WHO Says Risk 'Low' From COVID Strain Deemed 'Variant of Interest'
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
WHO Says Risk 'Low' From COVID Strain Deemed 'Variant of Interest'
WHO Says Risk 'Low' , From COVID Strain Deemed , 'Variant of Interest'.
'The Independent' reports that the JN.1 variant of COVID-19
has been classified as a "variant of interest" by officials
who added that it poses a minor threat to public health.
On December 19, the World Health Organization
(WHO) said that the risk from the JN.1 variant
remains "low," based on current evidence.
Previously, this variant was classified as
a variant of interest due to its lineage with
the Omicron variant, otherwise known as BA.2.86.
According to the WHO, current vaccines continue to
offer protection from severe disease and death from
JN.1 and other COVID variants currently in circulation.
According to the WHO, current vaccines continue to
offer protection from severe disease and death from
JN.1 and other COVID variants currently in circulation.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention said that the JN.1 subvariant accounts
for an estimated 15% to 29% of current cases in the U.S.
In August, JN.1 was first detected in Luxembourg,
before later being detected in other countries
that included the U.S., U.K. and France.
Last week, seven cases of the JN.1
subvariant were detected in China.
According to the most recent data, COVID cases
are also on the rise in England, with 5,975 new
cases reported in the week ending December 9.
.
'The Independent' reports that JN.1 has been
deemed "of interest" by the UK Health Security
Agency (UKHSA) due to its mutation and , "increasing prevalence within
the UK and international data.".
According to the head of primary care and public health
at Imperial College London, Prof Azeem Majeed, JN.1 , “appears to be the fastest growing
variant in the UK at the moment.”
Solar Power Breakthrough , Could Bring Clean Energy to, Heavy Manufacturing.
A new solar-powered device may have
reached a breakthrough, generating
temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. .
The breakthrough was detailed in a study
published in the journal 'Device.'.
'The Independent' reports that the development
raises hopes that green energy could be used to
run some of the world's most fossil fuel-intensive
manufacturing processes. .
'The Independent' reports that the development
raises hopes that green energy could be used to
run some of the world's most fossil fuel-intensive
manufacturing processes. .
Using synthetic quartz crystals, the new
proof-of-concept device traps solar energies
at temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. .
The breakthrough could bring clean energy
to carbon-intensive industries like cement,
chemical and metal manufacturing.
These manufacturing industries
alone account for almost a quarter of
the world's total energy consumption.
The new device reportedly relies upon a phenomenon
known as the thermal trap effect to harness the power
of the sun more efficiently than ever achieved before.
Previous research has only managed to
demonstrate the thermal trap effect up
to 170C. Our research showed that solar
thermal trapping works not just at low
temperatures, but well above 1,000C. , Emiliano Casati, Study co-author from ETH Zurich, via 'The Independent'.
This is crucial to show
its potential for real-world
industrial applications, Emiliano Casati, Study co-author from ETH Zurich, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that researchers are looking
to optimize the thermal trap effect to find
new applications for the groundbreaking process.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Astronomers Witness , Merger of 2 Black Holes, From the 'Cosmic Dawn'.
'The Independent' reports that NASA's
Webb Space Telescope has made the most
distant detection of merging black holes. .
Two gigantic black holes and the galaxies that they stood
at the center of merged together just 740 million years
after the universe was formed in the Big Bang.
One of the black holes is a staggering 50 million
times larger than our Sun, and the other
is believed to be a similar gigantic size. .
Astronomers have long wondered how supermassive black holes are so big. .
Lead author Hannah Ubler of the University of Cambridge
says the findings suggest that mergers like this ancient
example show how black holes are able to grow so rapidly.
According to Ubler, the latest Webb
discovery also suggests that black holes
have been merging since the "cosmic dawn.".
Massive black holes
have been shaping
the evolution of galaxies
from the very beginning, Hannah Ubler, lead author from the University
of Cambridge, via 'The Independent'.
In 2021, NASA launched Webb, intended
to replace the Hubble Space Telescope.
Webb is the largest and most powerful
observatory ever launched into space. .
The joint U.S.-European project surveys
the universe from a vantage point located
about 1 million miles away from Earth.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Boeing Faces, Potential Criminal Charges , Following String of Incidents.
'The Independent' reports that federal officials have
issued a warning to Boeing regarding possible criminal charges due to the airliner's failure to improve safety. .
The government-issued warning comes after
a series of incidents, including two 737 Max
jet crashes within a five-month span. .
One crash occurred in Indonesia in
2018 and another took place in Ethiopia in 2019.
A total of 346 people were
killed in the two crashes.
Following those two crashes,
Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion and
make a number of safety improvements.
Feds now accuse Boeing of violating that deal and
claim the company could face further prosecution
following a series of incidents in recent months.
In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing
737 MAX 9 had a door plug
blow off mid-flight. .
That incident resulted in the FAA
ordering all 171 MAX 9 jets be grounded
while the agency investigated the incident. .
For failing to fulfill completely the terms
of and obligations under the [deferred
prosecution agreement], Boeing is subject
to prosecution by the United States for
any federal criminal violation of which
the United States has knowledge, Department of Justice lawyers
letter to a federal judge, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that a number of whistleblowers
have accused Boeing of cutting corners when it comes to
quality and expertise in exchange for short-term profit.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
5 Tips, for Beginner Cyclists .
1. Safety first.
Look for a helmet that is
lightweight and comfortable.
