A major breakthrough has been made in the field of science and reproductive medicine. Japanese research team has found a way of mass generating cells that are capable to turning into a sperm or ovum.

Can infertile humans have children with their own DNA?

Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the country's Parliament, compared the achievements of India with Karachi's precarious situation, taking New Delhi's successful moon landing mission as one of the examples.

Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the country's Parliament, compared the achievements of India with Karachi's precarious situation, taking New Delhi's successful moon landing mission as one of the examples. Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan's (MQM-P) leader said that on the one hand, India has been successfully landing on the moon and on the other hand Karachi has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. India Is On The Moon, We're failing Our Kids - Pakistan MP's Statement Goes Viral While Delhi is going to the Moon, Pakistani kids are falling into gutters and dying, Syed Mustafa Kamal told parliament on Wednesday. Highlighting issues of no fresh water in Karachi & issues… pic.twitter.com/iNbxl7kUje — RT_India (@RT_India_news) May 16, 2024 × "Today, the condition in Karachi is that, while the world is going to the moon, children are dying by falling into the gutter in Karachi. On the same screen, there is news that India landed on the moon, and just after two seconds, the news is that a child died in an open gutter in Karachi," said Kamal, in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday (May 15). Also Read: Taliban cancel Pakistan delegation’s Kandahar visit following airstrikes by Islamabad Pakistani MP speaks about Karachi's struggle for freshwater The lawmaker spoke about Karachi facing scarcity of fresh water. Citing a report, he said that around seven million children in Karachi and more than 26 million children in Pakistan are not enrolled in schools. "Karachi is the revenue engine of Pakistan. The two seaports operational in Pakistan since its inception, are both in Karachi. We (Karachi) are the gateway to the entire Pakistan, Central Asia to Afghanistan...For 15 years, Karachi was not given even a bit of fresh water. Even the water that came, the tanker mafia hoarded it and sold it to the people of Karachi," said MP Kamal. Watch: Gravitas | Pakistani-American businessman: 'Hope Pak gets a leader like PM Modi' "We have a total of 48,000 schools, but a new report says that out of that 11,000 are 'ghost schools'. 70 lakh children in Sindh don't go to school and a total of 2,62,00,000 children in the country don't go to school...if we just focus on this, the leaders of the country shouldn't even get proper sleep," the parliamentarian said. Last year in August, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander became the country's first spacecraft to have safely reached the lunar surface. India also emerged as the first nation to land on the South Pole of the moon. Pakistan, meanwhile, has been facing an economic crisis amid increasing debts and high inflation. The country has sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a new loan programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Currently, a team of the IMF is in Pakistan to discuss the issue. (With inputs from agencies)

'India landed on the moon, while our children die in gutter': Pakistani MP's rant goes viral

In a voting session held in Sydney's Cumberland Council, it was decided that a same-sex parenting book would be banned from its libraries. Cumberland Council includes the western Sydney suburbs of Merrylands, Granville and Auburn.

In a voting session held in Sydney's Cumberland Council, it was decided that a same-sex parenting book would be banned from its libraries. Cumberland Council includes the western Sydney suburbs of Merrylands, Granville and Auburn. The amendment was tabled by former mayor and current councillor Steve Christou in which it was proposed "that council take immediate action to rid same-sex parents books/materials in council's library service". Interestingly, Christou had not read the book on which the debate was being carried out. In the council's meeting, Christou brandished the book which he claimed received “really disturbing” constituent complaints and said that parents were “distraught” to see the book. The book in contention was Same-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig which was kept on the shelf in the children’s section of the library. According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, the motion was passed as six councillors voted in favour of the amendment and five voted against it. A picture of the book was held up by Christou as he claimed that the book sparked multiple complaints from his constituents. On the book's cover, a gay male couple and their young son were featured. Also Read: Australia anticipates a smaller revenue upgrade citing global economic weakness “We’re going to make it clear tonight that … these kind of books, same-sex parents books, don’t find their way to our kids,” said Christou, during the debate. “Our kids shouldn’t be sexualised. This community is a very religious community, a very family-orientated community," he added, “They don’t want such controversial issues going against their beliefs indoctrinated in their libraries. This is not Marrickville or Newtown, this is the Cumberland city council," Christou said. Christou further stated that toddlers shouldn’t be “exposed” to same-sex content and added that the proposed amendment was “for the protection and safety of our children”. “Hands off our kids,” he said. Auburn MP Lynda Voltz raised concern over the resolution and appealed to NSW Arts Minister John Graham to look into the issue. “I am greatly concerned at the decision of Cumberland council and believe that it may possibly risk breaching the guidelines for funding of libraries and may also be in breach of the Anti-Discrimination Act,” Voltz said. “The overwhelming majority of the people in Auburn will tell you that everyone is welcome and we pride ourselves on being a peaceful and friendly community," the MP stated. Minister holds council responsible for censorship The council was accused by Graham of engaging in censorship. “When civilisations turn to burning books or banning books it is a very bad sign. That is equally true for local councils,” the minister said. Watch: Sydney Church Stabbing: Priest stabbed multiple times during sermon “It is up to readers to choose which book to take off the shelf. It should not be up to local councillors to make that choice for them or engage in censorship," he added. He stated that the decision could impact the ability of the library to receive funding from the government. Mayor Lisa Lake opposed the motion and stated she was “appalled and saddened” by the result. Lake claimed that the book had been kept in the library since 2019 and its presence was “nothing new”. (With inputs from agencies)

Same-sex parenting book banned in Sydney libraries to ensure ‘safety of children’

An eighth-standard boy was sexually assaulted by his classmates using a stick in Delhi. A mother from Karnataka threw her six-year-old specially-abled son into crocodile-infested river. We bring you the stories of inhumanity.

Gravitas | Class eight bullies sexually assault classmate with a stick

According to a new report children below the age of 13 should not be allowed to have cell phones. Called 'Children and Screens in Search of Lost Time' the report is commissioned by the French government. Watch in for more details!

Kids below 13 should be barred from using smartphones, says study

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. According to a new report published by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), children under the age of six have been manipulated into “disturbing” acts of sexual abuse.

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. According to a new report published by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), children under the age of six have been manipulated into “disturbing” acts of sexual abuse. As per the IWF's abuse hotline, last year was the most extreme year on record as it saw a 22 per cent increase in 'category A' imagery, which includes penetrative sexual activity as well as images which involve indulgence in sexual activity with an animal, or sadism. For the first time, the charity looked into the data on abuse against children, between the age bracket of three to six, in the whole year. The report was focused on young kids who were made the target of sexual abuse when they logged into online platforms through mobile phones and devices within the family home. "All 'self-generated' child sexual abuse imagery is horrific but seeing so many very young children in these images and videos is particularly distressing," stated the report. Also Read: Two kids dead, 15 injured after drunk woman drives car through birthday party in US The number of child sexual abuse images, which were 'self-generated', increased by 27 per cent in one year. These images are generated by the perpetrator as they remotely direct the victim and record them using webcams. The IWF report included a vast majority of abusive images. "The term 'self-generated' does not mean that the child is instigating the creation of this sexual content themselves," stated the report's authors. "They are being groomed, coerced and in some cases blackmailed into engaging in sexual behaviour. They are never to blame for the creation or existence of this imagery," he added. In many of those images, the children were seen in a home setting and generally sitting in their bedroom. According to the analysts, there were soft toys, games, books and bedding featuring cartoon characters in the background of the images. "These are very young children, supposedly in the safety of their own bedrooms, very likely unaware that the activities they are being coerced into doing are being recorded and saved and ultimately shared multiple times on the internet," stated the report. IWF appeals to warn children about online dangers The charity has said that children, below the age of six, need to be warned about online dangers. “The opportunistic criminals who want to manipulate your children into disturbing acts of sexual abuse are not a distant threat,” stated Susie Hargreaves, the IWF’s chief executive. Watch: Report urges immediate fixes to online child exploitation 'Cybertipline' “They are trying to talk to them now on phones and devices you can find in any family home. If children under six are being targeted, we need to be having age-appropriate conversations now to make sure they know how to spot the dangers,” he added. "This deeply disturbing report shows that predators are targeting younger and younger victims. My message to parents is to speak to your children about their use of social media, because the platforms you presume safe may pose a risk," said Security Minister Tom Tugendhart. (With inputs from agencies)

Young kids being 'groomed, coerced' into engaging in sexual acts online, horrific report reveals

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21).

The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel.

Near-daily air raids are being carried out by Israel on Rafah, a place which has become the refuge of more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.

Israel has also decided to expand its ground offensive against Hamas near Gaza's border with Egypt amid calls for restraint from various countries, including the United States.

“In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” said Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-leave-any-of-them-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-sister-facing-incitement-charges-in-israel-713653">‘Don’t leave any of them’: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister facing incitement charges in Israel</a>

In the first strike carried out on Rafah by Israel, one man, his wife and their 3-year-old child were killed, as per the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, where dead bodies were sent.

According to the hospital, the woman was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors. In the second strike on Rafah, 17 children and two women from an extended family were killed.

“These children were sleeping. What did they do? What was their fault?” questioned one relative Umm Kareem, reported Associated News.

Another resident Mohammed al-Beheiri confirmed that his daughter Rasha, and her six children, the youngest being only 18 months old, were also killed. A woman and three children were reported to be stuck under the rubble.

