Tag Archives: affected

High-Tech Glasses and Eye Implants Revive Vision Affected by Aging

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Study participant measuring visual acuity while wearing glasses post-retinal implant

Study participant measuring reading capacity post-retinal implant

Moorfields Eye Hospital

Individuals experiencing significant vision impairment can regain the ability to read, thanks to a compact wireless chip implanted in one eye along with advanced glasses.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent condition that impacts central vision and tends to progress over time. While the precise cause remains unknown, this condition arises from damage to the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells and neurons located in the central retina, leading to difficulties in facial recognition and reading. Available treatments are primarily designed to slow down the progression.

An advanced form of AMD referred to as geographic atrophy typically allows individuals to retain some photoreceptor cells that facilitate peripheral vision, along with sufficient retinal neurons to relay visual information to the brain.

Leveraging this capability, Daniel Palanker and his team at Stanford University in California created the PRIMA device. This system includes a small camera mounted on the glasses, which captures images and projects them through infrared light onto a 2-by-2-millimeter solar-powered wireless chip implanted at the rear of the eye.

The chip then transforms the image data into electrical signals, which the retinal neurons transmit to the brain. Infrared light is employed for this process as it is invisible to the human eye, thereby ensuring it does not interfere with any remaining vision. “This allows patients to utilize both the prosthesis and their peripheral vision simultaneously,” explains Palanker.

To evaluate its efficacy, researchers enlisted 32 participants aged 60 and above, all suffering from geographic atrophy. Their visual acuity in at least one eye was below 20/320—meaning they could see what a person with 20/20 vision could see at 320 feet (97.5 meters) only at 20 feet (6 meters).

The team initially implanted a chip in one of the participant’s eyes. After a waiting period of four to five weeks, the volunteers began using the glasses in their everyday activities. The glasses enabled them to magnify their view up to 12 times and adjust brightness and contrast as needed.

After a year of using the device, 27 of the participants managed to read again and recognize shapes and patterns. They also noted an average improvement of five lines on a standard eye chart compared to their initial findings. Some participants were able to achieve 20/42 vision.

“Witnessing them progress from reading letters to full words brought immense joy to both sides. One patient expressed, ‘I believed my eyes were irreparably damaged, but now they’re revitalizing,'” shares Jose Alan Sahel from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

While stem cell therapy and gene therapy may potentially restore vision lost due to AMD, these approaches are still in early experimental trials. PRIMA stands out as the first artificial eye designed to restore functional vision in individuals with the condition, allowing them to perceive shapes and patterns.

Approximately two-thirds of the volunteers experienced temporary side effects, such as increased intraocular pressure, as a result of the implants; however, this did not hinder their vision improvement.

Comparison of a trial participant’s eye (left) and eye with retinal implant (right)

Science Co., Ltd.

“This research is both exciting and significant,” remarks Francesca Cordeiro from Imperial College London. “It provides hope for delivering vision improvements that have previously seemed more like science fiction.”

The improved visibility experienced by participants is limited to black and white. “Our next objective is to develop software to provide grayscale resolution and enhance facial recognition,” states Palanker. Nevertheless, researchers do not anticipate achieving color vision in the near future.

Palanker also aims to increase PRIMA’s resolution, which is currently constrained by pixel size and the total count that can be included on a chip. Testing a more advanced version in rats is underway. “This current version equates to human vision of 20/80, but electronic zoom can enable vision as sharp as 20/20,” he explains.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Claim Vast Farmland Affected by Ukraine’s Kornovir Can Be Safely Cultivated

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A group of researchers from the UK and Ukraine has introduced an innovative approach for the safe reevaluation of abandoned farmland following the 1986 Kornovir nuclear disaster.

Zoning of contaminated territory in Ukraine based on current and field research plots. Image credit: Smith et al, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107698.

Since the Kornovir incident, extensive regions in northern Ukraine have been deemed too hazardous for agricultural activities.

An exclusion zone of 4,200 km2 surrounds the nuclear site, remaining uninhabited and now serves as one of Europe’s largest natural reserves.

Additionally, a 2,000 km2 mandatory resettlement area was never entirely deserted.

Thousands of residents still reside in this region, complete with schools and shops, yet official investments and agricultural use are prohibited.

Since the 1990s, experts in Ukraine and internationally have suggested that, despite the radioactive and radiostrontium pollutants, the land can be safely re-utilized.

Nonetheless, due to political complexities, the land remains officially classified as abandoned.

