Every year on September 29, World Heart Day is observed worldwide as an opportunity to draw attention to growing heart health issues, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the effects of the critical nature of heart care.

This day came into effect between the World Health Federation and the World Health Organisation. The day was founded to increase awareness regarding different cardiovascular diseases and conditions.&nbsp;

The concept was first developed by Antoni Bayes de Luna, who presided over the World Heart Federation from 1997 to 1999. The day was first observed on September 24, 2000.&nbsp;However, up until 2011, the day was later designated as September 29. Over 90 nations came together to celebrate the global event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-worlds-oldest-heart-dating-back-380-million-years-discovered-in-australia-516894">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: World's oldest heart dating back 380 million years discovered in Australia</a>

The theme for this year is "Use Heart, For Every Heart."

'Use&nbsp;heart' means thinking differently, making appropriate choices, taking courageous actions, and engaging with this critical issue.

For every heart, it emphasises "FOR" and shifts the focus of the campaign from the activities themselves to the people who will benefit from it, allowing the drive to be more significant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-drink-multiple-cups-of-tea-lower-diabetes--heart-disease-risk-study-reveals-517339">Also read |&nbsp;Drink multiple cups of tea, lower diabetes &amp; heart disease risk, study reveals</a>

The ultimate goal of this day is to raise awareness of the behaviours that can prevent people from being predisposed to cardiovascular diseases and provide people with the necessary skills to manage potential risks related to the eminent organ of the body.&nbsp;

Due to the rising incidence of heart attacks and other related instances, they have gained attention as more and more individuals are now struggling with heart-related problems.&nbsp;

Everyone, regardless of age, should be aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and proper diet.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Every year on September 29, World Heart Day is observed worldwide as an opportunity to draw attention to growing heart health issues, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the effects of the critical nature of heart care.

Every year on September 29, World Heart Day is observed worldwide as an opportunity to draw attention to growing heart health issues, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the effects of the critical nature of heart care. This day came into effect between the World Health Federation and the World Health Organisation. The day was founded to increase awareness regarding different cardiovascular diseases and conditions. The concept was first developed by Antoni Bayes de Luna, who presided over the World Heart Federation from 1997 to 1999. The day was first observed on September 24, 2000. However, up until 2011, the day was later designated as September 29. Over 90 nations came together to celebrate the global event. Also read | Watch: World's oldest heart dating back 380 million years discovered in Australia The theme for this year is "Use Heart, For Every Heart." 'Use heart' means thinking differently, making appropriate choices, taking courageous actions, and engaging with this critical issue. For every heart, it emphasises "FOR" and shifts the focus of the campaign from the activities themselves to the people who will benefit from it, allowing the drive to be more significant. Also read | Drink multiple cups of tea, lower diabetes & heart disease risk, study reveals The ultimate goal of this day is to raise awareness of the behaviours that can prevent people from being predisposed to cardiovascular diseases and provide people with the necessary skills to manage potential risks related to the eminent organ of the body. Due to the rising incidence of heart attacks and other related instances, they have gained attention as more and more individuals are now struggling with heart-related problems. Everyone, regardless of age, should be aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and proper diet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know 

Do you walk 10,000 steps daily? Studies say that watching the pace of your steps may be more effective in keeping you healthy than checking off 10K steps daily. Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Do you walk 10,000 steps daily? Watch this.

The arduous work of European scientists to develop a genetically modified purple tomato that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-cancer qualities has now been approved by US regulators.

Published in Nature Biotechnology, the development of this functional food can aid in the prevention of some major illnesses.

In its statement, the USDA claimed that there is a very small chance that this plant will endanger the US from plant pests, indicating that it can be used and grown in the country without any risk. The European researchers are thrilled with the news of tomatoes' getting a go-ahead from the USDA.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organisation-wants-meat-eating-men-banned-from-having-sex-heres-why-519557">Also read |&nbsp;Organisation wants meat-eating men 'banned from having sex'. Here's why</a>

The year 2008 marked the successful development of purple tomatoes by researchers who extracted anthocyanins from Snapdragon flowers and then transformed them into red tomatoes to further produce purple-pigmented tomatoes.&nbsp;

The purple tomato contains a higher concentration of anthocyanins, which helps to protect the skin and internal organs from toxic toxins. The purple tomato's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics can also help stop age-related degenerative diseases, the Financial Express reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-yet-to-set-foot-on-mars-yet-the-red-planet-is-already-littered-with-7000-kgs-of-our-trash-519541">Also read |&nbsp;Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash</a>

Additionally, studies imply that these substances might cause a threat to health problems like obesity. The researchers further claimed that the pigment does not impart any unique flavour or smell to the fruit, but gives&nbsp;a slightly&nbsp;acidic taste.

The researchers examined the research on the mice's diet in order to discover how long the developed tomato would last for a caner-prone mouse. They further discovered that feeding such tomatoes to animals increased their lives.

By 2023, it is anticipated that it will be available for sale in the United States.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The arduous work of European scientists to develop a genetically modified purple tomato that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-cancer qualities has now been approved by US regulators.

The arduous work of European scientists to develop a genetically modified purple tomato that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-cancer qualities has now been approved by US regulators. Published in Nature Biotechnology, the development of this functional food can aid in the prevention of some major illnesses. In its statement, the USDA claimed that there is a very small chance that this plant will endanger the US from plant pests, indicating that it can be used and grown in the country without any risk. The European researchers are thrilled with the news of tomatoes' getting a go-ahead from the USDA. Also read | Organisation wants meat-eating men 'banned from having sex'. Here's why The year 2008 marked the successful development of purple tomatoes by researchers who extracted anthocyanins from Snapdragon flowers and then transformed them into red tomatoes to further produce purple-pigmented tomatoes. The purple tomato contains a higher concentration of anthocyanins, which helps to protect the skin and internal organs from toxic toxins. The purple tomato's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics can also help stop age-related degenerative diseases, the Financial Express reported. Also read | Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash Additionally, studies imply that these substances might cause a threat to health problems like obesity. The researchers further claimed that the pigment does not impart any unique flavour or smell to the fruit, but gives a slightly acidic taste. The researchers examined the research on the mice's diet in order to discover how long the developed tomato would last for a caner-prone mouse. They further discovered that feeding such tomatoes to animals increased their lives. By 2023, it is anticipated that it will be available for sale in the United States. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Researchers develop genetically modified purple tomatoes with anti-cancer properties

Israel will start vaccinating its population with variant-tailored second-generation coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer, which is better suited to fight against new COVID-19 strains, by the end of this month, according to a media report on Thursday.

The consignment of the vaccines landed in Israel on Tuesday and is expected to reach the clinics by the end of September, coronavirus task force chief Salman Zarka announced on Wednesday.

Zarka, however, did not specify as to how many new shots were delivered by Pfizer, The Times of Israel newspaper reported. 
 
He said they are expected to be available in clinics within two weeks or at least by the end of the month, the report said.

Zarka also did not share details of how the vaccines were to be administered. In the earlier phases, it started with front-line workers and those at high risk.

"The vaccines have already landed in Israel, and in the coming days they will be delivered to healthcare providers, and we'll be able to get started and administer them," Zarka was quoted as saying in the report.

He asserted that the vaccines are "very very much recommended"&nbsp;for those at-risk and for medical professionals, adding that they will also be made available to the general public.

Israel was one of the first nations to fully vaccinate its population. Some 4.5 million Israelis are already vaccinated with the third dose and about 800K&nbsp;lakh elderly and those at at-risk have been injected with a fourth dose. Over 4.5 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Israel since the start of the pandemic, with 11,667 recorded deaths.

The new vaccines, customised to the Omicron variant but interred to also hold up well to subsequent strains, have raised expectations and the scientific community is waiting to see their effectiveness as compared to the original vaccines.

"We are receiving the first update to vaccines after two years, which is exciting, but we are still missing data regarding the real-life effectiveness of the new shots,"&nbsp;leading immunologist professor Cyrille Cohen said.

Cohen, the head of Bar Ilan University's immunology lab, stressed that effectiveness, in this case, should not be judged by infection levels, but rather by cases of serious illness.

Based on the very limited research that exists, which mostly relies on mouse model studies and in-vitro observation, the immunologist expects gains in cutting infection to be "modest", but believes they "may well help to enhance protection against severe disease."

"For this reason, they are most important for vulnerable and old populations, people with comorbidities, or for the immunosuppressed,"&nbsp;Cohen was quoted as saying in the report.

Elaborating on the need to encourage taking new shots, the expert pointed out that research has shown that boosters give additional protection, albeit relatively short-lasting, and early studies indicate the updated shots are at least as effective as original vaccines.

"This means there is nothing to lose by taking new shots, and time may show there are notable benefits," he added.

Some indication about the vaccine's effectiveness can be studied within a few weeks by comparing the health of people who took updated shots and those who didn't, but it still won't provide a full answer on how much the new shots will help Israel through the winter,"&nbsp;the report said.

This is because nobody knows what variants could arise over the coming weeks.

"So far, it doesn't seem that new variants have appeared,"&nbsp;Cohen noted adding, "But this may change later in the fall and winter, so therefore, we can't predict what the effectiveness of the vaccines will be."

"The fact that we have access to updated vaccines, approved by regulators, is certainly good news for the most vulnerable with the coming of the winter," the immunologist stressed.

"But really, there is still some uncertainty as we don't know how well our defence systems will stand up until we know the nature of the attack, namely how many mutations the next variant has, where in the virus they occur, and how well the new vaccines can deal with them,"&nbsp;he said. 
&nbsp;

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Israel will start vaccinating its population with variant-tailored second-generation coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer, which is better suited to fight against new COVID-19 strains, by the end of this month, according to a media report on Thursday.

