Tag Archives: combating

Combating Measles: The Urgent Need to Tackle Misinformation Epidemic

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Vaccine uptake is crucial for public health

Vaccine Uptake: Essential for Public Health

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In a shocking turnabout, a 1998 study falsely claimed a connection between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. I was astounded by the study’s poor quality, its acceptance by a prestigious journal, and the lack of critical reporting by journalists. At that time, I was unaware that the research was fraudulent.

Nearly three decades later, the repercussions of these misleading claims still echo globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that six countries, including the UK (for the second time), Spain, and Austria, have lost their measles-free status. This decline in vaccination rates has been significantly influenced by an anti-vaccination movement propagated by that erroneous paper. Meanwhile, the United States faces its worst outbreak in decades and would have also lost its measles-free status had it not withdrawn from the WHO.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, causing severe complications in around 1 in 5 children. Complications may lead to lasting brain damage, respiratory issues, hearing loss, blindness, and brain swelling. The WHO estimates that approximately 95,000 people may succumb to measles in 2024.

The actual impact extends further, as measles also destroys immune cells that help protect against other infections, diminishing immunity for around five years. It is a risk not worth taking.

Fortunately, measles has specific vulnerabilities. The virus first targets immune cells, travels to lymph nodes, and then disseminates throughout the body. This complex pathway enhances the immune system’s ability to combat the virus before it fully establishes an infection, unlike respiratory viruses that primarily attack cells in the nose and throat.

This is why the measles component in the MMR vaccine is highly effective. Countless studies confirm that vaccinated children are significantly better off, with no established link to autism. One compelling observation is that when the MMR vaccine was withdrawn in Japan, autism rates remained unchanged.

To maintain herd immunity, at least 95% of children must be vaccinated to ensure that each infected individual transmits the virus to fewer than one other person. This means that a small percentage of unvaccinated children can precipitate another outbreak of measles.

Globally, vaccination rates are improving, but there is still room for growth. The percentage of children receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine increased from 71% in 2000 to 84% in 2010. Despite a slight decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates have rebounded. The WHO estimates that between 2000 and 2024, measles vaccination has prevented an impressive 60 million deaths worldwide, marking a significant victory.

However, in high-income nations, progress is stalling. After the erroneous claims of 1998, MMR vaccination levels fell to only 80% in England and Wales. By 2013, intake rates exceeded 90% but have been gradually decreasing since then. A recent report indicated that this decline in the UK is partly because access to vaccinations is becoming increasingly difficult for parents, a concern that warrants urgent attention.

Additionally, the resurgence of anti-vaccine sentiments is contributing to these challenges, closely linked to right-wing extremism as propagated on specific social media platforms. A quick search for “MMR measles” on Bluesky yielded no anti-vaccine posts in the top results, while the search on X surfaced a plethora of misleading anti-vaccine rhetoric.

Combatting this misinformation is a considerable challenge, especially when high-profile individuals on social media platforms align with disinformation, such as a certain billionaire collaborating with a known liar leading the world’s wealthiest nation and appointing an anti-vaxxer as health secretary.

What’s evident is that this crisis extends beyond vaccines; it’s crucial in areas like climate science where misinformation clouds the truth. Governments throughout Europe and beyond must take decisive action to regulate the infosphere, promote scientific integrity, and silence charlatans. The future of humanity is at stake.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AI ‘Takes Risks’ but Can Aid in Combating Global Heating, Says UN Climate Director

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Leveraging artificial intelligence can aid the global fight against the climate crisis, but it’s essential for governments to implement regulations on this technology, stated the UN’s director of climate affairs.

AI enhances the efficiency of energy systems and creates tools to lower carbon emissions in industrial practices. The United Nations employs AI to support climate diplomacy efforts as well.

However, Simon Stiel, the executive director of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, expressed that the significant energy demands of large data centers raise concerns that necessitate governmental action.


“AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it carries risks. Yet, it has the potential to be transformative. We need to mitigate those risks while amplifying its catalytic power,” he remarked. “As we manage significant AI platforms, we will innovate ways to run them using renewable energy and encourage energy efficiency.”

He continued, “AI doesn’t replace human effort; it enhances our abilities. Most crucially, it is a force that drives tangible results, aiding in microgrid management, climate risk assessment, and resilient planning.”

Stiel offered an optimistic perspective on global climate actions, asserting that the world is “aligned with the Paris Agreement,” anticipating a surge in renewable energy and new governmental commitments to cut carbon emissions.

