During the meeting, Dr. Goel emphasised the importance of investing healthcare resources towards prevention, rather than solely focussing on diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

He highlighted the ‘Healthy Medical/Dental College Campus’ initiative, aimed at fostering a culture of health and well-being in medical and dental institutions across India.

Participants engaged in discussions on strategies to promote health and prevent diseases, particularly focusing on eliminating tobacco and alcohol use.

The meeting also highlighted the need to strengthen the implementation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.

All professional bodies present agreed to adopt a Declaration of Health Promotion, committing to measures that support the ministry’s health promotion goals.

The attendees unanimously praised the ministry’s efforts and recommendations, recognising the critical need for a collaborative approach to health promotion.

They pledged to work closely with the Union Health Ministry to enhance public awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and policy advocacy aimed at reducing tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and other risk factors.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to fostering a healthier nation through concerted efforts in health education and risk factor mitigation.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard public health and enhance the well-being of all citizens through collaborative and proactive measures.

Senior officials, including Dr. L Swasticharan, Additional DDG & Director EMR, attended the meeting.

The participating health bodies included the National Medical Commission (NMC), World Health Organisation (WHO), Indian Medical Association (IMA), and others.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) The ‘Illness to Wellness’ initiative, a national campaign aimed at generating awareness on various mind and body conditions and providing holistic and broad stakeholder engagements with the overall objective of promoting healthy living, along with the Project Empathy Campaign of ILBS, organised contests for school students in Delhi-NCR to highlight World Hepatitis Day.

The contests — Shine in Public Speaking and Logo Designing, took place at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on July 26.

The contests were organised to increase awareness, educate the public about hepatitis and to reduce stigma related to hepatitis. The theme for the contest was It’s Time for Action which aligned with the WHO (World Health Organisation) theme for World Hepatitis Day 2024. The contests were open to students in grades 6-12 and saw substantial participation from students from numerous schools across Delhi-NCR.

According to a 2024 WHO report, viral hepatitis caused 1.3 million deaths in 2022, making it the second leading infectious cause of death globally. Hepatitis B was responsible for 83 per cent of these deaths, while hepatitis C accounted for 17 per cent. Approximately 304 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, with India ranking among the top 10 countries with the highest burden of viral hepatitis. In India, over 40 million people are affected by hepatitis B, and many continue to suffer due to prevalent misconceptions about the disease. This highlights the urgent need to increase public awareness and dispel the myths surrounding hepatitis.

On the occasion, Dr Shiv K Sarin, Director and Chancellor of ILBS, said, “It’s indeed time for action, to spread awareness and dispel misconceptions surrounding hepatitis. Many stigmas, such as the false association with AIDS, cloud our understanding of the disease. We need to recognise that Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and from mother to baby. Effective control of Hepatitis B can be achieved through the universal vaccination of newborns and treatment for those already affected. 90 per cent of people with Hepatitis C can be cured. Engaging with the youth is a powerful way to spread these crucial messages. I commend the Illness to Wellness initiative and the Project Empathy Campaign for organising this event, and I am glad that ILBS could host it.”

Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, said, “On World Hepatitis Day, we have an opportunity to reflect, renew and redouble our commitment and efforts on the critical subject of hepatitis that continues to impact societal health- warranting our unmitigated attention. I am happy to note the enthusiastic participation of the children, along with the encouragement provided by schools in Delhi-NCR to this important cause. I want to congratulate all the schoolchildren who participated in the various activities that have been undertaken under the Illness to Wellness and ILBS initiative, and emphasise that by spreading knowledge about this ailment, these students are helping in raising awareness and addressing the important aspects of the disease. I firmly believe that when children embrace a cause, positive change follows, as they become the future leaders driving greater sensitisation and societal progress.”

Illness to Wellness has consistently worked to raise awareness about Hepatitis B and C across India through various events. The initiative aims to disseminate crucial information vital for controlling these diseases and to emphasise the importance of good health for leading prosperous and fulfilling lives.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) Certain non-statin cholesterol-lowering medications may reduce the risk of liver cancer, according to a study on Monday.

The study, published online in the journal CANCER, suggests a potential protective effect of these medications, adding to existing evidence from past research on statins.

The study, led by the National Cancer Institute of the Maryland National Institute of Health, focussed on five types of non-statin cholesterol-lowering drugs: Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids.

These drugs are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol and lipid levels, each operating through different mechanisms.

Researchers included 3,719 liver cancer cases and 14,876 matched controls without cancer.

The study also accounted for variables like type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease status.

The results revealed that the use of cholesterol absorption inhibitors was linked to a 31 per cent reduction in liver cancer risk across the board.

Furthermore, these inhibitors showed similar protective effects when analyses were stratified by diabetes and liver disease status.

In line with previous findings, the study confirmed that statins were associated with a 35 per cent lower risk of liver cancer.

However, no significant associations were found between liver cancer risk and the use of fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, or niacin.

Interestingly, bile acid sequestrant use was associated with an increased risk of liver cancer in the overall analysis, although the data were inconsistent when broken down by diabetes and liver disease status.

The researchers emphasised the need for further studies to replicate these observations and clarify the potential risks associated with bile acid sequestrants.

The study adds a new dimension to the understanding of cholesterol management and its implications for liver cancer prevention, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.

As few studies have examined the effects of non-statin cholesterol-lowering drugs on liver cancer risk, the results of our study require replication in other populations.

“If our findings are confirmed in other studies, however, our results may inform liver cancer prevention research,” said Dr. McGlynn, of the National Cancer Institute.

–IANS

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