Israel will start vaccinating its population with variant-tailored second-generation coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer, which is better suited to fight against new COVID-19 strains, by the end of this month, according to a media report on Thursday. The consignment of the vaccines landed in Israel on Tuesday and is expected to reach the clinics by the end of September, coronavirus task force chief Salman Zarka announced on Wednesday. Zarka, however, did not specify as to how many new shots were delivered by Pfizer, The Times of Israel newspaper reported. He said they are expected to be available in clinics within two weeks or at least by the end of the month, the report said. Zarka also did not share details of how the vaccines were to be administered. In the earlier phases, it started with front-line workers and those at high risk. "The vaccines have already landed in Israel, and in the coming days they will be delivered to healthcare providers, and we'll be able to get started and administer them," Zarka was quoted as saying in the report. He asserted that the vaccines are "very very much recommended" for those at-risk and for medical professionals, adding that they will also be made available to the general public. Israel was one of the first nations to fully vaccinate its population. Some 4.5 million Israelis are already vaccinated with the third dose and about 800K lakh elderly and those at at-risk have been injected with a fourth dose. Over 4.5 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Israel since the start of the pandemic, with 11,667 recorded deaths. The new vaccines, customised to the Omicron variant but interred to also hold up well to subsequent strains, have raised expectations and the scientific community is waiting to see their effectiveness as compared to the original vaccines. "We are receiving the first update to vaccines after two years, which is exciting, but we are still missing data regarding the real-life effectiveness of the new shots," leading immunologist professor Cyrille Cohen said. Cohen, the head of Bar Ilan University's immunology lab, stressed that effectiveness, in this case, should not be judged by infection levels, but rather by cases of serious illness. Based on the very limited research that exists, which mostly relies on mouse model studies and in-vitro observation, the immunologist expects gains in cutting infection to be "modest", but believes they "may well help to enhance protection against severe disease." "For this reason, they are most important for vulnerable and old populations, people with comorbidities, or for the immunosuppressed," Cohen was quoted as saying in the report. Elaborating on the need to encourage taking new shots, the expert pointed out that research has shown that boosters give additional protection, albeit relatively short-lasting, and early studies indicate the updated shots are at least as effective as original vaccines. "This means there is nothing to lose by taking new shots, and time may show there are notable benefits," he added. Some indication about the vaccine's effectiveness can be studied within a few weeks by comparing the health of people who took updated shots and those who didn't, but it still won't provide a full answer on how much the new shots will help Israel through the winter," the report said. This is because nobody knows what variants could arise over the coming weeks. "So far, it doesn't seem that new variants have appeared," Cohen noted adding, "But this may change later in the fall and winter, so therefore, we can't predict what the effectiveness of the vaccines will be." "The fact that we have access to updated vaccines, approved by regulators, is certainly good news for the most vulnerable with the coming of the winter," the immunologist stressed. "But really, there is still some uncertainty as we don't know how well our defence systems will stand up until we know the nature of the attack, namely how many mutations the next variant has, where in the virus they occur, and how well the new vaccines can deal with them," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israelis to be administered variant-tailored coronavirus vaccine: Report

US health authorities published a study&nbsp;on Tuesday outlining how two previously healthy young men developed inflammation of the brain and spinal cord as a result of monkeypox, which led to the discovery of a second US death that was associated with the virus.&nbsp;

Since authorities began distributing hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses in mid-August, the number of new cases have been declining. There have been roughly 22,000 US cases in the current global outbreak, which started in May.

Los Angeles County's local health department reported the most recent fatal case was a critically immunocompromised patient who had been hospitalised, but provided no other information.

"Persons severely immunocompromised who suspect they have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdc-warns-over-virus-spreading-among-children-it-can-cause-muscle-weakness-paralysis-515754">monkeypox</a> are encouraged to seek medical care and treatment early and remain under the care of a provider during their illness," the department said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-us-death-due-to-monkeypox-confirmed-the-person-was-severely-immunocompromised-515773">first US death associated with the virus occurred</a> in Texas on August 30, but officials stated they were still looking into the possible contribution of monkeypox due to the patient's severe immunocompromised state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-monkeypox-cause-neurological-and-psychiatric-problems-in-some-patients-515459">Can monkeypox cause neurological and psychiatric problems in some patients?</a>

Men who have intercourse with other men are particularly affected by the current global outbreak. Through direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets in the past, as well as occasionally through indirect contamination of surfaces like shared beds, the virus has historically been disseminated.

However, there is tentative evidence that suggests sexual transmission may possibly be a factor in this outbreak.

Brain and spinal cord inflammation

Meanwhile, a report on two unvaccinated males in their 30s who developed inflammation in their brain and spinal cord after testing positive for the virus was released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first, case A, was a gay guy in his 30s from Colorado who developed fever, chills, and malaise before developing rashes on his face, scrotum, and extremities. Swabs taken from the lesions revealed that the virus was present in the patient.

He also experienced a persistent and painful erection, lower extremities weakness and numbness, difficulty emptying his bladder, and was hospitalised.

He was treated with the oral monkeypox antiviral tecovirimat as well as other medications, and his condition started to get better at about three months after an MRI showed inflammation in his brain and spinal cord.

At the one-month follow-up, he was still in need of an assistive walking device due to left leg weakness despite being discharged.

Patient B, a second individual, was a gay male in his 30s from the nation's capital. His fever, skin rashes, and muscle soreness worsened over time, leading to bowel and urinary incontinence as well as gradual flaccid paralysis in both legs.

On an MRI, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord was established. He was then intubated in an intensive care unit and treated with intravenous tecovirimat, a medication to control inflammation, and ultimately a blood plasma exchange.

He's still in the hospital, but he can use a device to help him walk.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US health authorities published a study on Tuesday outlining how two previously healthy young men developed inflammation of the brain and spinal cord as a result of monkeypox, which led to the discovery of a second US death that was associated with the virus.

US health authorities published a study on Tuesday outlining how two previously healthy young men developed inflammation of the brain and spinal cord as a result of monkeypox, which led to the discovery of a second US death that was associated with the virus. Since authorities began distributing hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses in mid-August, the number of new cases have been declining. There have been roughly 22,000 US cases in the current global outbreak, which started in May. Los Angeles County's local health department reported the most recent fatal case was a critically immunocompromised patient who had been hospitalised, but provided no other information. "Persons severely immunocompromised who suspect they have monkeypox are encouraged to seek medical care and treatment early and remain under the care of a provider during their illness," the department said. The first US death associated with the virus occurred in Texas on August 30, but officials stated they were still looking into the possible contribution of monkeypox due to the patient's severe immunocompromised state. Also read | Can monkeypox cause neurological and psychiatric problems in some patients? Men who have intercourse with other men are particularly affected by the current global outbreak. Through direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, and respiratory droplets in the past, as well as occasionally through indirect contamination of surfaces like shared beds, the virus has historically been disseminated. However, there is tentative evidence that suggests sexual transmission may possibly be a factor in this outbreak. Brain and spinal cord inflammation Meanwhile, a report on two unvaccinated males in their 30s who developed inflammation in their brain and spinal cord after testing positive for the virus was released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first, case A, was a gay guy in his 30s from Colorado who developed fever, chills, and malaise before developing rashes on his face, scrotum, and extremities. Swabs taken from the lesions revealed that the virus was present in the patient. He also experienced a persistent and painful erection, lower extremities weakness and numbness, difficulty emptying his bladder, and was hospitalised. He was treated with the oral monkeypox antiviral tecovirimat as well as other medications, and his condition started to get better at about three months after an MRI showed inflammation in his brain and spinal cord. At the one-month follow-up, he was still in need of an assistive walking device due to left leg weakness despite being discharged. Patient B, a second individual, was a gay male in his 30s from the nation's capital. His fever, skin rashes, and muscle soreness worsened over time, leading to bowel and urinary incontinence as well as gradual flaccid paralysis in both legs. On an MRI, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord was established. He was then intubated in an intensive care unit and treated with intravenous tecovirimat, a medication to control inflammation, and ultimately a blood plasma exchange. He's still in the hospital, but he can use a device to help him walk. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION live TV here:

Report: Second US monkeypox death as virus linked to brain inflammation

Let's be honest, can we actually walk out a way to fitness? Walking is one of the most effective, affordable, and straightforward exercises.&nbsp;

A recent study claims that walking 10,000 steps a day lowers the risk of dementia, cancer, heart attack, and mortality.

The study was published in the journals JAMA Internal Medicine and JAMA Neurology.

The study used data from the UK biobank to correlate step counts from 78,500 UK&nbsp;adults aged between 40 and 79. However, individuals who were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or dementia were included in the final assessment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-this-blood-test-can-now-detect-if-you-have-cancer-without-any-symptoms-515311">Aldo read |&nbsp;Study reveals this blood test can now detect if you have cancer without any clear symptoms&nbsp;</a>

The study monitored 75,800 adults with wearable trackers, making it the largest study to objectively track step counts in relation to health outcomes.&nbsp;

Head researcher, Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, said, "The take-home message here is that for protective health benefits, people could not only ideally aim for 10,000 steps a day but also aim to walk faster," ANI reported.

However, for less active individuals, the study offers an option for them to maintain their health. Borja del Pozo, associate researcher, Cruz said that the research also shows that as few as 3,800 steps a day can cut the risk of dementia by 25 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-meal-times-has-little-effect-on-weight-loss-514946">Also read |&nbsp;Study reveals timing of your largest meal has little effect on weight loss</a>

The study also claims that every 2,000 steps reduce the risk of premature death incrementally by 8 to 11 per cent nearly 10,000 steps a day.

Ahmadi said, "The size and scope of these studies using wrist-worn trackers make it the most robust evidence to date suggesting that 10,000 steps a day is the sweet spot for health benefits and walking faster is associated with additional benefits," ANI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Let's be honest, can we actually walk out a way to fitness? Walking is one of the most effective, affordable, and straightforward exercises. A recent study claims that walking 10,000 steps a day lowers the risk of dementia, cancer, heart attack, and mortality.

