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Having access to a personal computer lowers or decreases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older men by up to 40 percent, say researchers in Australia.

An Australian study of over 3,000 fathers has found that approximately one in ten report high levels of distress in the first year after having a baby.

Developed in India, RISUG is one of a kind. It is a new form of temporary birth control that is claimed to have no hormonal side effects. I am curious to see if this type of medicine will be used in America in the near future and the cultural implications that it might have.

A new study shows that the malaria species widespread in the Asia-Pacific region has been a key driver of human genome evolution. AsianScientist (Sep. 6, 2012) - Malaria is a parasitic disease with devastating effects, causing up to one million deaths annually worldwide. Approximately half the world's population is at risk of malaria infection.

Interesting article, it seems as if the doctors may truly believe that it may not merely be natural selection at play here but that there may also be the possibility that the disease itself directly promotes human genome evolution. I am curious to see whether a powerful vaccine can be made in relevance to the abnormal erythrocytes caused by Southeast Asian ovalocytosis. If so, I wonder which nation would develop it first.

The study, published this week in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, shows that over the last decade there has been a dramatic 58 percent increase in the use of psychotropic medications by the Australian population, which has only increased by 13 percent over that time.

The National Oceanography Center was established on Friday in Xiamen, Fujian province, to accelerate the development of marine technology and innovation, amid the country's marine economy boom.

Interesting article about mobile technology and Malaria in Cambodia.

For those interested in western medical partnerships and health in India

A very interesting read that mustard can save lives. Mustard can also help with cramps. During the OU UTEP game the UTEP trainers gave their players mustard to help with their cramps. According to studies eating mustard helps replenish the minerals potassium, calcium, and magnesium. So not only is mustard providing vitamin A, it also helps people get rid of cramps. References: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/big12/2012/09/utep-players-eat-mustard-to-tone-down-the-cramps-vs-ou/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/262926-how-to-use-mustard-for-leg-cramps/

Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg Meenakshi, one of hundreds of young women who zip around India's dusty streets on scooters promoting the dairy drink Yakult, says health is her best sales pitch. The 22-year-old student knocks on doors two days a week to tell stay-at-home mothers, washing ladies, and residents living in makeshift shacks how Yakult's microbes can help cultivate their "intestinal flora."

Interesting article, it reminds me of some of the issues raised in Global Pharmaceuticals about how medications are regulated differently in different countries. It's funny how these drinks can be called healthier in Asia than in America or Europe, as if the location makes a difference in the contents of the product. Wouldn't it be nice if these companies had to make the same claims everywhere regardless of regional policies?

This article makes me suspect that the regulations for marketing certain foods and drink in the U.S. and Europe is more strict than in Asia. The FDA has fairly strict regulations, which prevent advertising products with effects that are not proven to be true. The article never really says if the probiotic drinks actually help in the way they are said to, so I can understand if U.S. and American markets are less inclined to allow the companies to advertise the claims.

Southeast Asia's largest solar plant is expected to offset 800,000 tons of carbon over 25 years and contribute to Thailand's renewable energy goals. AsianScientist (Sep. 28, 2012) - Solar panel manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. announced this week that Southeast Asia's largest silicon photovoltaic power plant achieved grid connection on September 4, 2012.

Hopefully the payoffs of this solar power plant will manifest themselves in the next 10 years or so. That way, news of the power plant can hopefully spread to other parts of Southeast Asia. As the largest solar powered plant, I wonder if they'll face any challenges in the upcoming years with possible upkeep? I don't know a lot about solar energy but these are just some things I am curious about--but I'm also excited about the progress this power plant can make!

This is a huge milestone. Maybe our country can take some notes. I also found it interesting that the plant is owned by a petroleum company, great steps towards going green.

Doctors can use telehealth to communicate with their patients. Could this be a way to decrease the effort and resource requirements needed to visit the doctor's office? This may be a beneficial alternative to both parties (Doctors and Patients).