This hasn’t deterred some farmers from tackling the issue themselves, initiating informal agricultural practices in certain areas.

The latest study, spearheaded by scientists from the University of Portsmouth and the Ukrainian Institute of Agricultural Radiology, corroborates these farmers’ beliefs. Most regions are safe for crop cultivation.

Utilizing a 100-hectare testing site in the Zhytomyr region, the researchers established a straightforward yet effective protocol for evaluating the absorption of radioactive materials by typical crops such as potatoes, grains, corn, and sunflowers.

By analyzing soil samples and assessing external gamma radiation, they confirmed that the radiation exposure levels for agricultural workers are significantly below Ukraine’s national safety threshold and much lower than average natural background radiation globally.

The results indicate that, with proper monitoring and adherence to Ukraine’s food safety guidelines, many crops can be safely grown in these formerly restricted zones.

Professor Jim Smith, the study’s lead author, remarked, “This research is crucial for communities impacted by the Chornobyl disaster.”

“Since 1986, a great deal of misinformation regarding radiation risks from Kornovir has adversely affected individuals still living in abandoned regions.”

“We now have a validated, science-based method to reintroduce valuable farmland into formal production, ensuring safety for both consumers and workers.”

“This extends beyond Kornovir; it’s about leveraging science and evidence to guarantee people’s safety.

The study will be published in the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity.

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JT Smith et al. Protocol for radiation assessment for agricultural use of Ukrainian land abandoned after the Kornovir accident. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Published online on April 28, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2025.107698

Source: www.sci.news

The most severe bleaching event on record has affected 84% of the world’s coral reefs

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The harmful bleaching of corals around the world has increased to affect 84% of the ocean coral reefs, marking the most intense event in recorded history, as announced by the International Coral Reef Initiative on Wednesday.

This is the fourth global bleaching event since 1998, surpassing the 2014-17 bleaching that impacted two-thirds of the reefs during that time. The current crisis began in 2023, and it remains unclear when it will end, with ocean warming being criticized for the phenomenon.

Mark Eakin, the executive director of the International Coral Reef Association and former coral monitoring officer for the US National Marine and Atmospheric Administration, stated, “We’re witnessing a complete transformation of the planet and its impact on our oceans’ ability to sustain life and livelihoods.”

Last year was reported as the hottest year on record globally, with average sea surface temperatures for oceans away from the poles reaching 20.87 degrees Celsius (69.57 degrees Fahrenheit), which is detrimental to corals. These structures are vital for seafood production, tourism, and protecting coastlines from erosion and storms. Coral reefs are often referred to as “rainforests of the sea” because they host a significant amount of marine biodiversity, with approximately twenty five% of all marine species living in and around them.

Corals house colorful algae, which give them their vibrant hues and serve as a food source. However, prolonged warming causes the algae to release toxins, leading to coral bleaching where they expel the algae and turn white. Weakened corals are at an increased risk of death due to these events, prompting NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program to introduce additional levels to the bleaching alert scale to convey the heightened risk of coral mortality.

Efforts to conserve coral reefs are underway, such as initiatives to restore coral populations. Dutch labs are working with coral fragments, including those sourced from the Seychelles, with the intention to propagate them in zoos for potential reintroduction to natural reef habitats. Similar projects, including those in Florida, aim to rescue at-risk corals from high temperatures and rehabilitate them before returning them to the sea.

Nevertheless, scientists stress the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and methane to combat planet-warming effects and protect coral reefs.

Melanie Mcfield, co-chair of the Caribbean Steering Committee for the Global Coral Reef Surveillance Network, emphasized, “The most effective way to safeguard coral reefs is to address the root causes of climate change by reducing human emissions, primarily from fossil fuel combustion. Inaction poses a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems.”

This update coincides with President Donald Trump’s efforts to bolster fossil fuels and scale back clean energy initiatives as he enters a second term, prompting concerns about the future of coral reefs. Eakin remarked, “The current government is actively dismantling these ecosystems, and eliminating their protections would have catastrophic consequences.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Tax credit proposed to assist homeowners affected by natural climate-related disasters

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On Tuesday, two U.S. senators introduced a bill with the goal of reducing damage to homes and communities caused by floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters by offering federal tax credits.

The bill, proposed by D-Calif. and R-Mont. lawmakers Adam Schiff and Tim Sheehy, aims to provide tax credits to incentivize people to upgrade their homes with improved protections against major disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

The bipartisan legislation, known as the Increased Resilience, Environmental Weathering, and Enhanced Firewall Act, seeks to enhance community resilience in the face of increasing climate change impacts such as more frequent and severe floods, hurricanes, and other disasters across the nation.