Let's be honest, can we actually walk out a way to fitness? Walking is one of the most effective, affordable, and straightforward exercises. A recent study claims that walking 10,000 steps a day lowers the risk of dementia, cancer, heart attack, and mortality. The study was published in the journals JAMA Internal Medicine and JAMA Neurology. The study used data from the UK biobank to correlate step counts from 78,500 UK adults aged between 40 and 79. However, individuals who were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, or dementia were included in the final assessment. Aldo read | Study reveals this blood test can now detect if you have cancer without any clear symptoms The study monitored 75,800 adults with wearable trackers, making it the largest study to objectively track step counts in relation to health outcomes. Head researcher, Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, said, "The take-home message here is that for protective health benefits, people could not only ideally aim for 10,000 steps a day but also aim to walk faster," ANI reported. However, for less active individuals, the study offers an option for them to maintain their health. Borja del Pozo, associate researcher, Cruz said that the research also shows that as few as 3,800 steps a day can cut the risk of dementia by 25 per cent. Also read | Study reveals timing of your largest meal has little effect on weight loss The study also claims that every 2,000 steps reduce the risk of premature death incrementally by 8 to 11 per cent nearly 10,000 steps a day. Ahmadi said, "The size and scope of these studies using wrist-worn trackers make it the most robust evidence to date suggesting that 10,000 steps a day is the sweet spot for health benefits and walking faster is associated with additional benefits," ANI reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Walking 10,000 steps per day reduces risk of dementia, cancer, and mortality: Study

Two years after they were put in place, New Zealand repealed mask-wearing regulations and vaccination requirements on Monday (September 12), ending some of the strictest coronavirus pandemic regulations in the world.

In a news conference, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared that it is time to safely end the country's Covid management and stop using extreme measures.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-ends-mandatory-covid-mask-requirement-in-public-places-513942">Also read |&nbsp;New York state ends mandatory Covid mask requirement in public places</a>

Ardern said, "Finally, rather than feeling that Covid dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take back control." She further added, "For the first time in two years we can approach summer with the much-needed certainty New Zealanders and business need, helping to drive greater economic activity critical to our economic recovery." Reuters reported.

Except in hospitals and senior care facilities, there is no longer a need to wear a mask. The statement continued that household contacts are no longer obliged to isolate for seven days; only those who test positive for the virus will be isolated.

Ardern said that from September 26, all government vaccination requirements will also be eliminated, meaning that employers will now choose whether or not to impose vaccinations on their employees, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-long-covid-linked-to-suicide-scientists-warn-of-a-hidden-crisis-514126">Also read |&nbsp;Is long Covid linked to suicide? Scientists warn of a hidden crisis</a>

The population was largely immunised this year, the government abandoned its zero Covid policy. Additionally, the authorities would do away with all immunisation restrictions for passengers and flight crew.&nbsp;

New Zealand had been clear of the virus until the end of last year due to its quick response to the pandemic, strict pandemic regulations, vaccination campaigns, and geographic isolation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two years after they were put in place, New Zealand repealed mask-wearing regulations and vaccination requirements on Monday (September 12), ending some of the strictest coronavirus pandemic regulations in the world.

Two years after they were put in place, New Zealand repealed mask-wearing regulations and vaccination requirements on Monday (September 12), ending some of the strictest coronavirus pandemic regulations in the world. In a news conference, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared that it is time to safely end the country's Covid management and stop using extreme measures. Also read | New York state ends mandatory Covid mask requirement in public places Ardern said, "Finally, rather than feeling that Covid dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take back control." She further added, "For the first time in two years we can approach summer with the much-needed certainty New Zealanders and business need, helping to drive greater economic activity critical to our economic recovery." Reuters reported. Except in hospitals and senior care facilities, there is no longer a need to wear a mask. The statement continued that household contacts are no longer obliged to isolate for seven days; only those who test positive for the virus will be isolated. Ardern said that from September 26, all government vaccination requirements will also be eliminated, meaning that employers will now choose whether or not to impose vaccinations on their employees, Reuters reported. Also read | Is long Covid linked to suicide? Scientists warn of a hidden crisis The population was largely immunised this year, the government abandoned its zero Covid policy. Additionally, the authorities would do away with all immunisation restrictions for passengers and flight crew. New Zealand had been clear of the virus until the end of last year due to its quick response to the pandemic, strict pandemic regulations, vaccination campaigns, and geographic isolation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

COVID-19: New Zealand eases most of its pandemic restrictions

A recent study by Pathfinder revealed that even a simple blood test can detect multiple cancer types in a patient even before there are any obvious symptoms of illness.

The study was offered to over 6,000 adults aged 50 or older and detected few cases of illness. The overall results revealed that nearly a third of the cancer tests were for cancer, which was not regularly checked or was in the early stages.

In addition to detecting sickness, the test also predicts the location of cancer, enabling medical professionals to accelerate further treatments required to confirm cancer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-time-fathers-experience-brain-shrinkage-says-a-study-515156">Also read |&nbsp;First-time fathers suffer brain shrinkage, but cognitive abilities are not impacted: Study</a>

This was the first time that results from Galleri tests were returned to patients and doctors to guide them through any further tests or treatments.

NHS England has called the Galleri test a gamechanger and plans to release the tests of trials of 165,000 individuals next year.

6,621 adults were offered blood in the study, out of&nbsp;which 6,529 were detected as negative, but probable cancer was detected in 92. Furthermore, 36 people, or 1.4 per cent of the study group, had solid tumours or blood cancer, and a woman was diagnosed with two cancers at the same time.

The test also discovered 19 solid tumours in organs like the breast, liver, lung, and colon, along with ovarian and pancreatic cancer. In total, 36 tumours were found, of which 14 were in early stages and the remaining 26 were cancers that were not regularly checked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-test-developed-with-help-of-woman-who-can-smell-parkinsons-513831">Also read |&nbsp;New test developed with help of ‘woman who can smell Parkinson’s’</a>

Fabrice Andre, a senior researcher, said, "Research like this is crucial for making progress against late-stage cancers and giving more patients the chance of a good outcome. The Pathfinder trial results give us a better understanding of how frequently cancer is found by this blood test in people who haven’t been previously diagnosed. He further said, "But we will need data from larger studies to fully assess this test and other similar tests in development, especially to understand whether people actually survive for longer after their cancer is picked up," The Guardian.

However, the technology is still in the process of development. Doctors hope the technology may save lives by detecting cancer at early enough stages for surgery and treatment to be more effective.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A recent study by Pathfinder revealed that even a simple blood test can detect multiple cancer types in a patient even before there are any obvious symptoms of illness.

A recent study by Pathfinder revealed that even a simple blood test can detect multiple cancer types in a patient even before there are any obvious symptoms of illness. The study was offered to over 6,000 adults aged 50 or older and detected few cases of illness. The overall results revealed that nearly a third of the cancer tests were for cancer, which was not regularly checked or was in the early stages. In addition to detecting sickness, the test also predicts the location of cancer, enabling medical professionals to accelerate further treatments required to confirm cancer. Also read | First-time fathers suffer brain shrinkage, but cognitive abilities are not impacted: Study This was the first time that results from Galleri tests were returned to patients and doctors to guide them through any further tests or treatments. NHS England has called the Galleri test a gamechanger and plans to release the tests of trials of 165,000 individuals next year. 6,621 adults were offered blood in the study, out of which 6,529 were detected as negative, but probable cancer was detected in 92. Furthermore, 36 people, or 1.4 per cent of the study group, had solid tumours or blood cancer, and a woman was diagnosed with two cancers at the same time. The test also discovered 19 solid tumours in organs like the breast, liver, lung, and colon, along with ovarian and pancreatic cancer. In total, 36 tumours were found, of which 14 were in early stages and the remaining 26 were cancers that were not regularly checked. Also read | New test developed with help of ‘woman who can smell Parkinson’s’ Fabrice Andre, a senior researcher, said, "Research like this is crucial for making progress against late-stage cancers and giving more patients the chance of a good outcome. The Pathfinder trial results give us a better understanding of how frequently cancer is found by this blood test in people who haven’t been previously diagnosed. He further said, "But we will need data from larger studies to fully assess this test and other similar tests in development, especially to understand whether people actually survive for longer after their cancer is picked up," The Guardian. However, the technology is still in the process of development. Doctors hope the technology may save lives by detecting cancer at early enough stages for surgery and treatment to be more effective. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Study reveals this blood test can now detect if you have cancer without any clear symptoms 

Suicide, a self-inflicted death people commit to escape from reality. Suicide has become so common nowadays.

Day by day, the number of suicide cases is rising. Suicide has now become a public health issue, having a significant effect on people.

For every suicide, 25 individuals make an attempt, and many more experience suicidal thoughts.

To lower this, it is important to increase awareness about it, remove the stigma around it, regularly check on your loved ones and promote informed actions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-long-covid-linked-to-suicide-scientists-warn-of-a-hidden-crisis-514126">Also read |&nbsp;Is long Covid linked to suicide? Scientists warn of a hidden crisis</a>

Every year, September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). It was established in 2003 by the World Health Organisation along with the International Association for Suicide Prevention.&nbsp;

The main objective of this day is to increase global awareness of the issue of suicide. This can be done by enhancing skills and spreading encouraging and educational messages to the public and promoting open dialogue on mental health and its importance.&nbsp; 
Some of us require a little more assistance.

Significance:

An estimated 703,000 people commit suicide every year, or at least one in every 45 seconds. Horrifying, isn't it? But it's the truth.

As per WHO figures, nearly 108 million people are deeply impacted by suicidal behaviour, with up to 135 people experiencing intense grief for every suicide or being negatively affected in some other way.&nbsp;

Theme:

The three-year theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2021–2023) is "Creating hope through action."

The theme attempts to instill hope and brightness in all of us by serving as a reminder that there are alternatives to suicide.&nbsp;

The theme aims to show people feeling suicidal that through our actions we can show them there is hope. We care for them, we'll help them, just don't give up.&nbsp;

It is essential for nations to make suicide prevention a top priority for public health and mental health care.

Another major reason for mental stress is COVID-19. The coronavirus has left a huge impact since some have had long-lasting infections. According to the WHO, long Covid is difficult to diagnose medical illness with over 200 symptoms.&nbsp;

Individuals have mentioned neurological effects, such as low concentration levels or difficulty thinking, when it comes to long Covid. The symptoms, the virus brings include depression, headaches, sleep issues, and dizziness which to an extent stresses people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-man-leaves-77-page-suicide-note-details-how-he-killed-his-mother-513381">Also read |&nbsp;Delhi man leaves 77-page suicide note, details how he killed his mother</a>

To prevent this, we must know how to identify when someone is suicidal. The following are the symptoms to know when someone is suicidal:

When an individual has a mental condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc., or an individual affected by stressful circumstances for a long period of time, someone dealing with substance abuse, has endured trauma or violence in childhood, or past suicide attempts,

It is very important these days to check on your loved ones. And it's also important for everyone to express themselves, and their problems, if not to someone you know, consult a counselor, just don't give up. There's hope, you just need to take that one step, that one action! Know that you are not alone.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Suicide, a self-inflicted death people commit to escape from reality. Suicide has become so common nowadays. Day by day, the number of suicide cases is rising. Suicide has now become a public health issue, having a significant effect on people.

