Baghdad, Oct.

Washington, Oct 21: A new research has indicated that the predominant form of mercury found in the blood of marine mammals and fish-eating communities, could be more damaging to seals than has previously been thought.

Published in BioMed Central’s open access journal Environmental Health, the research shows that Methylmercury (MeHg) harms T-lymphocytes, key cells in a seal’s immune system.

Similar results were also found for human lymphocytes.

Mercury exposure is known to occur as a result of man-made pollution and natural events such as volcanic eruptions.

Washington, Oct 21: In a long-term study, scientists have suggested that contrary to popular belief, moderate increases in temperature and increased nitrogen from acid rain actually improves forest productivity, providing there is sufficient moisture. 

The research, which was undertaken for 20 years in the northern hardwood forests of Michigan, was carried out by scientists at Michigan Technological University’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

The scientists reached a surprising conclusion that moderate increases in temperature and nitrogen from atmospheric pollution actually improve forest productivity.

New York, Oct 21: Russia has reportedly rejected Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s request for donations for poll campaign, saying the country does not finance political acts in foreign countries.

McCain has requested Russian Federation’s United Nations mission in New York in writing to fund his poll campaign. But, in a terse response to the solicitation of money, the Russian mission said: “We do not finance political activity in foreign countries.”

Beijing, Oct. 21: The global meltdown has affected China''s booming economy too.

A CBS report says that while the Chinese economy is still growing, it is doing so at its slowest pace since 2003.

It quoted the National Statistics Bureau as saying on Monday that the economy has expanded by just nine percent in the third quarter, the slowest rate since 2003. By comparison, the economy grew 10.6 percent in the first quarter and 10.1 percent in the second quarter of 2008.

The government is still drafting specifics of broad plans to help counter the chill on the world''s fastest growing major economy.

Mumbai, Oct 21: Mumbai police today issued a gag order under Section 144 against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray banning him from addressing a press or public gathering, or carrying out any procession for the next two months.

Police today resorted to lathicharge to disperse the MNS workers who were protesting outside Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate court where Thackeray will be produced following his arrest.

About 150 protesters were detained by police and taken away from the court in western suburb of the city.