Speaking to NBC News, Schiff explained that the proposed law was inspired by the devastating fires in Southern California and aims to address the growing insurance crisis in disaster-prone areas where insurance companies are pulling out of the market.

The bill proposes a federal tax credit that covers 50% of the cost of home resilience upgrades, including measures like underground sealed walls, automatic shutoff valves for water and gas lines, and fireproof roofing materials.

To qualify for the tax credits, states must have experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the past ten years, ensuring that the bill not only benefits recent disaster victims but also helps all Americans mitigate risks from hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Sheehy, who collaborated with Schiff on the legislation, emphasized that the bill aims to lower financial barriers for individuals seeking to protect themselves from extreme weather events and their property.

The tax credits are capped at $25,000 for families earning under $200,000 annually, with a phased-out limit for higher-income households. Families earning less than $300,000 could receive up to $12,500 in credits.

According to Schiff, the tax credits will be fully refundable and adjusted for inflation starting in 2026.

Schiff highlighted the importance of targeting relief to those most in need and aiming to reduce costs in disaster-prone regions by incentivizing resilient building practices through tax credits.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Impact of Trump on Auto Prices: How Major Auto Brands are Affected

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President Trump announced tariffs on automobiles and auto parts on Wednesday, impacting U.S. and overseas automakers.

Each company has different vulnerabilities based on their circumstances.

Tesla, led by Elon Musk, sells cars from its U.S. plants, potentially making it less exposed to tariffs.

However, Tesla sources parts internationally, with about a quarter of the car’s value coming from overseas.

Tesla’s global sales are declining, partially due to Musk’s political activities, making it a target for retaliation against Trump’s tariffs in some countries.

GM, America’s largest automaker, imports many popular vehicles, potentially making it vulnerable to tariffs.

Despite strong profits, GM relies on overseas assembly for around 40% of its U.S. sales, which could be impacted by tariffs.

Ford is less reliant on imports, with most vehicles sold in the U.S. being domestically produced.

However, Ford still depends on foreign factories for key components like engines.

Stellantis, formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot, is facing sales challenges and CEO transitions, putting it at risk.

Toyota, like other Japanese automakers, sells a significant number of cars in the U.S. but manufactures many vehicles overseas.

Despite the dependence on foreign production, Toyota is considered one of the strongest global automakers.

Volkswagen, with limited U.S. factories, imports many vehicles, potentially impacting its operations.

Volkswagen has faced financial struggles, especially with declining sales in China and the rise of domestic electric vehicles.

Both Korean companies have seen growth in U.S. sales and are investing in local production to avoid tariffs on certain models.

Hyundai and Kia continue to import cars into the U.S., facing potential tariffs despite their investments in local manufacturing.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Time to reconsider the impact of uterine fibroids, a widespread silent epidemic among women with 70% affected

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Are you familiar with uterine fibroids? It’s not surprising if you’re not, as they are not widely discussed. However, they can affect 70-80% of women by age 50. Despite being more prevalent among Black women, women of color are often underdiagnosed.

Uterine fibroids are growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in the uterus, typically occurring in women aged 30-50. These fibroids can vary in size and shape and can be found in different layers of the uterus, leading to various symptoms.

Although referred to as “benign” tumors by doctors, uterine fibroids can still cause numerous issues, such as heavy menstruation, lower abdominal pain, and pressure on other organs when they grow large enough.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/01/fibroids.mp4
A CT scan showing a large solid mass in the uterus, indicating a uterine fibroid

Uterine fibroids are influenced by genetics, family history, and ethnicity, as well as hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate their growth. While pregnancy can lead to an increase in fibroid size due to higher hormone levels, they are commonly detected through ultrasound scans.

Treatment options for uterine fibroids vary based on symptoms and pregnancy plans. Some women may opt for monitoring small, asymptomatic fibroids, while others may choose drug therapy to reduce hormone levels and shrink the fibroids.

Surgical treatments like myomectomy or hysterectomy can also be considered, but these may not be suitable for women looking to conceive. Uterine fibroids can significantly impact pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications like miscarriage and premature birth.

Despite available treatments, awareness of uterine fibroids remains low. Increasing awareness about menstrual health and pregnancy complications is crucial for timely and effective treatment.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Deep sea affected by ocean acidification

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Deep sea coral reefs are at risk of acidification

Howard Chu/Alamy Stock Photo

Ocean acidification is penetrating to depths of 1,500 meters, posing new threats to creatures such as sea butterflies, sea snails and cold-water corals.

