Study into toxic plants could lead to new treatments for human diseases

Study into toxic plants could lead to new treatments for human diseases

Many plants use toxins as a defense against being eaten. But why do these toxins not harm the plants themselves? Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the University of Münster have investigated the mechanisms involved in defensive toxins in plants, and their findings may lead to new treatments for human diseases.

Stretching is more effective at lowering blood pressure than walking

Stretching is more effective at lowering blood pressure than walking

Hypertension [or high blood pressure] is one of the leading preventable causes of cardiovascular disease. The preferred treatment for hypertension has long been moderate exercise. But a new study carried out at the University of Saskatchewan has found that merely stretching for 30 minutes is even more effective than a brisk walk.