Suicide, a self-inflicted death people commit to escape from reality. Suicide has become so common nowadays. Day by day, the number of suicide cases is rising. Suicide has now become a public health issue, having a significant effect on people. For every suicide, 25 individuals make an attempt, and many more experience suicidal thoughts. To lower this, it is important to increase awareness about it, remove the stigma around it, regularly check on your loved ones and promote informed actions. Also read | Is long Covid linked to suicide? Scientists warn of a hidden crisis Every year, September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). It was established in 2003 by the World Health Organisation along with the International Association for Suicide Prevention. The main objective of this day is to increase global awareness of the issue of suicide. This can be done by enhancing skills and spreading encouraging and educational messages to the public and promoting open dialogue on mental health and its importance. Some of us require a little more assistance. Significance: An estimated 703,000 people commit suicide every year, or at least one in every 45 seconds. Horrifying, isn't it? But it's the truth. As per WHO figures, nearly 108 million people are deeply impacted by suicidal behaviour, with up to 135 people experiencing intense grief for every suicide or being negatively affected in some other way. Theme: The three-year theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2021–2023) is "Creating hope through action." The theme attempts to instill hope and brightness in all of us by serving as a reminder that there are alternatives to suicide. The theme aims to show people feeling suicidal that through our actions we can show them there is hope. We care for them, we'll help them, just don't give up. It is essential for nations to make suicide prevention a top priority for public health and mental health care. Another major reason for mental stress is COVID-19. The coronavirus has left a huge impact since some have had long-lasting infections. According to the WHO, long Covid is difficult to diagnose medical illness with over 200 symptoms. Individuals have mentioned neurological effects, such as low concentration levels or difficulty thinking, when it comes to long Covid. The symptoms, the virus brings include depression, headaches, sleep issues, and dizziness which to an extent stresses people. Also read | Delhi man leaves 77-page suicide note, details how he killed his mother To prevent this, we must know how to identify when someone is suicidal. The following are the symptoms to know when someone is suicidal: When an individual has a mental condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc., or an individual affected by stressful circumstances for a long period of time, someone dealing with substance abuse, has endured trauma or violence in childhood, or past suicide attempts, It is very important these days to check on your loved ones. And it's also important for everyone to express themselves, and their problems, if not to someone you know, consult a counselor, just don't give up. There's hope, you just need to take that one step, that one action! Know that you are not alone. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

World Suicide Prevention 2022: Theme, Significance, and everything you need to know 

The key to maintaining physical fitness is to live a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, self-care, and good sleeping patterns too helps.

However, if you are trying to achieve all of this while trying to lose weight, there are several websites with tips to help you reduce quickly. But it is important to lose weight in a healthy way. Choosing healthy food and appropriate mealtimes can significantly affect how much weight you lose. This has become one of the most popular diet tips in recent years.&nbsp;

It has been advised to eat a substantial meal first thing in the morning and to keep subsequent meals on the smaller side if you wish to lose weight. The logic behind this is that all body cells function on the same 24-hour cycle as humans, regulating the majority of our biological processes, including metabolism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-quarter-healthy-teenagers-are-on-diet-to-lose-weight-says-study-498819">Also read |&nbsp;More than quarter healthy teenagers are on diet to lose weight, says study</a>

Scientists recently suggested that our digestion changes throughout the day as a result of our metabolic rate. This study is known as chrono-nutrition.&nbsp;

According to two studies published in 2013, eating more calories in the morning and fewer at night is beneficial for weight loss. However, to contradict this, a recent study found that the proportion of breakfast and dinner affects self-reported appetite and doesn't affect weight loss and metabolism.&nbsp;

The study was conducted by researchers from the Universities of Aberdeen and Surrey on healthy, overweight participants to examine the link between breakfast and dinner and how it affects appetite.

The researchers, keeping the lunch the same, either gave a heavy breakfast and a light dinner or vice versa, to keep track of how many calories the research participants were ingesting and assess metabolism.&nbsp;

The researchers anticipated that a large breakfast and a light dinner would enhance calorie burn and increase weight loss, but the research showed distinctions between the two meal patterns in terms of body weight. Additionally, there were no variations in the average daily levels of lipids, insulin, or blood sugar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-expert-talks-about-plant-based-diets-and-why-they-are-beneficial-for-us-502915">Also read |&nbsp;Expert talks about plant-based diets and why they are beneficial for us</a>

The research suggests that processing calories differently in the morning compared to the evening does not affect weight loss in the way it has been suggested in the studies.

Although consuming a heavy breakfast, it was noticed that participants were feeling less hungry. This might act as an advantage as it makes it easier to curb their appetite and eat fewer calories.

Additionally, there is growing evidence that meal time can have a significant impact on many people's health. However, new research suggests that the timing of your largest meal may not be as important in weight loss as previously thought.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The key to maintaining physical fitness is to live a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, self-care, and good sleeping patterns too helps. However, if you are trying to achieve all of this while trying to lose weight, there are several websites with tips to help you reduce quickly.

The key to maintaining physical fitness is to live a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, self-care, and good sleeping patterns too helps. However, if you are trying to achieve all of this while trying to lose weight, there are several websites with tips to help you reduce quickly. But it is important to lose weight in a healthy way. Choosing healthy food and appropriate mealtimes can significantly affect how much weight you lose. This has become one of the most popular diet tips in recent years. It has been advised to eat a substantial meal first thing in the morning and to keep subsequent meals on the smaller side if you wish to lose weight. The logic behind this is that all body cells function on the same 24-hour cycle as humans, regulating the majority of our biological processes, including metabolism. Also read | More than quarter healthy teenagers are on diet to lose weight, says study Scientists recently suggested that our digestion changes throughout the day as a result of our metabolic rate. This study is known as chrono-nutrition. According to two studies published in 2013, eating more calories in the morning and fewer at night is beneficial for weight loss. However, to contradict this, a recent study found that the proportion of breakfast and dinner affects self-reported appetite and doesn't affect weight loss and metabolism. The study was conducted by researchers from the Universities of Aberdeen and Surrey on healthy, overweight participants to examine the link between breakfast and dinner and how it affects appetite. The researchers, keeping the lunch the same, either gave a heavy breakfast and a light dinner or vice versa, to keep track of how many calories the research participants were ingesting and assess metabolism. The researchers anticipated that a large breakfast and a light dinner would enhance calorie burn and increase weight loss, but the research showed distinctions between the two meal patterns in terms of body weight. Additionally, there were no variations in the average daily levels of lipids, insulin, or blood sugar. Also read | Expert talks about plant-based diets and why they are beneficial for us The research suggests that processing calories differently in the morning compared to the evening does not affect weight loss in the way it has been suggested in the studies. Although consuming a heavy breakfast, it was noticed that participants were feeling less hungry. This might act as an advantage as it makes it easier to curb their appetite and eat fewer calories. Additionally, there is growing evidence that meal time can have a significant impact on many people's health. However, new research suggests that the timing of your largest meal may not be as important in weight loss as previously thought. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Study reveals timing of your largest meal has little effect on weight loss

In a latest study, it has been revealed that drinking a can of diet soft drink every day could increase the risk of heart disease. French researchers have been tracking 103,000 adults for 9 years to understand the link between artificial sweeteners and heart problems.

Study: Diet soda increases risk of heart disease; Artificial sweeteners in diet drinks harmful

Health is wealth, a gift for us. Not an option but a necessity. In today’s world of the super-fast era, it's very important for individuals to keep themselves fit and exercise regularly.

We are sitting too much and it’s the reason for the damage. &nbsp;A recent study indicates&nbsp;that exercising daily not only keeps you fit, but helps you feel confident and be stress-free.

A habitual 10-minute brisk walker can amass an additional 16 years of life by middle age and also slow down the ageing process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-may-have-solved-mystery-of-how-pyramids-were-built-512515">Also read |&nbsp;Researchers may have solved mystery of how pyramids were built</a>

According to researcher Professor Jean Woo, emeritus professor of medicine and director of the CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, there is a rising trend of increasing dependency and weakness accompanying the increase in overall life expectancy.

An unhealthy lifestyle causes numerous illnesses and is a major reason for early death.

Woo advises to be busy, engage socially and just keep moving, South China Morning Post reported.

"Safeguard your physical and mental health through lifestyle changes, and learn new things&nbsp;to beat the rising trend of dependency and frailty in older age. There is a rising trend of increasing dependency and frailty accompanying the increase in total life expectancy,” he advises.

"Daily 10-minute walk slows rate of ageing, and a plant-rich diet to support the gut-brain axis lowers the risk of having dementia while&nbsp;socially engaging has a good and measurable impact on brain health," Woo added.

Age-related mobility issues are a common scene now.&nbsp;More than 30 per cent of people over the age of 70 struggle to climb stairs, get out of a chair, and find it difficult to move around.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vitamin-d-may-help-in-treating-depression-hints-a-study-509257">Also read | Vitamin D may help in treating depression, hints a study</a>

The World Health Organisation has listed sedentary lifestyle as one of the top 10 reasons for death.

A movement can reduce your risk for any age-related condition one fears the most. It is also believed that isolation ages us.

Saunders, a researcher said that socially engaging has a good and measurable impact on brain health. Social isolation rises mental health-related problems. One such instance was coronavirus, where social isolation contributed to the rising mental health problems.

So the top three ways to keep yourself fit, happy and relaxed can be to go out in the morning for a 10- or 15-minute walk, have a good six to eight hours of sleep, meet new people, try new food or new passions or anything to keep yourself busy.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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<o:p></o:p>

Health is wealth, a gift for us. Not an option but a necessity. In today’s world of the super-fast era, it's very important for individuals to keep themselves fit and exercise regularly.