The ocean is the largest natural sink of carbon dioxide, absorbing about a quarter of our annual emissions. The uptake of CO2 makes the ocean surface more acidic, which affects sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs. But until now, researchers didn’t know how far acidification was reaching the deep ocean.

jens daniel müller Researchers at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in Switzerland have developed a 3D reconstruction of how CO2 moves through the ocean, based on global measurements of ocean currents and other circulation patterns. They used this model to estimate how the carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean has affected deep-sea acidity since 1800, around the beginning of the industrial revolution.

They found clear acidification signals down to 1,000 meters deep in most of the ocean. In some regions, such as the North Atlantic, where the powerful Atlantic Meridional Overturning Current (AMOC) transports carbon from the surface to the deep ocean, acidification was observed down to 1500 meters. Some pockets of deep water, which are more acidic in nature, showed even more acidification than the surface. Their high natural acidity reduces their ability to absorb added CO2, Mueller says.

This is more or less what researchers expected would happen as the oceans absorbed more carbon dioxide. Wang Hongjie at the University of Rhode Island. “But it’s another thing to actually see the data coming in that affirms this.”

Remarkably, about half of all acidification since 1800 has occurred since 1994, as CO2 emissions have increased exponentially. “We’re seeing this progress be quite rapid,” Muller says.

The scale of acidification is sufficient to threaten the survival of a wide range of life in the oceans. Chiropods such as sea snails and sea butterflies are particularly at risk because their shells are made of calcium, which dissolves when water becomes too acidic. Increasing acidification has doubled the number of areas where it is difficult for cold-water corals to survive.

And ocean acidification will continue as seawater absorbs more carbon dioxide. “Even if we were able to stop carbon dioxide emissions immediately, we would still see ocean acidification processes inland for hundreds of years,” Muller said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Are you unable to focus? You could be one of the 20 people affected by Cognitive Withdrawal Syndrome

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Concerned that you may be dealing with ADHD? Have you ever caught yourself trailing off in the middle of a conversation, getting lost in your own thoughts? It is normal to lose focus, but if you constantly find yourself daydreaming and struggling to concentrate, you may be experiencing a lesser-known attention disorder known as Cognitive Withdrawal Syndrome (CDS).

While often mistaken for laziness, lack of motivation, or ADHD, CDS is actually a legitimate neurological disorder that is gaining more attention from scientists and researchers.

What exactly is cognitive withdrawal syndrome?

CDS was first described in the 1960s as “cognitive tempo slowing” and was rebranded in 2022 to better reflect its core feature: cognitive detachment.

“CDS is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, daydreaming, absent-mindedness, and drowsiness,” according to Dr. Sophia Boukas, an Academic in Psychology and Education at Brunel University, London, in BBC Science Focus. People with CDS often take longer to complete tasks, but this does not affect the quality of their work, they simply require more time.

Although CDS is gaining recognition, it has not yet been officially classified as a disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used by medical professionals to diagnose mental disorders.

Research suggests that CDS may impact 5-7% of children, comparable to ADHD, indicating that a significant number of people may be experiencing CDS symptoms without realizing it.

Is CDS a form of ADHD?

CDS and ADHD are distinct conditions, but they share similarities and overlaps that can cause confusion. While ADHD can manifest in three ways, primarily inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both, CDS is more closely associated with predominantly inattentive ADHD, rather than hyperactivity disorder.

Research shows that between 25 and 40 percent of youth with ADHD exhibit symptoms of CDS. Importantly, CDS can also occur in individuals without ADHD.

What treatments are available?

As CDS is not yet officially recognized as a disorder, seeking treatment can be challenging. However, some psychologists are using questionnaires and behavioral observations to help diagnose the condition, which may eventually lead to formal diagnostic criteria.

Organizations like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are pioneering CDS assessment and treatment, offering resources such as psychoeducation, parent training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, and mindfulness practices are emphasized for managing CDS. Treatment options are still evolving, with non-stimulant medications showing promise for CDS, while stimulants commonly used for ADHD may not be as effective.

If you suspect you or your child may have CDS, it’s important to consult a medical professional for guidance on treatment options.

