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Health Matters

March 11 - 17, 2015
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SCIENTISTS who analysed chemicals in spider venom say they have identified seven compounds that block a key step in the body’s ability to pass pain signals to the brain. In research they said could one day lead to a new class of potent painkillers, the scientists focused on 206 species of spider and searched for molecules in the venom that block nerve activity, particular via so-called ‘Nav1.7 channels’.

EUROPE’S leading human right’s body, the Council of Europe, has faulted France for failing to impose a clear ban on slapping and all other forms of corporal punishment of children. The 47-nation organisation said in a statement that French laws on smacking and punishing children were not ‘sufficiently clear, binding and precise’.







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