Campaigners for internet safety are calling on the UK Communications Regulator to restrict the application of artificial intelligence in essential risk assessments, following reports that Meta, founded by Mark Zuckerberg, intends to automate these checks.
Ofcom stated that it would “consider the concerns” outlined in the letters from campaigners, as highlighted in last month’s report, which indicated that up to 90% of all risk assessments for the owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp would be conducted by AI.
Social media platforms are crucial in assessing how harm manifests on their services and how they can alleviate potential dangers, particularly regarding the protection of child users and the prevention of illegal content, in accordance with the UK’s online safety legislation. The risk assessment process is deemed a vital element of this law.
In correspondence addressed to Ofcom’s CEO, Melanie Dawes, organizations like the Molly Rose Foundation, NSPCC, and Internet Watch Foundation criticized the prospect of AI-led risk assessments as “a backward and bewildering move.”
They urged, “We recommend advocating publicly that risk assessments are rarely seen as ‘appropriate and sufficient.’
The letter also called on the watchdog to “confront the belief that the platform can opt to bypass the risk assessment process.”
A spokesperson from Ofcom remarked, “Who has completed, reviewed, or approved the risk assessment? We are taking the concerns raised in this letter into account and will respond in due course.”
Mehta commented that the letter misrepresented the company’s safety strategies, which focus on high standards and adherence to regulations.
A Meta spokesperson stated, “We have not relied on AI for making decisions regarding risk. Our specialists have developed tools that assist teams in determining when legal and policy obligations pertain to a specific product. We have enhanced our capability to manage harmful content with human-supervised technology, leading to significantly better safety outcomes.”
The Molly Rose Foundation initiated the letter after a report by US broadcaster NPR last month indicated that Meta’s algorithms and updated safety features had been predominantly approved by AI systems, bypassing human oversight.
An unnamed former Meta executive told NPR that this shift would enable companies to roll out app updates and features more rapidly on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp; however, it raises concerns regarding the prevention of potential issues prior to the launch of new products, resulting in “increased risks” for users.
NPR also noted that Meta is exploring the possibility of automating reviews in sensitive areas, particularly concerning risks to young users and addressing the spread of misinformation.
Featuring motion capture technology, Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid provides custom coaching advice for children. Shakespeare’s original manuscripts can now be rewritten by a trained AI algorithm through a robotic arm. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the worldwide advertising landscape.
The AI-generated advertisements from Cadbury’s drink brand Bournvita and pen manufacturer BIC were crafted by WPP, an agency group investing £300 million annually in data, technology, and machine learning to maintain its edge.
Mark Reid, CEO of the London-based Marketing Services Group, has stated that AI is “essential” for the future of the business and recognizes that it will lead to significant changes in the workforce of the advertising sector.
Recently, Reid announced his resignation as CEO of WPP after nearly seven years, amidst a team of more than 30 members.
Advertising agencies face challenges from familiar adversaries. Over the past decade, tech giants like Google and Meta (the parent company of Facebook) have built sophisticated tools for publishers and ad buyers, solidifying their dominance online. This year, Big Tech has captured nearly two-thirds of the £45 billion that UK advertisers are spending.
WPP’s subsidiary VML has harnessed AI for a “one BIC, one book, two classics” campaign targeting Brazilian audiences. Photo: WPP
Meta is preparing to launch AI tools that enable the complete creation and targeting of advertising campaigns on social media, raising concerns about “creative extinction” and potential job cuts across agencies.
These tools are set to be introduced by the end of next year. In a recent interview, Zuckerberg described them as “redefining advertising categories.”
Rahul Dravid in the Cadbury Bournvita campaign featuring AI.
Agencies of all sizes, particularly large international networks like WPP, Publicis, and Omnicom, are developing their own AI resources while investing in partnerships with tech giants like Meta and Google, striving to retain clients.
“I’m confident AI will disrupt a significant number of jobs,” stated the CEO of a major advertising firm. “That said, many institutions maintain differing client portfolios, allowing them to perform a broad range of tasks. Staffing remains secure in areas like strategy, consumer insights, and certain conceptual roles, yet production roles are where the impact is most felt.”
Tech executives endorsed the advantages of AI at last week’s Enders Deloitte conference, which focused on the media and telecommunications sector.
Speaking at the conference, Stephen Pretorius, referred to as the “AI guy at WPP,” emphasized, “True creativity is an inherently human skill.”
Stephan Pretorius from WPP discussing AI’s role in advertising.
He argued that while AI isn’t a direct substitute for recruitment, institutions must adapt and prioritize client relationships.
“AI replaces tasks rather than jobs,” he stated. “Many responsibilities we were compensated for are now automated, necessitating a shift in our business models. Team structures and client incentives will also evolve. This is merely a transitional phase.”
Recently, WPP reported several layoffs across its media division, previously known as GroupM.
“We live in a scenario where a major holding company is facing a conundrum,” remarked another agency CEO. “Clients expect to invest millions in AI, cutting budgets while speeding up and reducing costs. Many clients are seeking to decrease their fees.”
Currently, the AI revolution hasn’t made a significant dent in the UK advertising sector.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, plans to introduce AI tools enabling advertisers to fully create and target campaigns on social media. Photo: Anadoll/Getty Images
Last year, the IPA reported a record employment figure of 26,787 individuals in media, creative, and digital agencies, representing 85% of the UK’s advertising expenditure.
The IPA has tracked market size since 1960 when it recorded 199,000 employees, dipping to just under 12,000 in the early 1990s.
Advertising expenditure surged dramatically, fueled by the rise of the Internet, from a mere £60 million noted in the pre-television era of 1938.
By 1982, the UK advertising market was valued at £3.1 billion, and this year it is expected to surpass £45 billion, according to the Advertising Association/WARC that has published annual reports since 1980.
Agency executives believe that major advertisers face too much brand risk to allow AI to handle the entire creative process.
“I can often identify a piece of AI-generated work from a mile away—it’s polished, overly idealistic, and somewhat artificial,” observed one creative agency head. “But that’s evolving. I’ve been told creatives could never improve upon the iconic gorilla ad for Cadbury, yet I’m uncertain. AI can ultimately refine enough to respond to highly intuitive concepts.”
Cadbury’s Dairy Milk ad featuring gorillas playing drums became a viral sensation. Photo: Rex Features
As the industry speculates about Meta’s plans to replace conventional agencies, Zuckerberg has sought to clarify that AI technologies are primarily aimed at small and medium enterprises.
“In future collaborations with creative agencies, we’ll likely ensure their involvement,” he remarked at the Stripes Conference, emphasizing this position shortly after his initial comments about Meta’s AI advertising trajectory. “If agencies don’t adapt, they might find themselves throwing together ad compositions only to flood the Meta platform with thousands of variations to see which performs best.”
Meta and Google maintain they’ve “democratized” advertising by enabling countless small and mid-sized companies to run campaigns without the financial burden of traditional advertising channels.
“That’s the mask they wear constantly,” stated a head of an advertising agency. “When they emerged decades ago as a novel ad platform, the focus was on small businesses, yet now they are capturing almost two-thirds of the UK’s advertising budget.”
In the 2000s, big tech firms grew immensely, propelling WPP to become the largest advertising group worldwide, while the CEO of S4 Capital has been dubbed Meta and Google’s ‘Frenemy.’
Two decades later, the rise of AI within advertising marks the latest technological upheaval that the industry must adapt to in order to thrive.
Meta’s bold commitment to “automatically generate ads in seconds” signals a transformative shift towards total mechanization of production processes,” asserts Patrick Garvey, co-founder of the independent agency PI. “This isn’t the demise of an agency; rather, it signals the end of outdated institutional paradigms.”
He champions the small businesses reshaping the landscape but questions whether Meta’s approach to AI resembles “advertising fast food.” For traditional ad firms, it could prove to be a bitter pill.
The London-based firm Stability AI, specializing in artificial intelligence, argues that the copyright lawsuit initiated by global photography agency Getty Images poses a significant “obvious threat” to the AI generation industry.
Stability AI contested Getty’s claims in the London High Court on Monday, which center on issues of copyright and trademark infringement regarding its extensive collection of photographic works.
Stability enables users to create images based on text prompts. Among its directors is James Cameron, the acclaimed director of Avatar and Titanic. In response, Getty criticized those training AI systems as “tech nerds,” suggesting they disregard the ramifications of their technological advancements.
Stability retorted by asserting that Getty is pursuing a “fantasy” legal path, investing around £10 million to challenge a technology it views as an “existential threat” to their operations.
Getty syndicates around 50,000 photographers’ work to clients across more than 200 countries. It alleges that Stability trained its image generation models using an extensive database of copyrighted photographs. Consequently, a program named Stability Diffusion continues to produce images bearing watermarks from Getty Images. Getty maintains that Stability is “completely indifferent” to the sources of their training data, asserting that the system “is associated with pornography-related trademarks” and generates “AI garbage.”
Getty’s legal representatives noted that the contention over the unauthorized utilization of thousands of photographs, including well-known images of celebrities, politicians, and news events, “is not a conflict between creativity and technology where a victory for Getty Images spells the end for AI.”
They further stated: “The issue arises when AI companies like Stability wish to use these materials without compensation.”
Lindsay Lane KC, representing Getty Images, commented, “These were a group of tech enthusiasts enthusiastic about AI, yet indifferent to the challenges and dangers it poses.”
In her court filing on Monday, Getty contended that Stability had trained an image generation model using a database that included child sexual abuse material.
Stability is contesting Getty’s claims overall, with its attorney characterizing the allegations regarding child sexual abuse material as “abhorrent.”
A spokesperson for Stability AI stated that the company is dedicated to ensuring its technology is not misused. It emphasized the implementation of strong safeguards “to enhance safety standards and protect against malicious actors.”
This situation arises in the context of a broader movement among artists, writers, and musicians—including figures like Elton John and Dua Lipa—who are advocating for copyright protection against alleged infringement by AI-generated content that allows users to produce new images, music, and text.
The UK Parliament is embroiled in a related issue, with the government proposing that copyright holders should have the option to opt-out of the material used for training algorithms and generating AI content.
“Of course, Getty Images acknowledges that the entire AI sector can be a formidable force, but that does not justify permitting the AI models they are developing to blatantly infringe on their intellectual property rights,” Lane stated.
The trial is expected to span several weeks and will address, in part, the use of images by renowned photographers. This includes a photograph of former Liverpool soccer manager Jürgen Klopp, captured by award-winning British sports photographer Andrew Livesey, a photo of the Chicago Cubs baseball team by American sports photographer Gregory Shams, and images of actor and musician Donald Glover by Alberto Rodriguez, as well as photographs of actor Eric Dane and film director Christopher Nolan.
The case brings forth 78,000 pages of evidence, with AI experts summoned to testify from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Freiberg in Germany.
Regulators overseeing online safety are pursuing the maximum fine of $450,000 against a man for publishing deepfake images of a well-known Australian woman on his website, marking a significant case in an Australian court.
The Esafety Commissioner has initiated legal action against Anthony Rotondo for his failure to remove “intimate images” of high-profile Australian women from the Deepfake Pornography site.
The federal courts maintain the confidentiality of the women’s real names.
The court learned that Rotondo initially defied the order while residing in the Philippines, prompting the committee to pursue legal action upon his return to Australia.
Rotondo had posted an image on Mrdeepfakes’ site.
In December 2023, Rotondo was fined after admitting to breaching the court’s order by failing to remove the image. He subsequently provided the password to delete the Deepfake image.
A representative from the Esafety Commissioner indicated that regulators are aiming for a fine between $400,000 and $450,000 for the violations of online safety law.
The spokesperson emphasized that the proposed penalty reflects the seriousness of the “significant impact on the targeted women.”
“This penalty aims to deter others from partaking in such harmful actions,” they stated.
Esafety highlighted that the creation and distribution of nonconsensual explicit deepfake images result in severe psychological and emotional harm for the victims.
The penalty hearing occurred on Monday, and the court has reserved its decision.
Additionally, federal legislation was passed in 2024, strengthening the fight against explicit deepfakes.
Esafiti Commissioner Julie Inman Grant during the Senate estimates. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP
In her introductory remarks to the Senate committee considering the bill last July, Esafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that DeepFakes have surged by 550% since 2019, with 99% of such pornographic content featuring images of women and girls.
“Abuse involving deepfake images is not only on the rise, but it is also highly gendered and incredibly distressing for the victims,” Inman Grant stated.
“To my surprise, the number of open-source AI applications like this is rapidly increasing online, often available for free and easy to use for anyone with a smartphone.
“Thus, these apps present a low barrier for perpetrators, while the repercussions for the targets are devastating and often immeasurable.”
Stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression. These are significant issues that become more prevalent as we age—often overlooked, yet surprisingly frequent in our older population.
Moreover, the abundance of information available today makes it challenging to determine effective preventative measures. Are these conditions purely genetic? Do they stem from our environment? Or can we actually enact changes that make a difference?
Recent research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry offers encouraging insights and a clear starting point.
Led by Dr. Sanjurasin from the Brain Care Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the study systematically reviewed data on modifiable lifestyle factors linked to the three critical brain conditions.
The team discovered 17 interconnected risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression—all of which are within an individual’s capacity to change.