Health is wealth, a gift for us. Not an option but a necessity. In today’s world of the super-fast era, it's very important for individuals to keep themselves fit and exercise regularly. We are sitting too much and it’s the reason for the damage. A recent study indicates that exercising daily not only keeps you fit, but helps you feel confident and be stress-free. A habitual 10-minute brisk walker can amass an additional 16 years of life by middle age and also slow down the ageing process. Also read | Researchers may have solved mystery of how pyramids were built According to researcher Professor Jean Woo, emeritus professor of medicine and director of the CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, there is a rising trend of increasing dependency and weakness accompanying the increase in overall life expectancy. An unhealthy lifestyle causes numerous illnesses and is a major reason for early death. Woo advises to be busy, engage socially and just keep moving, South China Morning Post reported. "Safeguard your physical and mental health through lifestyle changes, and learn new things to beat the rising trend of dependency and frailty in older age. There is a rising trend of increasing dependency and frailty accompanying the increase in total life expectancy,” he advises. "Daily 10-minute walk slows rate of ageing, and a plant-rich diet to support the gut-brain axis lowers the risk of having dementia while socially engaging has a good and measurable impact on brain health," Woo added. Age-related mobility issues are a common scene now. More than 30 per cent of people over the age of 70 struggle to climb stairs, get out of a chair, and find it difficult to move around. Also read | Vitamin D may help in treating depression, hints a study The World Health Organisation has listed sedentary lifestyle as one of the top 10 reasons for death. A movement can reduce your risk for any age-related condition one fears the most. It is also believed that isolation ages us. Saunders, a researcher said that socially engaging has a good and measurable impact on brain health. Social isolation rises mental health-related problems. One such instance was coronavirus, where social isolation contributed to the rising mental health problems. So the top three ways to keep yourself fit, happy and relaxed can be to go out in the morning for a 10- or 15-minute walk, have a good six to eight hours of sleep, meet new people, try new food or new passions or anything to keep yourself busy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Exercising regularly and engaging socially helps you with ageing, says expert

Hong Kong, once a paradise for foreigners seeking to work and live in the heart of Asia, is losing its significance at a rapid rate. The city’s population decreased by 110,000 in total during the first half of 2022, roughly twice as many as the previous year.

The government’s clumsy response to Omicron, as per expats who left Hong Kong, was the final point for many. Hundreds of thousands of expatriates who left the Chinese territory this year said that they understood why Hong Kong was a place they once adored, but is now turning into another metropolitan hub in mainland China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/submit-or-quit-teacher-student-brain-drain-hits-hong-kong-schools-512074/amp">Also read |&nbsp;'Submit or quit': Hong Kong schools witness exodus of teachers and students</a>

<ul>
</ul>

However, the first two years of COVID-19 in Hong Kong were mainly exempt from severe lockdowns like in China. The city saw low numbers of infections for two years by promptly suppressing infections and snuffing out new clusters thanks to strong travel restrictions and extensive use of masks. But the scenario changed after Omicron, leading to a rise in cases. In February, more than 75,000 infections were reported in a single day. Later, Hong Kong’s limitation cycle went into overdrive as a result of Omicron and its onslaught of illness, Business Insider reported.&nbsp;

The limitations become stricter. For instance, gatherings of more than two people were prohibited, but group shots were permitted as long as all participants were disguised. Hong Kong's pandemic response was heavily influenced by China's "zero infections" policy, which sought to eliminate all signs of virus infection while imposing strict restrictions. A person who violates the rules will face a sentence in jail of a maximum of six&nbsp;months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/hong-kong-court-rejects-appeal-to-recognise-same-sex-couples-married-overseas-509836">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong court rejects appeal to recognise same-sex couples married overseas</a>

The restrictions include keeping private meetings; eating curfew till 10 pm for people with at least one dose of vaccine; travelling for people returning to stay in hotels for one to three weeks in isolation; if an aircraft detects an infected person, the route might get cancelled.

The authorities' most controversial decision to separate Covid-infected people from their families, including children and elderly people, deteriorated the situation further. Later, the city’s hospital authorities announced they were abandoning the programme after separating nearly 2,000 children.

Although Carrie Lam announced that some travel and domestic restrictions will be lifted, her administration made it plain that Hong Kong will stick close to China’s "Covid-zero" strategy.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong, once a paradise for foreigners seeking to work and live in the heart of Asia, is losing its significance at a rapid rate. The city’s population decreased by 110,000 in total during the first half of 2022, roughly twice as many as the previous year.

Hong Kong, once a paradise for foreigners seeking to work and live in the heart of Asia, is losing its significance at a rapid rate. The city’s population decreased by 110,000 in total during the first half of 2022, roughly twice as many as the previous year. The government’s clumsy response to Omicron, as per expats who left Hong Kong, was the final point for many. Hundreds of thousands of expatriates who left the Chinese territory this year said that they understood why Hong Kong was a place they once adored, but is now turning into another metropolitan hub in mainland China. Also read | 'Submit or quit': Hong Kong schools witness exodus of teachers and students However, the first two years of COVID-19 in Hong Kong were mainly exempt from severe lockdowns like in China. The city saw low numbers of infections for two years by promptly suppressing infections and snuffing out new clusters thanks to strong travel restrictions and extensive use of masks. But the scenario changed after Omicron, leading to a rise in cases. In February, more than 75,000 infections were reported in a single day. Later, Hong Kong’s limitation cycle went into overdrive as a result of Omicron and its onslaught of illness, Business Insider reported. The limitations become stricter. For instance, gatherings of more than two people were prohibited, but group shots were permitted as long as all participants were disguised. Hong Kong's pandemic response was heavily influenced by China's "zero infections" policy, which sought to eliminate all signs of virus infection while imposing strict restrictions. A person who violates the rules will face a sentence in jail of a maximum of six months. Also read | Hong Kong court rejects appeal to recognise same-sex couples married overseas The restrictions include keeping private meetings; eating curfew till 10 pm for people with at least one dose of vaccine; travelling for people returning to stay in hotels for one to three weeks in isolation; if an aircraft detects an infected person, the route might get cancelled. The authorities' most controversial decision to separate Covid-infected people from their families, including children and elderly people, deteriorated the situation further. Later, the city’s hospital authorities announced they were abandoning the programme after separating nearly 2,000 children. Although Carrie Lam announced that some travel and domestic restrictions will be lifted, her administration made it plain that Hong Kong will stick close to China’s "Covid-zero" strategy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Foreigners are leaving Hong Kong, believe it's turning into mainland China

A study claims that 2 cups of tea a day will help you live longer, it will also reduce your risk of dying from a heart disease or stroke. Does this mean you should drink more tea? Also, what kind of tea should you drink? Listen in to Palki Sharma Upadhyay.

Gravitas: Study: 2 cups of tea a day may help you live longer

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996. The data further revealed, that drug overdoses and heart disease also played a significant factor in the overall drop in life expectancy.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that the decrease in life expectancy at birth by nearly one year, from 2020 to 76.1 years, was marked the biggest two-year reduction in nearly a whole century.

Men are now anticipated to live for 73.2 years, which is about six years less than women, while the life expectancy gap between both sexes increased last year to its widest in more than 20 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-boosters-set-to-launch-before-human-testing-is-complete-511085">Also read |&nbsp;New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete</a>

The CDC reported COVID-19 was responsible for over 46,000 deaths caused in the US in 2021.

The worst annual loss in life expectancy the United States recorded after World War II was in 2020 due to Covid.

According to Robert Anderson, CDC head said, “Mortality's been a little better in 2022 than it was in 2020, so I think it's likely that we would see maybe a slight increase in life expectancy,” Reuters reported. He further added that due to the fact that deaths normally increase in the winter, life expectancy is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tragic-milestone-one-million-people-died-of-covid-19-in-2022-who-510466">Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022</a>

Another factor that accounts for life expectancy other than Covid is suicide.

Despite a decline in suicide deaths in 2020, they still account for the fifth-largest share of the overall decline in life expectancy in 2017.

The third largest factor in the fall in men’s life expectancy is suicide-related deaths.

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<o:p>&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996.

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996. The data further revealed, that drug overdoses and heart disease also played a significant factor in the overall drop in life expectancy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that the decrease in life expectancy at birth by nearly one year, from 2020 to 76.1 years, was marked the biggest two-year reduction in nearly a whole century. Men are now anticipated to live for 73.2 years, which is about six years less than women, while the life expectancy gap between both sexes increased last year to its widest in more than 20 years. Also read | New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete The CDC reported COVID-19 was responsible for over 46,000 deaths caused in the US in 2021. The worst annual loss in life expectancy the United States recorded after World War II was in 2020 due to Covid. According to Robert Anderson, CDC head said, “Mortality's been a little better in 2022 than it was in 2020, so I think it's likely that we would see maybe a slight increase in life expectancy,” Reuters reported. He further added that due to the fact that deaths normally increase in the winter, life expectancy is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022 Another factor that accounts for life expectancy other than Covid is suicide. Despite a decline in suicide deaths in 2020, they still account for the fifth-largest share of the overall decline in life expectancy in 2017. The third largest factor in the fall in men’s life expectancy is suicide-related deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Life expectancy in US down for second consecutive year due to Covid-19, lowest since 1996: CDC

This week, it's anticipated that the Food and Drug Administration would approve new COVID-19 booster shots without the results from a trial demonstrating whether the shots were secure and effective in humans, which is a crucial component of its typical decision-making process.

When the FDA makes its judgments, testing of the modified shots, which target the most recent iterations of the Omicron strain, will not be complete.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the agency intends to evaluate the doses instead using information from other sources, such as mouse research, the characteristics of the original vaccines, and the effectiveness of earlier generations of boosters that were designed to target older kinds of Omicron.

“Real world evidence from the current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which have been administered to millions of individuals, show us that the vaccines are safe,” FDA Commissioner&nbsp;Robert Califf&nbsp;said in a recent tweet.

The FDA's approach to flu shots, which are modified yearly to keep up with evolving flu viruses, is comparable to the clearance of the doses without data from clinical studies, which involve testing on humans.

However, several vaccination specialists have expressed concerns about the strategy and have advised the FDA to wait.

