Improper handling and the failure to maintain vaccines in a safe temperature range results in significant losses of vaccines in the rural developing world. This issue has reduced the success of immunization programs in the developing world, and consequently confidence in vaccinations. For vaccine refrigeration and delivery at the end stage of the cold chain, active thermoelectric cooling is a potentially viable alternative because the coolers are small and require few or no moving parts. A vaccine cooling system was constructed employing a Peltier-based thermoelectric chip (TEC) affixed to an aluminum block that holds the vaccine vials; a movable copper plate was interposed between the block and the TEC, acting as a thermal diode to prevent backflow of heat from the TEC into the vaccine holder.
Curcumin - Breast Cancer Therapeutic Agent to Replace Allopathic Treatments with Extensive Side Effects
Modern cancer treatments have numerous negative side effects and do not always produce desired outcomes. Herbs and spices represent alternative solutions to modern medicine and provide effective cancer prevention and treatment. They have also been used for generations in treating various ailments. Traditional Ayurvedic herbs and spices provide promising new therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment due to their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Allopathic treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy present several side-effects that affect cell growth and negatively impact human organs. Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies slow the growth of breast cancer cells, which improves the patient’s quality of life when an allopathic line of treatment is contraindicated. Turmeric has a long history of use as a traditional Ayurvedic medicine not only due to its antibiotic characteristics but also its ability to improve digestion and strengthen intestinal flora.
The Utility of Psilocybin in Managing Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients
Cancer patients experience a higher rate of depression and anxiety which can result in negative healthcare outcomes. With the limited treatment options available, there has been an interest in using psychedelics such as psilocybin to manage such complications. Recently, two studies demonstrated the potential of psilocybin in not only reducing distress, but also increasing positive emotions in cancer patients. It is thus interesting to further examine this issue. This review paper will first provide a brief introduction to psilocybin and proceed to summarize key findings from these two studies.