COVID strain classified 'variant of interest' by WHO as cases rise

Law Enforcement Hiring Increased in 2023 Following Years of Decline

Law Enforcement Hiring , Increased in 2023 , Following Years of Decline. NBC reports that police departments in the United States have seen their first increase in ranks, changing course on a historic exodus of officers in recent years. According to a recent survey, 2023 saw more officers sworn in than any of the previous four years. . At the same time, the survey by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) also found that fewer law enforcement officers resigned or retired in 2023. . Law enforcement numbers had been declining following the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd. . Law enforcement numbers had been declining following the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd. . I just think that the past four years have been particularly challenging for American policing. And our survey shows we’re finally starting to turn a corner, Chuck Wexler, Executive director of PERF, via NBC. NBC reports that declining numbers left many police departments with a shortage of officers, which resulted in slower response times. Chuck Wexler, executive director of PERF, warns that many police departments are still struggling to recruit and retain officers. According to Wexler, law enforcement , "isn't out of the woods yet.". At least a dozen smaller police departments in the nation have been forced to disband, leaving those municipalities reliant upon state or county police forces. NBC reports that in addition to increased pay and benefits, many police departments have chosen to change application requirements to increase hiring

'It was traumatic': UK parents urge others to vaccinate their children amid rising measles cases

Global measles cases could double in a year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Global Increase of Neurological Disorders 'Very Concerning,' Researchers Say

Global Increase of , Neurological Disorders , 'Very Concerning,' Researchers Say. 'Newsweek' reports that a new study warns that neurological disorders have become more common worldwide. According to a team of international researchers, the number of people with such conditions has risen "substantially" over the past thirty years. These conditions include Alzheimer's disease, as well as other forms of dementia, meningitis and stroke. . In 2021, the team found that 3.4 billion people had one of these neurological conditions, accounting for approximately 43% of the world's total population. Researchers attribute the alarming statistic to a rapidly aging population and increases in lifestyle risk factors. Researchers attribute the alarming statistic to a rapidly aging population and increases in lifestyle risk factors. Over a 31-year period, researchers found an 18% increase in disability, illness and premature death related to these conditions. 'Newsweek' reports that the team's findings highlight the need for more research into these neurological conditions, which have proven to be extremely difficult to treat. 'Newsweek' reports that the team's findings highlight the need for more research into these neurological conditions, which have proven to be extremely difficult to treat. Because many neurological conditions lack cures, and access to medical care is often limited, understanding modifiable risk factors and the potentially avoidable neurological condition burden is essential to help curb this global health crisis, Katrin Seeher, study co-lead author and mental health specialist at WHO's Brain Health Unit, via 'Newsweek'. Because many neurological conditions lack cures, and access to medical care is often limited, understanding modifiable risk factors and the potentially avoidable neurological condition burden is essential to help curb this global health crisis, Katrin Seeher, study co-lead author and mental health specialist at WHO's Brain Health Unit, via 'Newsweek'. The team's findings were detailed in a study published in the journal 'The Lancet Neurology.'. Neuroscience research is now progressing rapidly offering hope through new treatments for diseases like dementias and through better understanding of lifestyle modifications to best care for our brains, Tara Spires-Jones, president of the British Neuroscience Association and group leader in the U.K. Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, via Newsweek

Delhi Is the ‘Most Polluted’ Capital City in the World

Delhi Is the ‘Most Polluted’ , Capital City in the World. The capital of India was found to be the world's most polluted capital city in 2023, according to air-quality monitoring group IQAir. India was also ranked as the third-most polluted country after Bangladesh and Pakistan, BBC reports. In 2022, India was the eighth most polluted country. . According to the report, the average level of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in India's air was 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter. . Delhi's air quality had a PM2.5 reading of 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter. Air that is considered safe to breathe typically has 12 to 15 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5, BBC reports. . Levels higher than 35 micrograms per cubic meter are thought to be unhealthy. . Only seven countries were within the World Health Organization's yearly PM2.5 guideline, an "average of 5 micrograms per cubic meter or less," BBC reports. . Those countries are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand. Those countries are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand. In 2023 air pollution remained a global health catastrophe, IQAir’s global data set provides an important reminder of the resulting injustices and the need to implement the many solutions that exist to this problem. , Aidan Farrow, senior air quality scientist at Greenpeace International, via 'The Guardian'