Confronted with strong opposition from Donald Trump’s administration, he staunchly defended climate diplomacy while observing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where world leaders convened amidst significant geopolitical and economic challenges.

“If we look beyond the distractions, the evidence indicates a world that aligns with the Paris Agreement,” he stated. “Investment in renewable energy has soared tenfold over the past decade, with the clean energy transition flourishing across almost all major economies, reaching $2 trillion last year alone.”

While China is at the forefront of the global clean energy surge, nations such as the EU, India, several African countries, and Latin America are also widely adopting clean alternatives. However, investments face hurdles due to the obstacles posed by Trump’s dismantling of federal climate initiatives, even as many state governments and companies uphold their commitments.

Though businesses are recognizing the economic potential of transitioning to a low-carbon future, they still require more investment. A recent study revealed that out of over 700 low-carbon industrial facilities planned worldwide, only 15 secured the necessary funding for full production, representing a remarkable $1.6 trillion (£1.2 trillion) opportunity for investors.

Referring to this research, Stiel emphasized, “We’re not waiting for a miracle. The economics are favorable. Over 90% of newly installed renewables are cheaper than the least expensive new fossil fuel options. The technology and solutions are already available.”

However, he noted that despite companies acknowledging the shift, the tangible benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy have yet to be felt in households. “This boom is uneven. Its substantial benefits aren’t equitably distributed,” Stiel remarked.

He further noted that the impacts of the climate crisis are accelerating, necessitating quicker progress. Governments are obliged to develop a new national plan, known as the NDC, for controlling greenhouse gases in accordance with the Paris Agreement. While these were expected to be ready by February, Stiel has extended the deadline ahead of the Crunch COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil this November.

Numerous major economies, including the EU, China, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, have yet to officially submit their national plans, while Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Agreement.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Stiel, who emphasizes the positive economic prospects arising during the climate crisis, stated, “Every challenge has its skeptics.”

“We are now reinforcing and transmitting a stronger, unmistakable message: the world remains firmly committed to the Paris Agreement and is fully engaged in climate collaboration.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How the US Agriculture Organization Played a Crucial Role in Combating Bird Flu

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Prevalent strains of avian flu affecting US livestock

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Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s administration in January, key US public health organizations have reduced their pandemic preparedness efforts regarding potential avian flu outbreaks. However, in contrast, another government agency has ramped up its activities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) previously conducted regular updates on measures to prevent a broader transmission of the deadly avian influenza virus known as H5N1 among humans, but these efforts were largely suspended after Trump took office. Funding for vaccines targeting the virus was also cancelled. Meanwhile, the USDA intensified its fight against the spread of H5N1 in poultry and dairy populations.

This particular strain of avian flu, named H5N1, poses a significant risk to human health, with about half of the nearly 1,000 individuals who tested positive globally since 2003. While the virus spreads quickly among birds, it remains poorly adapted to infect humans and is not known to transmit between individuals. However, mutations might enhance its ability to spread among mammals, presenting an escalating risk with increasing infections in mammals.

The likelihood of H5N1 evolving into a more human-threatening variant has significantly amplified since March 2024, when it transitioned from migratory birds in Texas to dairy cattle. More than 1,070 flocks across 17 states have since been affected.

H5N1 also impacts poultry, making it more human-compatible. Since 2022, nearly 175 million domestic birds in the US have been culled due to H5N1, with 71 people testing positive after direct contact with infected livestock.

“We must take [H5N1] seriously. Its spread continues, and it frequently spills over into humans,” says Sheema Calkdawara from Emory University in Georgia. The virus has already claimed lives in the US, including children in Mexico this year.

However, the number of incidents has minimized since Trump took office, with the last recorded human case in February and a significant reduction in affected poultry herds by 95% from then through June. Outbreaks within dairy cattle herds are also being managed effectively.

The cause of this decline remains unclear. Some speculate it may be due to a decrease in bird migration, limiting the opportunities for the virus to jump from wild birds to livestock. It may also reflect the USDA’s proactive containment strategies on farms. In February, USDA detailed a $1 billion investment plan to combat H5N1, which includes free biosecurity evaluations to help farmers enhance their defenses against the virus. Only one workplace among the 150 reviewed reported an outbreak.