“These are actionable steps that everyone can incorporate into their lives,” Shin explained in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “For example, dietary choices, physical activity, or adhering to blood pressure medications prescribed by a doctor—all factors influenced by socioeconomic conditions that may not be easily altered.”
Instead, the emphasis is placed on daily habits that can be reshaped, such as diet, sleep, exercise, social connections, and mental engagement.
17 Modifiable Risk Factors for Brain Health
This study outlines 17 overlapping factors impacting the risks of stroke, dementia, and consequent depression, which encompass both protective and risk-enhancing behaviors. They can be categorized based on quality and context, such as dietary choices and social engagement.
Here’s the complete list:
Protective Factors:
Low or very low alcohol consumption
Regular engagement in cognitive activities like reading, puzzles, and acquiring new skills
A nutrient-rich diet comprising vegetables, fruits, dairy, fish, and nuts
Moderate to high levels of physical activity
A strong sense of community
Extensive social networks or substantial social involvement
Risk-Increasing Factors:
Hypertension
Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI)
Hyperglycemia
High cholesterol levels
Hearing impairment
Kidney disease or renal dysfunction
Chronic pain affecting daily activities
Symptoms of depression
Diet high in lean meats, sugary beverages, sweets, and sodium
Sleep disorders or prolonged sleeping periods
History of smoking
Feelings of loneliness or social isolation
Chronic stress or stressful life events
Each factor was associated with at least one of the three conditions explored in the study, and often with two or three. While certain factors, like kidney dysfunction and hearing loss, may not intuitively seem linked to brain health, their impacts can be significant.
Noteworthy Findings
To pinpoint the most influential risk factors, Singh’s team reviewed 182 meta-analyses from the last two decades and selected the 59 most reliable. They calculated the impact of each factor using disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), which measures the burden of conditions, and assigned normalized scores.
One risk factor rose to prominence: hypertension.
“People often associate blood pressure with heart health,” Singh noted. “However, our review highlights it as the most critical factor for brain health. It’s essential to monitor your blood pressure and understand your numbers. If elevated, consult your doctor and adhere to prescribed treatment.”
Hypertension is known to harm small blood vessels in the brain and contribute to the development of all three conditions. However, it’s not the sole important factor.
The study also underscores that kidney dysfunction, hyperglycemia, depressive symptoms, poor sleep, obesity, smoking, and chronic stress negatively affect brain health. These risk factors tend to compound one another.
Blood pressure is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression. – Getty
Healthy Choice Menu
The encouraging news is that these factors are interconnected. Addressing one area can often lead to improvements in others.
However, this doesn’t mean that an all-at-once overhaul is necessary. Singh cautions against attempting to tackle everything simultaneously. “Our aim is to suggest gradual changes; bombarding someone with all 17 factors can be overwhelming. We encourage individuals to select what resonates with them and work on that—other improvements will often follow.”
Indeed, motivation presents a significant challenge. “Behavioral science indicates that maintaining lasting changes is difficult.” Other obstacles, like time constraints and financial means, can also impede habit formation.
A potent strategy is to involve others. Whether walking with friends, cooking healthy meals with a partner, enrolling in classes, or engaging in activities that blend lifestyle changes with social connections, you’re more likely to stay committed.
“We strongly advocate for collaborative exercise,” Singh emphasizes.
Read more:
When to Start
Some risk factors are more critical at specific life stages. For instance, hypertension during middle age seems particularly detrimental to long-term brain health. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to make changes.
And what if you’re starting later in life? Don’t wait.
“You’re never ‘too old.’ Addressing modifiable risk factors is beneficial at any age. Whether you’re 20 or 80, everyone can take steps, however small, to better brain health.”
Notes on Limitations
This study presents a robust framework for prevention, but it does not demonstrate causality. It relies on observational studies, which can indicate associations but do not establish direct cause-effect relationships.
As Dr. Anya Topiwara, a consultant psychiatrist at Oxford University who did not participate in the study, remarked in an email to BBC Science Focus: “It’s important to recognize that this paper examines associations rather than experimental findings. Hence, due to various biases, one cannot directly infer causation between risk factors and disease.”
For example, while alcohol consumption may appear protective in moderate quantities, it can mislead. “Individuals with higher socioeconomic status or education levels tend to drink moderately. These individuals are typically healthier and less likely to face dementia diagnosis and perform better on memory assessments.”
In essence, some correlations may stem from other underlying variables, like education, income, and healthcare access.
A Message of Hope
Despite the limitations, the overall outlook is optimistic. Singh emphasizes that the findings aim to empower rather than overwhelm. “This is a hopeful paper. There are numerous controllable factors that can lower your illness risk.”
“Based on estimates, up to 45% of all dementia cases could potentially be prevented by managing modifiable risk factors, alongside 80% of strokes and 35% of later-life depression. There’s a lot you can do to maintain a healthy and happy brain.”
So whether it’s taking a walk, learning something new, monitoring your blood pressure, or cooking a meal with a friend, the core message is simple: start where you can. Your efforts may yield more benefits than you realize.
About Our Experts
Sanjurashin is a physician scientist and Oxford-trained epidemiologist, whose expertise merges clinical medicine, epidemiology, behavioral science, and global health innovation. She became a professor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School by the age of 28. Singh founded Singh Lab within Brain Care Labs, where she and her team are innovating scalable, evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing stroke, dementia, and subsequent depression.
Anyatopiwarra earned her medical qualification at Oxford University and subsequently specialized in elderly psychiatry. In 2017, she completed her DPhil in Psychiatry centered on an MRC-funded study, “Predicting MRI abnormalities using longitudinal data from the Whitehall II study.” In 2019, Topiwala received the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship to investigate how physical mechanisms related to alcohol consumption impact brain health.
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men, with roughly one in eight men receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime. Nevertheless, not all prostate cancers are life-threatening; in fact, many develop slowly and remain harmless.
“There are essentially two categories of prostate cancer,” Dr. Haley Luxton, who studies the impact of prostate cancer in the UK, explains. “I refer to them as ‘pussycats’ and ‘tigers.’ Pussycats are the slow-growing types, which typically do not lead to death.”
“On the other hand, tigers are highly aggressive forms of prostate cancer, and these men require immediate treatment to prevent mortality.”
“Most men will eventually have prostate cancer cells,” adds Dr. Cody Watling, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Cancer Institute. “However, whether it becomes clinically significant—causing symptoms or spreading—is an entirely different issue.”
Three Key Risk Factors
What really increases your risk of prostate cancer?
According to science, there are three major factors—sadly beyond your control:
Age – The risk increases significantly after age 50, with most diagnoses occurring in men over 70.
Ethnicity – Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as their white counterparts. The reasons remain unclear, although genetics may play a role.
Family History – If your father, brother, or grandfather had prostate cancer, your risk is elevated—especially if the diagnosis occurred before age 60. The BRCA2 gene is a contributing factor.
Watling notes that these risk variables are generally linked with both prostate cancer and more aggressive forms of the disease. “Evidence suggests that age, family history, and being Black increase the overall risk of aggressive prostate cancer.”
More than 50% of men over 90 have prostate cancer cells, but many are benign. – Getty
Lifestyle Considerations
While some reports suggest that lifestyle choices can reduce risk, the situation is complex.
Watling, who researched diet and prostate cancer risk at Oxford University, stated, “To date, strong evidence has been elusive.”
Some studies indicate a potential link between high consumption of dairy, particularly milk, and slight increases in prostate cancer risk, likely due to a growth factor known as IGF-1. However, Watling emphasized, “The evidence remains ambiguous, and there is no robust connection.” More research is necessary to clarify these relationships.
One possible exception is obesity. “There is some evidence suggesting that being overweight correlates with a higher risk of aggressive or fatal prostate cancer,” says Watling. “However, it’s challenging to determine if this is biological or due to less frequent early screening in heavier individuals.”
Luxton concurs: “Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in some form of physical activity—even just a ten-minute walk—can be beneficial.”
Recommendations
If you are over 50, or over 45 with a higher risk (due to family history or being Black), Prostate Cancer UK advises initiating a conversation with your GP.
Your doctor may then conduct various screening tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, examinations, and MRI scans as necessary.
In Conclusion
Joe Biden’s diagnosis understandably alarmed many, but it also led to a surge of misleading or overly simplistic guidance. Here are the facts:
The risk of prostate cancer cannot be entirely eliminated.
Most risks are linked to age, family history, and ethnicity, rather than diet or lifestyle factors.
Nevertheless, healthy habits remain important for reducing the risk of aggressive prostate cancer and other diseases.
If you are at high risk, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor.
About Our Experts
Hailey Luxton is the Head of Research Impact and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, tasked with identifying initiatives that can significantly influence the charity’s research program and expedite research projects. Previously, he conducted research at University College London and Cancer Research UK.
Cody Watling is a postdoctoral researcher at the National Cancer Institute. His research has been featured in publications such as BMC Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and British Journal of Cancer.
A recent survey published in the journal Communication Physics reveals that eggs are more likely to crack when they fall on their sides.
What implications does this have for cracking eggs? Eggs for breakfast? It may not matter significantly. The middle section remains intact while the Golden Fork fills with escaping whites.
Scientists suggest that this knowledge could aid in cooking stubborn eggs: dropping them horizontally may prevent a destructive crack that leads to a messy, cloudy interior.
Common belief holds that eggs are strongest at their edges, as demonstrated by their packaging in cartons. It’s thought that the curved base of the egg helps distribute force and minimize impact.
However, during compression tests, scientists found that eggs cracked with the same force regardless of the direction of pressure.
“The fun started when I expected one outcome and got another,” remarked Hudson Borja da Rocha from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who was involved in the experiment.
The researchers conducted simulations, releasing eggs from three heights in both horizontal and vertical orientations, ranging down to 0.4 inches (10 mm).
The outcome? Fewer eggs broke when dropped horizontally.
“Conventional wisdom holds that vertical eggs are stronger than they appear, but this research shows otherwise,” stated Mark Myers, a materials scientist at the University of California, San Diego, who was not part of the study.
The research found that the equator of the egg is more flexible and can absorb more energy from a fall before breaking.
Eggs are often used in at-home experiments for egg drop challenges, which has partly inspired this new research. It remains uncertain whether these findings will help safeguard these delicate eggs.
Tal Cohen, a co-author from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, noted that it’s somewhat counterintuitive that the rectangular sides of the egg can better endure falls.
Countless broken eggs illustrate “the bravery to question these widely accepted notions.”
The shingles vaccine appears to offer additional benefits
Cavan images / Alamy
Vaccination against shingles, also known as herpes zoster, not only prevents this painful infection but also lowers the chance of cardiovascular issues.
A recent observational study involving over 1 million participants has revealed that individuals who receive the shingles vaccine Zostavax have a 26% reduced risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, or heart failure compared to those who are unvaccinated.
“Shingles is known to cause inflammation in blood vessels,” notes a researcher. “Thus, by preventing the infection, vaccines could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.”
Shingles manifests when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates after lying dormant in the body. This reactivation can happen due to factors like stress or prolonged chemotherapy, leading to painful rashes.
While cardiovascular complications are not commonly highlighted, research has shown a link between shingles and increased risks for conditions such as stroke and heart attack, especially within the first year post-infection, with stroke risk rising by approximately 30% and heart attack risk by 10%.
To investigate whether vaccinations mitigate these risks, Lee and colleagues analyzed data from 1,271,922 individuals over 50, gathered by the South Korean National Health Registry Bureau from 2012 to 2024. They assessed who received the live vaccine and compared it with the later onset of 18 cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias, while also considering various health-related factors like age, gender, and lifestyle.
Throughout a six-year average follow-up period, the study found that the risk of cardiovascular events post-vaccination was 23% lower than in unvaccinated individuals.
The reduction was more pronounced in men, with a 27% lower risk compared to a 20% decrease in women. Among those under 60, there was a 27% reduction in risk, while in older populations, it was 16%. Rural residents showed a 25% risk reduction versus 20% in urban settings, and low-income groups had a 26% decrease, while higher earners experienced a 20% reduction. The data also indicated that risk reduction decreased as BMI increased.
For specific cardiovascular incidents, vaccinated people were found to be 26% less likely to experience a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure, and 26% less likely to die from heart disease. Additionally, the risk of coronary artery disease was reduced by 22%.
The benefits were most significant in the two to three years following vaccination, gradually tapering off over the subsequent five years.
The findings support the notion that shingles vaccination “enhances our confidence” in its capability to lower cardiovascular risk by decreasing vascular inflammation potentially triggered by the shingles virus, states Galen Faulke from Pennsylvania State University.
“Zoster itself has a notably high incidence of pain and postherpetic neuralgia, which can be extremely distressing,” he adds. “However, healthcare systems globally can significantly reduce cardiovascular ailments by advocating the use of cost-effective shingles vaccines.”
While further research is necessary, scientists theorize that the vaccine may indirectly contribute to lowering cardiovascular risks associated with shingles.
Initially, the focus was on Zostavax, which uses viral proteins, but more attention is now directed towards Shingrix.
Despite the study design not establishing causality as in randomized trials, researchers can identify risk correlations across a large population. Such extensive data can reveal risk patterns that clinical trials might overlook, Lee explains.
Mobile phones and desktop computers have long been targets of cyber espionage, but how vulnerable are electric vehicles?
