Pill to reduce breast cancer:

Scientists are working on a new generation of chemical contraceptives, which could hugely reduce side effects, including the risk of breast cancer.

Laboratory studies suggest that, aside from stopping women getting pregnant, the new pill could reduce breast cancers, thrombosis, and heart disease associated with the existing pill.

It also stops women having periods altogether suggesting it could offer relief for the hundreds of thousands suffering from PMT.

But it will be controversial because the new group of compounds include a drug known as mifepristone, which is licensed in the UK for use in chemical abortions.

It is the first offer of an alternative to the progesterone and oestrogen combinations that are taken by 3.4 million women in the UK, but it is expected to take five years to reach the market.

Most recent advances have sought to end the need for women to remember to take the pill. Patches, injections and implants have been introduced in the UK.

The new female pill would also be an alternative for women worried about health risks.

The drug is being investigated for use as a contraceptive at doses of between 2 and 10mg. As an abortion pill it is prescribed at doses of 600mg. Toni Bellfield, head of information at the Family Planning Association, said it welcomed new contraceptives, but feared that a pill offering protection against breast cancers would over-emphasise the risks of other oral contraceptives. —Guardian

Pigs good for heart

New York: US scientists have used gene technology to breed pigs that can produce omega-3 fats, widely touted as good for the human heart. Currently, the only way for humans to realise the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is by taking dietary supplements or eating certain types of oily fish that may also contain high levels of mercury. But the new study by the University of Pittsburgh-led team raises the prospect of a new source for the fats - that is from pigs.

Jing Kang, who also worked on the study, said, “Livestock with a health ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids may be a promising way to rebalance the modern diet without relying solely on diminishing fish supplies or supplements.” Keith Kendrick of the Babraham Institute, University of Cambridge, agreed that genetically modified pigs might help scientists assess the role of omega-3 fats in reducing cardiovascular disease. However, he said, “I am less convinced that this is going to be a source of omega-3 for human consumption when there are other non-GM sources.” Though some dispute it, past research has found that omega-3 fats, which are found in oily fish like Salmon, mackerel and fresh tuna, may help cut the risk of cancer and heart disease. —IANS