Daily digest March 3 2015

Discovery could help stem the rise of drug-resistant bacteria

The antibiotic ‘time bomb’ could be slowed thanks to a medical breakthrough that has identified the mechanism by which bacteria cells become resistant to the drugs.

It is hoped the detection of the previously unobserved mutation in a strain of Salmonella could lead to the development of smarter therapies and drugs.

The problem of antibiotic resistance has been described as a ‘ticking time bomb’ by Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer.

Read more on the Telegraph website: click here

Paracetamol linked to heart attack and stroke risk

Daily paracetamol could raise the risk of heart attacks, stroke and early death, a major study has warned.

It found that patients prescribed high doses of the painkiller for long periods were up to 63 per cent more likely to die unexpectedly.

The risk of having a heart attack or stroke was up to 68 per cent higher and there was an almost 50 per cent greater chance of having a stomach ulcer or bleed.

Read more on the Daily Mail website: click here

New law could see teachers jailed if they fail to alert police to child abuse

Public sector workers who fail to protect children from abuse could face up to five years in jail under tough new proposed laws.

Social workers, teachers, police and councillors could be charged with ‘wilful neglect’ if they fail to stop sex abuse, David Cameron will announce today.

The prime minister will also declare the issue a ‘national threat’ – meaning the police will have to treat it with the same urgency as serious and organised crime.

Read more on the Daily Mirror website: click here