Italian researchers have reported that a variation of the gene for the vitamin D receptor plays a role in the development of melanoma, a serious and life threatening form of cancer as it’s involved in cell growth and death. 

According to sources, dropout rate among girls is increasing at alarming rate. 

Gandhi Jayanthi Day or Oct 2 will see implementation of anti-smoking law in public places. The law prohibits smoking in public places. The law has been made to save people from adverse effects of second-hand smoking. Violators of the law will be fined Rs 200.

Kerala Law Reforms Commission has presented a proposal, which recommends that euthanasia or mercy killing should be made legal in the state. The proposal also suggests deletion of Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code which holds attempt to suicide as an offence. The panel was headed by retired Supreme Court judge V.R. Krishna Iyer. 

CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) at Ottawa has warned people prone to allergies due to egg, milk, and soy, to not consume certain products produced, by Baltic Bread Products of Hamilton. 

Baltic Bread bakery products with expiring dates up to and including Sept. 21 2008 are of major concern, as most of these products contain egg, milk and soy which are not displayed on the label. 

More than 4200 walkers and runners participated in the annual ‘Komen Maine Race for the Cure’ on Sunday. The annual event sustains breast cancer survivors and raises money for education, screening and treatment programs for breast cancer. This years event saw an all time high of more than $250,000 being collected in donations.