On Monday, a newspaper reported that a British defense company, engaged with the UK government, advised its staff against connecting mobile devices with Chinese-made electric vehicles due to concerns over potential data extraction by Beijing.
This article examines the security issues related to electric vehicles.
Can an electric car snoop on you?
Security experts quoted by the Guardian suggest that electric vehicles, being the most advanced vehicles on the market, could be vulnerable to hacking.
Rafe Pilling, director of threat intelligence at cybersecurity firm SecureWorks, notes that electric vehicles can produce a wealth of data that could interest a hostile state.
“There are numerous opportunities to compromise these vehicles as they collect data,” he states.
He further explains that WiFi or mobile connectivity can enhance data access for manufacturers through the “over-the-air” software update feature.
“Modern vehicles equipped with over-the-air updates, various sensors, and external cameras could potentially be repurposed as surveillance tools,” he adds.
A mobile phone connected to a car via a charging cable or Bluetooth is another significant data source, he mentions.
Should all car drivers be worried?
Experts indicate that individuals in sensitive sectors, such as government or defense, should exercise caution.
“If you’re working on a sixth-generation fighter jet and connect your work phone to your personal vehicle, be mindful that this connection could compromise your mobile data,” states a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute Think Tank.
Nate Drier, tech lead at cybersecurity firm Sophos, highlights the option to select “don’t trust” when connecting a phone charger to a car; however, this would forfeit many functionalities, such as music streaming or messaging.
“Most people tend to maintain that connection for the convenience it brings,” he acknowledges.
Pilling adds that even rental car users should remain vigilant.
“Generally, individuals may leave copies of their contacts and sensitive information in their car’s entertainment and navigation system, often forgetting to remove them before relinquishing the vehicle, making phone synchronization a risky move,” he advises.
Why are Chinese vehicles the focus of concern?
China is a significant producer of electric vehicles (EVs) through brands like BYD and XPENG. Coupled with the Chinese state’s practices in cyber espionage, this raises concerns. For instance, China’s National Intelligence Act of 2017 mandates all organizations and citizens to “support, assist, and cooperate” with national intelligence efforts.
“Chinese law compels companies to align with national security, so one must consider the possibility of surveillance capabilities in their vehicles,” he notes, albeit admitting that there is “no evidence” currently linking Chinese vehicles to espionage.
Experts believe that while electric vehicles are a concern, devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, and other wearables are more likely targets for spying.
What does the UK government say?
A government representative refrained from commenting on specific security protocols but affirmed that “protecting national security is our utmost priority, and strict procedures are in place to ensure government sites and information are adequately safeguarded.”
A more detailed statement released last month by Defence Minister Koker, indicated that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is collaborating with other government bodies to understand and mitigate potential security threats from all types of vehicles, not just those manufactured in China.
Further reports state that while there are no overarching policy prohibitions on the movement of Chinese-made vehicles, EVs incorporating Chinese components have been banned from sensitive military locations.
Nevertheless, individual defense entities may impose stricter requirements for vehicles in particular settings.
BYD was reached for commentary, while Xpeng stated it is “committed to upholding and complying with applicable UK and EU privacy laws and regulations.”
SMMT, a trade association representing British automakers, responded:
“Our industry is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of customer data protection, which includes the responsible use of data. Features such as apps and paired phones can be removed from vehicles based on individual manufacturers’ guidelines, ensuring drivers feel secure.”
Technology can actually offer some amazing benefits in slowing down cognitive decline as we age, as shown in new research published in the journal Natural Human Behavior. According to Professor Michael Scullin, co-author of the study, the idea of “digital dementia” is concerning, but the study’s results were surprising.
The study, conducted by Professor Jared Benge and his colleagues, compiled data from 57 scientific studies involving approximately 410,000 middle-aged or elderly participants. The results showed that technology use was associated with better cognitive outcomes and a reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
Despite concerns about excessive technology use, the study found that technology could actually benefit brain health by providing mental stimulation. This includes learning new things and engaging in mentally stimulating behaviors using computers, the internet, and smartphones.
The study also highlighted how technology can help older individuals maintain independence and cognitive function through tools like GPS devices and digital calendars. These compensatory behaviors can offset age-related declines in memory and attention.
How to Use Technology Responsibly
The key takeaway from the study is that technology can be a valuable tool for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. By introducing older individuals to digital devices and patiently teaching them how to use them, we can help them benefit from the positive aspects of technology.
For older adults who may be hesitant to adopt technology, it’s important to encourage them to give it a try and provide support throughout the learning process. By making technology use more accessible and engaging, we can help older individuals experience the benefits of digital tools.
In conclusion, while there is still ongoing research on the impact of technology on cognitive aging, the study provides a hopeful message that technology use can have positive effects on brain health. By focusing on the beneficial aspects of technology and finding ways to integrate it into daily life, older adults can potentially slow down cognitive decline and improve overall cognitive function.
About the Experts
Michael Scullin: Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University, specializes in sleep physiology and memory. He explores how memory can be used to fulfill daily intentions and investigates the impact of technological solutions on memory difficulties in older adults.
Jared Benge: Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor at the Dell School of Medicine, University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on cognitive impairment, early detection of cognitive decline, and real-world functions in older adults with neurodegenerative diseases.
Hospital or emergency room care for cannabis use among middle-aged and elderly individuals may lead to an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a large Canadian study published in Jama Neurology. Over a five-year period, individuals seeking care for cannabis use were almost twice as likely to develop dementia compared to the general population.
The study, which analyzed medical records of six million Ontario residents from 2008 to 2021, highlighted a 23% higher risk of dementia among cannabis users compared to those seeking care for other reasons.
While the study did not specify the amount of cannabis used by participants, it did not establish a causal relationship between regular or heavy cannabis use and dementia.
Dr. Daniel T. Myran, the study’s lead author, emphasized the need for further research to explore the potential link between cannabis use and dementia. He acknowledged the complexity of determining whether cannabis use could lead to dementia and highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns.
Previous research by Dr. Myran indicated a higher mortality rate among individuals with cannabis use disorder and noted an increase in cases of schizophrenia and psychosis related to cannabis use in Canada.
Recent studies focusing on the impact of cannabis use on cognition have provided valuable insights, highlighting potential risks associated with regular or heavy cannabis consumption.
While previous research on cannabis and dementia has been limited, the strength of the new study lies in its large sample size and long-term follow-up of patients. Dr. Madeline Meyer, an expert not involved in the study, commended the study for its ability to rule out dementia at the outset and track the temporal relationship between cannabis use and dementia.
Dr. Meyer’s own research has linked cannabis use with neuropsychological decline, challenging the perception of cannabis as a harmless substance with potential medical benefits.
She emphasized the importance of taking the association between cannabis use and dementia seriously and considering the potential risks it may pose.
The increasing use of cannabis among older adults has raised concerns about potential health risks, including the development of dementia. A new study found a significant rise in cannabis-related medical visits among adults aged 45 and older, prompting further investigation into the potential impact of cannabis on cognitive health.
Comparing individuals with cannabis-related medical visits to the general population, the study highlighted a higher incidence of dementia among cannabis users, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation of the risks associated with cannabis use.
While some factors contributing to the increased risk of dementia among cannabis users can be explained, others remain unclear, requiring further research to fully understand the potential relationship between cannabis use and cognitive decline.
Dr. Mylan and his colleagues found that individuals seeking care for alcohol use are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those using cannabis, highlighting the complex nature of substance use and its impact on cognitive health.
Despite efforts to control for various factors, there are still uncertainties surrounding the potential link between cannabis use and dementia. It is essential to consider all possible variables that may contribute to the development of dementia in cannabis users.
Heart failure affects over 60 million people worldwide, where the heart is unable to properly pump blood due to a weak or stiff heart. Typical causes include coronary heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. However, new research published in the journal heart shows that hearing loss is also linked to an increased risk of heart failure.
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart stops working completely, but rather needs extra support to function. The study, which evaluated data from over 160,000 people from the UK biobank, found that individuals with hearing loss had a higher risk of developing heart failure over a 5-year follow-up period compared to those with normal hearing.
The study also revealed that individuals with inadequate hearing had a 15% higher risk, while those with inadequate hearing had a 28% higher risk of heart failure. Higher scores on the Audio Reception Threshold test were also associated with a higher risk of heart failure. These findings suggest that hearing health should be considered in cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.
According to the World Health Organization, 25% of people over 60 suffer from varying levels of hearing loss.
Research suggests that untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, psychological distress, and neurosis, all of which increase the risk of heart failure. The study authors also point out biological links between hearing loss and heart problems, emphasizing the importance of addressing hearing health in cardiovascular risk management.
Overall, while hearing loss may be considered a normal part of aging, it may actually indicate underlying issues that can impact heart health. It’s essential to consider hearing health in relation to overall cardiovascular health to reduce the risk of heart failure.
Pre-Lamp Disease is a potentially serious complication of pregnancy
Half Point Image/Getty Image
Pre-lamp syndrome can lead to many pregnancy complications, including death, but can be difficult to detect in the early stages of pregnancy. New blood tests can help doctors identify people at risk of developing a condition before symptoms begin.
“We can narrow it down to four really high-risk pregnancies. That’s a big step.” Maneesh Jain at Mirvie, a California-based health startup.
Pre-salping syndrome is a type of hypertensive disorder (HDP) during pregnancy, which occurs when scientists are not sure exactly – occurs during placenta development. This can lead to high blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular disease, organ damage, seizures and even death. It can also cause harm to the developing fetus.
However, catching pre-lammosis and other HDP is difficult. This is because symptoms usually do not appear for at least 20 weeks after pregnancy. Sometimes, no signs are detected until work. It is difficult to monitor placenta development. This is because taking tissue samples from organs is very invasive.
New blood tests are relatively non-invasive and use RNA markers to predict whether someone may develop HDP. Specifically, this test focuses on specific genes PAPPA2 and CD163its overexpression was previously linked to HDP. The researchers wanted to see if they could detect this overexpression of blood samples.
Their validation studies of over 9,000 pregnant people suggest that they can: Jain says that tests can be determined with accuracy of over 99% and above with accuracy of over 99%, whether people without existing risk factors overexpress the gene and therefore are at higher risk of pre-ec syndrome or another HDP. Almost a quarter of participants without existing HDP risk factors overexpressed the gene.
People with a certain demographic (for example, those with a family history of preexisting hypertension or pre-sexual pre-lampsia) are known to be at a moderate risk of developing the condition, he says. Morten Rasmussen At Mirvie. But for many, it comes from the blue at first glance.
Once someone knows that they are at high risk of pre-lamps, they can take action to prevent this. Common interventions include taking medications like aspirin, switching to a Mediterranean diet, and monitoring your daily blood pressure.
However, the new test only looked at people between 17.5 and 22 weeks after pregnancy. “Ideally, you should start aspirin 16 weeks in advance.” Kathryn Gray At Washington University in Seattle. “So by the time most people get the results of this test, they’ve already missed that window.”
Mirvie plans to sell blood tests on the market soon. Once it’s on the market, the team hopes other scientists will use it to develop drugs that specifically target the expression of genes such as PAPPA2. Such molecular pinpoints “give a much better opportunity for treatment to be effective,” says Rasmussen.
Gray also hopes researchers will use Mirvie’s RNA bank data to further identify the genes behind the risk of prelammosis in certain people. She says narrowing down your search profile could reduce the cost of testing and make it affordable for more people.
The article was revised on April 8, 2025
This article has been revised to reflect the risks posed by pre-lammosis during pregnancy
The article was revised on April 10, 2025
We have revealed that the test has identified people at risk of developing pre-lammosis.
Pre-Lamp Disease is a potentially serious complication of pregnancy
Half Point Image/Getty Image
Pre-lamp syndrome can lead to many pregnancy complications, including death, but can be difficult to detect in the early stages of pregnancy. New blood tests can help doctors identify the risk of developing a pregnant individual’s condition before symptoms begin.
“We can narrow it down to four really high-risk pregnancies. That’s a big step.” Maneesh Jain at Mirvie, a California-based health startup.
Pre-salping syndrome is a type of hypertensive disorder (HDP) during pregnancy, which occurs when scientists are not sure exactly – occurs during placenta development. This can lead to high blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular disease, organ damage, seizures and even death. It can also cause harm to the developing fetus.
However, catching pre-lammosis and other HDP is difficult. This is because symptoms usually do not appear for at least 20 weeks after pregnancy. Sometimes, no signs are detected until work. It is difficult to monitor placenta development. This is because taking tissue samples from organs is very invasive.
New blood tests are relatively non-invasive and use RNA markers to predict whether someone may develop HDP. Specifically, this test focuses on specific genes PAPPA2 and CD163its overexpression was previously linked to HDP. The researchers wanted to see if they could detect this overexpression of blood samples.
Their validation studies of over 9,000 pregnant people suggest that they can: Jain says the test can be predicted with accuracy of over 99%, whether people without existing risk factors overexpress the gene and therefore are at a higher risk of EC presymptom or another HDP. Almost a quarter of participants without existing HDP risk factors overexpressed the gene.
People with a certain demographic (for example, those with a family history of preexisting hypertension or pre-sexual pre-lampsia) are known to be at a moderate risk of developing the condition, he says. Morten Rasmussen At Mirvie. But for many, it comes from the blue at first glance.