<h2>United States prepares aid package for Gaza</h2>

More than 34,000 Palestinians, of which at least two-thirds were women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, as per officials in Gaza.

The two largest cities of Gaza have been devastated in the war and colossal destruction has taken place. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has shifted to other regions of the besieged coastal enclave.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hits-out-at-us-plans-to-sanction-idf-unit-netzah-yehuda-713666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US House of Representatives on Saturday (April 20) approved a $26 billion aid package which included nearly $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which appears to be on the brink of famine, according to experts.

The US Senate is likely to sign the package as soon as Tuesday (April 23), which will be immediately signed by President Joe Biden.

It has been seven months since the conflict started and has now led to regional unrest as Israel and the US stand against Iran and allied militant groups. This month, Israel and Iran had a face-off which raised concerns of an all-out war.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21).

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21). The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel. Near-daily air raids are being carried out by Israel on Rafah, a place which has become the refuge of more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Israel has also decided to expand its ground offensive against Hamas near Gaza's border with Egypt amid calls for restraint from various countries, including the United States. “In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” said Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement. Also Read: ‘Don’t leave any of them’: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister facing incitement charges in Israel In the first strike carried out on Rafah by Israel, one man, his wife and their 3-year-old child were killed, as per the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, where dead bodies were sent. According to the hospital, the woman was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors. In the second strike on Rafah, 17 children and two women from an extended family were killed. “These children were sleeping. What did they do? What was their fault?” questioned one relative Umm Kareem, reported Associated News. Another resident Mohammed al-Beheiri confirmed that his daughter Rasha, and her six children, the youngest being only 18 months old, were also killed. A woman and three children were reported to be stuck under the rubble. United States prepares aid package for Gaza More than 34,000 Palestinians, of which at least two-thirds were women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, as per officials in Gaza. The two largest cities of Gaza have been devastated in the war and colossal destruction has taken place. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has shifted to other regions of the besieged coastal enclave. Watch: Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda The US House of Representatives on Saturday (April 20) approved a $26 billion aid package which included nearly $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which appears to be on the brink of famine, according to experts. The US Senate is likely to sign the package as soon as Tuesday (April 23), which will be immediately signed by President Joe Biden. It has been seven months since the conflict started and has now led to regional unrest as Israel and the US stand against Iran and allied militant groups. This month, Israel and Iran had a face-off which raised concerns of an all-out war. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package

Researchers in a new study have revealed that children who are maltreated in their childhood are more likely to engage in alcohol and substance use by the time they are 40 years old. University of Queensland researcher Dr Claudia Bull led a study, analysing data from more than 6,000 children born in Brisbane’s Mater Mother’s Hospital between 1981 and 1983. The study found that children who are maltreated are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital in comparison to those who are not mistreated in their early years.

“This longitudinal birth cohort study gathered and analysed the group’s data at different stages of their lives, from 6-months-old to 40 years,” Dr Bull said, in a press release issued on the University of Queensland website.

The team led by Dr Bull combined this information with additional data from the Queensland Department of Families, Youth and Community Care in 2000. The team was able to identify at least 600 children who were mistreated in their early years.

“For the purposes of this study maltreatment was defined as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect up to the age of 15, as reported to the department,” she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter</a>

“We found those children were 2.86 times more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol use disorder as adults compared to children who weren’t maltreated, and 3.34 times more likely to be admitted for a substance use disorder,” she added.

So far, all researches into childhood treatment and adult behaviour have focussed on physical and sexual abuse and not on alcohol and substance use disorders.

“But we particularly wanted to know whether emotional abuse and neglect were as strongly associated with subsequent alcohol and substance use disorders,” she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-believe-uranus-and-neptune-are-ice-giants-but-a-new-study-hints-at-something-else-712635" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-believe-uranus-and-neptune-are-ice-giants-but-a-new-study-hints-at-something-else-712635&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are `ice giants,` but a new study hints at something else</a>

“And we found they were.”

The researchers added that the study results showed treating children better in their childhood would prevent many people from “suffering from alcohol and substance use disorders in later life.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in a new study have revealed that children who are maltreated in their childhood are more likely to engage in alcohol and substance use by the time they are 40 years old.

Researchers in a new study have revealed that children who are maltreated in their childhood are more likely to engage in alcohol and substance use by the time they are 40 years old. University of Queensland researcher Dr Claudia Bull led a study, analysing data from more than 6,000 children born in Brisbane’s Mater Mother’s Hospital between 1981 and 1983. The study found that children who are maltreated are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital in comparison to those who are not mistreated in their early years. “This longitudinal birth cohort study gathered and analysed the group’s data at different stages of their lives, from 6-months-old to 40 years,” Dr Bull said, in a press release issued on the University of Queensland website. The team led by Dr Bull combined this information with additional data from the Queensland Department of Families, Youth and Community Care in 2000. The team was able to identify at least 600 children who were mistreated in their early years. “For the purposes of this study maltreatment was defined as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect up to the age of 15, as reported to the department,” she said. Also read: Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter “We found those children were 2.86 times more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol use disorder as adults compared to children who weren’t maltreated, and 3.34 times more likely to be admitted for a substance use disorder,” she added. So far, all researches into childhood treatment and adult behaviour have focussed on physical and sexual abuse and not on alcohol and substance use disorders. “But we particularly wanted to know whether emotional abuse and neglect were as strongly associated with subsequent alcohol and substance use disorders,” she said. Also read: Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are `ice giants,` but a new study hints at something else “And we found they were.” The researchers added that the study results showed treating children better in their childhood would prevent many people from “suffering from alcohol and substance use disorders in later life.” (With inputs from agencies)

Maltreated children 3 times more likely to engage in substance abuse in adulthood

Infant school children are increasingly getting online with greater autonomy, a recent study by Ofcom disclosed. The annual examination of children's digital engagement indicated a surge in the ownership of smartphones among 5 to 7-year-olds, with nearly a quarter of them possessing one.

According to the findings, approximately 24 percent of children aged 5-7 now have their own smartphones, while an overwhelming three-quarters use tablets.

Moreover, there has been a noticeable increase in online activities among this age group compared to the previous year. More children in this bracket are now using the internet for sending messages, making voice or video calls, and watching live-streamed content.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-teen-dies-of-heart-attack-after-lockdown-amid-knife-attack-at-nearby-school-713111">French teen dies of heart attack after lockdown amid knife attack at nearby school</a>

Social media usage among 5 to 7-year-olds has also seen a marked uptick as well, with platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord seeing notable growth. Online gaming among this age has experienced a rise, with a particular increase seen in children playing shooter games.

In response to these evolving trends, Ofcom is gearing up to introduce a comprehensive set of proposals to bolster online protection for children. Among the initiatives planned is a consultation on leveraging automated tools, including AI, to proactively detect illegal and harmful content.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-suspects-detained-in-poland-over-attack-on-navalny-aide-leonid-volkov-in-lithuania-713074">Two suspects detained in Poland over attack on Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in Lithuania</a>

While a substantial portion (42 percent) of parents engage in social media alongside their 5 to 7-year-olds, a significant proportion (32 percent) acknowledged their children's independent usage of these platforms.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-and-trump-compete-for-voters-over-israeli-crisis-713117">Biden and Trump compete for voters over Israeli crisis</a>

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While the majority of parents claim to have discussed online safety with their young ones, there appears to be a disconnect between children's exposure to harmful content online and their disclosure of such experiences to parents.

Moreover, the research underscored emerging behavioural trends among children online, including passive social media use, preference for stimulating short-form content, and a rising interest in soothing sensory videos, particularly among girls.

(With inputs from agencies)

Infant school children are increasingly getting online with greater autonomy, a recent study by Ofcom disclosed. The annual examination of children's digital engagement indicated a surge in the ownership of smartphones among 5 to 7-year-olds, with nearly a quarter of them possessing one.

Infant school children are increasingly getting online with greater autonomy, a recent study by Ofcom disclosed. The annual examination of children's digital engagement indicated a surge in the ownership of smartphones among 5 to 7-year-olds, with nearly a quarter of them possessing one. According to the findings, approximately 24 percent of children aged 5-7 now have their own smartphones, while an overwhelming three-quarters use tablets. Moreover, there has been a noticeable increase in online activities among this age group compared to the previous year. More children in this bracket are now using the internet for sending messages, making voice or video calls, and watching live-streamed content. Also Read | French teen dies of heart attack after lockdown amid knife attack at nearby school Social media usage among 5 to 7-year-olds has also seen a marked uptick as well, with platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord seeing notable growth. Online gaming among this age has experienced a rise, with a particular increase seen in children playing shooter games. In response to these evolving trends, Ofcom is gearing up to introduce a comprehensive set of proposals to bolster online protection for children. Among the initiatives planned is a consultation on leveraging automated tools, including AI, to proactively detect illegal and harmful content. Also Read | Two suspects detained in Poland over attack on Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in Lithuania While a substantial portion (42 percent) of parents engage in social media alongside their 5 to 7-year-olds, a significant proportion (32 percent) acknowledged their children's independent usage of these platforms. Watch | Biden and Trump compete for voters over Israeli crisis × While the majority of parents claim to have discussed online safety with their young ones, there appears to be a disconnect between children's exposure to harmful content online and their disclosure of such experiences to parents. Moreover, the research underscored emerging behavioural trends among children online, including passive social media use, preference for stimulating short-form content, and a rising interest in soothing sensory videos, particularly among girls. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds 24pc of 5-7 year-olds own smartphones in UK