As per medical experts, the comparison with flu vaccines isn’t sound because flu viruses mutate so rapidly that shots from one year don’t offer protection for the next, while currently available <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-head-coach-rahul-dravid-tests-negative-for-covid-19-joins-team-ahead-of-india-pakistan-clash-510791">COVID-19</a> shots continue to keep people out of the hospital.

<img alt="covid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af34c5fe-0ee2-4e0f-a2c6-07ae76431350" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-10-15t194818z-2-lynxmpeh9e11l-rtroptp-4-health-coronavirus-usa-vaccines.jpg" />

A nurses fills up syringes for patients as they receive their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) booster vaccination during a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination clinic in Southfield, Michigan, US. Photo credits: Reuters

In addition to evaluating the boosters without clinical-trial data, the FDA won’t convene another element from its earlier COVID-19 vaccine reviews: a meeting of advisers who make recommendations whether the agency should authorize a shot.

Despite the virus they were intended to combat evolving, the COVID-19 vaccinations that are currently available in the United States, which were initially authorized for use in December 2020, have not been changed.

Researchers discovered that while the shots were still effective against more established strains, they were less so against more recent Omicron subvariants like BA.5.

Federal health officials ordered Pfizer Inc. and its partner BioNTech SE, as well as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/she-has-this-legendary-energy-daniil-medvedev-believes-serena-williams-will-be-talked-about-after-100-years-510650">Moderna </a>Inc., to upgrade their vaccines in late June in order to target BA.5, the original strain of the virus, the Omicron subvariant known as BA.4, and this subvariant's variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tragic-milestone-one-million-people-died-of-covid-19-in-2022-who-510466">'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022</a>

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is anticipated to begin human trials this month, while Moderna's vaccine targeting the subvariants has already begun. However, the results won't be ready prior to the US government's anticipated fall booster campaign.

According to John Grabenstein, director of scientific communications for Immunize.org, a nonprofit that seeks to increase immunization rates, the retooled shots are similar to the original shots but tailored to combat the most recent variants, like keys that are nearly identical but have slightly different ridges and valleys, as reported by the WSJ.&nbsp;

This week, it's anticipated that the Food and Drug Administration would approve new COVID-19 booster shots without the results from a trial demonstrating whether the shots were secure and effective in humans, which is a crucial component of its typical decision-making process.

This week, it's anticipated that the Food and Drug Administration would approve new COVID-19 booster shots without the results from a trial demonstrating whether the shots were secure and effective in humans, which is a crucial component of its typical decision-making process. When the FDA makes its judgments, testing of the modified shots, which target the most recent iterations of the Omicron strain, will not be complete. As reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the agency intends to evaluate the doses instead using information from other sources, such as mouse research, the characteristics of the original vaccines, and the effectiveness of earlier generations of boosters that were designed to target older kinds of Omicron. “Real world evidence from the current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which have been administered to millions of individuals, show us that the vaccines are safe,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in a recent tweet. The FDA's approach to flu shots, which are modified yearly to keep up with evolving flu viruses, is comparable to the clearance of the doses without data from clinical studies, which involve testing on humans. However, several vaccination specialists have expressed concerns about the strategy and have advised the FDA to wait. As per medical experts, the comparison with flu vaccines isn’t sound because flu viruses mutate so rapidly that shots from one year don’t offer protection for the next, while currently available COVID-19 shots continue to keep people out of the hospital. A nurses fills up syringes for patients as they receive their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) booster vaccination during a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination clinic in Southfield, Michigan, US. Photo credits: Reuters In addition to evaluating the boosters without clinical-trial data, the FDA won’t convene another element from its earlier COVID-19 vaccine reviews: a meeting of advisers who make recommendations whether the agency should authorize a shot. Despite the virus they were intended to combat evolving, the COVID-19 vaccinations that are currently available in the United States, which were initially authorized for use in December 2020, have not been changed. Researchers discovered that while the shots were still effective against more established strains, they were less so against more recent Omicron subvariants like BA.5. Federal health officials ordered Pfizer Inc. and its partner BioNTech SE, as well as Moderna Inc., to upgrade their vaccines in late June in order to target BA.5, the original strain of the virus, the Omicron subvariant known as BA.4, and this subvariant's variant. Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022 The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is anticipated to begin human trials this month, while Moderna's vaccine targeting the subvariants has already begun. However, the results won't be ready prior to the US government's anticipated fall booster campaign. According to John Grabenstein, director of scientific communications for Immunize.org, a nonprofit that seeks to increase immunization rates, the retooled shots are similar to the original shots but tailored to combat the most recent variants, like keys that are nearly identical but have slightly different ridges and valleys, as reported by the WSJ.

New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete

In a study published in a journal, researchers in Israel say that artificial sweeteners should no longer be assumed to be safe and good for the health. Though these products are often advertised to have low calorie, the study finds that it may actually increase the sugar level in the body.

Artificial sweeteners may increase sugar levels in body, impair ability to dispose glucose

We all know that insufficient sleep can lead to several health problems. But did you know inadequate sleep can also increase the risk of developing diabetes?

The Good Life | Study: Sleep deprivation may increase the risk of developing diabetes

Nancy Davis, 36, a pregnant Louisiana woman, is faced with the decision of carrying a skull-less child to term or travelling to another state for an abortion. Davis has retained an attorney as she becomes the most recent personification of the agonising choices some women are facing in the wake of the US Supreme Court's decision to abolish universal access to abortion in June. With very few exceptions, most states have prohibited abortion, including Davis’s native state.

Davis, after a 10-week scan, revealed that the foetus was missing the top of its skull, acrania, a condition which generally kills within minutes or hours of delivery. Davis admitted publicly aborting her child. The hospital treating Davis refused to end her pregnancy as acrania was not listed on Louisiana’s list of ailments requiring an exception for abortion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-blocks-prosecutors-attempt-to-enforce-michigans-abortion-ban-508512">US: Judge blocks prosecutors from enforcing Michigan’s abortion ban</a>

The law’s exclusions for foetuses that are not viable outside of a mother’s womb, said Katrina Jackson, the state senator who wrote Louisiana’s abortion ban, argued that the hospital should have been entitled to end Davis’s pregnancy.

Davis’s lawyer, Ben Crump, claimed that Louisiana’s abortion prohibition was difficult to understand and had unfavourable effects. He also claimed that it caused emotional and physical damage to his client and other women in Davis’s position. Davis will be travelling to Florida, where she'll be exempt from the state’s ban to give birth to her second child, who’ll eventually die.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-mother-and-teen-daughter-charged-after-illegal-abortion-505590">American mother and teen daughter charged after illegal abortion</a>

In conversation with WAFB, Davis said, "It’s hard knowing that … I’m carrying it to bury it," the Guardian reported. Davis further stated that lawmakers should account more medical situations like acrania into account.

Crump said, "Ms. Nancy Davis was put in a horrifically cruel position," with unimaginable mental suffering and increasing body peril having been endured by Davis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nancy Davis, 36, a pregnant Louisiana woman, is faced with the decision of carrying a skull-less child to term or travelling to another state for an abortion. Davis has retained an attorney as she becomes the most recent personification of the agonising choices some women are facing in the wake of the US Supreme Court's decision to abolish universal access to abortion in June.

Nancy Davis, 36, a pregnant Louisiana woman, is faced with the decision of carrying a skull-less child to term or travelling to another state for an abortion. Davis has retained an attorney as she becomes the most recent personification of the agonising choices some women are facing in the wake of the US Supreme Court's decision to abolish universal access to abortion in June. With very few exceptions, most states have prohibited abortion, including Davis’s native state. Davis, after a 10-week scan, revealed that the foetus was missing the top of its skull, acrania, a condition which generally kills within minutes or hours of delivery. Davis admitted publicly aborting her child. The hospital treating Davis refused to end her pregnancy as acrania was not listed on Louisiana’s list of ailments requiring an exception for abortion. Also read | US: Judge blocks prosecutors from enforcing Michigan’s abortion ban The law’s exclusions for foetuses that are not viable outside of a mother’s womb, said Katrina Jackson, the state senator who wrote Louisiana’s abortion ban, argued that the hospital should have been entitled to end Davis’s pregnancy. Davis’s lawyer, Ben Crump, claimed that Louisiana’s abortion prohibition was difficult to understand and had unfavourable effects. He also claimed that it caused emotional and physical damage to his client and other women in Davis’s position. Davis will be travelling to Florida, where she'll be exempt from the state’s ban to give birth to her second child, who’ll eventually die. Also read | American mother and teen daughter charged after illegal abortion In conversation with WAFB, Davis said, "It’s hard knowing that … I’m carrying it to bury it," the Guardian reported. Davis further stated that lawmakers should account more medical situations like acrania into account. Crump said, "Ms. Nancy Davis was put in a horrifically cruel position," with unimaginable mental suffering and increasing body peril having been endured by Davis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘I’m carrying it to bury it': Louisiana woman to make tough decision over her skull-less foetus abortion

Delhi reported 917 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours with a case positivity rate of 19.20 per cent, as per a bulletin from the Delhi Health Department. The positivity rate is close to 20 per cent, the highest in the past seven months. In Delhi, 4,775 tests have been performed in the last 24 hours.

The capital currently has 6,867 active cases. As per the health ministry, there were 1,566 recoveries and three deaths in Delhi in the last 24 hours, PTI reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-white-house-official-claims-india-and-us-did-more-than-any-other-cournty-in-fighting-against-covid-19-507406">White House health official claims India and US did more than any other country in fighting against COVID-19</a>

Dr Suneela Garg, a public health expert and member of the Lancet Commission, said that hospitalisation has increased in the capital over the past few days as the number of Covid cases continues to rise. She further added that there are 9,000 beds, of which 500 have been occupied by the Covid positive patients, Mint reported.

Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena stated that people can’t afford to let their guard down because Covid infections have been on rise&nbsp;in the national capital.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are witnessing a rise in COVID19 infections, consistently high positivity &amp; cases of reinfection. 
It is essential that we realize that the pandemic is far from over. 
I appeal to all to strictly adhere to COVID Appropriate Behaviour. 
We cannot afford to let our guards down.
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/LtGovDelhi/status/1559503886271991808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Manish Sisodia, the deputy chief minister in a tweet stated that 90 per cent of the patients had received two doses of vaccinations and only 10 per cent took a precautionary dose. Though, the precautionary dose has reportedly been skipped by many people.