Once someone knows that they are at high risk of pre-lamps, they can take action to prevent this. Common interventions include taking medications like aspirin, switching to a Mediterranean diet, and monitoring your daily blood pressure.
However, the new test only looked at people between 17.5 and 22 weeks after pregnancy. “Ideally, you should start aspirin 16 weeks in advance.” Kathryn Gray At Washington University in Seattle. “So by the time most people get the results of this test, they’ve already missed that window.”
Mirvie plans to sell blood tests on the market soon. Once it’s on the market, the team hopes other scientists will use it to develop drugs that specifically target the expression of genes such as PAPPA2. Such molecular pinpoints “give a much better opportunity for treatment to be effective,” says Rasmussen.
Gray also hopes researchers will use Mirvie’s RNA bank data to further identify the genes behind the risk of prelammosis in certain people. She says narrowing down your search profile could reduce the cost of testing and make it affordable for more people.
The article was revised on April 8, 2025
This article has been revised to reflect the risks posed by pre-lammosis during pregnancy
Having low levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood can decrease the risk of developing dementia, according to recent Korean studies published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. While the connection between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and heart health is well-known, its impact on brain health and dementia is still being studied.
Scientists analyzed data from 11 university hospitals in Korea, studying 571,000 adults without dementia. Participants were divided into two groups based on their cholesterol levels, with one group having high LDL-C levels above 3.4 mmol/L or 130 mg/dL, and the other group having low LDL-C levels below 1.8 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL.
The study found that individuals with low LDL-C were at a lower risk of developing dementia, with a 26% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with any type of dementia and a 28% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to the high LDL-C group. However, extremely low LDL-C levels below 1.4 mmol/L or 55 mg/dL did not show a significant decrease in dementia risk.
Additionally, the study observed that individuals in the low LDL-C group who took statins to lower their cholesterol levels had a 13% lower risk of dementia and a 12% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those not taking statins.
While the study found a significant association between low LDL-C levels and reduced dementia risk, it had some limitations, such as being a retrospective study that did not consider other influencing factors like age, gender, genetic risk, and lifestyle. The study did not establish a causal link between LDL-C and dementia risk, emphasizing the need for further research.
Dr. Petra Proitsi, a genetic epidemiologist at Queen Mary University, London, acknowledged the complexity of the relationship between cholesterol and dementia, calling for more comprehensive studies involving diverse ethnic groups to explore this association further.
read more:
About our experts:
Dr. Petra Proitsi is a genetic epidemiology specialist at the Preventive Neurology Centre at Queen Mary University, London. She leads themes of digital and health data science at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from King’s College London.
The three Gorge dams in China are the main sources of hydroelectric power generation
costfoto/nurphoto/shutterstock
China’s vast electric grids cause more fuss than any other country with renewable energy, but the system is also vulnerable to electricity shortages caused by adverse weather conditions. The need to ensure reliable power supply could encourage Chinese governments to use more coal-fired power plants.
China’s energy systems are rapidly becoming cleaner, setting new records for wind power and solar energy generation almost every month. The country’s overall greenhouse gas emissions – the highest emissions in the world are expected to peak soon and begin to decline. Wind, solar and hydroelectric power currently account for about half of China’s generation capacity, and is expected to increase to almost 90% by 2060, when the country promised to reach “carbon neutrality.”
This increasingly reliance on renewables means that the country’s electricity system is becoming increasingly vulnerable to changes in weather. Intermittent winds and sun can be replenished by more stable hydropower produced by huge hydroelectric dams enriched in southern China. But what happens when the wind and sun slump coincides with drought?
Jinjiang Shen Darian Institute of Technology in China and his colleagues modeled how power generation on increasingly renewable grids corresponds to these “extreme weather” years. They estimated how future mixing of wind, solar and hydropower behaves under the most favourable weather conditions seen in the past.
They found that future grids are much more sensitive to weather changes than they are today. In a very unfavourable year, 2060, it could reduce the amount of generation capacity by 12% compared to today’s grid, leading to a power shortage. In 2030, in the most extreme cases, they found that this leads to over 400 hours of blackout times, a power shortage of nearly 4% of total energy demand. “That’s not a number that everyone can ignore.” Li Shuo At the Institute of Policy Studies in Asia Association, Washington, DC.
In addition to the overall lack of force, drought could specifically limit the amount of hydroelectric power available to smooth out irregular winds and solar generation. This could also lead to a shortage of electricity. “It is essential to equip a suitable proportion of stable power sources that are less susceptible to weather factors to avoid large-scale, large-scale power shortages,” the researchers wrote in their paper.
One way to help is to run excess electricity more efficiently across states. By expanding the transmission infrastructure, researchers found that it could eliminate the risk of power shortages on today’s grids and reduce half of the risk by 2060. Adding new energy storage in tens of millions of kilowatts, whether using batteries or other methods, would also be alleviated against hydroelectric droughts.
According to Li Shuo, any additional storage amounts China needs to be added to achieve carbon neutrality “becomes an astronomical number.”
These changes are difficult, but they add that many storage is viable given the enormous amount of batteries already produced in China. Lauri Myllyvirta At the Finland Energy and Clean Air Research Centre. He says the country is also building 190 gigawatts of pumped hydropower storage. This says that it can provide long-term energy storage by using surplus electricity to pump water over the dam and releasing it when more electricity is needed.
But so far, the electricity shortage has primarily spurred the Chinese government to build more coal-fired power plants. For example, in 2021 and 2022, hydroelectric droughts and heat waves increased enough electricity demand to cause serious power outages; Continuous expansion of coal. Record hydropower generation in 2023 resulted in record time for emissions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said coal would peak this year, but he has entrenched political support for power sources. “If China is struggling with another round of these episodes, more coal-fired power plants shouldn’t be the answer,” says Li Shuo. “It’s difficult to abolish coal. China loves coal.”
Freshwater essential for lithium mining is found in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, situated in the world’s “lithium triangle” on the Andean plateau, boasting half of all global lithium reserves.
A recent study in Communications Earth and the Environment revealed that available freshwater for lithium extraction in these regions is significantly lower than previously believed. With global demand for lithium expected to surge by 2040, this poses a challenge as it surpasses the limited annual rainfall supplying water to the dry lithium triangle.
Minimizing freshwater usage in the lithium industry is crucial to prevent disruption in mining activities. Extracting one ton of lithium requires approximately 500,000 gallons of water, which also sustains small indigenous communities and unique wildlife habitats in the region.
Water scarcity affects both the ecosystem and the industry in the lithium triangle, as lithium is a key component in batteries driving the global shift towards clean energy technologies. Despite the projected quadrupling demand for lithium batteries by 2030, delays in mining operations due to resource availability raise concerns about meeting this growing demand.
Freshwater plays a vital role in determining the supply of lithium available for mining in the lithium triangle. Rainfall washes lithium-rich minerals out of rocks, creating lagoons filled with lithium-rich water where mining companies extract the mineral. However, limited weather data and overestimation of freshwater supply in the region pose challenges to sustainable mining.
Research into water and resource availability for lithium mining operations is ongoing, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the entire lithium supply chain. Studies in lithium-rich regions worldwide are essential to grasp the environmental and social impacts of lithium extraction.
One in five people (an estimated 64 million people in the US) has increased levels of small particles in their blood. It can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
But few people knew about it and there was not much to do, so little doctors would have checked it. Dieting is useless. I don’t even exercise. There were no medicines.
But that may change in the near future.
On Sunday, the cardiologist announced that the experimental drug created by Eli Lily of Repodisilan can lower particle levels by 94% with a single injection. The effect lasted for 6 months and there were no serious side effects.
However, it has not yet been confirmed that lowering LP(a) levels reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It awaits a massive clinical trial currently underway.
Lily’s research was presented on Sunday at the American Society of Cardiology’s Annual Meeting and was presented simultaneously Published New England Journal of Medicine. At least four companies are also testing innovative drugs that block the production of the body of LP(A) and the mixing of lipids and proteins.
Dr. David Maron, a preventive cardiologist at Stanford University who is not involved in Lily’s research, said evidence of a severe and long-term reduction in lipoprotein levels by repodisilans is “thrilling.”
Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive psychologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was also not involved in the exam, saying the study was “really elegant.”
Eli Lilly is currently conducting large clinical trials asking whether the drug can prevent heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death. It will end in 2029. Clinical trials of other drugs targeting LP(a) end more quickly. The first is a study of Novartis drugs that are injected monthly, with results expected in 2026.
However, cardiologists warn that there is no guarantee that medicine will protect people. They remember too well the lessons they learned, assuming that changing risk factors could change risk. Cardiologists were once keen on drugs that raise HDL levels known as “good cholesterol.” People with naturally higher HDL levels had a lower incidence of heart disease. These HDL raming drugs did not help.
Dr. Daniel Rader, a preventive psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, says LP(A)-lowering “is a huge new frontier in cardiovascular medicine.” Dr. Radar is a member of Novartis’ Scientific Advisory Committee and has written editorials to accompany new papers.
Treatments targeting LP(a) took a long time.
Lipoprotein was identified as a in 1974 Risk factors for heart disease This is controlled by genes rather than lifestyle or environment.
People with slightly higher than normal LP(a) levels have an approximately 25% increase in their risk of heart attacks and stroke. And very high levels can double the risk, as seen in 10% of the population.
Cardiologists say patients with no obvious reason for heart attacks or stroke (with normal cholesterol levels and blood pressure and not smoking) often know that their LP levels are high. Usually, it is found that they have a family history of heart disease of unknown cause.
The same applies to people who are experiencing heart attacks at a young age, says Dr. Stephen Nissen, a preventive psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, is an academic leader in the Lilly drug trials, and for clinical trials of three other new drugs.
“If you go to the coronary care unit and see a 40-year-old with an acute myocardial infarction, you need to know your LP(a) level,” he said, referring to a heart attack. Often they said their levels were 250 nanomoles or even higher per liter. The normal limit is 75.
Dr. Maron said his clinic is full of people who don’t know why they developed heart disease until they learn that they have high levels of LP.
One is Montewood, a 71-year-old retired firefighter who lives in Reading, California. His LDL cholesterol levels rose to moderately. His blood pressure was normal. He didn’t smoke. However, he had his first heart attack in 2006 while taking cholesterol-lowering statins.
It appeared that almost all of Mr. Kisae’s family had died of heart disease.
His paternal grandmother had her first heart attack when she was in her 40s. She died of a heart attack at the age of 63. His father and his father’s brother died of heart disease. Mr. Kisae’s brother died of a heart attack.
When Dr. Maron tested Wood’s LP level, it was above 400.
Dr. Maron and other preventive psychologists say they regularly test LP(a) levels in all patients, like Dr. Grati, Dr. Nissen and Dr. Radar. Because LP(a) levels are gene-controlled, patients should only test once.
Dr. Nissen is dull with LP(a) patients.
“We say: You have a disability that has serious meaning. I want to take all the risk factors you’ve been off the table,” he said.
But Dr. Grati said that a study found it. 0.3% The US population is receiving insurance-paid LP(a) tests, with only 3% of heart disease patients being tested.
She and other preventive cardiologists say that all adults should take the LP(a) test. If the level is high, your doctor should actively treat all other risk factors.
For Kisei, it meant taking Repatha, a powerful cholesterol-lowering drug that lowered his LDL cholesterol levels to 30.
However, Mr. Kisae’s case did not end there. Dr. Maron led one of the new drugs that lower LP(a) levels to clinical trial testing.
During the exam, Kisae had no symptoms of heart disease. I had no chest pain or shortness of breath. When the exam was finished, his symptoms returned, leading to a square bypass operation.
“It’s anecdotal,” Dr. Maron said. “But these drugs can prevent heart attacks.”
Living in different areas can greatly impact your health. Various factors, such as the environment, income, and overall living conditions, can play a role in affecting your long-term well-being. Recent studies suggest that these factors may also influence your chances of developing dementia.
A new study published in the Journal Neurology revealed that individuals residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those in wealthier areas.
Conducted by Professor Pankaja Desai at Rush University in Chicago, the study involved over 6,800 participants aged 65 and older from four nearby communities. The research found that individuals in the most disadvantaged areas had a 22% risk of developing dementia, whereas those in more privileged areas had only an 11% risk.
Even after adjusting for factors like age, gender, and education, the study observed that individuals in disadvantaged neighborhoods were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. This connection was determined using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which incorporates various socio-economic factors to assess neighborhood-level risk.
Furthermore, individuals in disadvantaged areas experienced a faster decline in cognitive function as they aged, regardless of an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. This emphasizes the impact of community-level factors on dementia risk.
According to Desai, addressing neighborhood-level social characteristics is crucial in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and planning efficient health services. The study also highlighted disparities in dementia risk among different racial groups, indicating the importance of considering community factors in dementia care.
While the study’s focus was on Chicago neighborhoods and may not be universally applicable, the findings underscore the link between neighborhood disadvantage and dementia risk. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the significance of environmental factors in brain health.
About our experts
Dr. Pankaja Desai is an assistant professor at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging and serves as the management director of Rush Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core. Her research has been featured in publications such as American Journal of Health Behavior and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.
The key underlying mechanisms may include the protective effects of these diets on blood vessels and nerves, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to new systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Increased consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products and caffeine may be associated with a lower risk of tinnitus. Image credit: SERP PAE.
