New wonder drug that makes cancer cells commit suicide

London, Nov 14: Scientists claim to have achieved a major breakthrough by creating a "wonder drug" which kills off cancer - in fact, it could wipe out some of the most deadly forms of the disease.

An international team, led by University of California, says that the KG5 drug works by making cancer cells "commit suicide"; it stops tumorous cells multiplying and they then shut themselves down, the ''Nature Medicine'' journal reported.

The radical drug will bring fresh hope to patients with aggressive and deadly tumours and could be available in as little as five years, say the scientists, who hope to deliver it in pill form, which has very few side-effects.

Lead scientist Prof David Cheresh said the drug "blocks the function of proliferation" and the malignant cells commit suicide when they can''t multiply. Proved effective in tests against pancreatic, breast and kidney cancers, it could well have a positive effect on a broad range of other tumours.

KG5 works in a totally different way to traditional therapies by altering the structure of a cancer growth protein, an enzyme known as RAF.

The protein has been long-studied, but its role in cell division -- critical to cell proliferation and tumour growth -- is a surprise. Existing treatments block RAF's activity.

First casualty of London Olympics; cyclist dead

London, Aug 2: In what can be termed as black spots to the London Olympics fervour, first casualty in the London Games has been reported when a double-decker bus carrying journalists to the Games hit a cyclist leading to his death. The incident happened on Wednesday night, according to police and organisers.

The Metropolitan Police revealed that the 28-year-old cyclist was pronounced dead half an hour after the fatal accident. The tragic incident occurred near the boundary of Olympic Park, which is the complex surrounding the landmark Olympic stadium. A man in his mid-60s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by negligent driving. The person is presently in the custody of the east London police station.

In a statement released by the London Olympic organising committee, it said, "The police are investigating the accident and our thoughts are with the cyclist's family."

The accident happened near facilities for Paralympic athletes and the Olympic Velodrome. Following the accident, the bus transportation was stalled for more than two hours and alternate arrangements were made for the journalists travelling to and fro from their hotels to the various games venues.

SriLanka inflation increase further more

Sri Lanka's annual inflationrate may have accelerated to a 42-month high in July as a drought pushed up local food prices and a weaker rupee aggravated import bills. Annual inflation is expected to have accelerated to 9.4 percent in July, its highest since January 2009, a Reuters poll of 13 analysts showed.

The impact of the drought and rupee depreciation in food prices this month, too, one analyst said on condition of anonymity.

Food accounts for more than 40 percent of the basket of items used to compile inflation figures.

London 2012: Saudi judoka can compete (with veil)

The athlete will participate wearing special headgear. Originally, the International Judo Federation (IJF) had admitted Wojdan AliSeraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani, but only bare-headed "for security reasons." The girl's father has threatened to withdraw her from competition. She will compete on 3 August in the +78 kg category.

London (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Saudi judoka can compete in the Olympic Games, wearing a "special" veil. It was announced by the Saudi National Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and the International Judo Federation (IJF), thus resolving the dispute which was in danger of excluding the athlete from the competition. Wojdan AliSeraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani, 16, will take to the mat on the 3rd of August in the +78 kg category. The authorities have not yet revealed the design of the judo hijab.

In recent days, some IJF statements threatened to "prevent" the girl from participating in the Olympics. IJF President, Marius Vizer, had maintained that the athlete would have to compete without the hijab, for safety reasons. At that point, the judoka's father threatened to withdraw his daughter from the competition, if the authorities had forbidden her from wearing the Islamic veil.

According to the IJF official rules, athletes can not wear any type of headgear during the fights: during the wrestle, the garment may move and lead to strangulation or other problems. Wojdan AliSeraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani is one of two Saudi women athletes representing the country at the London 2012 Games. The other is Sarah Attar, who will compete in the athletics 800m. Saudi Arabia removed its ban on women in the Olympic team on June 26 last, to avoid exclusion from competition on grounds of sex discrimination. The Olympic Charter provides for the waiver of any country that practices any form of discrimination. In the wake of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei also sent female athletes to the Games.

New university to solve z-score problem?

The Minister of Higher Education S.B.Dissanayake stated new university to be open to solve Z-score problems of this country.This recommendation has included on the report schedule submit by the minister towards president Rajapaksa.

Mr.Dissanayake points out new university would be able under take students effected from Z- score calculation in old and new syllabus of this country.Minister also points out its unable to join all the qualified students towards universities. Due to this minister urge to open new university which includes all faculties.This university would be open at out of Colombo.