Safety features like MIPS, multi-directional impact protection system, help protect you from different types of impact. .
2. Be aware of the
traffic environment
and road conditions.
Find a cycling guide to brush up on
road safety awareness, basic road
positioning, observation and anticipation.
3. Download a cycling app. .
A cycling app
can help you
optimize your trip.
'The Independent' recommends Bike Hub
Journey Planner which offers spoken
instructions, multiple routes and a
number of other handy features. .
4. Basic maintenance
is essential.
Most importantly, check
the tire pressure, brake lines,
brake pads and oil the chain. .
A local bike service center
can always help you. .
5. Find a cycling club. .
Finding other experienced cyclists
to ride with is a great way to become
a more competent rider. .
It's time to
hit the road.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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The next EU Commission will have to cope with a legacy of debt accummulated out of necessity by its predecessor in response to the Covid crisis and the Ukraine War. Instruments are in place to both control debt and invest in the future, but challenging times lie ahead.
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The UK Health Security Agency said 22 cases of cryptosporidium, a waterborne disease caused by a microscopic parasite, had been confirmed in Brixham. The disease causes sickness and diarrhoea. South West Water had opened two bottled water collection points. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections.
On April 17, the grocery chain
recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil.
The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. .
One person has been hospitalized.
The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. .
The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's.
The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. .
Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. .
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. .
Symptoms can develop anywhere between
6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria.
Most people don't need treatment
and recover within 4 to 7 days. .
If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Today Is , World Autism
Awareness Day.
April 2, World Autism Awareness Day,
kicks off World Autism Month.
The special day and month,
marked by the color blue,
is meant to increase the
understanding of autism.
In 2023, the CDC reported that 1 in 36 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder.
A lot of research is being
conducted on the disorder.
and several groups have been formed
to raise more money for research.
Signs of autism can present
themselves in children as
young as 6 months old.
The symptoms become
more prevalent around
2 and 3 years old.
According to Autism Speaks,
symptoms include sensory sensitivities,
gastrointestinal disorders.
seizures and sleep issues, anxiety,
depression and attention issues
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:05Published
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
New 'Long COVID' Study , Could Lead to Future , Treatment Options.
BBC reports that people experiencing "long COVID"
have evidence of inflammation in their blood, which could
lead to further understanding and potential treatments.
A new study in the United Kingdom found the
presence of certain proteins increases the risk
for certain symptoms, including fatigue.
Long COVID is believed to impact
millions of people around the world.
Here are some of the most common symptoms.
Shortness of breath, Extreme tiredness, Brain fog.
Other symptoms of Long COVID can include
sleeping problems, loss of smell and anxiety.
The latest study by the Imperial College
London suggests that inflammation , "could be a common feature of long COVID after
hospitalization, regardless of symptom type.".
BBC reports that the findings suggest that existing drugs
used to treat other forms of inflammation, like
rheumatoid arthritis, could be effective against Long COVID.
This work provides strong evidence
that long Covid is caused by post-viral
inflammation but shows layers of complexity, Peter Openshaw, Lead research Professor, via BBC .
We hope that our work opens the way
to the development of specific tests
and treatments for the various types
of long Covid and believe that a
'one size fits all' approach to
treatment may not work, Peter Openshaw, Lead research Professor, via BBC .
The team's findings were published
in the journal 'Nature Immunology.'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Cost of Easter Eggs Rises , As Climate Change Affects Crops.
Most of the cocoa that is used to make chocolate
is grown in West Africa where a heat wave has damaged crops and cut yields, BBC reports.
This has caused the cost of some
Easter eggs to increase by 50% or more.
According to the World Weather Attribution group, the high temperatures in West Africa "were made 10 times more likely" by human-induced climate change.
According to the World Weather Attribution group, the high temperatures in West Africa "were made 10 times more likely" by human-induced climate change.
The group's study determined that West Africa will experience severe heat waves close to every two years if action is not taken. .
El Niño was also found to have played a role, although "global warming is exacerbating those changes," BBC reports. .
Increasingly, climate change driven
by fossil fuel use is multiplying this natural
challenge in many regions. It fuels more
extreme conditions, devastates harvests,
and makes food costs higher for all. , Ben Clarke, an expert on extreme weather at the
Grantham Institute at Imperial College, via BBC.
Intense rains have also plagued West Africa,
leading to a fungal infection that rots cocoa beans. .
Intense rains have also plagued West Africa,
leading to a fungal infection that rots cocoa beans. .
The cost of chocolate is starting
to be affected in shops. .
Lots of players who have already
announced price increases.
We are also part of that group, Martin Hug, of chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli, via BBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Alarming alerts from experts highlight a significant "global healthcare risk" associated with COVID-19, suggesting the potential onset of a "pandemic of heart failure." A recent study conducted by..
With the JN.1 strain now classified as a 'variant of interest,' concerns are raised about the possibility of another COVID wave in India. This classification emphasizes the need for..
After enjoying a relatively Covid-19-free existence for over two years, recent concerns have surfaced due to a spike in coronavirus cases in the past few days. The detection of JN.1, a sub-variant of..
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