Sweden's first death due to swine flu

A Swedish health official said on Saturday that a 7-year-old boy infected with the flu virus has died on Friday marking the country's first swine flu-related death this season.

The Gazette reported that the boy who died was one of three patients being treated for H1N1 at different intensive-care facilities in the southern Swedish region of Scania, according to Per Hagstam of the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control.

Seoul confirms avian flu

The agriculture ministry of South Korea confirmed on Friday an outbreak of avian or bird flu at two separate poultry farms, according to a report from Reuters.

The disease caused by H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected in two separate animals and locations--chickens in Iksan city of North Jeolla province, and ducks in Cheonan city of South Chungcheong province.

DOH: 145 Yuletide-related firecracker injuries so far

Every year, the Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines holds it campaign against firecrackers particularly during the holiday season.

But it seems that Filipinos ignore bans until they suffer from injuries.

Most dangerous firecrackers in the Philippines

The Department of Health has made annual campaigns in banning all firecrackers during the holiday season.

As well, the police department raid firecracker factories that are considered illegal in the country.

Public viewing of bodies with infectious diseases banned--Health dept

The health department of the Philippines has amended its regulations concerning the disposal of the remains of dead humans. It now prohibits the open viewing of the bodies of those who died of "dangerous communicable diseases."

An administrative order was released this month that strictly enforced bodies of afflicted individuals must be contained in durable airtight containers or cadaver bags at the point of death with a biohazard tag attached.

WikiLeaks: The most explosive event of the year

For those who wonder what WikiLeaks is and what it is all about, here is a primer. A Swedish documentary of how it started, who are the people behind it, what its purposes are, and what the future may hold. Is WikiLeaks a villain or a hero? Watch the 57-minute video below before it is taken out.

Machine converts plastic into oil

This 5-minute YouTube video shows Japanese inventor Akinori Ito and his machine that transforms waste plastic materials into oil.

When the oil is segregated into kerosene, gasoline and diesel, it can propel vehicles and can be used for cooking, too.

Boy swallows nail, needs immediate removal

A few days ago, I reported a 2-year-old boy who drowned himself in a water container. Shocked? Here is another story why guardians and care takers should closely watch toddlers--the reason they are called guardians and care takers.

A 2-year-old boy swallowed a concrete nail--the one that is used by carpenters.

Doctors call for review of kidney transplant policy

The Philippines is now seeing the negative effects of its ban on non-related or non-directed kidney donors.

The Philippine Medical Association has urged the Department of Health on Saturday to review its policy on organ donation particularly on a patient's right to life.

How are condoms made?

The Royal Pontiff has recently given his go signal for the rubber barriers to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. But have you ever wondered how the controversial condoms were made?

Watch the 5-minute YouTube video to know how they are manufactured. Now we ought to give condoms a little more respect.