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आज अधिकारियों के साथ दिल्ली में कोरोना के स्थिति की विस्तृत समीक्षा की 
 
वर्तमान में दिल्ली के नए COVID hospitalization cases में से 90% लोगों ने तीसरा डोज नहीं लगवाया है। 
 
ये साफ प्रमाण है कि तीसरे डोज से COVID के खिलाफ बचाव में बहुत मदद मिल रही है.. <a href="https://t.co/JsJeuVwDhc">pic.twitter.com/JsJeuVwDhc</a>
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/1559557699192270848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, India reported 8,813 instances of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, as per the health ministry. Over 15,000 people have recovered in the nation, bringing the total number of recoveries to 4,36,38,844. The recovery rate currently is at 4.97 per cent, while its daily positivity rate is 4.15 per cent. According to health officials, there have been several instances of re-infection.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Delhi reported 917 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours with a case positivity rate of 19.20 per cent, as per a bulletin from the Delhi Health Department. The positivity rate is close to 20 per cent, the highest in the past seven months.

Delhi reported 917 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours with a case positivity rate of 19.20 per cent, as per a bulletin from the Delhi Health Department. The positivity rate is close to 20 per cent, the highest in the past seven months. In Delhi, 4,775 tests have been performed in the last 24 hours. The capital currently has 6,867 active cases. As per the health ministry, there were 1,566 recoveries and three deaths in Delhi in the last 24 hours, PTI reported. Also read | White House health official claims India and US did more than any other country in fighting against COVID-19 Dr Suneela Garg, a public health expert and member of the Lancet Commission, said that hospitalisation has increased in the capital over the past few days as the number of Covid cases continues to rise. She further added that there are 9,000 beds, of which 500 have been occupied by the Covid positive patients, Mint reported. Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena stated that people can’t afford to let their guard down because Covid infections have been on rise in the national capital. We are witnessing a rise in COVID19 infections, consistently high positivity & cases of reinfection. It is essential that we realize that the pandemic is far from over. I appeal to all to strictly adhere to COVID Appropriate Behaviour. We cannot afford to let our guards down. — LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) August 16, 2022 × Manish Sisodia, the deputy chief minister in a tweet stated that 90 per cent of the patients had received two doses of vaccinations and only 10 per cent took a precautionary dose. Though, the precautionary dose has reportedly been skipped by many people. आज अधिकारियों के साथ दिल्ली में कोरोना के स्थिति की विस्तृत समीक्षा की वर्तमान में दिल्ली के नए COVID hospitalization cases में से 90% लोगों ने तीसरा डोज नहीं लगवाया है। ये साफ प्रमाण है कि तीसरे डोज से COVID के खिलाफ बचाव में बहुत मदद मिल रही है.. pic.twitter.com/JsJeuVwDhc — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 16, 2022 × However, India reported 8,813 instances of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, as per the health ministry. Over 15,000 people have recovered in the nation, bringing the total number of recoveries to 4,36,38,844. The recovery rate currently is at 4.97 per cent, while its daily positivity rate is 4.15 per cent. According to health officials, there have been several instances of re-infection. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Delhi reports 917 new cases, positivity rate at 19.20%, the highest in seven months

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with its aim to fight malaria, has awarded GSK, a pharmaceutical firm, the first ever supply of a malaria vaccine with a potential value of $170 million.

According to a statement given by the UN agency, this historic grant will make 18 million doses of RTS,S available for the following three years, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-malaria-day-2022-india-did-a-remarkable-progress-says-union-health-minister-mansukh-mandaviya-473731">World Malaria Day 2022: From causes to who all are at risk, here's all you need to know</a>

Etleva Kadilli, director of the UN agency’s supply division, said that this vaccine deployment is a message to the vaccine developers to continue with their efforts, as the vaccines are required and demanded.

Kadilli said, "We hope this is just the beginning. Continued innovation is needed to develop new and next-generation vaccines to increase available supply, and enable a healthier vaccine market. This is a giant step forward in our collective efforts to save children’s lives and reduce the burden of malaria as part of wider malaria prevention and control programme," PTI reported.

According to the child welfare agency, this contract is the result of 18 months of extensive planning and engagement by others. The afflicted nations are anticipated to have significant demand for the malaria vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-resulted-in-alarming-increase-in-malaria-deaths-who-434686">Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO</a>

RTS,S the first ever vaccine&nbsp;against a parasitic disease, is the result of 35 years of study and development. The vaccine protects against Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite that causes the worst cases worldwide, mostly in Africa.

When its availability increases, the vaccine can offer additional protection against malaria to approximately 25 million children each year in more than 30 countries with moderate to high malaria transmission.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with its aim to fight malaria, has awarded GSK, a pharmaceutical firm, the first ever supply of a malaria vaccine with a potential value of $170 million.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with its aim to fight malaria, has awarded GSK, a pharmaceutical firm, the first ever supply of a malaria vaccine with a potential value of $170 million. According to a statement given by the UN agency, this historic grant will make 18 million doses of RTS,S available for the following three years, potentially saving thousands of lives each year. Also read | World Malaria Day 2022: From causes to who all are at risk, here's all you need to know Etleva Kadilli, director of the UN agency’s supply division, said that this vaccine deployment is a message to the vaccine developers to continue with their efforts, as the vaccines are required and demanded. Kadilli said, "We hope this is just the beginning. Continued innovation is needed to develop new and next-generation vaccines to increase available supply, and enable a healthier vaccine market. This is a giant step forward in our collective efforts to save children’s lives and reduce the burden of malaria as part of wider malaria prevention and control programme," PTI reported. According to the child welfare agency, this contract is the result of 18 months of extensive planning and engagement by others. The afflicted nations are anticipated to have significant demand for the malaria vaccine. Also read | Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO RTS,S the first ever vaccine against a parasitic disease, is the result of 35 years of study and development. The vaccine protects against Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite that causes the worst cases worldwide, mostly in Africa. When its availability increases, the vaccine can offer additional protection against malaria to approximately 25 million children each year in more than 30 countries with moderate to high malaria transmission. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘We hope this is just the beginning’: UNICEF secures first malaria vaccine supply, says will benefit millions

After being bitten by a timber rattler, William H. "Marty" Martin, a renowned <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/foreign-snakes-are-biting-more-people-in-the-uk-499834">snake</a>&nbsp;researcher, who had been making important findings about the species since childhood, passed away.

According to his wife Renee Martin, William H. "Marty" Martin passed away on August 3 after being bitten by a pet snake on their farm&nbsp;in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Joe Villari, who oversees the Bull Run Mountains Preserve in northern Virginia and would accompany Martin on his expeditions there, said Martin, who was 80 years old, continued to make strenuous mountain hikes to record and count snake populations in isolated locations.

“He was in his 80s, and he was hard to keep up with,” said Villari, who made it a point to join Martin on his semiannual treks to remote mountain dens where the snakes would live.

Martin was perhaps the foremost expert on timber rattlers, a species that John Sealy, a rattlesnake researcher from Stokesdale, North Carolina, who has known Martin for more than 30 years, studied since he was a young boy.

When he was a little boy, Martin discovered a previously undiscovered population of timber rattlers in the Bull Run Mountains. He then persuaded a herpetologist to visit the area and confirm the discovery.

According to Sealy, Martin is well-known among snake experts for his fieldwork, research, and aptitude for finding and documenting elusive species.

“They’re extremely secretive animals,” he said.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are only about five snakebites-related deaths in the United States per year.

A second snakebite can be more dangerous than a first one for some people, according to Dan Keyler, a toxicology professor at the University of Minnesota and a specialist on snakebites.

Rattlesnakes can also be more dangerous if they get big enough to inject more venom. A person's susceptibility may also depend on their age.

In his professional life, Martin had previously been bitten but survived.

(With inputs from agencies)

After being bitten by a timber rattler, William H. "Marty" Martin, a renowned snake researcher, who had been making important findings about the species since childhood, passed away.

After being bitten by a timber rattler, William H. "Marty" Martin, a renowned snake researcher, who had been making important findings about the species since childhood, passed away. According to his wife Renee Martin, William H. "Marty" Martin passed away on August 3 after being bitten by a pet snake on their farm in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Joe Villari, who oversees the Bull Run Mountains Preserve in northern Virginia and would accompany Martin on his expeditions there, said Martin, who was 80 years old, continued to make strenuous mountain hikes to record and count snake populations in isolated locations. “He was in his 80s, and he was hard to keep up with,” said Villari, who made it a point to join Martin on his semiannual treks to remote mountain dens where the snakes would live. Martin was perhaps the foremost expert on timber rattlers, a species that John Sealy, a rattlesnake researcher from Stokesdale, North Carolina, who has known Martin for more than 30 years, studied since he was a young boy. When he was a little boy, Martin discovered a previously undiscovered population of timber rattlers in the Bull Run Mountains. He then persuaded a herpetologist to visit the area and confirm the discovery. According to Sealy, Martin is well-known among snake experts for his fieldwork, research, and aptitude for finding and documenting elusive species. “They’re extremely secretive animals,” he said. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are only about five snakebites-related deaths in the United States per year. A second snakebite can be more dangerous than a first one for some people, according to Dan Keyler, a toxicology professor at the University of Minnesota and a specialist on snakebites. Rattlesnakes can also be more dangerous if they get big enough to inject more venom. A person's susceptibility may also depend on their age. In his professional life, Martin had previously been bitten but survived. (With inputs from agencies)

Famous snake expert dies after rattlesnake bite

When Zuo tested positive for Covid-19 while working as a cleaner in one of Shanghai's largest quarantine centres, she hoped it wouldn't be long before she could pick up the mop and start earning again.

But four months on, she is still fighting to get her job back -- one of scores of recovering Covid&nbsp;patients&nbsp;facing what labour rights activists and health experts say is a widespread form of discrimination in zero-Covid&nbsp;China.&nbsp;

Using snap lockdowns and mass testing,&nbsp;China&nbsp;is the last major economy still pursuing the goal of stamping out the virus completely.