Children addicted to technological gadgets such as mobile phones and iPads are at risk of suffering psychotic episodes later in life, according to new research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

Children addicted to technological gadgets such as mobile phones and iPads are at risk of suffering psychotic episodes later in life, according to new research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. Researchers discovered that excessive use of smartphones and social media in adolescence could make the brain more susceptible to delusions, hallucinations, and 'bizarre ideas' by the time one reaches the age of 23. Researchers believe that the technology itself might not be the cause of the issue but a child's addiction to the devices could be a sign that they are susceptible to mental illness. "Higher media use and mental health problems appear to share risk factors, such as parental mental health problems, loneliness, bullying and parent-child relational problems," the team behind the study said. How did the researchers reach this conclusion? Researchers at McGill University in Canada collected and analysed data from 1,226 participants born between 1997 and 1998. The participants were asked multiple questions to discern if they had undergone periods of persecutory ideations, bizarre experiences, and perceptual abnormalities Here are some of the questions asked by the researchers: Have you ever felt as if people seem to drop hints about you or say things with a double meaning? Have you ever felt as if the thoughts in your head are not your own? Have you ever heard voices when you are alone? Video games linked to higher levels of psychotic experiences The researchers noticed that playing video games during adolescence could cause 3-7% higher levels of psychotic experiences. "Trajectories of higher video gaming and increasing-then-decreasing (curved) computer use during adolescence were associated with higher levels of psychotic experiences at age 23 years," the study read. They also found that internet use is more strongly associated with depression than video gaming or television viewing. Also read: Using smartphone for over 4 hours a day linked to high stress, suicidal thoughts: Study What is the solution? The research team said that suddenly restricting screen time could be more harmful than helpful. Instead, parents should understand why children are addicted to devices and find activities to replace screen time.

Video game, smartphone addiction in children could lead to psychotic episodes

The United Nations has warned that more than 243 million children are at risk due to massive heat waves across East Asia and the Pacific. Watch in for more details!

UN: 2 billion children to be exposed to heatwave frequency by 2050

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications has claimed that a mother’s dietary habits might be strongly linked to how her child&nbsp;looks. The study, published on Mar 26, claimed a mother’s diet could influence some features starting in the womb.

Researchers linked protein levels in the mother’s diet to gene activity, especially mTORC1 genes. The genes directly influence the “craniofacial shape of the embryos,” said the authors.

“We found that modulation of the level of protein in the maternal diet regulates mTORC1 activity, resulting in subtle but distinct changes in the craniofacial shape of the embryos,” the researchers explained.

<h2>Facial features of children linked to protein</h2>

The researchers found that high-protein diets in mothers led to stronger, sharper jawlines and bigger noses in children. On the other hand, a low protein diet led to slimmer, pointier features.

Simply put, a mother’s protein intake has a significant influence on the shape and size of the nose or jaw of their children.

<h2>Mother’s diet linked to the health of children</h2>

Previous studies have linked the mother’s diet to the health of newborn babies already. For example, the vegan diet of mothers has been linked to lower weight in children at the time of birth.

A study published earlier this year found that mothers who were obese were more likely to give birth to children facing heightened risk of metabolic conditions — such as fatty liver disease — later in life.

Another study revealed that mothers who ate excessive processed foods could pass on harmful chemicals to their fetuses.

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

To conduct the study, scientists observed behaviours in pregnant mice and zebrafish.

Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report

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Scientists took genetically manipulated animals and observed changes in their offspring by making changes in their nutrition levels.

<h2>Significance</h2>

The study suggests that maternal nutrition could have a long-lasting impact on offspring, which might help them evolve according to certain environmental conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiD8uuzjJmFAxVknK8BHY8yCmQQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-12000-year-old-preserved-human-brain-resisting-decomposition-702201" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-12000-year-old-preserved-human-brain-resisting-decomposition-702201&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiD8uuzjJmFAxVknK8BHY8yCmQQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Scientists find 12,000-year-old preserved human brains resisting decomposition</a>

“In summary, we have demonstrated here that the mTORC1 pathway modulates the embryonic shaping of craniofacial skeletal elements at the stage of chondrogenic condensations, with subsequent fine-tuning during intercalation of chondro-progenitors,” wrote the study authors.

“Furthermore, we provide evidence for an impact of maternal protein intake during pregnancy on the shaping of fetal craniofacial cartilage,” they added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications has claimed that a mother’s dietary habits might be strongly linked to how her child looks.

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications has claimed that a mother’s dietary habits might be strongly linked to how her child looks. The study, published on Mar 26, claimed a mother’s diet could influence some features starting in the womb. Researchers linked protein levels in the mother’s diet to gene activity, especially mTORC1 genes. The genes directly influence the “craniofacial shape of the embryos,” said the authors. “We found that modulation of the level of protein in the maternal diet regulates mTORC1 activity, resulting in subtle but distinct changes in the craniofacial shape of the embryos,” the researchers explained. Facial features of children linked to protein The researchers found that high-protein diets in mothers led to stronger, sharper jawlines and bigger noses in children. On the other hand, a low protein diet led to slimmer, pointier features. Simply put, a mother’s protein intake has a significant influence on the shape and size of the nose or jaw of their children. Mother’s diet linked to the health of children Previous studies have linked the mother’s diet to the health of newborn babies already. For example, the vegan diet of mothers has been linked to lower weight in children at the time of birth. A study published earlier this year found that mothers who were obese were more likely to give birth to children facing heightened risk of metabolic conditions — such as fatty liver disease — later in life. Another study revealed that mothers who ate excessive processed foods could pass on harmful chemicals to their fetuses. How was the study conducted? To conduct the study, scientists observed behaviours in pregnant mice and zebrafish. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report × Scientists took genetically manipulated animals and observed changes in their offspring by making changes in their nutrition levels. Significance The study suggests that maternal nutrition could have a long-lasting impact on offspring, which might help them evolve according to certain environmental conditions. Also read: Scientists find 12,000-year-old preserved human brains resisting decomposition “In summary, we have demonstrated here that the mTORC1 pathway modulates the embryonic shaping of craniofacial skeletal elements at the stage of chondrogenic condensations, with subsequent fine-tuning during intercalation of chondro-progenitors,” wrote the study authors. “Furthermore, we provide evidence for an impact of maternal protein intake during pregnancy on the shaping of fetal craniofacial cartilage,” they added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Long nose, sharp jaw line:’ Study finds mother’s diet directly impacts facial features of children in womb

Over 13,000 children have been killed in Gaza since the war. While those living are barely making it. Malnutrition is spreading like wildfire in the besieged strip. And it's biggest victims - the young. Watch for more details!

Children of Gaza: A traumatised generation

In a gruesome incident reported in India's Uttar Pradesh Budaun, a man hacked two children to death in Baba Colony on Tuesday (Mar 19) and was later killed in a police encounter, reported Indian news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The man, who was a barber by profession, came into the house of one of his acquaintances with whom he had a dispute and killed his two children.&nbsp;

In a police encounter, the murderer was shot dead after he fired at the cops while fleeing, said the police on Wednesday (Mar 20).&nbsp;

The incident has led to a tense scenario in the city and the situation is now under control, said the police.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sandip-patel-indian-origin-man-who-stabbed-sex-worker-140-times-691922">Who is Sandip Patel, Indian-origin man who stabbed sex worker 140 times in UK?</a>

According to the police, the accused has been identified as Sajid, who had a barber shop opposite the house of the victim in Baba Colony and was an acquaintance of the children's father, Vinod.&nbsp;

The man on Tuesday evening (Mar 19), entered their house and asked for tea from the family members, said the police.

Once the elders left the room, the man climbed to the terrace where three children of Vinod - Aayush (13), Ahaan (7) and Piyush (6) - were present.

The man slit the throats of the two elder children and also attacked Piyush before running away from the crime scene, said the police.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | | Budaun (Uttar Pradesh) Double Murder Case: Police officials inspect the house of the deceased children in Budaun. 
 
Two children were murdered in Baba Colony near the Mandi Samiti outpost yesterday. The accused was killed in retaliatory firing by the Police. <a href="https://t.co/m6HHSJHS5v">pic.twitter.com/m6HHSJHS5v</a>
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While Aayush and Ahaan lost their lives in the incident, Piyush suffered minor injuries.

Soon after, the police caught Sajid, however, he tried to attack the police and was killed in a police encounter.&nbsp;

As per the police, Sajid murdered the two children because of an ongoing dispute with their father.&nbsp;

<h2>Police conduct flag march after protest by locals</h2>

The police deployed heavy police security at the Baba Colony which is located near the Mandi Samiti outpost as angry people took to the streets and protested against the ghastly murders.

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Two children were murdered in Baba Colony near the Mandi Samiti outpost yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/drheLoBIoV">pic.twitter.com/drheLoBIoV</a>
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The agitators also set a shop on fire after the incident in Baba Colony. The police said that the situation had been brought under control.

