2 w. ago Illinois panel's first meeting over federal misconduct focuses on chemical agents

A commission formed to document alleged harassment and abuse by federal agents amid an immigration crackdown in the Chicago area has focused its first public hearing on the wide use of chemical agents

Science

3 w. ago Plantwatch: Pitcher plant’s sweet nectar is laced with toxic nerve agent

Nepenthes khasiana oozes an enticing liquid on the rim of its pitchers that tempts its prey into a deadly trapA carnivorous pitcher plant has recently been found to use a chemical nerve agent to drug its prey and lead them to a deadly end, being consumed in digestive juices at the bottom of the pitcher traps.The pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana oozes an enticing sweet nectar on the rim of its pitchers for visiting insects, particularly ants, to feed on to lure them into the trap. But the nectar is laced with a toxic nerve agent called isoshinanolone, which strikes at the ant’s nervous system, leaving it with sluggish movements, weakened muscles, and causing it to groom itself excessively. Eventually the prey falls upside down in spasms, with the nerve agent sometimes killing it outright. But apart from isoshinanolone, the nectar also contains three types of sugars that can all absorb water and make the rim of the pitcher especially slippery, so the prey is more likely to slide down ...

Events

3 w. ago Tell us: have you ever had an allergic reaction caused by your clothes?

Synthetic fabrics, particularly from fast fashion retailers, can be treated with a range of hazardous chemicals which can cause an allergic reaction. If you think this is happened to you, we’d like to hear from youHave you suffered any personal health repercussions you suspect may have been caused by your fashion purchases?Research has shown that synthetic fabrics, particularly from fast fashion retailers, are often treated with a range of hazardous chemicals - including dyes containing heavy metals such as lead, antimicrobial agents, and anti wrinkle treatments - that can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation or respiratory issues in some people. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Could a chemical found in one type of chocolate slow down ageing?

Researchers call it a ‘very exciting finding’

Politics

3 w. ago The festive treats with hidden health benefits that could actually be good for you from Christmas pudding to prosecco

HALLELUJAH! That mountain of treats you are craving this Christmas might not be so bad for you after all.  Scientists reckon an ingredient found in dark chocolate could help slow the ageing process.   A King’s College London study showed theobromine can reduce DNA damage. Those with more of it in their blood appeared to have...

Politics

4 w. ago Scientists discover a key chemical in dark CHOCOLATE that may slow down ageing

A key compound in cocoa reduces people's biological age, scientists at King's College London report.

Science

4 w. ago Dark chocolate: Everything you need to know and how it could slow aging

King's College London discovers that higher levels of a key compound found in dark chocolate is linked to a ‘younger’ body in terms of health and function

Politics

4 w. ago Compound found in dark chocolate 'slows ageing', new study says

People with the chocolate chemical in their blood have a biological age lower than their actual age

Politics

4 w. ago Chocolate ‘can slow ageing’ thanks to chemical that prevents DNA damage

CHOCOLATE could slow the ageing process, say scientists. A study found dark choc’s bitter-tasting chemical, theobromine, might reduce DNA damage caused by the ravages of time. Data from 1,700 people showed those who had more of the substance in their blood appeared to have a lower biological age. It means they were more likely to...

Events

4 w. ago Chemical in dark chocolate linked to slower ageing, scientists discover

The chemical, theobromine, is found in cacao plants and is also present in dark chocolate - experts say the findings could help unlock everyday foods that 'hold clues to healthier, longer lives'

Science