Fatty acids in brain `can treat Alzheimer`s`

Here's some good news for those suffering from dementia -- a study has found that controlling the level of a fatty acid in the brain could help treat the Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have carried out the study and found that reducing excess levels of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid can mitigate memory problems and behavioural changes in those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In fact, the researchers from the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease and the University of California have based their findings on an experiment on laboratory rodents, a science journal reported. They looked at fatty acids in the brains of normal mice and compared them with those in mice who are genetically engineered to have an Alzheimer's-like condition. They identified raised levels of arachidonic acid in the brains of the Alzheimer's mice. Its release is controlled by the PLA2 enzyme. They again used genetic engineering to lower PLA2 levels in the animals, and found even partial reduction halted memory deterioration. "The most striking change we discovered in the Alzheimer's mice was an increase in arachidonic acid and related metabolites (products) in the hippocampus, a memory centre that is affected early and severely by Alzheimer's disease," co-researcher Dr Rene Sanchez-Mejia was quoted by the as saying. Added lead researcher Dr Lennart Mucke: "In general, fatty acid levels can be regulated by diet or drugs. Our results have important therapeutic implications because they suggest that inhibition of PLA2 activity might help prevent neurological impairments in Alzheimer's disease. But a lot more work needs to be done before this novel therapeutic strategy can be tested on humans."

Tea, coffee key to a long life

Want to live a long and healthy life? Make sure you eat chocolate, and drink tea and coffee in moderation daily, says a leading nutritional scientist. Yes, according to Prof Gary Williamson of University of Leeds, chocolate, tea and coffee are among some key foods and beverages needed to live a long and healthy life, British newspaper 'The Daily Telegraph' reported. In fact, Prof Williamson has prepared a list of 20 "lifespan essential" foodstuffs -- all are rich in naturally occurring chemicals, known as polyphenols, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease. And, these foods and drinks could also help to slow down the ageing process by helping to protect cells from the natural damage that occurs over time, he has suggested. Prof Williamson said: "Epidemiology studies support the protective effects of polyphenol-rich foods. Lack of these components in the diet because of low intake of fruit and vegetables, increases the risk of chronic disease. "This means that they are essential to fulfil the maximum individual lifespan, and so I propose that they are 'lifespan essential'. "Although they might not be essential for growth and development or the maintenance of major body functions, there is increasing knowledge concerning their potential for health maintenance or disease risk reduction throughout adulthood and during ageing." Even a recent study carried out by scientists in the US, Britain and Australia concluded that polyphenols can help protect against heart disease. Bureau Report Yes, according to Prof Gary Williamson of University of Leeds, chocolate, tea and coffee are among some key foods and beverages needed to live a long and healthy life, British newspaper 'The Daily Telegraph' reported. In fact, Prof Williamson has prepared a list of 20 "lifespan essential" foodstuffs -- all are rich in naturally occurring chemicals, known as polyphenols, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease. And, these foods and drinks could also help to slow down the ageing process by helping to protect cells from the natural damage that occurs over time, he has suggested. Prof Williamson said: "Epidemiology studies support the protective effects of polyphenol-rich foods. Lack of these components in the diet because of low intake of fruit and vegetables, increases the risk of chronic disease. "This means that they are essential to fulfil the maximum individual lifespan, and so I propose that they are 'lifespan essential'. "Although they might not be essential for growth and development or the maintenance of major body functions, there is increasing knowledge concerning their potential for health maintenance or disease risk reduction throughout adulthood and during ageing."

Pulikali / Kaduvakali

Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam. Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills. The AppearanceStriking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. To get the semblance of a tiger artists paint themselves in bright yellow with patterns of black and red. A tiger mask on the face completes the get up.It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies. The PlayIt is a wonderful sight to see humans in the guise of tigers roaming in the streets. Children, specifically take great delight in their performance as the entertainers dance, pounce and walk like a tiger. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tiger being hunted by a human beings are also beautifully depicted by them. Beat for the dance movement is provided by percussion instruments like 'udukku' and 'thakil'.