Budaun&nbsp;District Magistrate Manoj Kumar said that they were informed about the murder and the protest by the locals.&nbsp;

"We received information this evening that a man entered a house and murdered two young children. After this, there was an agitation amongst the people... The people have been asked to maintain peace and the bodies have been sent for postmortem... The reason for the murder is not clear yet," said Kumar.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian family of four found dead in murder-suicide case in U.S, police finds bodies during check

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The police officers and security personnel also conducted a flag march in the city on Wednesday morning (Mar 20).&nbsp;

Speaking about the case, SSP Budaun, Alok Priyadarshi said, "The accused Sajid...entered the house yesterday at around 7:30 pm and went to the terrace where the children were playing. He attacked the two children and murdered them. He then came down where the crowd tried to hold him back but he escaped. Police teams swung into action when they got to know that the accused had escaped. The accused fired at the police and was killed in retaliatory fire."

"The murder weapon and the revolver have been recovered. In the FIR, the family of the deceased children has also named the brother, Javed of the accused. Teams are working to find him and he will be arrested soon. According to the family, the accused had demanded Rs 5,000 from the father of the deceased children," he added.&nbsp;

The police have detained the father and uncle of accused Sajid for questioning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a gruesome incident reported in India's Uttar Pradesh Budaun, a man hacked two children to death in Baba Colony on Tuesday (Mar 19) and was later killed in a police encounter, reported Indian news agency ANI.

In a gruesome incident reported in India's Uttar Pradesh Budaun, a man hacked two children to death in Baba Colony on Tuesday (Mar 19) and was later killed in a police encounter, reported Indian news agency ANI. The man, who was a barber by profession, came into the house of one of his acquaintances with whom he had a dispute and killed his two children. In a police encounter, the murderer was shot dead after he fired at the cops while fleeing, said the police on Wednesday (Mar 20). The incident has led to a tense scenario in the city and the situation is now under control, said the police. Also Read: Who is Sandip Patel, Indian-origin man who stabbed sex worker 140 times in UK? According to the police, the accused has been identified as Sajid, who had a barber shop opposite the house of the victim in Baba Colony and was an acquaintance of the children's father, Vinod. The man on Tuesday evening (Mar 19), entered their house and asked for tea from the family members, said the police. Once the elders left the room, the man climbed to the terrace where three children of Vinod - Aayush (13), Ahaan (7) and Piyush (6) - were present. The man slit the throats of the two elder children and also attacked Piyush before running away from the crime scene, said the police. #WATCH | | Budaun (Uttar Pradesh) Double Murder Case: Police officials inspect the house of the deceased children in Budaun. Two children were murdered in Baba Colony near the Mandi Samiti outpost yesterday. The accused was killed in retaliatory firing by the Police. pic.twitter.com/m6HHSJHS5v — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2024 × While Aayush and Ahaan lost their lives in the incident, Piyush suffered minor injuries. Soon after, the police caught Sajid, however, he tried to attack the police and was killed in a police encounter. As per the police, Sajid murdered the two children because of an ongoing dispute with their father. Police conduct flag march after protest by locals The police deployed heavy police security at the Baba Colony which is located near the Mandi Samiti outpost as angry people took to the streets and protested against the ghastly murders. #WATCH | Budaun (Uttar Pradesh) Double Murder Case | Police officers and security personnel conduct flag march in the city this morning. Two children were murdered in Baba Colony near the Mandi Samiti outpost yesterday. pic.twitter.com/drheLoBIoV — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2024 × The agitators also set a shop on fire after the incident in Baba Colony. The police said that the situation had been brought under control. Budaun District Magistrate Manoj Kumar said that they were informed about the murder and the protest by the locals. "We received information this evening that a man entered a house and murdered two young children. After this, there was an agitation amongst the people... The people have been asked to maintain peace and the bodies have been sent for postmortem... The reason for the murder is not clear yet," said Kumar. Watch: Indian family of four found dead in murder-suicide case in U.S, police finds bodies during check The police officers and security personnel also conducted a flag march in the city on Wednesday morning (Mar 20). Speaking about the case, SSP Budaun, Alok Priyadarshi said, "The accused Sajid...entered the house yesterday at around 7:30 pm and went to the terrace where the children were playing. He attacked the two children and murdered them. He then came down where the crowd tried to hold him back but he escaped. Police teams swung into action when they got to know that the accused had escaped. The accused fired at the police and was killed in retaliatory fire." "The murder weapon and the revolver have been recovered. In the FIR, the family of the deceased children has also named the brother, Javed of the accused. Teams are working to find him and he will be arrested soon. According to the family, the accused had demanded Rs 5,000 from the father of the deceased children," he added. The police have detained the father and uncle of accused Sajid for questioning. (With inputs from agencies)

UP double murder horror: Barber brutally kills two children in Budaun, dies in police encounter

An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2022, a 51 per cent decrease since 2000 and a 62 per cent drop since 1990, according to a UNICEF report, which still warned such progress is "precarious" and unequal.

"There is a lot of good news, and the major one is that we have come to a historic level of under-five mortality, which… reached under 5 million for the first time, so it is 4.9 million per year," Helga Fogstad, director of health at the UN children's agency UNICEF, told AFP.

According to the report, prepared by UNICEF in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, progress was particularly notable in developing countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and Mongolia, where early childhood mortality has fallen by more than 75 per cent since 2000.&nbsp;

"Behind these numbers lie the stories of midwives and skilled health personnel helping mothers safely deliver their newborns... vaccinating... children against deadly diseases, and (making) home visits to support families," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement.&nbsp;

But "this is a precarious achievement," the report warned. "Progress is at risk of stagnation or reversal unless efforts are taken to neutralise the numerous threats to newborn and child health and survival."

Researchers pointed to already worrying signs, saying that the reduction in under-five deaths has slowed at the global level and notably in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

In total, 162 million children under the age of five have died since 2000, 72 million of whom perished in the first month of life, as complications related to birth are among the main causes of early childhood mortality.&nbsp;

Between the ages of one month and five years, respiratory infections, malaria, and diarrhoea become the main killers — ailments which are all preventable, the report points out.

In order to reach the UN's goal of reducing under-five deaths to 25 per 1,000 births by 2030, 59 countries will need urgent investment in children's health, researchers warned. Without adequate funding, 64 countries will miss the goal of limiting first-month deaths to 12 per 1,000 births.&nbsp;

"These are not just numbers on a page; they represent real lives cut short," the report said.&nbsp;

The numbers also reveal glaring inequalities across the world, as the sub-Saharan Africa region accounted for half of all deaths of children under the age of five in 2022.&nbsp;

A baby born in countries with high early childhood mortality, such as Chad, Nigeria or Somalia, is 80 times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than a baby born in countries with low childhood mortality rates, such as Finland, Japan, and Singapore.&nbsp;

"Where a child is born should not dictate whether they live or die," WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2022, a 51 per cent decrease since 2000 and a 62 per cent drop since 1990, according to a UNICEF report, which still warned such progress is "precarious" and unequal.

An estimated 4.9 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2022, a 51 per cent decrease since 2000 and a 62 per cent drop since 1990, according to a UNICEF report, which still warned such progress is "precarious" and unequal. "There is a lot of good news, and the major one is that we have come to a historic level of under-five mortality, which… reached under 5 million for the first time, so it is 4.9 million per year," Helga Fogstad, director of health at the UN children's agency UNICEF, told AFP. According to the report, prepared by UNICEF in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, progress was particularly notable in developing countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and Mongolia, where early childhood mortality has fallen by more than 75 per cent since 2000. "Behind these numbers lie the stories of midwives and skilled health personnel helping mothers safely deliver their newborns... vaccinating... children against deadly diseases, and (making) home visits to support families," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. But "this is a precarious achievement," the report warned. "Progress is at risk of stagnation or reversal unless efforts are taken to neutralise the numerous threats to newborn and child health and survival." Researchers pointed to already worrying signs, saying that the reduction in under-five deaths has slowed at the global level and notably in the sub-Saharan Africa region. In total, 162 million children under the age of five have died since 2000, 72 million of whom perished in the first month of life, as complications related to birth are among the main causes of early childhood mortality. Between the ages of one month and five years, respiratory infections, malaria, and diarrhoea become the main killers — ailments which are all preventable, the report points out. In order to reach the UN's goal of reducing under-five deaths to 25 per 1,000 births by 2030, 59 countries will need urgent investment in children's health, researchers warned. Without adequate funding, 64 countries will miss the goal of limiting first-month deaths to 12 per 1,000 births. "These are not just numbers on a page; they represent real lives cut short," the report said. The numbers also reveal glaring inequalities across the world, as the sub-Saharan Africa region accounted for half of all deaths of children under the age of five in 2022. A baby born in countries with high early childhood mortality, such as Chad, Nigeria or Somalia, is 80 times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than a baby born in countries with low childhood mortality rates, such as Finland, Japan, and Singapore. "Where a child is born should not dictate whether they live or die," WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Global child mortality rate sees significant decline but UNICEF warns of stagnation

At least 287 people were taken hostage by gunmen on Thursday, March 7, when they broke into a school in the northwest of the country, according to the headmaster, who informed authorities that this was the country's second mass kidnapping in less than a week.