Tinnitus is characterized by perceived sounds such as buzz, cicada, and currents, and occurs without external auditory stimuli.
It is associated with pain, depression, anxiety, stress, and in severe cases suicide, which has a major impact on the overall quality of life.
Recent epidemiological data suggest a globally pooled prevalence of approximately 14.4% in adults and 13.6% in children and adolescents.
The prominent prevalence of tinnitus and its major impact on life and mental well-being is becoming increasingly important medical and social concerns.
The origin of tinnitus remains elusive and involves a variety of factors.
Some researchers suggest neurological dysfunction or circulation problems in the inner ear, abnormal neural activity in the central auditory pathways, and irregular activity in nonauditory brain regions such as the anterior edge, anterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus.
Dieting can have a major impact on tinnitus, but it remains unclear which specific foods will aggravate or alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
In their review and meta-analysis, Dr. Menni Chang and his colleagues at the traditional Chinese Medical University University University searched a research database looking for research linking tinnitus and diet in adults published by May 2024.
They found eight observational studies, including 301,533 individuals who evaluated 15 dietary factors using a quality questionnaire suitable for inclusion in the analysis.
Dietary factors include carbohydrates, caffeine, eggs, fruits, fiber, fat, meat, protein, sugar, fish, vegetables, and dairy products.
The combined findings revealed that increased consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products and caffeine is associated with a decrease in the incidence of tinnitus.
These reductions were 35% for fruit intake, 9% for dietary fiber, 17% for dairy products, and 10% for caffeine intake.
Although no association was found between other dietary factors and tinnitus, the results were inconsistent after further analysis, the authors point out that the association between caffeine intake and tinnitus is controversial.
The authors acknowledge that the observational design of the included studies did not establish causal relationships, and that a relatively small number of included studies may have led to certain traditional beneficial dietary factors (such as vegetables and eggs) not showing significant differences.
“The major underlying mechanisms may include the protective effects of these diets on blood vessels and nerves, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” they said.
“A further extensive research is needed to complement and verify the relationship between dietary intake and tinnitus.”
Their paper It will be displayed in the journal BMJ Open.
____
M.Chan et al. 2025. 15 common dietary factors and tinnitus relationships: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ Open 15: E091507; doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091507
Early risers catch worms, but night owls are more susceptible to depression. A recent study suggests that individuals who prefer staying up late are more likely to experience depressive symptoms.
Research conducted by the University of Surrey reveals that this could be due to the fact that night owls often struggle with poor sleep, exhibit lower levels of mindfulness, and tend to consume more alcohol compared to early birds.
“Late chronotype, also known as ‘eveningness’ or ‘night owl,’ refers to a biological inclination to be active in the evenings and have a later sleep-wake pattern,” explained Cognitive Neuroscience Lecturer Dr. Simon Evans, who led the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “Since chronotypes have a genetic basis, being a night owl is a natural biological predisposition.”
Evans and his team surveyed 564 university students on their sleep habits, mindfulness levels, alcohol consumption, as well as their levels of depression and anxiety, which reflect tendencies towards negative thinking about situations and events.
“Late chronotypes are particularly prevalent among young adults, with up to 50% of young adults falling into this category,” noted Evans. “This is concerning as delayed chronotypes are associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and substance use.”
The study confirmed that night owls were significantly more prone to developing depression than early birds and reported higher levels of anxiety.
Students with later chronotypes reported poorer sleep quality compared to early risers, which researchers attributed to “social jet lag.”
“Being a night owl is common among young adults,” said Evans. “Given the importance of mental health in youth, work and educational schedules should accommodate night owls for improved sleep.”
Our preference for morning or evening routines is largely influenced by genetics, with younger adults more likely to prefer later schedules, while older adults tend to be early risers. – Credit: rawpixel via Getty
Furthermore, individuals with a delayed chronotype tended to consume more alcohol, a known risk factor for depression. However, the study did not find a direct association between alcohol consumption and depression among the students involved.
In fact, night owls who consumed alcohol were less likely to experience depression than non-drinkers, although most students consumed alcohol in moderation. Researchers suggest that the social connections formed during drinking may offset the negative effects.
Evans also recommended strategies for night owls to protect themselves from depression, including promoting mindfulness through practices like guided meditation, focusing on improving sleep quality, and reducing alcohol consumption.
This study was recently published in the scientific journal PLOS 1.
Read more:
About our experts:
Dr. Simon Evans is a senior lecturer in cognitive neuroscience at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Surrey. He obtained his PhD from the Institute of Neurology, University College London in 2011 and conducted postdoctoral training at the University of Sussex, where he used MRI techniques to study how genetic factors impact brain activity patterns and cognitive performance. Evans’ primary research interest lies in utilizing brain imaging techniques to explore cognitive changes across the lifespan.
Quantum physics is confused. Luckily, scientists have been exploring it for years, and finally we are beginning to understand it all. Quantum Mechanics guide now easier. A Whistlestop tour to understand the basic theory that governs very small things.
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They left their bodies, witnessed a bright light, and returned forever. But will the survivors of near-death experiences (NDEs) get a glimpse of something great beyond that? Here’s what NDES can tell us about the mystery of our final moments:
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The Trump administration has publicly stated that Russia is not considered a cyber threat to US national security or critical infrastructure, marking a significant departure from previous assessments.
Experts warn that this policy shift could leave the US vulnerable to Russian hacking attacks and may signal warming relations between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Recent incidents indicate that the US no longer views Russia as a cybersecurity threat.
Liesyl Franz, the State Department’s deputy director of international cybersecurity, did not mention Russia as a threat in her recent speech before the UN Working Group on Cybersecurity. This contrasts with statements from European Union and UK officials who highlighted the threat posed by Moscow.
US policy changes regarding cybersecurity have been made behind closed doors, with new directives focusing on China and neglecting to mention Russia.
Anonymous sources familiar with the matter have expressed concern that the US is ignoring the Russian cyber threat, which was previously a primary focus for agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Reports indicate that CISA officials have been reassigned, raising questions about the US government’s approach to protecting against cyber threats from Russia.
The New York Times reported that CISA officials tasked with safeguarding elections from cyberattacks have also been reassigned.
Concerns have been raised about the shift in US policy towards Russia, as many believe that Russia remains a significant cyber threat to US interests.
The CISA and State Department have not provided comments on these developments.
The change in US policy regarding Russia’s cyber threat is seen as a departure from previous assessments and has raised concerns among experts.
For over a quarter-century, Putin’s Russia has been active in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, posing a challenge to the international order.
If you have any tips about this story, you can reach out to us at +1 646 886 8761 on Signal
African elephants have extra copies of genes that help resist cancer
Neil Aldridge/Nature Picture Library/Aramie
Larger animals live longer and have more cells, and are expected to be at a higher risk of developing cancer. A comprehensive analysis of 263 species suggests that this is true, but also finds that some large animals have evolved ways of reducing risk.
“We provide the first empirical evidence that there is a link between body size and cancer prevalence, meaning that larger species increase cancer than smaller species. “I say it. George Butler University College London.
To gain a broader view, Butler and his colleagues analyzed data on the size and cancer rates of 79 bird species, 90 mammal species, 63 reptiles and 31 amphibians. The data comes from previous studies by other researchers who sifted through autopsy records that record whether a breeding animal stored in a place like Zoos or an aquarium had cancer when it died. .
The team found that smaller animals were slightly more likely to have cancer than fewer animals at the time of death. Each 1% increase in body weight was associated with an average increase of 0.1% in cancer rates between birds and mammals. Because body mass data were not available in reptiles and amphibians, the team used body length and found that it was associated with an average increase in cancer rate of 0.003% for every 1% increase.
Butler and his team say their discoveries will challenge a long-standing idea known as the Pete Paradox. on the other hand, Veragolbunova At the University of Rochester in New York, the weak correlation still needs explanation.
“The increased risk they see is very, very minor and not proportional to their body size,” she says. “If you take small animals like mice and humans are 100 times larger, or elephants are 100 times larger, the difference in cancer rates is not 100 times higher in humans and 1000 times higher in elephants.”
It suggests that larger species have evolved more ways to protect themselves, Golbunova says.
Indeed, by using evolutionary trees to infer evolutionary rates of animal body size, the team said that if the size increases more rapidly during evolution, birds and mammal species of similar sizes can be We found it to provide better protection against cancer.
Previous studies have identified genetic adaptations in elephants and whales, protecting against cancer by improving DNA repair and preventing broken cells from dividing.
A deeper understanding of how some animals resist cancer can lead to new treatments for people, says Golbunova. “In these cancer-resistant animals, there are specific biological pathways of different fine-tuning, for example, targeting these pathways and then killing cancer cells more efficiently, or perhaps killing cancer cells. You can even prevent cancer from occurring,” she says.
“As these mechanisms have been tested over millions of years in the course of evolution, they are likely to become highly promising drugs,” she says.
Children who used paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, during their mother’s pregnancy, are more likely to develop ADHD than those whose mothers do not, suggesting small studies. Although inconclusive, this finding gives weight to the contested idea that widely used painkillers can affect fetal brain development.
Previous studies on paracetamol and neurodevelopmental conditions provide conflicting findings. For example, a 2019 study linking over 4,700 children and their mothers with their mothers to use painkillers during pregnancy There is a 20% higher risk Children developing ADHD. However, the analysis presented by nearly 2.5 million children last year There is no such connection When comparing siblings who were exposed or not to paracetamol before birth.
One problem is that most of these studies rely on self-reported medication use. This is a serious limitation as you may not remember taking paracetamol during pregnancy. For example, only 7% of participants in the 2019 study reported using paracetamol during pregnancy. It's well below the 50% seen in other studies. “A lot of people take it [paracetamol] Without knowing that” Brennan Baker At Washington University in Seattle. “It could be the active ingredient in some of the cold medicines you're using, and you don't necessarily know.”
So Baker and his colleagues used more accurate metrics instead. They looked for medication markers in blood samples collected from 307 women. They were all black and lived in Tennessee in the late pregnancy. None of them were taking medication due to chronic illnesses and were unaware of the complications of pregnancy. The researchers then followed up with participants when the child was 8 to 10 years old. In the US, Approximately 8% of children I have ADHD between the ages of 5 and 11.
On average, children whose mothers had a marker of paracetamol in their blood were three times more likely than children born to mothers, even after adjusting for factors such as mother's age and body mass index before pregnancy. There was a possibility (BMI), mental health status among close relatives of socioeconomic status and mental health. This suggests that using paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing ADHD in children.
However, it is also possible that the actual factor that increases your risk of ADHD is not the drug itself, but the first thing you will be taking paracetamol. “They couldn't explain anything like the reason why their mother took it. [paracetamol]”It has been found to be risk factors for adverse development in children, such as headaches, fever, pain and infectious diseases.” Viktor Ahlqvist At the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
But Baker believes that it is the drugs that are responsible. Subsequent analysis of tissue samples from 174 of participants' placenta showed that people using paracetamol have different metabolic and immune system changes. These changes are similar to those seen in studies testing the effects of paracetamol in pregnant animals without infection or underlying health conditions.
“I think the fact that we see immune upregulation in animal models also really strengthens the causal case,” Baker says. “There are many previous studies showing that elevated immune activation during pregnancy is linked to adverse neurodevelopment.”
Yet these findings are far from conclusive. For one thing, the study included a small number of participants, all black and lived in the same city, limiting the generalization of the findings. Another case, it measured only the blood markers of paracetamol at one moment. These markers have stuck for about three days, so the study probably captured more frequent users, and may have a dose-dependent effect, says Baker.
“[Paracetamol] Now is the first-line treatment option for pain and fever during pregnancy,” says Baker. “But I think I'm an agency [US Food and Drug Administration] In addition, various obstetric and gynecological associations should continuously review all available research and update their guidance. ”
Meanwhile, if it's unclear whether to take paracetamol during pregnancy, people should talk to their doctor, Baker says.
As we age, we naturally struggle to remember our memories. However, the condition that usually occurs later in life is dementiawhich can cause more severe memory loss. Dementia can affect our quality of life by making it difficult to remember important information, such as our age, phone number, home address, and the names of loved ones. Although there is no treatment for dementia, researchers have investigated the impact of different lifestyle choices on the risks of developing it.
A team of researchers recently analyzed the effects of diet on individuals who are sensitive to the onset of dementia and depression. These researchers previously found that both dementia and depression are associated with brain cells formed in areas that create new memories. Hippocampus. This process is known as Neurogenesis in the hippocampus, andIT problems involving cells dying at increasingly high speeds can exacerbate the risk of dementia and depression. The researchers mentioned the genetic predisposition of people with problems with neurogenesis in the hippocampus in terms they coined. Biological sensitivity of neurogenesis centers.
The researchers wanted to determine whether their diet affects neurogenesis in the hippocampus. They looked for either an increased or reduced risk of dementia and depression, depending on what participants ate. Other dementia researchers focus primarily on: Mediterranean diet Reduced the risk of dementia. In contrast, these researchers have shown that the relationship between several vitamins and food groups and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, blood vessels and other types of dementia, depression, and general cognitive decline. We focused on neurogenesis sensitivity.
