Young people considering gap years and holidays in Europe are been warned to check they have received an MMR jab following outbreaks of measles on the continent. Large numbers of cases of measles have recently been reported in France, Italy, Greece and Romania. Public Health England (PHE) issued the warning to young people who may have missed out on the jab during the MMR scare which began in 1998 when doctor Andrew Wakefield published a paper in The Lancet suggesting a link to autism. At the peak of the scare, one in five children missed out on the vaccination. The paper was later withdrawn and Dr Wakefield struck off after the research was found to be dishonest. Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said: “In the early 2000’s there was a fall in MMR vaccination coverage in children and as a consequence we are now seeing measles cases in young adults. “Measles is circulating in England and the rest of Europe. We often think about what travel-related … [Read more...] about Teens who missed MMR jab during Wakefield scare urged to seek vaccination as measles sweeps Europe
Science
Stonehenge builders used Pythagoras’ theorem 2,000 years before Greek philosopher was born, say experts
The builders of Britain’s ancient stone circles like Stonehenge were using Pythagoras' theorem 2,000 years before the Greek philosopher was born, experts have claimed. A new book, Megalith, has re-examined the ancient geometry of Neolithic monuments and concluded they were constructed by sophisticated astronomers who understood lengthy lunar, solar and eclipse cycles and built huge stone calendars using complex geometry One contributor, megalithic expert Robin Heath has even proposed that there exists a great Pythagorean triangle in the British landscape linking Stonehenge, the site from which the Preseli bluestones were cut in Wales, and Lundy Island, an important prehistoric site. Pythagoras’ discovery that the sum of the areas of two squares on the sides of two triangle will add up to the area of a square on hypotenuse has been used been used for millennia to help builders attain perfect right-angles. The new book, published today to coincide with today’s … [Read more...] about Stonehenge builders used Pythagoras’ theorem 2,000 years before Greek philosopher was born, say experts
Male gorilla living at Bristol Zoo turns out to be female, and could help save the species
A male gorilla living at Bristol Zoo has turned out to be female, and will now join a European breeding programme attempting to save the species from dying out. Kukena was born at the zoo on 27 September 2011 to mother Salome and the troop's silverback Jock. Gorillas are notoriously difficult to sex but zookeepers were convinced Kukena - nicknamed Kuki - was male. However in the last few months experts caring for the western lowland gorilla noticed changes to her sexual organs and behaviour. Although the discovery means that the gorilla will be separated from the troop of seven in the next few years, it is good new for the species, which is critically endangered. There are far fewer females than males in the world’s zoos making breeding programmes tricky and time consuming. Senior curator of animals at the zoo, John Partridge, said gorillas are known for being difficult to sex. "We have a strict hands-off policy with our animals," he added. "As gorillas can be difficult to … [Read more...] about Male gorilla living at Bristol Zoo turns out to be female, and could help save the species
Dogs vs cats: Science reveals which one of our furry friends is the smartest
Dog owners and cat owners may often disagree about which is the smartest - but it seems that one scientist has a definitive answer. According to neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel from Vanderbilt University , it's the canines that come out on top. Studies have shown that dogs have about 530 million neurons that calculate behaviour whilst cats can only manage 250 million. So while cat owners may disagree, it seems that Fido and Rover have the upper hand when it comes to brains. “I believe the absolute number of neurons an animal has, especially in the cerebral cortex, determines the richness of their internal mental state and their ability to predict what is about to happen in their environment based on past experience,” explained Herculano-Houzel. What's interesting is that even though dogs don't have the biggest brains, they actually have the most neurons of any carnivore. While a brown bear has a far larger brain, it only has about the same amount of neurons as a … [Read more...] about Dogs vs cats: Science reveals which one of our furry friends is the smartest
Survival rate for most common type of pancreatic cancer is half as good as previously thought
The survival rate for most the most common type of pancreatic cancer is half as good as previously thought, a major new study has shown. Just three per cent of people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which impacts 95 per cent of patients, will still be alive after five years, according to new research. A three year study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer UK found that the true figures have been masked because they are published collectively with another type called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours or PNET, which has a far higher survival rate. The most recent survival statistics for England show that less than seven per cent of patients overall will live for five years or more, but the new research shows fewer than half will survive. Pancreatic Cancer UK said the new survival rate was unacceptable, and has called for greater investment in research funding. Diana Jupp, Chief Executive of the charity, … [Read more...] about Survival rate for most common type of pancreatic cancer is half as good as previously thought