Gravitas | Nigeria: Gunmen attack school in Northwest Nigeria, abducts 200+ children

Peppa Pig is a pink funny and entertaining what's not to like right? But American parents think otherwise. They have a long list of why Peppa Pig should be a big no no for their kids a long list of reasons for that. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | American parents fear that 'Peppa Pig' makes your children bratty

Insufficient Food Supplies alarming malnutrition rates and rapidly spreading diseases are threatening the lives of children in Gaza. United Nations has reported that at least one in four families are facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity. UNICEF has estimated that in the coming weeks at least 10,000 children under the age of five will suffer from the most life-threatening form of malnutrition. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Over 10,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition: UNICEF

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies. Her comments echo a recent controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court.

Haley, the last major 2024 Republican presidential challenger to frontrunner Donald Trump, has added fuel to the debate over the status of embryos in IVF procedures and the legal implications of considering them as children. With the 2024 presidential race gaining heat in the US, the issue is likely to remain contentious.

Here's all you need to know about the 'embryos are babies' issue.

<h2>What is IVF, and what are embryos?</h2>

IVF or In-vitro fertilisation is a popular fertilisation method available to childless individuals. It uses eggs from a biologically female individual and sperm from a biologically male person to create embryos.

Here, embryos refer to the initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, the term embryo is used to refer to a pregnancy until the end of the seventh week following conception.

IVF combines egg and sperm to grow embryos in the culture medium until they are implanted in the uterus.

<h2>Alabama Supreme court ruling on embryos</h2>

On Friday (Feb 16), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state's laws, and that they are entitled to the same right as other unborn children.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-supreme-court-rules-frozen-embryos-are-children-692287">US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children'</a>

Passing the 7-2 majority ruling, Justice Jay Mitchell wrote "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics".

The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court was issued in response to wrongful death cases involving destroyed embryos. In 2021, a patient at a fertility clinic in Mobile had allegedly broken into an IVF freezer and dropped several trays containing embryos. The case was brought against the fertility clinic, and after the top court ruling, three couples can now sue the facility for wrongful death.

<h2>Nikki Haley's comments&nbsp;</h2>

On Wednesday (Feb 21), speaking during a TV interview with NBC News, the presidential candidate addressing the Alabama court ruling remarked, "Embryos, to me, are babies."

"When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that's a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that," said Haley.

However, when asked about the potential ramifications of the decision, she chose a softer approach and said: "This is one where we need to be incredibly respectful and sensitive about it."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/embryos-are-babies-nikki-haley-agrees-with-alabama-supreme-court-ivf-ruling-692583">'Embryos are babies': Nikki Haley agrees with Alabama Supreme Court's IVF ruling</a>

In another interview later the same day — with CNN, she clarified that her remarks didn't mean she agreed with the court ruling.&nbsp;

"I didn't say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling," she said, adding "Our goal is to always do what the parents want with their embryo. It is theirs."

Nikki has campaigned as an anti-abortion presidential contender, reports ABC News. However, seeking to differentiate herself from the Republican field, she tends to voice a less strict tone on the issue.&nbsp;

<h2>Concerns over the court ruling</h2>

The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos has raised concerns among IVF patients and doctors, with some unsure about how to proceed with treatments.&nbsp;

Following the ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has&nbsp;temporarily stopped IVF treatments due to fears of legal repercussions and said: "We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments."

Watch |&nbsp;Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision

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The&nbsp;decision has been met with criticism, from experts who warn that it could have a devastating impact on people suffering from infertility and hoping to utilise IVF.

"We know for all these years that we've been doing IVF not only in the United States, but around the world, there is no moment of conception. This is a group of cells. We know that not every embryo even gets to a stage of several days, let alone a live birth. And so to say that every single embryo is a child is just factually incorrect, flies in the face of science, and it is an affront to the millions of babies that have been born through IVF and this process," Barbara Collura, President and CEO of infertility advocacy group Resolve, told Reuters.

On X, Vice President Kamala Harris called the decision "outrageous" and said it would rob "women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family."

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— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1760417615019757924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Criticising the decision, the White House, said it would create chaos for American families.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision reflected the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and blamed Republican elected officials from blocking access to reproductive and emergency care to women.

"This president and this vice president will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabamas-largest-hospital-pauses-ivf-after-sc-says-frozen-embryos-are-children-692515">Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children</a>

In the upcoming elections, abortion rights is likely to be a key issue. On one hand, Democrats are likely to utilise it to draw more Democrats and some independent and Republican voters to US President Joe Biden.

His likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, however, is known for his anti-abortion stand, and has gone as far to take credit for the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Polls have shown that most voters oppose candidates who favour strict abortion restrictions. Will the issue sway the 2024 US Presidential elections? Only time will tell.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies.

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies. Her comments echo a recent controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court. Haley, the last major 2024 Republican presidential challenger to frontrunner Donald Trump, has added fuel to the debate over the status of embryos in IVF procedures and the legal implications of considering them as children. With the 2024 presidential race gaining heat in the US, the issue is likely to remain contentious. Here's all you need to know about the 'embryos are babies' issue. What is IVF, and what are embryos? IVF or In-vitro fertilisation is a popular fertilisation method available to childless individuals. It uses eggs from a biologically female individual and sperm from a biologically male person to create embryos. Here, embryos refer to the initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, the term embryo is used to refer to a pregnancy until the end of the seventh week following conception. IVF combines egg and sperm to grow embryos in the culture medium until they are implanted in the uterus. Alabama Supreme court ruling on embryos On Friday (Feb 16), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state's laws, and that they are entitled to the same right as other unborn children. Also read | US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' Passing the 7-2 majority ruling, Justice Jay Mitchell wrote "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics". The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court was issued in response to wrongful death cases involving destroyed embryos. In 2021, a patient at a fertility clinic in Mobile had allegedly broken into an IVF freezer and dropped several trays containing embryos. The case was brought against the fertility clinic, and after the top court ruling, three couples can now sue the facility for wrongful death. Nikki Haley's comments On Wednesday (Feb 21), speaking during a TV interview with NBC News, the presidential candidate addressing the Alabama court ruling remarked, "Embryos, to me, are babies." "When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that's a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that," said Haley. However, when asked about the potential ramifications of the decision, she chose a softer approach and said: "This is one where we need to be incredibly respectful and sensitive about it." Also read | 'Embryos are babies': Nikki Haley agrees with Alabama Supreme Court's IVF ruling In another interview later the same day — with CNN, she clarified that her remarks didn't mean she agreed with the court ruling. "I didn't say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling," she said, adding "Our goal is to always do what the parents want with their embryo. It is theirs." Nikki has campaigned as an anti-abortion presidential contender, reports ABC News. However, seeking to differentiate herself from the Republican field, she tends to voice a less strict tone on the issue. Concerns over the court ruling The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos has raised concerns among IVF patients and doctors, with some unsure about how to proceed with treatments. Following the ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has temporarily stopped IVF treatments due to fears of legal repercussions and said: "We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments." Watch | Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision × The decision has been met with criticism, from experts who warn that it could have a devastating impact on people suffering from infertility and hoping to utilise IVF. "We know for all these years that we've been doing IVF not only in the United States, but around the world, there is no moment of conception. This is a group of cells. We know that not every embryo even gets to a stage of several days, let alone a live birth. And so to say that every single embryo is a child is just factually incorrect, flies in the face of science, and it is an affront to the millions of babies that have been born through IVF and this process," Barbara Collura, President and CEO of infertility advocacy group Resolve, told Reuters. On X, Vice President Kamala Harris called the decision "outrageous" and said it would rob "women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family." This decision is outrageous—and it is already robbing women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family. https://t.co/N04pReaM2B — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 21, 2024 × Criticising the decision, the White House, said it would create chaos for American families. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision reflected the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and blamed Republican elected officials from blocking access to reproductive and emergency care to women. "This president and this vice president will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state," he added. Also read | Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children In the upcoming elections, abortion rights is likely to be a key issue. On one hand, Democrats are likely to utilise it to draw more Democrats and some independent and Republican voters to US President Joe Biden. His likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, however, is known for his anti-abortion stand, and has gone as far to take credit for the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Polls have shown that most voters oppose candidates who favour strict abortion restrictions. Will the issue sway the 2024 US Presidential elections? Only time will tell. (With inputs from agencies)

WION Explains: The 'embryos are babies' debate and how it will affect 2024 US Presidential elections

The largest hospital in Alabama, United States has placed a halt on vitro fertilisation procedures after the state’s supreme court delivered the first-of-its-kind decision in which it ruled that frozen embryos are “children”.

Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that frozen embryos should be considered children and that any person can be held liable for destroying them accidentally has now started a new debate in the United States.

The southern US state's hospital took the decision to pause its in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services after the court's ruling as it feared that they could be exposed to criminal prosecution.

The health system of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said that they will continue retrieving eggs from the ovaries of women.&nbsp;

However, it said that the next step they take in the IVF process will be stopped. In the next step, they fertilise the eggs with sperm before they are implanted into the uterus.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-supreme-court-rules-frozen-embryos-are-children-692287">US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children'</a>

"We are saddened that this will impact our patients' attempt to have a baby through IVF," said the leading state medical provider, in a statement.

"But we must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the lawsuit and what was the decision made by the court?</h2>

The case has emerged from a wrongful death lawsuit which was filed by three couples after a fertility clinic lost their embryos in 2020.

A person had entered the place where the embryos were kept, handled them and dropped them accidentally. Because of that, the embryos were destroyed.

