Health

Medical news, public health updates, wellness, and healthcare developments

Death of laboratory worker in Irkutsk region

◆7 sources

A 28-year-old laboratory worker in Russia's Irkutsk region died after an incident at a laboratory reportedly involving a broken test tube containing plague bacteria. Initial reports said that about 200 people who had been in contact with her were placed under medical supervision or quarantine. Local authorities later said the worker had not died of plague. The governor of Irkutsk said an autopsy found no traces of the disease. The cause of her death is not stated in the reports.

Science

Nobel Prize in Medicine for optogenetics

◆8 sources

The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to German researchers Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel and American researcher Karl Deisseroth for discoveries in optogenetics. The technique uses light to activate or switch off nerve cells and enables researchers to study brain activity with precision. The work has helped researchers examine how nerve cells are involved in memory, feelings and behaviour.

Entertainment

Gordon’s Men’s Health cover

◆2 sources

Dutch entertainer Gordon appeared on the cover of the new Men’s Health after a fitness programme that reports described as lasting about 240 days, or seven months. He said he had weighed 123 kilograms and had lost 35 kilograms during the process. Gordon said the transformation also involved a mental change, including no longer having rage attacks. He presented the result on Monday and said he was proud of the cover.

Crime

Arrest of intoxicated parents with baby at Dordrecht station

◆4 sources

Two intoxicated parents were arrested at Dordrecht station on Saturday night while travelling by train with their baby, who was under one year old. Police said the parents were no longer able to care for the child because of their condition. Paramedics checked the baby for safety, after which officers took the child into their care.

Sports

Patrick Roest’s recovery from swabber foot

◆4 sources

Speed skater Patrick Roest, 30, has postponed his return to competition because he is recovering from a mild form of swabber foot, a movement disorder that has troubled him for more than two years. It remains unclear when the skater from Lekkerkerk will first compete as the skating season begins.