The team worked with 371 people without dementia, with an average age of 76 at the start of the exam. First, the researchers obtained blood samples from each participant to assess nutritional levels. Information from blood samples was then used to identify those who met and did not meet the criteria for neurogenesis-centered biosensitivity. Finally, they recorded the participants' medical history and paid attention to their medication.
After they gathered this initial information, they met with participants every two years for 12 years. They interviewed them about their diet during their first two years of follow-up visit. They also monitored their mental abilities and emotional states with each visit. Over the course of 12 years, 21% of participants developed dementia and 29% experienced symptoms related to depression.
After a 12-year trial, the researchers assessed how each participant's diet affected the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or depression. They are Odds ratio, Odds ratios above 1 mean that individuals are at a higher risk of developing these conditions, and odds ratios below 1 reduce the risk. They found that sensitive participants who reported a greater chicken diet, such as chicken or turkey, had an odds ratio of 0.9, or a lower risk for Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, for Alzheimer's disease, those who reported a diet consisting of large amounts of lean meat, such as beef and pork, showed 1.1 or increased risk.
Scientists also found that vulnerable participants who consumed large amounts of vitamin D in fatty fish, fortified milk and grains were either an increased odds ratio, or a risk for vascular dementia. . They found susceptible individuals who consumed more vitamin E forms found in whole grains, lush greens, and nuts. γ-Tocopherolshowed an increased odds ratio or risk for depression. However, researchers noted that diet did not affect whether an individual experiences natural cognitive decline, and did not affect the risk of dementia in people who are not sensitive to it.
Scientists concluded that eating more poultry than lean meat could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in individuals with neurogenetic-centered biological sensitivity. However, since these vitamins should benefit human health, they did not expect vitamins D and E to increase the risk of dementia and depression, respectively. Regardless of these nuances, researchers suggested that understanding the relationship between meat consumption and Alzheimer's disease could improve the later health of those with that tendency.
Approximately 1,100 EPA employees received emails that they could lose their job immediately.
E-mail is identified as the most likely “care observation” for the recipient. In other words, it means that you work for less than a year at the EPA and have less employment protection.
The union representative said that the message was scary for many recipients.
The Trump administration has notified more than 1,000 employees of the Environmental Protection Agency that they could be fired immediately.
According to an e-mail reviewed by NBC NEWS, an agency notified that in less than a year, it has been identified as an employee who is likely to be in the “trial period” in less than a year. I received it.
“As an employee during the probation/trial period, the agency has the right to end you,” says the email. “The probation process is to receive the end notification and the employment ends immediately.”
According to Marie Owens Powell, chairman of the US government employee council 238, a leading union of about 8,500 EPA staff, about 1,100 employees received emails. Powell said she had received an employee list from an agency.
“The probation employees have not been released yet,” Powell said. “As you can imagine, I was afraid that people would receive a message, and we accept questions from those people. Agency can clearly reject the insurance observation employees. But it must be for the cause. ”
Powell added that if an employee was fired, the union added, “Make sure the process has been protected.”
It is not clear how many EPA employees are targeted for reduction. This email comes when the Trump administration promotes strongly to reduce the government. They provided the acquisition of federal employees, trying to temporarily freeze the federal aid, and tried to close US international development agencies. The EPA employees were one of the federal workers who received the acquisition offer entitled “Folk in the Road”.
“This email is one of the series of e -mails received from January 20, most of the EPA, and is certainly a shocking type attack.” Powell said.
Already, she added that union members who worked on diversity, fairness, and inclusive issues are on management leave.
“I am directly engaged with the EPA headquarters career staff,” said Lee Zeldin administrator, a former U.S. national representative in New York, which was confirmed on Wednesday, Molly VaselioU, EPA spokesman.
“EPA is eager to guidance related to President Trump's presidential order,” said Vaseliou. “Our goals are open and transparent. Since we are working to improve the efficiency of the whole government, we understand how all the staff understand the law and how policy decisions will affect. Eventually, the goal is to create a more effective and more effective federal government.
VaselioU did not respond directly to the question of whether the institution would leave the e -mail to workers.
If the worker is fired, the right of their appeal depends on whether they are qualified as employees under federal law, and are employees with employees. It depends on Completed a one -year continuous service。
However, Powell said that several employees with more than a year have received emails and contacted the union.
“The list is definitely defective. Powell said that some of the federal services for more than one year had received e -mails, and for the EPA leader,” This is a practice to correct the list. I added. “
Nicole Cantello, the president of another union, representing EPA employees, knew several employees on the list, but had more than a year. I said.
CNN first reported In emails to EPA workers, some federal employees will be a kind of whiplash, depending on which party is dominated as environmental policy ping -pongs.
“We are concerned that government agencies will carry out mass -disclosure of probation employees,” said Cantello, Cantello.
“Inspection employees are usually released because they do not work well or have discipline. I have never fired a large number of trials in 33 years when I went to the EPA. This is the precedent. There are no scope and scale, “she said,” she added that she had little protection.
“As long as they say the reason, everyone will do something,” said Cantello, mentioning the EPA leader.
Jeremy Simmons, a senior advisor to the former EPA staff, has regarded recent transition between governments as the most “mixed OTIC” in the history of institutions. Simmons worked as an EPA climate advisor from 1994 to 2001, and was in an institution when President George W. Bush was appointed President Birkrinton.
“The transition was defined by a different policy agenda, but it was not this Vindictive Purge, a civil servant who did not do anything wrong,” he said.
The internet’s foundation is crucial for various services, from entertainment platforms like TikTok to essential functions like emergency services, banking systems, and political and military communications.
However, the network of undersea cables around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland has been targeted by military, terrorist, or criminal actors, leading to incidents where internet cables were cut, disrupting communication in the Baltics. As 75% of transatlantic cables pass through or are near Ireland, the strategic importance of these cables is significant for the UK and Europe.
Recent incidents, such as cable cuts between Finland and Estonia, have raised concerns about the security of Ireland’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that extends beyond its coast.
Ireland’s neutrality and limited defense capabilities have left the country vulnerable to potential threats. Calls have been made for a reassessment of Irish defense policies and the need to secure vital infrastructure.
There is growing recognition that Ireland’s neutrality may not shield it from modern threats, and steps must be taken to protect against potential attacks on critical infrastructure.
Current discussions are focusing on Ireland’s vulnerability, the need for increased defense resources, and potential collaborations with other countries facing similar security challenges.
Efforts are being made to address gaps in surveillance capabilities and response mechanisms to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure from unexpected threats.
The Russian ship Yantar will be observed by a Royal Navy ship when it enters British waters in January. It was discovered in the Irish Sea in November. Photo: Royal Navy/PA
Ensuring the security of undersea cables in Europe is essential for safeguarding communication networks and vital services across the continent.
Collaboration and investment in defense capabilities are key to protecting critical infrastructure and responding effectively to emerging threats in the undersea domain.
It is imperative for countries to prioritize the security of undersea cables and strengthen their defense forces to address potential vulnerabilities in the global communication network.
By enhancing surveillance, response capabilities, and international cooperation, nations can mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of undersea infrastructure.
Drugs like Ozempic and Wigovy, called GLP-1 agonists, offer more benefits than risks when taken for their approved uses, according to a comprehensive analysis of their effects on 175 conditions. However, the same may not be true for people who are taking the drug for other purposes.
“In this new area of **GLP-1**, we wanted to really map the benefits and risks for all the conditions that we thought were relevant,” he says. Jiyad Al Ali at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
These drugs are best known for helping control type 2 diabetes and treating obesity. They mimic the hormone GLP-1 in the body, which lowers blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full for longer.
Dozens of studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may also reduce the risk of many other conditions, from heart disease to dementia to substance use disorders. These studies have involved hundreds or thousands of people and have focused on one or a few symptoms at a time, but now that millions of people are using the drug, they are much more This means that less frequent effects can be investigated, Al Ali said.
To get a more comprehensive picture, he and his colleagues examined the health records of more than 200,000 diabetic patients who took GLP-1 agonists over a four-year period in addition to standard treatment. They also looked at 1.2 million people with diabetes who received only standard treatment over the same period and assessed the risk of both groups developing 175 different health conditions.
The research team found that people who took GLP-1 agonists had a lower risk of 42 diseases. For example, the risk of heart attack was reduced by 9 percent and the risk of dementia was reduced by 8 percent. The probability that this group would suffer from suicidal ideation or substance use disorders such as alcohol or opioid addiction was also approximately decreased by 1/10. .
However, there were also downsides for people taking GLP-1 drugs. They were more likely to experience known side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as previously undescribed side effects. These include a 15% higher risk of kidney stones and more than double the risk of pancreatic inflammation or drug-induced pancreatitis. In total, 19 conditions were at increased risk, but taking GLP-1 drugs had no significant effect on risk levels for most of the conditions evaluated, including bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ta.
The fact that these drugs affect such a wide range of symptoms remains surprising, but it is unclear exactly why they have this effect. “They’re reducing obesity, which is the root of all disease. If you treat obesity, the heart, kidneys, brain, and everywhere else will benefit later,” Al-Aly said. They also reduce inflammation, which commonly damages organs, and appear to target parts of the brain associated with addiction, he says.
One problem with this analysis is that the research team did not report the actual number of people affected by each condition, making the results difficult to interpret. Daniel Drucker from the University of Toronto and has worked with obesity drug companies. Reducing the risk of common conditions such as heart attacks and dementia is probably worth taking seriously, but the association with rare conditions like pancreatitis is so small that the risk is low for most people. He says it’s unlikely. Al-Aly said the research team plans to announce the specific number of cases in a future study.
Overall, this study provides reassurance that the benefits of GLP-1 agonists outweigh the risks, at least for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. “There are no red flags with this group,” he says. stefan trapp He is a professor at University College London and has worked with obesity drug companies.
However, the situation may be different for people who do not fit these criteria, such as people who are not obese and buy drugs to lose weight. “I don’t know if the benefits outweigh the risks,” Drucker said.
Reports indicate that an artificial intelligence tool hosted by Amazon to enhance recruitment for the UK Ministry of Defense is potentially exposing defense workers to public identification risks. This information comes from a government evaluation.
The data utilized by automated systems in tailoring defense job advertisements to attract diverse candidates through inclusive language includes details like service member names, roles, and emails, and is stored by Amazon in the United States. A government document released for the first time today indicates that there is a risk of data breaches that could lead to the identification of defense personnel.
Although the risk has been classified as “low,” the Defense Department assured that there are “strong safeguards” in place by suppliers Textio, Amazon Web Services, and threat detection service Amazon GuardDuty.
The government acknowledges several risks associated with the use of AI tools in the public sector, as highlighted in a series of documents released to enhance transparency around algorithm use in central governments.
Ministers are advocating for the use of AI to enhance the UK’s economic productivity and deliver better public services. Safety measures are emphasized to mitigate risks and ensure resilience.
The UK government is collaborating with Google and Meta to pilot AI in public services. Microsoft is also offering its AI-powered Copilot system to civil servants, aligning with the government’s ambition to adopt a more startup-oriented mindset.
Some of the identified risks and benefits of current central government AI applications include:
Potential generation of inappropriate lesson material using a Lesson planning tool powered by AI, assisting teachers in customizing lesson plans efficiently.
Introduction of a chatbot to address queries concerning child welfare in family court, providing round-the-clock information and reducing wait times.
Utilization of a policy engine by the Ministry of Finance to model tax and benefit changes accurately.
Potential negative impact on human decision-making caused by excessive reliance on AI users in food hygiene inspections, leading to inconsistent scoring of establishments.
These disclosures will be documented in the expanded Algorithm Transparency Register, detailing information about 23 central government algorithms. Some algorithms with bias indications, like those in the Department for Work and Pensions welfare system, are yet to be recorded.
in new research Published in a magazine frontiers of public healthScientists surveyed 69,705 participants (47.2% women) aged 45 to 83 from the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Swedish Men's Cohort to assess their intake of added sugars and a variety of sugary foods and beverages. We investigated the association between this and the risk of seven cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found that eating too much added sugar increases the risk of stroke and aneurysm, but eating small snacks lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, drinking sugary drinks increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.
Although additional sugar intake was positively associated with ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, the lowest intake categories had the highest risk for most outcomes. Positive linear associations were found between topping intake and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and between sweetened beverage intake and ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. There is no relationship between snack intake (pastries, ice cream, chocolate, sweets) and all outcomes, and between topping intake (sugar, honey, jam, marmalade) and heart failure and aortic stenosis. , a negative linear correlation was found. Image credit: Ernesto Rodriguez.
Cardiovascular disease comprises a variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels and is currently the leading cause of death and disease burden in Europe, mainly due to stroke and ischemic heart disease.
Although diet is one of the main modifiable risk factors for many CVDs, evidence regarding added sugar intake and CVD risk is lacking and inconclusive.
Additionally, most studies have primarily focused on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rather than total added sugar intake, even though sugar-sweetened beverages account for 14% of added sugar intake in Sweden and only 25% in the United States. I'm guessing.
“The most surprising finding of our study was the differential relationship between different sources of added sugar and CVD risk,” said Suzanne Junge, a PhD candidate at Lund University. That's what I mean.''
“This striking contrast highlights the importance of considering not only the amount of sugar consumed, but also its source and context.”