The couples also took steps to sue the Center for Reproductive Medicine and the Mobile Infirmary Association under the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act of the state. The law includes foetuses but does not specifically include embryos which are created from IVF.

Watch:&nbsp;Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision

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However, the Alabama Supreme Court in its ruling extended support to the couples and ruled that frozen embryos were considered "children".

The wrongful death law applied to "all unborn children, regardless of their location", the court said, in its decision.

Agreeing with the opinion of the majority, Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote: "Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory."

The ruling does not restrict or ban IVF and even the couples who filed the case actively sought out the procedure.

(With inputs from agencies)

The largest hospital in Alabama, United States has placed a halt on vitro fertilisation procedures after the state’s supreme court delivered the first-of-its-kind decision in which it ruled that frozen embryos are “children”.

The largest hospital in Alabama, United States has placed a halt on vitro fertilisation procedures after the state’s supreme court delivered the first-of-its-kind decision in which it ruled that frozen embryos are “children”. Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that frozen embryos should be considered children and that any person can be held liable for destroying them accidentally has now started a new debate in the United States. The southern US state's hospital took the decision to pause its in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services after the court's ruling as it feared that they could be exposed to criminal prosecution. The health system of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said that they will continue retrieving eggs from the ovaries of women. However, it said that the next step they take in the IVF process will be stopped. In the next step, they fertilise the eggs with sperm before they are implanted into the uterus. Also Read: US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' "We are saddened that this will impact our patients' attempt to have a baby through IVF," said the leading state medical provider, in a statement. "But we must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments," it added. What was the lawsuit and what was the decision made by the court? The case has emerged from a wrongful death lawsuit which was filed by three couples after a fertility clinic lost their embryos in 2020. A person had entered the place where the embryos were kept, handled them and dropped them accidentally. Because of that, the embryos were destroyed. The couples also took steps to sue the Center for Reproductive Medicine and the Mobile Infirmary Association under the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act of the state. The law includes foetuses but does not specifically include embryos which are created from IVF. Watch: Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision However, the Alabama Supreme Court in its ruling extended support to the couples and ruled that frozen embryos were considered "children". The wrongful death law applied to "all unborn children, regardless of their location", the court said, in its decision. Agreeing with the opinion of the majority, Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote: "Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory." The ruling does not restrict or ban IVF and even the couples who filed the case actively sought out the procedure. (With inputs from agencies)

Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children

Good looks are not just a determinant for a good date in the era of swiping left or right over smartphone dating apps. It has now emerged that the children of so-called 'hot parents' earn more than the individuals who are the offspring of more average-looking couples, according to new research by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research.

The study titled "The Economic Impact of Heritable Physical Traits: Hot Parents, Rich Kid?", has delved into the relationship between the attractiveness of parents and the financial success of their offspring.&nbsp;

<h2>How was the study done?</h2>

The comprehensive analysis utilised existing datasets, examining the appeal of parents and their children, as well as the subsequent earnings of the latter.&nbsp;

The investigation spanned families in the United States and China, while also encompassing the billionaire demographic globally.

Also watch |&nbsp;Study reveals the science behind why we find certain people attractive

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Rather than relying on mathematical measurements such as facial symmetry, the study gauged attractiveness based on assessments from other individuals.&nbsp;

The research brought to light a significant revelation: for every standard deviation above the average looks of their parents, a child's annual earnings surged by over $2,300.

Economist Daniel Hamermesh, a key contributor to the report, told Euro News that beyond conventional assets like property and savings, good looks could be considered an inherited asset, contributing to enhanced income across generations.

"Better-looking people are more likely to be financially and professionally successful throughout their lives,"&nbsp;Hamermesh said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-study-reveals-the-science-behind-why-we-find-certain-people-attractive-585613">Study reveals the science behind why we find certain people attractive</a>

Explaining the dual impact of this phenomenon, he continued, "It's twofold, your parents being good-looking makes you look good-looking, and that helps you do well. But it's also because if your parents were good-looking, that means they have more money to give you."

Having studied the correlation between success and attractiveness for over a decade, Hamermesh consistently found that attractive individuals are more likely to secure employment and receive higher salaries compared to their less-attractive counterparts. He stressed the underestimated role looks play in determining one's odds of success.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

Acknowledging the somber nature of the findings, Hamermesh likened it to other forms of discrimination, stating, "It's exactly the same as any other kind of discrimination."&nbsp;

Despite this, he expressed hope that the research would increase awareness of biases toward better-looking individuals, leading to corrective measures.

Hamermesh advocated for consciousness in combating discrimination, asserting, "If you're conscious of the fact that you're discriminating, you're much less likely to do so." He believed that making people aware of such biases could mitigate their detrimental impact.

In the United States, activists are pushing for an extension of anti-discrimination laws to cover individual attributes.&nbsp;

New York took a step in this direction last year by introducing measures to prevent discrimination based on weight in housing and employment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Good looks are not just a determinant for a good date in the era of swiping left or right over smartphone dating apps. It has now emerged that the children of so-called 'hot parents' earn more than the individuals who are the offspring of more average-looking couples, according to new research by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research.

Good looks are not just a determinant for a good date in the era of swiping left or right over smartphone dating apps. It has now emerged that the children of so-called 'hot parents' earn more than the individuals who are the offspring of more average-looking couples, according to new research by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research. The study titled "The Economic Impact of Heritable Physical Traits: Hot Parents, Rich Kid?", has delved into the relationship between the attractiveness of parents and the financial success of their offspring. How was the study done? The comprehensive analysis utilised existing datasets, examining the appeal of parents and their children, as well as the subsequent earnings of the latter. The investigation spanned families in the United States and China, while also encompassing the billionaire demographic globally. Also watch | Study reveals the science behind why we find certain people attractive × Rather than relying on mathematical measurements such as facial symmetry, the study gauged attractiveness based on assessments from other individuals. The research brought to light a significant revelation: for every standard deviation above the average looks of their parents, a child's annual earnings surged by over $2,300. Economist Daniel Hamermesh, a key contributor to the report, told Euro News that beyond conventional assets like property and savings, good looks could be considered an inherited asset, contributing to enhanced income across generations. "Better-looking people are more likely to be financially and professionally successful throughout their lives," Hamermesh said. Also read | Study reveals the science behind why we find certain people attractive Explaining the dual impact of this phenomenon, he continued, "It's twofold, your parents being good-looking makes you look good-looking, and that helps you do well. But it's also because if your parents were good-looking, that means they have more money to give you." Having studied the correlation between success and attractiveness for over a decade, Hamermesh consistently found that attractive individuals are more likely to secure employment and receive higher salaries compared to their less-attractive counterparts. He stressed the underestimated role looks play in determining one's odds of success. What does it mean? Acknowledging the somber nature of the findings, Hamermesh likened it to other forms of discrimination, stating, "It's exactly the same as any other kind of discrimination." Despite this, he expressed hope that the research would increase awareness of biases toward better-looking individuals, leading to corrective measures. Hamermesh advocated for consciousness in combating discrimination, asserting, "If you're conscious of the fact that you're discriminating, you're much less likely to do so." He believed that making people aware of such biases could mitigate their detrimental impact. In the United States, activists are pushing for an extension of anti-discrimination laws to cover individual attributes. New York took a step in this direction last year by introducing measures to prevent discrimination based on weight in housing and employment. (With inputs from agencies)

Inheritance of attraction? 'Hot parents' study claims children of attractive people earn more

India's poll body has issued a fresh directive ahead of general elections in India. What has the panel listed out as the do's and dont's for political parties?

India's Election Commission says keep children out of polls

An overwhelming majority of the Palestinians in the Gaza strip are descendants of refugees. And these descendants of refugees have been turned into refugees all over again. The Israel-Gaza war that has dragged on for more than 119 days now has sparked a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza strip. At this moment tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza strip, and an overwhelming 70% of those are said to young women and children. But the plight of those who are caught in this Israeli offensive is beyond what words can describe. In the biting cold of the winter, a huge number of the displaced Palestinians who have now been rendered homeless are living in tents. The humanitarian aid that is being allowed into the Gaza strip has been described as a drop in the ocean. And starvation, chronic hunger and disease has now become the reality of Gaza. Mohammed Saleh gets you more details

Starvation grips Gaza's Children as Israeli continues with deadly offensive

A couple in China who were executed for killing two children by&nbsp;throwing them&nbsp;out of an apartment building&nbsp;window&nbsp;wished to start a family together, reported the&nbsp;China Daily. The horrendous act by&nbsp;Zhang Bo and his girlfriend Ye Chengchen, who were meted stringent punishment, had led to&nbsp;countrywide outrage.

As per China Daily, the two are likely to have died after being given lethal injection on Wednesday (Jan 31), more than two years after their death sentence was approved by China's Supreme Court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-warns-chinese-hackers-wreaking-havoc-on-us-critical-infrastructure-685799">FBI chief warns Chinese hackers 'wreaking havoc' on US critical infrastructure</a>

The court had convicted Zhang of throwing his two children out of the window of the high-rise apartment on the 15th floor in 2020. The court also held Ye guilty of creating pressure on her boyfriend to kill the children.&nbsp;

Zhang had two children - a one-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl. His girlfriend mounted pressure on&nbsp;him to get rid of the children because she felt they were an "obstacle" in their relationship.

