In today’s talking points: Gene tests – the novelty present of the future; Peking University to become major scientific research base for China; Australian Senior Living and Aged Care Trade Mission visits China; Air quality improving in China’s main cities
Gene tests – the novelty present of the future
Gone are the days of genetic testing being confined to medical centres and for the purpose of preventing the development and transmission of diseases. Rather, genetic tests are fast becoming easily accessible and popular novelty products. Genebook’s “tipsy” test, for example, can be ordered online for 99 yuan and will tell you how well your body can metabolize alcohol and what the possible consequences of your metabolic rate are. Though interesting, the tests’ accuracy and usefulness is questionable. Cheung Ching-lung from the University of Hong Kong said, “people don’t really need to do the genetic test to tell whether they can drink or are allergic to alcohol.” However, Cheung believes that novelty genetic tests may be useful in creating awareness of gene technology and the concept of preventative medicine.
Read more at: China Daily
Peking University to become major scientific research base for China
The School of Life Sciences of Peking University has received a donation of RMB120 million for the construction of a new life sciences research building. The building will be named “Lui Che Woo Building”, after Lui Che Woo, who made the donation. Loui Che Woo said he is “proud and honoured to be able to play a part in supporting and promoting… and thereby contribute to the well-being of mankind in the future”. Upon completion, this building will bring substantial impact and profound new direction to life sciences both in China and the world.
Read more at: Asiaone
Australian Senior Living and Aged Care Trade Mission visits China
Aged-care services may soon become one of Queensland’s key exports, especially with China’s growing ageing population driving demand. Seven Australian companies engaged in aged care, telemedicine, medical technology, nutrition, nursing and aged-care training have visited China and Hong Kong this week for business meetings and site visits. Increasing incomes and the fact that children are moving further away from their parents to work and study is slowly leading to changes in societal attitudes towards aged care. Advances in technology have also greatly improved aged care in Queensland and have the potential to be applied to the Chinese market in the future.
Read more at: Trade & Investment Queensland
Air quality improving in China’s main cities
A recent study, conducted by a team of researchers at China’s Tsinghua University, has outlined the success of China’s measures to reduce air pollution in recent years. Exposure to minute particles in the air with a diameter less than 2.5um (PM2.5) can cause adverse health effects such as respiratory morbidity and mortality. The report showed that the action plan to improve air quality has led to a 21 percent reduction of population-weighed mean PM2.5 concentration in only two years. While there are smaller peripheral health benefits of the reduction, in effect, researchers estimate that premature mortality related to PM2.5 pollution has been reduced by nine percent.
Read more at: Asianscientist