Feb.17: AROUND THE WORLD
USA
Blue light has a dark side
Exposure to blue light at night, emitted by electronics and energy-efficient light bulbs, is harmful to your health. Researchers at Harvard University found that working late at night using a night light could lead to diabetes and obesity. The researchers put 10 people on a schedule which gradually changed their circadian rhythm and increased their blood sugar levels.
Even dim light can interfere with a person’s circadian rhythm. Also, many people don’t get enough sleep due to night light which is linked to increased risk for depression, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Not all colours of light have the same effect. Blue wavelengths – which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood – seem to be the most disruptive at night.
INDIA
Check if you are a selfie addict
The craze of taking selfies is reaching new heights with reports of people ending up dead while trying to click selfies. A psychiatrist in Kolkata has actually come up with a scale that can tell if a person is a selfie addict or not. The scale, which is yet to be registered officially, will be known as the Solanki (the psychiatrist’s name) scale.
His research, which involved students aged between 18 and 28 years, brought out some very interesting observations about the selfie craze. It observes that while women give priority to their looks while clicking selfies, men are more concerned about the location. The results of the scale are apparently 96% correct.
GERMANY
There is an antibiotic hiding in your nose
Scientists in Germany have discovered a bacteria hiding in peoples’ noses that produces an antibiotic compound that can kill several dangerous pathogens, including the superbug MRSA. The early-stage finding, published in Nature, could lead to a new class of antibiotic medicines to fight drug resistant bacterial infections.
The antibacterial substance, which researchers named Lugdunin, was able to effectively treat infections in mice caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause severe skin and wound infections. The bacteria that produces Lugdunin is present in about 10% of humans and can also cause infections.
FRANCE
Law on plastic cups, plates and cutlery
France has become the first country to pass a law to ensure that all plastic cups, cutlery and plates can be composted and are made of biologically-sourced materials. The law, which comes into effect in 2020, is part of the Energy Transition for Green Growth.
It will enable France to make a more effective contribution to tackling climate change. Although some ecologists’ organisations are in favour of the ban, others argue that it has violated European Union rules on free movement of goods.
