Surge in Measles Cases in UK Comes Amid Plummeting Vaccination Rate
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
Surge in Measles Cases in UK Comes Amid Plummeting Vaccination Rate
Surge in Measles Cases in UK, Comes Amid Plummeting , Vaccination Rate.
On January 22, health officials in the United Kingdom urged millions of parents to get their children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella.
'The Independent' reports that the news comes amid
a sharp increase in the number of measles cases,
combined with the lowest vaccination rates in ten years.
The UK's National Health Service has launched
a publicity campaign after discovering
about 250 confirmed measles cases in 2023.
According to the NHS, most of the cases
were in children under the age of ten.
Hairries noted that the numbers are
"too low to maintain safe population
coverage ā we want that at about 95%." .
According to public health officials, over 3.4 million
children under the age of 16 are unprotected and
at risk of catching one of these preventable diseases.
Officials at the World Health Organization have warned
that outbreaks can occur anywhere vaccine coverage
drops below 95%, which is necessary for herd immunity.
Helen Bedford, a professor of children's health at
University College London, said that recent declines
in vaccination may have been driven by the pandemic.
.
The pandemic, with new vaccines
introduced and vaccination constantly
discussed, may have resulted in the public
having more questions about vaccination:
its safety, effectiveness and, for a disease
like measles which had become
rare in the U.K., its necessity, Helen Bedford, Professor of children's health at
University College London, via 'The Independent'.
Asking questions about vaccination
is to be encouraged, but we
need trained staff to do this, Helen Bedford, Professor of children's health at
University College London, via 'The Independent'
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
Negotiations on Global Treaty , to End Plastic Pollution , Reach Critical Phase .
'The Independent' reports that negotiators from around
the world have met to discuss what could become
a global treaty meant to end plastic pollution. .
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on
Plastic Pollution has begun agreeing on treaty language
at their fourth of five scheduled plastics summits.
The most ambitious and contentious
idea revolves around limiting how much
plastic can be manufactured globally.
As most plastics are made from fossil fuels
and chemicals, oil and gas exporters
have strongly objected to the limitations, along
with plastic-producing countries and companies.
According to Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical Associations,
the treaty also focuses on recycling and reuse. .
We want to see the treaty
completed. We want to work
with the governments on
implementing it. The private
sector has a role to play, Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical
Associations, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the Scientistsā
Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty provided
scientific evidence on plastic pollution at
the negotiations.
I heard yesterday that thereās
no data on microplastics,
which is verifiably false:
21,000 publications on micro and
nanoplastics have been published, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the coalition, via 'The Independent'.
Ecuador's chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt stressed that
countries present at the negotiation share a common
vision of moving forward in the treaty process.
Because at the end of the day,
weāre talking about the survival
of the future of life, not only
of human life but all sorts
of life on this planet, Walter Schuldt, Ecuador's chief
negotiator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, āincluding non-participating
bystanders during last weekās protests.ā.
Googleās aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, āevery single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.ā
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal āwas developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.ā.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal āwas developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.ā.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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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
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Delhi Is the āMost Pollutedā , 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, IQAirās 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'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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