Under Trump’s administration, the USDA also maintained its national milk testing initiative, requiring farms to submit raw milk samples for influenza testing. Should a farm test positive for H5N1, the USDA can monitor livestock and take preventative measures. The USDA initiated a comprehensive program in December, further enhancing their engagement in 45 states.

“The National Milk Test Strategy is a robust approach,” states Erin Sorrell from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Coupled with improvements in on-farm biosecurity, milk testing is crucial for containing outbreaks, Sorrell believes.

Despite the USDA’s heightened efforts concerning H5N1, HHS doesn’t seem to be keeping pace. According to Sorrell, the decrease in human cases may also be due to diminished surveillance resulting from staff cuts. In April, HHS announced 10,000 job cuts, impacting 90% of the workforce at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which monitors H5N1 incidence among farm workers.

“As the saying goes, you can’t detect something unless you test for it,” Sorrell comments. Nevertheless, a spokesperson from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that their guidance and surveillance initiatives remain unchanged. “State and local health departments are still tracking illnesses in individuals exposed to sick animals,” they expressed to New Scientist. “The CDC is dedicated to promptly sharing information regarding H5N1 as necessary.”

Vaccination strategies are another area of contention between USDA and HHS. USDA has allocated $100 million towards the development of vaccines and additional strategies to mitigate H5N1’s spread among livestock, while HHS has halted $776 million in contracts aimed at developing influenza vaccines. This contract, which ended on May 28, was with Moderna for a vaccine targeting various influenza subtypes, including H5N1, potentially leading to future pandemics. This announcement coincided with Moderna revealing that nearly 98% of around 300 participants who received two H5 vaccines in clinical trials exhibited antibody levels considered protective against the virus.

The US currently possesses approximately 5 million doses of the H5N1 vaccine, produced via egg-based and cultured cell methods, which is more time-consuming compared to mRNA vaccines such as Moderna’s. Sorrell observes that Moderna’s mRNA vaccine platform enables rapid government response and production capabilities during a pandemic, providing a solid foundation should a general public vaccine be required.

HHS’s cancellation of its contract stemmed from concerns regarding the mRNA vaccine technology, an issue previously flagged by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading public health figure in the nation. “The reality is that mRNA technology remains inadequately tested, and we will not waste taxpayer dollars repeating past errors,” stated HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon, as reported by New Scientist.

However, mRNA technology is far from novel and has been in development for over 50 years, with various clinical trials confirming its safety. Like all treatments, there can be mild side effects, but these are typical of most medical interventions. In a recent announcement, Moderna indicated its intention to seek alternative funding avenues for the project.

“I firmly believe we shouldn’t dismiss any option, including various vaccine strategies,” asserts Calkdawara.

“Vaccinations are the most effective defense against infectious diseases,” emphasizes Sorrell. “Having them available as a contingency provides a wider range of options.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research suggests that having a fixed bedtime is more important than sleep time for combating fatigue

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Quality of sleep is often judged by the number of hours we sleep, but recent research suggests that the timing of sleep may be more crucial than the duration.

A study published in the journal Sleep indicates that the consistency of your sleep schedule, rather than just the number of hours slept, is a strong predictor of your risk of mortality. Even individuals who consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep but have irregular sleep patterns were found to be at a higher risk of stroke, heart attacks, and cancer. On the other hand, those with a consistent sleep routine had up to a 48% lower risk of death from all causes.

It’s important to note that simply sticking to an erratic sleep pattern with minimal hours of sleep is not advised. The study found that individuals who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours per night had a higher risk of mortality. While sleep duration is significant, the link between mortality and consistent sleep patterns was stronger.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 61,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, totaling over 10 million recorded sleep hours. By studying sleep patterns and mortality rates, they identified the factors associated with an increased risk of early death.

These findings may lead to updated public health guidelines on sleep recommendations, emphasizing the importance of not only getting sufficient sleep but also maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for overall health improvement.

Further research is needed to determine if these findings are applicable to a broader population beyond the UK.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Time to reconsider our approach to combating loneliness

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Although we’re more connected than ever, we’re all pretty alone right now. In fact, we’re so lonely that the World Health Organization has declared a “loneliness epidemic” as global public health concerns, with approximately a quarter of the world reports feeling isolated. Young people are the ones who bear the brunt of this crisis.

In other words, we are facing a crisis. Social clubs are springing up in every city, Japan is backing support groups, and the Dutch are finding success with flat-sharing that mixes older and younger residents.