<h2>Zhang kept Ye in dark about his children: report</h2>

According to a&nbsp;New York Post&nbsp;report, Zhang started an affair with Ye without informing her that he had two children from his earlier marriage.

Zhang had divorced his then-wife Chen Meilin in February 2020, however, he was pressurised by Ye to take the life of his own children.&nbsp;

In the videos shared on Chinese social media, Zhang appeared grief-stricken because of the act he committed.&nbsp;

As per the outlet, the man was also seen sobbing uncontrollably and banging his head on the wall.

Watch:&nbsp;US disrupts Chinese hacking campaign targeting critical infrastructure

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Speaking to the police, Zhang claimed that the children "fell" when he was sleeping and said he woke up after hearing people shouting downstairs.&nbsp;

The children's mother was left shocked after she learnt that her children had died.&nbsp;

"The moment I heard my kids were actually thrown out of the 15th floor by their father and the mistress, I couldn't find any words to describe my feelings," said Chen, as reported by The New York Post.

"I couldn't imagine what my kids had experienced from the 15th floor to the ground. Were they desperate? Were they afraid?" she said.&nbsp;

The crime committed by Zhang and Ye' sent shock waves across China for its cold-blooded nature.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A couple in China who were executed for killing two children by throwing them out of an apartment building window wished to start a family together, reported the China Daily.

A couple in China who were executed for killing two children by throwing them out of an apartment building window wished to start a family together, reported the China Daily. The horrendous act by Zhang Bo and his girlfriend Ye Chengchen, who were meted stringent punishment, had led to countrywide outrage. As per China Daily, the two are likely to have died after being given lethal injection on Wednesday (Jan 31), more than two years after their death sentence was approved by China's Supreme Court. Also read: FBI chief warns Chinese hackers 'wreaking havoc' on US critical infrastructure The court had convicted Zhang of throwing his two children out of the window of the high-rise apartment on the 15th floor in 2020. The court also held Ye guilty of creating pressure on her boyfriend to kill the children. Zhang had two children - a one-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl. His girlfriend mounted pressure on him to get rid of the children because she felt they were an "obstacle" in their relationship. Zhang kept Ye in dark about his children: report According to a New York Post report, Zhang started an affair with Ye without informing her that he had two children from his earlier marriage. Zhang had divorced his then-wife Chen Meilin in February 2020, however, he was pressurised by Ye to take the life of his own children. In the videos shared on Chinese social media, Zhang appeared grief-stricken because of the act he committed. As per the outlet, the man was also seen sobbing uncontrollably and banging his head on the wall. Watch: US disrupts Chinese hacking campaign targeting critical infrastructure Speaking to the police, Zhang claimed that the children "fell" when he was sleeping and said he woke up after hearing people shouting downstairs. The children's mother was left shocked after she learnt that her children had died. "The moment I heard my kids were actually thrown out of the 15th floor by their father and the mistress, I couldn't find any words to describe my feelings," said Chen, as reported by The New York Post. "I couldn't imagine what my kids had experienced from the 15th floor to the ground. Were they desperate? Were they afraid?" she said. The crime committed by Zhang and Ye' sent shock waves across China for its cold-blooded nature. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese couple executed for murder of two children wished to start a new family: Report

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, while testifying in an ongoing hearing on online child safety before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, apologised to the families who claimed that their children have suffered harm from social media platforms.

After receiving a little push from Republican Senator Josh Hawley, Meta CEO Zuckerberg stood up and addressed the families who were holding pictures of their children who they claimed to have suffered because of social media.&nbsp;

"Would you like now to apologise to the victims who have been harmed by your product?" Hawley asked Zuckerberg, further pointing out the hearing was being broadcast on live television.

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NEW: Josh Hawley goes off on Mark Zuckerberg and forces him to stand up, turn around and apologize to families who were impacted by child exploitation on META platforms. 
 
Humiliating. 
 
"You didn't take any action. You didn't fire anybody." 
 
"There's families of victims here… <a href="https://t.co/YqRfWRVSlk">pic.twitter.com/YqRfWRVSlk</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1752749485070156025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Zuckerberg, who heads Instagram and Facebook, turned towards the families and said, "I'm sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-tiktok-x-ceos-grilled-at-us-senate-hearing-on-combating-online-child-exploitation-685605">Meta, TikTok, X CEOs grilled at US Senate hearing on combating online child exploitation</a>

During a contentious exchange, while aggressively criticising Zuckerberg, Hawley said, "Your product is killing people."

<h2>Tech giants face tough questions on child safety&nbsp;</h2>

Zuckerberg and the heads of TikTok, Snap, X and Discord were questioned for nearly four hours by senators from the two parties.&nbsp;

The lawmakers also asked the leaders of the tech giants to share what steps they are taking to protect children online. &nbsp;

Zuckerberg along with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew voluntarily agreed to testify, however, heads of Snap, X (formerly Twitter) and Discord earlier refused and were provided government-issued subpoenas.

The families, who claimed that their children had killed or self-harmed themselves, sat behind the&nbsp;tech bosses

The families expressed their feelings and criticised the CEOs for their negligence, while at the same time appreciating the lawmakers when they asked tough questions.&nbsp;

Although the hearing mostly focused on protecting children from online sexual exploitation, the questions widely differed as the senators tried to get answers from five powerful executives who were under oath.

Watch:&nbsp;Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg wants to create top quality beef

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TikTok's Chew, when questioned if his company shared the data of US users with the Chinese government, denied it.&nbsp;

He said, "As a father of three young children myself I know the issues that we're discussing today are horrific and the nightmare of every parent" and accepted that his own children do not use TikTok due to the rules imposed in Singapore.

However, Zuckerberg, came under the most scrutiny as the Meta CEO as he testified for an eighth time before Congress.&nbsp;

"Mr.&nbsp;Zuckerberg, you and the companies before us, I know you don't mean it to be so, but you have blood on your hands. You have a product that's killing people," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

At one point, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said, "Mr Zuckerberg, what the hell were you thinking?" as he showed the tech boss an Instagram prompt which warned users that they are likely to see child sexual abuse material, but questioned if they would like to "see the results anyway".

Zuckerberg, speaking about the prompt, said the "basic science behind that" is "it's often helpful to, rather than just blocking it, to help direct them towards something that could be helpful". He further promised to "personally look into it".

(With inputs from agencies)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, while testifying in an ongoing hearing on online child safety before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, apologised to the families who claimed that their children have suffered harm from social media platforms.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, while testifying in an ongoing hearing on online child safety before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, apologised to the families who claimed that their children have suffered harm from social media platforms. After receiving a little push from Republican Senator Josh Hawley, Meta CEO Zuckerberg stood up and addressed the families who were holding pictures of their children who they claimed to have suffered because of social media. "Would you like now to apologise to the victims who have been harmed by your product?" Hawley asked Zuckerberg, further pointing out the hearing was being broadcast on live television. NEW: Josh Hawley goes off on Mark Zuckerberg and forces him to stand up, turn around and apologize to families who were impacted by child exploitation on META platforms. Humiliating. "You didn't take any action. You didn't fire anybody." "There's families of victims here… pic.twitter.com/YqRfWRVSlk — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 31, 2024 × Zuckerberg, who heads Instagram and Facebook, turned towards the families and said, "I'm sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer." Also read: Meta, TikTok, X CEOs grilled at US Senate hearing on combating online child exploitation During a contentious exchange, while aggressively criticising Zuckerberg, Hawley said, "Your product is killing people." Tech giants face tough questions on child safety Zuckerberg and the heads of TikTok, Snap, X and Discord were questioned for nearly four hours by senators from the two parties. The lawmakers also asked the leaders of the tech giants to share what steps they are taking to protect children online. Zuckerberg along with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew voluntarily agreed to testify, however, heads of Snap, X (formerly Twitter) and Discord earlier refused and were provided government-issued subpoenas. The families, who claimed that their children had killed or self-harmed themselves, sat behind the tech bosses The families expressed their feelings and criticised the CEOs for their negligence, while at the same time appreciating the lawmakers when they asked tough questions. Although the hearing mostly focused on protecting children from online sexual exploitation, the questions widely differed as the senators tried to get answers from five powerful executives who were under oath. Watch: Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg wants to create top quality beef TikTok's Chew, when questioned if his company shared the data of US users with the Chinese government, denied it. He said, "As a father of three young children myself I know the issues that we're discussing today are horrific and the nightmare of every parent" and accepted that his own children do not use TikTok due to the rules imposed in Singapore. However, Zuckerberg, came under the most scrutiny as the Meta CEO as he testified for an eighth time before Congress. "Mr. Zuckerberg, you and the companies before us, I know you don't mean it to be so, but you have blood on your hands. You have a product that's killing people," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. At one point, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said, "Mr Zuckerberg, what the hell were you thinking?" as he showed the tech boss an Instagram prompt which warned users that they are likely to see child sexual abuse material, but questioned if they would like to "see the results anyway". Zuckerberg, speaking about the prompt, said the "basic science behind that" is "it's often helpful to, rather than just blocking it, to help direct them towards something that could be helpful". He further promised to "personally look into it". (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families

A troubling report has emerged highlighting the surge of child abuse online more than 90% of websites have been found to feature images exalted from victims as young as three. According to UK-based internet watch foundation's 2023 report over 90% of these illegal websites showcased self-generated images.