About our experts

Sofia Barbosa-Boucas is a Lecturer in Psychology (Education) at Brunel University, London, known for significant contributions to psychology and education.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Thousands of devices are now online following global outage, according to CrowdStrike; Microsoft IT also affected

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An extensive number of the 8.5 million devices affected by the recent global IT outage have been restored online, as reported by the cybersecurity company involved in the incident.

CrowdStrike mentioned that they are currently experimenting with technology to expedite the rebooting process of systems, while experts caution that recovering fully from the IT outage last Friday might take several weeks.

During the incident, numerous flights were canceled, broadcasters went off-air, medical appointments were disrupted, and countless PCs failed to boot after a CrowdStrike software update unintentionally caused devices using the Microsoft Windows OS to malfunction.

CrowdStrike posted updates on social media outlining the progress in resolving the glitch. According to an expert, this incident caused “the biggest IT outage in history.”

The US company stated, “A substantial number of the roughly 8.5 million Windows devices affected are now operational and back online.”

CrowdStrike remains focused on restoring all systems as quickly as possible, and of the approximately 8.5 million affected Windows devices, a significant number are back online and operational.

Working with our customers, we tested new techniques to accelerate the affected areas…

— CrowdStrike (@CrowdStrike) July 21, 2024


CrowdStrike mentioned ongoing tests for new methods to speed up the repair process of impacted systems, aiming to make this technology accessible to businesses and organizations.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister confirmed that CrowdStrike plans to implement an automated fix similar to Microsoft’s to address this issue in an upcoming update.

Experts cautioned that affected computers might require manual repairs and could face prolonged restoration times since the outage.

Over 1,500 flights were canceled in the US for a third consecutive day, with Delta Airlines in Atlanta particularly struggling, while 45 flights were canceled in the UK on Saturday.

Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Air Lines, stated that critical applications within the airline’s IT systems were impacted by the issue. He mentioned that crew tracking-related tools were affected, causing difficulty in managing the high number of changes due to the outage.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, canceled 400 flights over the weekend primarily due to an IT issue.

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NHS England in the UK issued warnings about potential delays as they work on restoring the health service from the outage. They advised patients with appointments to attend unless instructed otherwise.

The British Medical Association mentioned that regular GP services might not resume immediately due to significant IT-related delays.

An NHS spokesperson stated, “The system is back online now, and with the dedicated efforts of NHS staff, we hope to minimize any further disruptions. However, please expect some delays as services are being restored, especially with GPs needing to reschedule appointments.”

Pharmacy services in the UK are anticipated to be slower than usual as the recovery process continues.

Nick Kaye, president of the National Pharmacists Association, urged customers to be patient as local pharmacies work through the backlog of prescriptions caused by the IT outage last week.

Source: www.theguardian.com

VF Corp., owner of Vans and Supreme, reports stolen personal information and affected orders in alleged ransomware attack

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US-based VF Corporation, which owns apparel brands such as Vans, Supreme and The North Face, said a cyberattack affected its ability to fulfill orders ahead of Christmas, one of the year’s biggest retail events. admitted that he had caused it.

A company based in Denver, Colorado said in a filing with federal regulators. The cyberattack, which the company first detected on December 13, was a ransom attack in which hackers “disrupted the company’s operations by encrypting some IT systems and stole data, including personal data, from the company.” It was said that it was hinting at a software attack.

As a result, the company says its operations continue to be disrupted, including its “ability to fulfill orders.”

When TechCrunch tried to place an order on Vans’ website, he was greeted with the following message: You will be notified by email when your item is shipped and can track it with the sender. ”

VF Corporation said in a filing that the retail stores it operates around the world are open and consumers can purchase available products online. It is unclear when orders will be shipped, and a company spokesperson did not provide a timeline.

VF Corp. spokesperson Colin Wheeler provided TechCrunch via email with a statement reflecting the company’s regulatory filings. The company did not respond to TechCrunch’s questions about the incident. Reveal whether the company received a ransom demand from hackers.

The company has not yet disclosed how it was breached, what type of data was accessed, or how many individuals were affected by the breach, including employees, customers, or both. . It’s also unclear who is behind the attack, with the ransomware group being tracked yet to claim responsibility.

VF Corp. warned in a regulatory filing that the cyberattack would have a “significant impact” on its business until its systems are restored. “As the investigation into the incident is ongoing, the full scope, nature and impact of the incident is not yet known,” the filing states.

VF Corp disclosed the incident on the same day that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s new data breach disclosure rules went into effect. This regulation means that organizations must report cybersecurity incidents, including data breaches, to federal securities regulators. within 4 business days.

Source: techcrunch.com