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However, while all of these measures have been shown to be helpful, they are only a drop in a much larger lonely ocean. Rates of loneliness are increasing, and finding a global solution is not easy. But technology companies are stepping in to fight loneliness with various hardware and software solutions. While they are making progress, there is still a long way to go in curing this epidemic.

How we misunderstand loneliness

In their rush to design solutions, big tech companies have oversimplified the concept of loneliness and linked it with the need for conversation. Few people fully understand the different types of loneliness, as explained by Dr. Jeremy Nobel, author of the book project unlonely. He highlights three types of loneliness: psychological, systemic exclusion, and psychological isolation.

Currently, solutions offered by the technology industry mostly focus on addressing psychological loneliness, such as AI chatbot programs like Replika and Friend. While these may provide temporary relief, they are not comprehensive solutions to the root causes of loneliness.

As technology continues to evolve, there is potential for it to play a larger role in addressing loneliness. Dr. Nobel suggests that wearables with loneliness sensors could track indicators and provide suggestions to combat loneliness in real-time.

Dealing with loneliness with technology

Credit: Oleg Breslavtsev

While current technology-based solutions are primitive, there is potential for technology to address loneliness in more impactful ways. By understanding loneliness as an emotional signal, technology can offer innovative solutions to help individuals combat loneliness and form meaningful social connections in a digital age.

About our experts, Jeremy Nobel

Jeremy is a primary care physician and public health worker. He is the founder and chairman of The Foundation for Art & Healing, which runs the Project UnLonely program, addressing the personal and public health challenges posed by loneliness.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Dyson reveals the mystical properties of mushrooms in combating frizzy hair | Dyson Ltd

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Mushrooms have become a popular health trend, making their way into coffee, supplements, and even beer. Dyson recently unveiled their potential use for taming frizzy hair by utilizing chitosan, a fungus found in oyster mushrooms often used in skincare products.

This innovative ingredient, chitosan, is the key component of Dyson’s new styling cream and serum, both priced at £50 for 100ml and claimed to reduce frizz by up to 50%. It provides a delicate yet strong hold, enabling natural movement while keeping the hair in place.

Dyson’s engineers conducted thorough testing to determine the ideal chitosan percentage for long-lasting flexible hold. The products are packed with the power of up to eight oyster mushrooms, offering a unique approach compared to traditional polymer-based hair products.

James Dyson, the company’s chief engineer, explained that their complex polymers create flexible bonds that enhance the hold, movement, and shine of the hair, setting them apart from competitors. Dyson has a history of successful innovations, including bagless vacuums and bladeless fans, and is now venturing into the beauty market with products like the “supersonic” hair dryer.

While Dyson leads the way in harnessing the benefits of fungi, other companies are also exploring the use of fungal ingredients in various products. The growing popularity of mushrooms has prompted consumer advocacy groups to investigate the true impact and benefits of this trend in the beauty and health industries.

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Though mushroom products have potential benefits, consumer advocates warn that there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness or health benefits, cautioning consumers against assuming their advantages without thorough research.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Traditional pessimism could be a valuable tool in combating climate change

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Pessimism is a dirty word in climate policy circles. There are good reasons for this. Especially because while optimism can encourage positive change, assuming the worst can paralyze us and prevent us from taking action. But when it comes to climate modeling, a certain amount of negativity can be a good thing.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is already working on various models and pathways to assess how to limit warming to 1.5°C and how to ensure that carbon emissions continue unabated or experience many possibilities in between. I use it to hedge my bets. These pathways are backed by thousands of scientific papers, tons of data, and the brains of the world’s climate scientists, but like all models, they are built on assumptions.

One of the key assumptions in the scenario of keeping temperature rise below 1.5°C is that the technology to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere will be rapidly perfected in the near future. This is not an unreasonable prediction, given human ingenuity and strong incentives to do so. But incorporating carbon capture technology into these models is like declaring that winning the lottery will balance the household budget. If you can’t reduce your spending to an affordable level, you better hope that a big prize is on the way.

As the two articles in this issue demonstrate, this is a dangerous approach. A detailed analysis of geological carbon storage plans shows that it is at least very unlikely, if not impossible, to meet the levels envisioned for many 1.5°C pathways. (“Our plans to tackle climate change with carbon storage add up”). The chances of winning the lottery don’t seem that high. On the other hand, we also received an unexpected carbon bill in the form of melting Arctic permafrost, releasing more greenhouse gases than previously accounted for. Frozen soil is now a major net source of greenhouse gases (see “Frozen soil is now a major net source of greenhouse gases”).

