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Science In Action: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Microscopic view of the coronavirus, Fukushima nuclear plant, cabbages, Potatoes from Peru

20/06/2013

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The genetics of a new human coronavirus point to animals as the likely source

The genetics of a human virus transmitted from animals; The nature of radioactive isotope Strontium 90; Why we should keep vegetables in the light before eating them

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus virus or MERS has claimed four more victims, making the global total of deaths to over thirty, most of them in Saudi Arabia.  This new virus, spreads from person to person, and seems to be more deadly than SARS.  Research published this week looking at its genetics sheds light on where it might have come from.  The thinking is it is sporadically transmitting from animals to humans. 

High levels of Strontium 90 a radioactive isotope has been found in water around the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.  We look at the history of this isotope, its effects in the human body and association with nuclear test in the 1950s.

New research this week looks at the cancer preventing compounds present in cabbage, even harvested vegetables can be encouraged to produce these compounds if exposed to the right mixtures of light and dark. 

And staying with vegetables we find out about ways to stop potatoes and tomatoes from producing toxins.  Natural substances harmful to insects and unpleasant to humans.   An investigation of their genetics has led the way to toxin free varieties. 

(Photo credits - AFP/Getty Images)

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