Dairy testing toughened after Chinese crisis

Chinese officials said yesterday they had strengthened dairy-product testing to reduce the allowable trace amounts of melamine, a toxic industrial chemical at the heart of one of this country's worst food contamination crises. The strengthened testing, announced by the health ministry at a news conference, was the latest in a series of steps by the government to rebuild consumer confidence after revelations last month that at least three babies had died and 53,000 children sickened by drinking milk products adulterated with melamine, used illegally to artificially inflate protein levels. Consumption can causes kidney stones and other complications.

First double-arm graft a success for farmer

A German farmer is doing well more than two months after undergoing what doctors say is the world's first complete double arm transplant. Doctors in Munich spent 15 hours in July grafting donor arms onto the body of 54-year-old Karl Merk. He lost both arms just below the shoulder in a farm accident six years ago. Yesterday, doctors said Merk is continuing to recover and able to perform basic tasks, such as opening doors and turning off lights. They say it may take up to two years before nerve regeneration progresses enough to allow him full use of his hands. A total of 40 surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other aids carried out the operation.

Fatty acid in olive oil deflects hunger pangs

A new study suggests a fatty acid found in olive oil and other heart-healthy monounsaturated fats wards off hunger pangs. California researchers say the findings might lead to the development of new drugs to limit, or enhance, appetite. The researchers infused the fat -- called oleic acid -- into the intestines of laboratory rodents and found it was converted into a fat messenger called OEA. The messenger travelled up to the brain and told the body, in effect, that it's full.

-- compiled by Carmelina Prete from Hamilton Spectator wire services