While these revisions in our understanding of climate change are entirely expected and to be welcomed, they do signal that the challenges we face over the next decade will only get more difficult. . Rather than narrowing down climate models until the numbers roughly match the 1.5°C goal, perhaps it would be better to take a more pessimistic outlook and accelerate efforts to limit the damage.

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  • global warming

Source: www.newscientist.com

Breakthrough in microbiome research may hold the key to combating obesity

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Recent discoveries by scientists on the human gut microbiome, which consists of microorganisms like bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses residing in the gastrointestinal tract, may lead to new weight loss interventions in the future.

To be presented at the European Obesity Conference (ECO), researchers have identified specific microbial species that could either increase or decrease an individual’s risk of obesity.

Through a study involving 361 adult volunteers from Spain, scientists identified a total of six main species.

The lead researcher, Dr. Paula Aranaz, who obtained her PhD from the Nutrition Research Center of the University of Navarra, explained, “Our findings highlight the potential role of imbalances in various bacterial groups in the development and progression of obesity.”

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Participants were categorized based on their body mass index: 65 were of normal weight, 110 were overweight, and 186 were obese. Genetic microbiota profiling was conducted to analyze the type, composition, diversity, and abundance of bacteria present in their fecal samples.

The study found that individuals with higher body mass index had lower levels of Christensenella Minuta, a bacterium associated with weight loss in other studies.

<.p>Interestingly, there were gender-specific differences in the findings. For men, the species Parabacteroides hercogenes and Campylobacter canadensis were linked to higher BMI, fat mass, and waist size. On the other hand, for women, the species Prevotella copri, Prevotella brevis, and Prevotella saccharolytica predicted obesity risk.

According to Aranaz, “Fostering certain bacterial types in the gut microbiota, like Christensenella Minuta, may protect against obesity. Future interventions aimed at altering bacterial strains or bioactive molecules levels could create a microbiome resistant to obesity.”

While the study focused on a specific region of Spain, factors such as climate, geography, and diet could influence the results. These findings could lead to tailored nutritional strategies for weight loss that take into account gender differences.

About our expert:

Paula Aranaz is a researcher at the Nutrition Research Center of the University of Navarra in Spain, focusing on bioactive compounds to prevent and treat metabolic diseases. Her research has been published in journals like International Journal of Molecular Science, Nutrients, and European Journal of Nutrition.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Why recycling may not always be the most effective solution for combating climate change

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Recycling is not a silver bullet to stop climate destruction. Far from it. Potential Impact – Savings of approximately 11 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) over 30 years. Even if the world recycled more than 80 percent of its municipal waste, that amount would be overshadowed by the greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuels and industry – a staggering 36.8 gigatons in 2022 alone.

In the UK, it is estimated that recycling 18 million tons of CO2 annually. This is equivalent to removing five million cars from the road. While promising, it is only a very small fraction of the emissions generated by fossil fuels and industry each year, which are about 200 times greater than those from agriculture and the global fashion industry.

These numbers may be discouraging, but what can an individual do to help?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

First and foremost, do not give up on recycling. It is a simple way to reduce landfill waste and slow down the depletion of the earth’s resources.

To put into perspective the impact of recycling, dividing the 18 million tonnes by the UK’s population of 67 million, the average Briton is saving about 269kg of CO2 per year through recycling.

According to DEFRA, Britons recycled 44% of household waste in 2021. By recycling 100% of household waste, an individual could save up to 610kg per year.

If you truly want to make a difference, focus on making sustainable choices early on in the consumption process. Opt for loose fruits and vegetables, solid detergents, repair and reuse old clothes, and most importantly, buy less.

Emphasize the Reduce and Reuse aspects of the 3R mantra and resort to recycling only when other options are exhausted.

Let’s Start With One Thing

If you feel overwhelmed, start by making one sustainable change at a time. For example, by using a reusable water bottle instead of plastic ones, you can save 20kg of CO2 per year.

A review of thousands of studies worldwide suggests that changes like taking fewer long-haul flights, using public transport, and improving home energy efficiency are significant in reducing household carbon footprints.

While recycling alone may not be the solution to climate change, it is a step in the right direction. Each individual has the power to make a positive impact.

This article addresses the question posed by Jensen Pitts via email: “Can recycling really make a difference?”

If you have any questions, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out to us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com