To understand how sugar intake affects cardiovascular disease risk and whether those risks change with intake of different types of sugar, Janzi et al. Data were collected from two major cohort studies: a cohort of men and a cohort of Swedish men.
These studies administered dietary questionnaires in 1997 and 2009, allowing scientists to monitor participants' diets over time.
Once exclusions were made to ensure the two cohorts shared the same inclusion criteria and remove independent risk factors for CVD, researchers were left with a sample of 69,705 participants .
They identified three classes of sugar intake: toppings such as honey, treats such as pastries, and sugary drinks such as soda, and two different types of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation, and aortic stenosis. investigated seven CVDs. .
Participants were monitored until death, diagnosis of CVD, or end of follow-up in 2019.
During this period, 25,739 participants were diagnosed with CVD.
The scientists then used this data to analyze how different types of sugar intake affected the risk of various CVDs.
They found that consuming sugary drinks is worse for your health than any other form of sugar. Drinking more sugary drinks significantly increases your risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
“The liquid sugar found in sweetened beverages is typically less satiating than solid foods, which can lead to less satiety and overconsumption,” says Junge.
“Context is also important. Snacks are often enjoyed during social gatherings or special occasions, while sugary drinks may be consumed more regularly.”
Different types of CVD are affected differently by increased sugar intake. This is likely because added sugar intake has a different impact on participants' individual risk profiles.
Increased carbohydrate intake generally increased the risk of ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and also increased the risk of heart failure in participants with a normal BMI.
However, the category with the lowest snack intake had the highest risk of negative health outcomes. Occasional snacking was associated with better outcomes than no snacking at all.
“This may reflect underlying dietary habits. People with very low sugar intake may have very restrictive diets, or may have low sugar intake due to pre-existing health conditions. may be limiting,” Junge said.
“Although our observational study cannot prove causation, these results suggest that extremely low carbohydrate intake may not be necessary or beneficial for cardiovascular health.”
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Suzanne Junge others. 2024. Added association between sugar intake and incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women. frontiers of public health 12;doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452085
A long-term US study found that consuming at least 5 servings of dark chocolate per week (1 serving equals a standard chocolate bar/pack or 1 oz) was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to infrequent consumption. However, increased milk chocolate intake was associated with increased weight gain.
Consuming dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Image credit: Sci.News.
The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased significantly over the past few decades, with an estimated 463 million people affected worldwide in 2019 and projected to rise to 700 million by 2045. I am.
Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, which can lead to a number of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.
A series of studies has highlighted the importance of lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Higher total dietary flavonoid intake, as well as specific flavonoid subclasses, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Randomized controlled trials have shown that these flavonoids exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects that may benefit cardiometabolism and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the data are inconsistent. It wasn’t.
chocolate made from beans cacao tree (Theobroma cacao)one of the foods with the highest flavanol content and a popular snack around the world.
However, the association between chocolate intake and risk of type 2 diabetes remains controversial due to inconsistent results obtained in observational studies.
For new research, Liu Binkai Researchers at Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health combined data from three longitudinal U.S. observational studies of female nurses and male health care workers who had no history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer at the time of recruitment. .
They investigated type 2 diabetes and total chocolate intake in 192,208 participants and 111,654 participants over an average 25-year monitoring period using food frequency questionnaires completed every 4 years. We analyzed the relationship between chocolate subtype (dark and milk) intake.
Because weight change strongly predicts type 2 diabetes risk, the researchers also used these food questionnaires to assess participants' total energy intake.
In the overall chocolate analysis, 18,862 people developed type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for personal, lifestyle, and dietary risk factors, the authors found that people who ate all types of chocolate at least five times a week were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate little or no chocolate. We found that the incidence was significantly lower by 10%. .
In the chocolate subtype analysis, 4,771 people developed type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for the same risk factors, those who ate dark chocolate at least five times a week had a 21% significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but there was no significant association with milk chocolate intake. was not found.
Researchers also found that each additional weekly intake of dark chocolate reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 3% (dose-response effect).
Increased milk intake was associated with long-term weight gain, but dark chocolate intake was not.
Dark chocolate has similar levels of energy and saturated fat as milk chocolate, but the high levels of flavanols found in dark chocolate reduce the risk of saturated fat and sugar for weight gain and other cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes. may offset the effects of
“Increased consumption of dark chocolate, but not milk, was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes,” the scientists said.
“Increased milk intake was associated with long-term weight gain, but dark chocolate intake was not.”
“Further randomized controlled trials are needed to replicate these findings and further investigate the mechanisms.”
Highly contagious avian influenza has been circulating around the world since 2020.
Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images
The H5N1 avian influenza virus that is circulating around the world is already more contagious than earlier strains. In addition, the single mutation allows it to infect cells lining the nose and throat, making it more likely to be transmitted through the air.
This change alone is not enough for the virus to cause a pandemic. But if a virus with this mutation swapped genes with a human influenza virus, it could acquire pandemic potential almost immediately.
“The more people are infected, the more likely this is to happen,” he says. Ian Wilson At the Scripps Research Institute in California. Despite this, Wilson believes the risk remains low.
A particularly virulent strain of avian influenza, H5N1, originated in the 1990s, probably in domestic birds in China, and spread around the world. Around 2020, a new variant of the virus emerged and spread even more widely, reaching as far as the Americas and Antarctica. In the United States, poultry is infected in large numbers, dairy cattle are also infected, and occasionally humans are infected.
team led by Debbie Van Riel Researchers at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands infected cells in human noses and throats with the 2005 and 2022 H5N1 variants. They showed for the first time that the 2022 mutant is better at binding to these cells and replicating within them. . “Bad news,” van Riel says.
“I don’t think it’s extremely likely that the virus will become a pandemic,” she says. However, the fact that this virus is better at infecting humans gives it more opportunity to acquire further mutations, increasing the likelihood of a pandemic.
Meanwhile, Wilson and his colleagues have been studying the key hemagglutinin protein of the influenza virus. This protein binds to receptors on the outside of cells and determines which cells the virus can infect. Because it sticks out from the virus, it is also the main target of the immune system.
Currently, H5N1 hemagglutinin primarily binds to receptors located deep in the lungs in humans. This means that although it can cause serious illness, it is unlikely to leave the body and infect others. For that to happen, the virus needs to infect the cells inside your nose and throat. This means that coughing and sneezing can expel the virus and infect others.
Van Riel's research suggests that the virus can do this to some extent, but it is not clear whether the virus binds to the main receptors on these cells. It was thought that multiple mutations were required for H5N1 to bind strongly to these receptors, but Wilson's team now shows that a single mutation is sufficient for the current H5N1 variants. Showed.
Team members say this change alone won’t prevent the virus from causing a pandemic. Jim Paulsonalso at the Scripps Research Institute. “We think this property is necessary, but importantly not sufficient, for pandemic virus transmission,” he says.
Paulson said other changes are also necessary for the virus to begin replicating and spreading from person to person, but they are not well understood. “There's a lot of biology we don’t know,” he says.
However, if H5N1 viruses that infect humans acquire receptor switching mutations, they may evolve these other changes as well.
Furthermore, it is possible, in theory, to acquire all the necessary abilities at once by exchanging genes with a human virus that infects the same individual. Several previous influenza pandemics have been caused by genetic swapping between animal and human influenza viruses, Paulson said.
“This is very worrying,” he says alice katsurakis from the University of Oxford was not involved in either study. “Every time it spreads to humans, it gives the virus a roll of the dice.”
What is the mortality rate of the H5N1 pandemic?
If H5N1 avian influenza begins to spread from person to person, the big question is how deadly it will be. Half of the people confirmed to have contracted the virus since 2003 have died. However, the actual infection fatality rate is likely to be even lower, as many cases likely go undetected and mild cases are likely to be missed.
Of the roughly 60 people infected in the U.S. since the dairy outbreak began, nearly all have had only mild symptoms. why not understoodbut one explanation is that many were infected through the eyes. “It’s known to have much more benign results,” Katzorakis says.
It is also thought to become less dangerous when the virus switches from binding to receptors deep in the lungs to binding to receptors in the upper airways. But puzzling aspects of the U.S. cases left Paulson unsure whether this also applied to H5N1. “To be honest, I don’t know what to think right now,” he says.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to be satisfied with this and expect that even if this virus were to be easily transmitted from person to person, it would be ‘mild,'” Katzourakis said.
Because Wilson’s team studied the hemagglutinin protein alone, there was no chance that the mutated protein could leak into the lab. “No viruses were used here at all,” he says.
Recent research has found a significant connection between cholesterol levels and the risk of developing dementia. It is not just high cholesterol levels that are concerning, but also the fluctuations in levels over time. A study of 10,000 individuals suggests that these fluctuations could increase the chances of developing dementia by up to 60 percent.
The study also indicates that large variations in cholesterol levels, from high to low, are linked to a higher risk of general cognitive decline, regardless of dementia. Dr. Jen Zhou, a researcher at Monash University in Australia, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring and actively intervening to prevent such fluctuations.
The research focused on two main types of cholesterol – “bad cholesterol” or LDL and “good cholesterol” or HDL. Large fluctuations in LDL levels were found to accelerate cognitive decline, while fluctuations in HDL levels did not impact cognitive decline risk significantly.
The study highlighted the potential adverse effects of LDL cholesterol levels above 130mg per deciliter and the role of LDL fluctuations in destabilizing atherosclerotic plaques in arteries, potentially leading to impaired blood flow to the brain.
The study involved individuals in their 70s from Australia and the United States who did not have dementia at the start of the observation period. By the end of the study, a portion of participants developed dementia while others experienced cognitive decline. Those with stable cholesterol levels had a lower risk of neurological symptoms.
Globally, high levels of bad cholesterol contributed to millions of deaths in 2021. To manage cholesterol levels, individuals are advised to undergo regular medical check-ups and make lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and consuming a healthy diet.
According to Emily McGrath from the British Heart Foundation, lowering cholesterol can be achieved through various lifestyle adjustments, including reducing saturated fats and opting for foods rich in unsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.
A recent report has highlighted the concerning state of Earth’s snow and ice, indicating that various key climate tipping points are more likely to be reached than previously thought. These include significant ice melt leading to severe sea level rise and disruptions to crucial ocean currents controlling the Atlantic heat cycle.
The report reveals alarming statistics such as Venezuela losing its last glacier this year, Greenland’s ice sheet losing an average of 30 million tons of ice per hour, and the impending collapse of Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “terminal glacier.” This collapse could potentially result in the rapid disappearance of Antarctic ice.
Compiled by over 50 leading snow and ice scientists as part of the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, the report summarizes the conditions for 2024, highlighting the disastrous impact of global warming on the planet’s frozen regions.
Of particular concern is the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which could lead to drastic changes in weather patterns, such as rapid cooling in the North Atlantic and warming in the Southern Hemisphere.
Additionally, the report underscores the rising consensus among scientists that these climate tipping points are now more likely to be surpassed, with the window for mitigating actions rapidly narrowing.
The report’s release coincided with the United Nations’ COP29 climate change conference in Azerbaijan, where global leaders gathered to address pressing environmental concerns. Despite some progress, particularly in carbon credit trading, the report emphasizes that current climate policies are inadequate to meet global climate goals.
While the scientific community continues to sound the alarm about the escalating climate crisis, there are growing fears that world leaders are failing to grasp the gravity of the situation. Urgent action is needed to address the imminent threats posed by melting ice, collapsing glaciers, and disruptions in vital ocean currents.
In conclusion, the report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action to combat climate change before irreversible consequences unfold.
Much of the Northeast is in drought after an unusually dry and warm start to autumn.
Nationally, October was one of the driest months on record.
Fires are burning in New Jersey and Connecticut, and the fire danger remains high.
The dryness and unseasonably warm weather in the Northeast has pushed much of the region into drought, sparking wildfires in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
October ended as one of the driest months on record in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Precipitation was particularly low in the northeast.
Cities such as Philadelphia. Newark, New Jersey. Wilmington, Delaware. And Norfolk, Virginia, recorded no rain at all in October. Southeast Regional Climate Center collects precipitation data from more than 1,400 weather stations across the country. Several cities, including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., set new records for consecutive days without any measurable precipitation in October.
Firefighters and wildfire in Evesham, New Jersey, Wednesday, November 6, 2024 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (via AP)
“This is an area that is not typically associated with drought,” said Benjamin Cook, a part-time researcher at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. “It's not very common for really severe drought conditions to last this long.”
The drought continues into the first week of November, leaving much of the region in a “severe” drought. US Drought Monitor tracks the national situation and publishes weekly color-coded maps showing the extent and intensity of the drought.
The Drought Monitor's latest maps released Thursday showed drought conditions extending from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York to Massachusetts and Maine. Dry conditions have intensified in some states, with parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland currently in “extreme” drought.
“Extreme drought is basically a once-in-25-year type of drought,” says Brian, a climatologist at the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and one of the mapmakers for the U.S. Drought Monitor.・Mr. Fuchs says. .
Drought watches and warnings have been issued in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, asking people to voluntarily reduce their water use.
Part of the region's dry and warmer-than-usual weather is due to a strong high-pressure system that has remained over much of the country for several weeks. In the Northeast, Great Lakes, and South, temperatures were 15 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit above normal for late October and early November.
More than half of the continental United States is experiencing some degree of drought. That includes 56% of the Northeast, according to the Drought Monitor.
