In today’s talking points: US researches probe the health impacts of e-cigarettes; Researchers from the University of Michigan compare lifetime toxic chemical releases between coal-generated electricity and natural gas; Chinese overweight students encouraged to take new university course; Chinese healthcare looking positive for the future
US researchers probe the health impacts of e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes may be just as harmful to your health as traditional cigarettes, researchers from the United States have discovered. A new study, published in the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, used human airway samples from 15 e-cigarette users, 14 current cigarette smokers and 15 non-smokers to explore the possible effects. According to China Daily, the researchers discovered e-cigarettes can harm your lungs in a way that is both “similar and unique” to cigarettes. For example, they found e-cigarette users showed higher levels of proteins which contribute to inflammatory lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.
Read more at: China Daily
Researchers from the University of Michigan compare lifetime toxic chemical releases between coal-generated electricity and natural gas
The potential health impacts of electricity from coal are far greater than those from natural gas such as fracking, a new study suggests. Researchers from the University of Michigan gathered emissions data from 23 natural gas and 13 coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania before carrying out different statistical tests. Xinhua reports that the study, which was published in the Environmental Science & Technology Journal, shows that the human toxicity impact of coal is 10 to 100 times greater than that of shale gas. Study author Shelie Miller, an environmental engineer and associate professor at the UM School for Environment and Sustainability’s Center for Sustainable Systems, said the findings suggest the overall “toxicity burden” of the sector will reduce as it transitions from coal to natural gas.
Read more at: Xinhua
Chinese overweight students encouraged to take new university course
To diminish student obesity, Nanjing Agricultural University in Jiangsu Province is now offering a course that directly links student’s weight loss to their grades. Overweight students are encouraged to control their diets and increase their exercise, to help them lose weight and become more confident. Students exercise in the fitness room everyday and use a mobile app to record food intake. 60 percent of their grades will be determined by their weight loss.
Read more at: China Daily
Chinese healthcare looking positive for the future
Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson believes since the launch of reforms in 2009, the Chinese government’s achievements in expanding healthcare have been outstanding. Through increased investment, China has improved the general health and life expectancy of its citizens. In the next five years, Mr. Gorsky believes innovation will play a central role in driving long-term growth. Innovation includes supply side structural reforms to shift the country towards a service and consumption economy.
Read more at: China Daily