Reports find 90% of child sexual abuse content to be self-created

A study has revealed that children who live close to green spaces have better bone strength in comparison to those who do not. This was revealed as researchers explored the connection between early-life exposure to residential green spaces and changes in bone mineral density among young children.

The study was conducted as part of the Environmental Influence on Ageing in Early Life (ENVIRONAGE) birth cohort in Belgium and focussed on 327 children aged four to six in a region of Flanders, Belgium&nbsp;to analyse bone strength.

The research utilised rigorous methods, including quantitative ultrasonography to assess bone mineral density.

It revealed that bone mineral density increased with the child's age and height but not much with other factors such as sex, weight, screen time, ethnicity, vitamin intake, dairy consumption, maternal education level, or neighbourhood income.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-osiris-rex-makes-progress-two-fasteners-removed-opens-access-to-bennu-asteroid-sample-679761">OSIRIS-REx makes progress: NASA unlocks fasteners, gets access to Bennu asteroid sample</a>

One of the key findings indicated a positive association between residential green space exposure and bone mineral density.&nbsp;The risk of having low bone mineral density was inversely related to green space exposure.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/game-changing-x-59-quiet-supersonic-aircraft-unveiled-by-nasa-lockheed-martin-679572">Game changer! X-59 'quiet' supersonic aircraft unveiled by NASA, Lockheed Martin</a>

The findings indicated that children residing within 1,000 metres of their homes, where there was a 25 per cent increase in green space, experienced a 66 per cent reduction in the likelihood of having extremely low bone density.

Gender differences were not observed among the participants in the study.

“The stronger the bone mass is during childhood, the more capacity you have for later in life,” Hasselt University Prof Tim Nawrot reportedly said.

“So the real public health message from this study is that urban planners can make stronger bones of children, and that has long-lasting consequences,"&nbsp;Nawrot added.&nbsp;

WATCH | More Children are perpetrating sexual abuse than adults&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, even after adjusting for factors like screen time, dairy consumption, season, vitamin supplementation, and neighbourhood income.

The study's implications extend beyond mere correlations and show the potential of green spaces to positively influence childhood bone health.

As bone mass accumulation in early life significantly impacts lifelong bone strength and fracture risk, understanding the role of environmental factors, such as green spaces, becomes crucial in preventing osteoporosis later in life. However, further research is warranted into the study.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A study has revealed that children who live close to green spaces have better bone strength in comparison to those who do not. This was revealed as researchers explored the connection between early-life exposure to residential green spaces and changes in bone mineral density among young children.

A study has revealed that children who live close to green spaces have better bone strength in comparison to those who do not. This was revealed as researchers explored the connection between early-life exposure to residential green spaces and changes in bone mineral density among young children. The study was conducted as part of the Environmental Influence on Ageing in Early Life (ENVIRONAGE) birth cohort in Belgium and focussed on 327 children aged four to six in a region of Flanders, Belgium to analyse bone strength. The research utilised rigorous methods, including quantitative ultrasonography to assess bone mineral density. It revealed that bone mineral density increased with the child's age and height but not much with other factors such as sex, weight, screen time, ethnicity, vitamin intake, dairy consumption, maternal education level, or neighbourhood income. Also Read | OSIRIS-REx makes progress: NASA unlocks fasteners, gets access to Bennu asteroid sample One of the key findings indicated a positive association between residential green space exposure and bone mineral density. The risk of having low bone mineral density was inversely related to green space exposure. Also Read | Game changer! X-59 'quiet' supersonic aircraft unveiled by NASA, Lockheed Martin The findings indicated that children residing within 1,000 metres of their homes, where there was a 25 per cent increase in green space, experienced a 66 per cent reduction in the likelihood of having extremely low bone density. Gender differences were not observed among the participants in the study. “The stronger the bone mass is during childhood, the more capacity you have for later in life,” Hasselt University Prof Tim Nawrot reportedly said. “So the real public health message from this study is that urban planners can make stronger bones of children, and that has long-lasting consequences," Nawrot added. WATCH | More Children are perpetrating sexual abuse than adults × Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, even after adjusting for factors like screen time, dairy consumption, season, vitamin supplementation, and neighbourhood income. The study's implications extend beyond mere correlations and show the potential of green spaces to positively influence childhood bone health. As bone mass accumulation in early life significantly impacts lifelong bone strength and fracture risk, understanding the role of environmental factors, such as green spaces, becomes crucial in preventing osteoporosis later in life. However, further research is warranted into the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Living near green spaces boosts bone strength in children. Find out why

A new report on sexual abuse against children in the UK has revealed some shocking details. It says most of these crimes are being committed by children themselves. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | Study: More Children are perpetrating sexual abuse than adults

The new figures have revealed that other children had committed more than half of child sexual abuse offences reported in 2022. 
 
The police said that the rise in child-on-child abuse has been because of the easy access of smartphones and violent pornography to children. 
 
The data collected from 42 police forces in England and Wales showed that around 106,984 child sexual abuse offences were reported in 2022, which is an increase of 7.6 per cent from the previous year and more than five times the 20,000 cases recorded in 2013. 
 
In the landmark report, it was found that in 52 per cent of these cases, a child&nbsp;between the age of 10 to 17&nbsp;was involved as a suspect or perpetrator, which is up from a third in 2013.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-onboard-donkey-flight-not-missing-reports-are-false-gujarat-top-cop-675683">Child on board ‘donkey flight’ not missing, reports are false: Gujarat top cop</a>

As per the researchers, a four-year-old child, who had uploaded a sibling's indecent image to the internet through a smartphone, was the youngest child to have been reported by the police.

<h2 lang="en-US">Accessibility of violent pornography core of issue: Critchley</h2>

Till now, the police registered reports of 14,800 rapes and sexual assaults against children, between the age of 10 to 17, where the police had classed the suspect as a child and the overwhelming majority were boys. 
 
Speaking to The Guardian, NPCC lead for child protection Ian Critchley said: “This is predominantly a gender-based crime of boys committing offences against girls.”

Watch:&nbsp;Antony Blinken: Gaza war toll on civilians particularly children 'far too high'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/antony-blinken-gaza-war-toll-on-civilians-particularly-children-far-too-high-678404/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I think that is being exacerbated by the accessibility of violent pornography and the ease with which violent pornography is accessible to boys and, therefore, a perception that is [normal] behaviour, and that person can carry out that behaviour that they are seeing online in the most violent way against other peers as well,” he added. 
 
“Clearly the accessibility to smartphones has just rocketed, not just in relation to 11- to 16-year-olds, but in relation to under-10s as well. That accessibility has really exacerbated that and I think this is a debate that does need to be had in our society,” Critchley said. 
 
It was also reported that a third of attacks take place within the family which is the most common setting for abuse, and eight out of 10 victims had known their attacker in the past. The police said that it is estimated that only a few, like one in six offences, were reported to them.

(With inputs from agencies)

The new figures have revealed that other children had committed more than half of child sexual abuse offences reported in 2022. The police said that the rise in child-on-child abuse has been because of the easy access of smartphones and violent pornography to children.

The new figures have revealed that other children had committed more than half of child sexual abuse offences reported in 2022. The police said that the rise in child-on-child abuse has been because of the easy access of smartphones and violent pornography to children. The data collected from 42 police forces in England and Wales showed that around 106,984 child sexual abuse offences were reported in 2022, which is an increase of 7.6 per cent from the previous year and more than five times the 20,000 cases recorded in 2013. In the landmark report, it was found that in 52 per cent of these cases, a child between the age of 10 to 17 was involved as a suspect or perpetrator, which is up from a third in 2013. Also read: Child on board ‘donkey flight’ not missing, reports are false: Gujarat top cop As per the researchers, a four-year-old child, who had uploaded a sibling's indecent image to the internet through a smartphone, was the youngest child to have been reported by the police. Accessibility of violent pornography core of issue: Critchley Till now, the police registered reports of 14,800 rapes and sexual assaults against children, between the age of 10 to 17, where the police had classed the suspect as a child and the overwhelming majority were boys. Speaking to The Guardian, NPCC lead for child protection Ian Critchley said: “This is predominantly a gender-based crime of boys committing offences against girls.” Watch: Antony Blinken: Gaza war toll on civilians particularly children 'far too high' “I think that is being exacerbated by the accessibility of violent pornography and the ease with which violent pornography is accessible to boys and, therefore, a perception that is [normal] behaviour, and that person can carry out that behaviour that they are seeing online in the most violent way against other peers as well,” he added. “Clearly the accessibility to smartphones has just rocketed, not just in relation to 11- to 16-year-olds, but in relation to under-10s as well. That accessibility has really exacerbated that and I think this is a debate that does need to be had in our society,” Critchley said. It was also reported that a third of attacks take place within the family which is the most common setting for abuse, and eight out of 10 victims had known their attacker in the past. The police said that it is estimated that only a few, like one in six offences, were reported to them. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Children committing more than half of child sexual abuse crimes, says new data

UNICEF has reported that at least a thousand children in Gaza have had their limbs amputated without anaesthesia since the War began on October 7th. The United Nations body added that the continued shelling of Gaza would mean greenlighting the killing of more children.

Israel-Hamas war | UNICEF: 'Gaza the most dangerous place to be a child'

Israel-Hamas war: Over 1,000 children have had their limbs without anaesthesia

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