A recent study suggests that living in a neighborhood filled with trees can have similar heart benefits to regular exercise. Researchers at the University of Louisville conducted a clinical trial involving hundreds of people living in six low- to moderate-income neighborhoods in South Louisville, Kentucky. They found that planting thousands of mature trees near people’s homes led to lower levels of blood markers associated with heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
The Green Heart Louisville Project, part of the HEAL Research, revealed that areas with more trees and shrubs had improved health outcomes compared to areas with fewer trees. This study aimed to reduce the incidence of heart disease in the community under the leadership of Professor Aruni Bhatnagar.
Unlike previous observational research, the HEAL study had a control group and an intervention group, providing clearer insights into the effects of nature. Participants aged 25 to 75 living in South Louisville were recruited for the study, with samples collected before and after the tree-planting intervention.
The results showed a 13% decrease in a blood marker associated with heart disease in individuals living in areas with more trees. This reduction was comparable to the benefits seen from starting a regular exercise routine.
Overall, the study demonstrated a strong link between trees and improved physical health by providing shade, cooling, and noise reduction. Beyond physical health, trees also offer mental health benefits and create spaces for relaxation, exercise, and socialization.
How trees improve your physical health
Trees play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat and air pollution, which can worsen existing health conditions. The project in South Louisville focused on areas with poor air quality to study the impact of tree planting on pollution levels.
As the project continues, researchers plan to expand tree planting to other areas and explore additional benefits such as encouraging outdoor activities and improving overall well-being. The findings highlight the importance of equitable access to green spaces in cities and the essential role of nature in human health.
In conclusion, nature is not just a luxury but a necessity for human well-being, and efforts should be made to ensure everyone has access to green spaces for a healthier future.
IIt was a project that promised the Sun: researchers would use some of the most cutting-edge technology in the world to design machines capable of generating atomic fusion, the process that powers stars, to create a cheap, non-polluting source of electricity.
This was originally the purpose of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter). Thirty-five countries, including European countries, China, Russia and the United States, agreed to build the reactor in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance in the south of France at an initial cost of $6 billion. Work began in 2010, with the promise of producing an energy-producing reaction by 2020.
Then reality set in: Cost overruns, the coronavirus, corrosion of key components, last-minute redesigns, and disputes with nuclear safety regulators have caused delays, and it was just announced that ITER won’t be ready for another decade. To make matters worse, the energy-producing fusion reaction won’t occur until 2039, adding another $5 billion to ITER’s already ballooning $20 billion budget.
Other estimates put the final cost much higher, the magazine said, potentially making ITER “the most delayed and costly scientific project in history.” Scientific American On the other hand, the journal Science It said only that ITER was currently facing “major problems”. Nature It noted that the project “has been plagued by a series of delays, cost overruns and management problems.”
Scientists warn that dozens of private companies are now threatening to develop fusion reactors on a shorter timeline, including Oxford-based Tokamak Energy and the US company Commonwealth Fusion Systems.
“The problem is that ITER has been going for so long and suffered so many delays that the rest of the world has moved on,” said Robbie Scott, a nuclear fusion expert at the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council. “A lot of new technology has come along since ITER was planned, and that has left the project with serious problems.”
The Iter plant, under construction in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance in the south of France, opened in June. Photo: EJF Riche/Iter Organization
Question marks now hang over the world’s most ambitious technological project, which seeks to understand the process that powers stars, in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form one heavy one, releasing a huge amount of energy – nuclear fusion, which only occurs at very high temperatures.
To generate this heat, doughnut-shaped reactors called tokamaks use magnetic fields to confine a plasma of hydrogen nuclei, then bombard it with particle beams and microwaves. When temperatures reach millions of degrees Celsius, a mixture of two hydrogen isotopes (deuterium and tritium) fuses to form helium, neutrons, and a huge amount of excess energy.
Containing plasma at such high temperatures is extremely difficult. “The original plan was to line the tokamak reactor with beryllium as a protective covering, but this proved extremely difficult and because beryllium is toxic, they ultimately decided to replace it with tungsten,” says David Armstrong, professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Oxford. “This was a major late design change.”
Then, after it was discovered that huge parts of the South Korean-made tokamak had not been fitted together properly, threatening to leak radioactive material, French nuclear regulators ordered construction of the plant halted. Further delays were announced as problems mounted.
Then came COVID-19. “The pandemic caused factories supplying components to close, resulting in related workforce cuts, backlogs in shipments and difficulties in carrying out quality-control inspections,” ITER Secretary General Pietro Barabaschi acknowledged.
So ITER has once again delayed completion until another decade. At the same time, researchers using other approaches to nuclear fusion are making breakthroughs. In 2022, the US National Ignition Facility in California announced that it had used a laser to superheat deuterium and tritium and fuse them to produce helium and surplus energy, which is ITER’s goal.
Other fusion projects also claim they too could soon achieve breakthroughs. “The past decade has seen a proliferation of private fusion companies promising to do things differently from ITER – faster, cheaper – and, to be fair, some of them have likely overpromised,” said Brian Aperbe, a research physicist at Imperial College London.
It remains to be seen whether ITER will weather these crises and whether backers will continue to fund it. Observer He argued that there was still promising work left to be done.
One example is research into how to produce tritium, a rare hydrogen isotope essential for fusion reactors. It can be made by bombarding lithium samples with neutrons produced in a fusion reactor, producing helium and tritium in the process. “That’s a worthwhile experiment in itself,” Aperbe said.
But it rejected claims ITER was “hugely problematic” and dismissed the notion it was a record-breaking science project in terms of cost overruns and delays – just look at the International Space Station or Britain’s HS2 rail link, a spokesman said.
Some have pointed out that fusion power’s limited carbon emissions could help the fight against climate change. “But fusion will be too slow to reduce carbon emissions in the short term,” says Aneeka Khan, a fusion researcher at the University of Manchester. “Only once fusion power plants are producing significant amounts of electricity later in the century will they help curb carbon emissions, which will be crucial in the fight against climate change.”
A large-scale study has identified poor eyesight and high cholesterol as two new risk factors for dementia. The study claims that eliminating these factors, along with 12 other previously recognized factors, could prevent almost half of all dementia cases worldwide. However, some of these factors are difficult to eliminate, and genetics and advanced age remain the biggest risk factors for developing dementia.
“Dementia may be one of the most significant health threats facing the nation.” Gil Livingston “The possibility of changing this and significantly reducing the number of people suffering from depression is crucial,” said researchers from University College London. [this] disease.”
A 2020 study identified 12 potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia, including hearing loss, depression, smoking, high blood pressure, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, air pollution, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, social isolation, physical inactivity and lack of education.
Livingstone and 26 other dementia experts from around the world updated the list based on the latest evidence, retaining the 12 risk factors but adding two new ones: high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol before age 65 and untreated vision loss in later life.
The researchers included high LDL cholesterol based on several new findings, including: Analysis of 17 studies The study followed around 1.2 million British participants under the age of 65 for over a year.
The results showed that for every 1 millimole per liter (mmol/L) increase in LDL cholesterol, the incidence of dementia increased by 8 percent. In another study of similar size, High LDL cholesterol (above 3 mmol/L) has been linked to a 33% increased risk of dementia, on average, and this risk is most pronounced in people who had high LDL cholesterol in midlife. “So it really does matter how long you have it,” Livingston says.
The researchers suggest that this association may mean that excess cholesterol in the brain increases the risk of stroke and contributes to dementia. Cholesterol has also been linked to the buildup of beta-amyloid protein plaques in the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Untreated vision loss can: Analysis of 14 studiesThe study, which involved more than 6.2 million older adults who were initially cognitively healthy, showed a 47% increased risk of developing dementia over 14.5 years. In another analysis, the risk The decline in vision was mainly due to cataracts and complications from diabetes. [loss] “There's a risk because you're reducing cognitive stimulation,” Livingston said, even though some research suggests that such stimulation may make the brain more resilient to dementia.
The researchers then used their model to estimate what percentage of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented if each of 14 modifiable risk factors were eliminated. They found that hearing loss and high cholesterol had the greatest impact, each contributing about 7 percent of dementia cases, while obesity and excessive alcohol consumption had the least impact, each contributing 1 percent. If all factors were eliminated, the team estimated that about 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented.
But just because these factors are associated with dementia doesn't mean they cause it, he said. Dylan Williams“So even if we target interventions at them, they may not prevent as much disease as we would hope,” said researcher David L. Schneider of University College London, who was not involved in the report.
These estimates are only population averages and don't capture individual-level risk, Williams says. So removing all factors from your life wouldn't necessarily halve your risk of dementia, which is heavily influenced by genetics and age. Eliminating many of these risk factors, like air pollution or lack of education, would also require public health interventions rather than individual changes, Williams says.
Studies have found that wildfire smoke can have adverse effects on brain health.
New research suggests that increased exposure to smoke may increase the risk of dementia.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, more people are being exposed to smoke and the associated health risks.
Parts of California, Oregon and Montana have been hit by several massive wildfires, including the Park Fire in Northern California, the fifth-largest in state history, and air pollution has reached unhealthy levels.
Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles, making it a danger to people nearby as well as those far away.
The fine particles in the smoke are not only bad for your lungs, but a series of studies in recent years have shown that they also have a negative impact on brain health, increasing the risk of dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health problems.
“Much of the research on wildfire smoke has historically focused on the lungs and the heart,” said Stephanie Cleland, an assistant professor at Simon Fraser University who studies the health effects of wildfire smoke. “It's only recently that we've seen a focus on cognitive function and brain health.”
Adding to this body of evidence is a study presented Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggesting that wildfire smoke may increase the likelihood of a dementia diagnosis.
The study analyzed health records of more than 1.2 million Southern California adults aged 60 and older from 2009 to 2019.
The researchers looked at where people lived and their exposure to fine particles from wildfire smoke and other pollutants, and found that for every extra microgram per cubic meter of fine particulate matter from smoke that participants were exposed to over a three-year period, their odds of developing dementia increased by 21%.
In contrast, a similar increase in exposure to fine particulate matter from other sources, such as cars and factories, was associated with a 3% increased odds of developing dementia.
Study author Dr. Holly Elser, a neurology resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, said the evidence is still preliminary but supports that chronic exposure to wildfire smoke contributes to cognitive decline.
But, she said, “the threshold at which wildfire smoke begins to pose a risk to dementia is unclear.”
a A study published in August Similarly, higher exposure to fine particulate matter from a variety of sources, including wildfires, was also found to be associated with higher incidence of dementia.
Climate change is making wildfires more frequent and more intense, and it is also increasing people's exposure to smoke. Between 2003 and 2023, the frequency of major wildfires is expected to more than double, Recent research has shown that.
Scientists believe that wildfire smoke affects the brain because the tiny particles it contains can penetrate the barrier between the bloodstream and the brain, causing inflammation in the central nervous system. The particles can also travel directly from the nose to the brain, which can affect people's ability to think, learn, and remember.
Dementia isn't the only potential impact. Research in 2022 Adults who had recently been exposed to wildfire smoke performed worse on brain-training games that measure abilities such as memory, attention, flexibility, processing speed and problem-solving skills, a study has found.
“People's alertness is significantly reduced within hours to days of exposure to wildfire smoke,” said Cleland, one of the study's authors.
other A study published in the same year Exposure to wildfire smoke during the school year has been shown to lower students' test scores compared to smoke-free years.
“The more smoke you're exposed to, the worse your test scores are,” said Marshall Burke, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of global environmental policy at Stanford University. “The impact on individual students is probably pretty small, but when you add it up across students and across schools, it adds up to a pretty significant overall learning loss.”
But Mr Burke said he had doubts about the dementia study findings published this week because wildfire smoke and other pollution “cannot be equated”.
Elser acknowledged that many questions remain about how smoke affects the brain — for example, it's unclear whether smoke causes dementia in healthy people or only in those who are already at risk.
“That's a really interesting question as to whether this is creating new cases of dementia that never would have occurred before, or whether it's simply hastening the onset of clinically evident dementia,” she said.
Other questions remain about the relationship between wildfire smoke and mental health. February Survey Exposure to smoke from wildfires in the western United States has been linked to increased emergency room visits for anxiety. depression and Psychosis like schizophrenia.
Elser said wildfire smoke can change the neurochemistry in people's brains, which can lead to depression and anxiety, but it's also possible that the anxiety and stress of experiencing and living through a wildfire can independently lead to mental health issues.
Other health effects of wildfire smoke are fairly well understood: Scientists have known for decades that inhaling smoke particles can travel deep into the lungs or enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma, stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and low birth weight in newborns.
Cleland said it's not just people in fire-prone areas of the U.S. who have to worry about these risks, as the Canadian wildfires that blanketed parts of the Midwest and Northeast in smoke last summer showed.
“Last summer completely changed our discussion of who is exposed to wildfire smoke,” she says. “Oregon, California, Washington and British Columbia are actually getting a lot of wildfire smoke, but that doesn't mean places like the northeastern U.S. and Ontario aren't affected.”
To reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, experts recommend that people living in areas with high levels of wildfire smoke: Air Quality Index Reading If your count is over 100, avoid outdoor activities, close all windows, run indoor air purifiers, and wear an N95 mask if you must go out.
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