Those who test positive, as well as their contacts, are all sent to central quarantine facilities, while a flare-up in a factory can grind production to a halt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-1094-new-covid-cases-on-august-9-increase-from-939-cases-day-earlier-505379">China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier</a>

Rights groups say the strict rules are feeding Covid-related discrimination and shutting out thousands of people from&nbsp;China's already bleak job market -- with migrant workers and young people hit hardest.

"People are afraid they might contract the virus from us, so they shun us," said Zuo, who only gave her last name for fear of retribution for speaking to AFP.

"Recruiters check Covid testing history going back several months during an interview."

China's strict control measures have led to&nbsp;stigma&nbsp;against not just recovered&nbsp;patients, but also their families, neighbours, friends and even frontline healthcare workers, said Jin Dongyan from the School of Biomedical Sciences at Hong Kong University.

"It is unscientific to think that people who were infected once will continue to carry the virus and be infectious long after recovering," Jin told AFP.

"Due to the lack of awareness, some fear that those who have been infected are more susceptible to being reinfected, but in reality, it's the opposite."

Zuo is now fighting a court battle with her employer, who has refused to pay her wages since she got sick, and who cites her disease history as a reason to bar her from returning to work.&nbsp;

Her employer, a service company named Shanghai Yuanmao BPO, declined to comment citing the pending court case.&nbsp;

Treated like a virus

He Yuxiu is a Chinese social media influencer who goes by a pseudonym and was living in Ukraine until Russia invaded.

She fled the war and returned home, then found a job as a Russian-language teacher in north&nbsp;China's Hebei province, relieved to have left her troubles behind.

Watch |&nbsp;China battles Covid outbreaks in tourism hubs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-battles-covid-outbreaks-in-tourism-hubs-505744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But when her school learned that she had been infected with Covid-19 while in Ukraine, she was fired.

"I never imagined I'd lose my first job for this reason," she said in a video posted on&nbsp;China's Twitter-like Weibo.&nbsp;

"Why should we be treated like a virus when we have defeated it?"

The&nbsp;stigma&nbsp;is widespread -- job ads for factory workers in Shanghai posted last month said applicants with a history of Covid-19 infection would be refused work.&nbsp;

The story of a young woman who lived in a toilet for weeks in Shanghai's Hongqiao railway station since she was unable to find work or return to her village due to the&nbsp;stigma&nbsp;of having been infected went viral last month.

And a theatre in the southern Chinese city of Foshan was forced to apologise after a notice banning recovered&nbsp;patients&nbsp;from entering sparked a public backlash.&nbsp;

Little sheep people

Beijing's National Health Commission and human resources ministry last month banned employers from discriminating against recovered Covid&nbsp;patients, while Premier Li Keqiang has called for heavy punishments for those breaking the rules.

But job seekers and activists are sceptical.

Factories in Shanghai continued to refuse to hire recovered workers even after the city announced strict anti-discrimination rules, employment agent Wang Tao said, because they fear a mass outbreak or health inspections.

"Some factories give different excuses despite being short of workers," Wang added.

"But all those who are turned down have tested positive in the past."

AFP contacted eight manufacturers named by Chinese state media as having engaged in discriminatory practices&nbsp;including iPhone manufacturer Foxconn -- but they declined to comment.

"It's very difficult for workers to protect their rights since most employers offer different excuses and it is hard to prove that a labour law has been violated in these cases," said Aidan Chau, a researcher for the rights group&nbsp;China&nbsp;Labour Bulletin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-china-releases-coronavirus-report-twitter-co-founder-jack-dorsey-says-end-the-ccp-505003">After China releases coronavirus report, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey says 'end the CCP'</a>

"It is important for labour unions to step up. But many small and medium factories don't have one."

Those who have tested positive are often referred to as "little sheep people" on Chinese social media. In Mandarin, the word for "positive" and "sheep" are pronounced the same way.

"It is very difficult for recovered&nbsp;patients&nbsp;to go back to our normal lives," said Zuo, the cleaner from Shanghai.

"No matter where we go, our infection history will follow us like a&nbsp;dark&nbsp;shadow."

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When Zuo tested positive for Covid-19 while working as a cleaner in one of Shanghai's largest quarantine centres, she hoped it wouldn't be long before she could pick up the mop and start earning again.

When Zuo tested positive for Covid-19 while working as a cleaner in one of Shanghai's largest quarantine centres, she hoped it wouldn't be long before she could pick up the mop and start earning again. But four months on, she is still fighting to get her job back -- one of scores of recovering Covid patients facing what labour rights activists and health experts say is a widespread form of discrimination in zero-Covid China. Using snap lockdowns and mass testing, China is the last major economy still pursuing the goal of stamping out the virus completely. Those who test positive, as well as their contacts, are all sent to central quarantine facilities, while a flare-up in a factory can grind production to a halt. Also read | China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier Rights groups say the strict rules are feeding Covid-related discrimination and shutting out thousands of people from China's already bleak job market -- with migrant workers and young people hit hardest. "People are afraid they might contract the virus from us, so they shun us," said Zuo, who only gave her last name for fear of retribution for speaking to AFP. "Recruiters check Covid testing history going back several months during an interview." China's strict control measures have led to stigma against not just recovered patients, but also their families, neighbours, friends and even frontline healthcare workers, said Jin Dongyan from the School of Biomedical Sciences at Hong Kong University. "It is unscientific to think that people who were infected once will continue to carry the virus and be infectious long after recovering," Jin told AFP. "Due to the lack of awareness, some fear that those who have been infected are more susceptible to being reinfected, but in reality, it's the opposite." Zuo is now fighting a court battle with her employer, who has refused to pay her wages since she got sick, and who cites her disease history as a reason to bar her from returning to work. Her employer, a service company named Shanghai Yuanmao BPO, declined to comment citing the pending court case. Treated like a virus He Yuxiu is a Chinese social media influencer who goes by a pseudonym and was living in Ukraine until Russia invaded. She fled the war and returned home, then found a job as a Russian-language teacher in north China's Hebei province, relieved to have left her troubles behind. Watch | China battles Covid outbreaks in tourism hubs But when her school learned that she had been infected with Covid-19 while in Ukraine, she was fired. "I never imagined I'd lose my first job for this reason," she said in a video posted on China's Twitter-like Weibo. "Why should we be treated like a virus when we have defeated it?" The stigma is widespread -- job ads for factory workers in Shanghai posted last month said applicants with a history of Covid-19 infection would be refused work. The story of a young woman who lived in a toilet for weeks in Shanghai's Hongqiao railway station since she was unable to find work or return to her village due to the stigma of having been infected went viral last month. And a theatre in the southern Chinese city of Foshan was forced to apologise after a notice banning recovered patients from entering sparked a public backlash. Little sheep people Beijing's National Health Commission and human resources ministry last month banned employers from discriminating against recovered Covid patients, while Premier Li Keqiang has called for heavy punishments for those breaking the rules. But job seekers and activists are sceptical. Factories in Shanghai continued to refuse to hire recovered workers even after the city announced strict anti-discrimination rules, employment agent Wang Tao said, because they fear a mass outbreak or health inspections. "Some factories give different excuses despite being short of workers," Wang added. "But all those who are turned down have tested positive in the past." AFP contacted eight manufacturers named by Chinese state media as having engaged in discriminatory practices including iPhone manufacturer Foxconn -- but they declined to comment. "It's very difficult for workers to protect their rights since most employers offer different excuses and it is hard to prove that a labour law has been violated in these cases," said Aidan Chau, a researcher for the rights group China Labour Bulletin. Also read | After China releases coronavirus report, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey says 'end the CCP' "It is important for labour unions to step up. But many small and medium factories don't have one." Those who have tested positive are often referred to as "little sheep people" on Chinese social media. In Mandarin, the word for "positive" and "sheep" are pronounced the same way. "It is very difficult for recovered patients to go back to our normal lives," said Zuo, the cleaner from Shanghai. "No matter where we go, our infection history will follow us like a dark shadow." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's ex-Covid patients live under 'dark shadow' of stigma

A recent study conducted by Stockholm University scientists revealed that drinking rainwater is highly harmful due to levels of toxic compounds also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) surpassing the guidelines. The chemicals are forever chemicals. This is because they disintegrate extremely slowly. The study was published in Environmental Science and Technology.

PFAS were first discovered in shampoos and cosmetics but have now spread to the entire environment, including air and water.

In conversation with AFP, Ian Cousins said, "There is nowhere on Earth where the rain would be safe to drink, according to the measurements that we have taken." He further said, "even in Antarctica or the Tibetan plateau, the levels in the rainwater are above the drinking water guidelines that the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) proposed," as his team compiled data since 2010.

Also read <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-why-our-brains-are-programmed-to-keep-wanting-more-even-if-it-leads-to-unhappiness-505218">|&nbsp;Explained: Why our brains are programmed to keep wanting more even if it leads to unhappiness</a>

Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can also affect fertility, retard infant development, increase the risk of obesity, and even raise cholesterol levels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-deaths-due-to-hot-night-temperatures-may-increase-by-60-per-cent-study-504995">Risk of deaths due to hot night temperatures may increase by 60 per cent: Study</a>

Cousins asserted that PFAS are extremely tenacious and pervasive and that they will never be eradicated from the planet. He said, "We have crossed a planetary boundary," he said, referring to a central paradigm for evaluating Earth's capacity to absorb the impact of human activity. He noticed that the ambient levels of PFAS in the environment have remained constant while in people they have dropped drastically over the previous 20 years.

Cousins advised that we have to learn to accept it and live with it as it is not going anywhere. He said, "What's changed is the guidelines. They've gone down millions of times since the early 2000s because we've learned more about the toxicity of these substances, " AFP reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A recent study conducted by Stockholm University scientists revealed that drinking rainwater is highly harmful due to levels of toxic compounds also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) surpassing the guidelines.

A recent study conducted by Stockholm University scientists revealed that drinking rainwater is highly harmful due to levels of toxic compounds also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) surpassing the guidelines. The chemicals are forever chemicals. This is because they disintegrate extremely slowly. The study was published in Environmental Science and Technology. PFAS were first discovered in shampoos and cosmetics but have now spread to the entire environment, including air and water. In conversation with AFP, Ian Cousins said, "There is nowhere on Earth where the rain would be safe to drink, according to the measurements that we have taken." He further said, "even in Antarctica or the Tibetan plateau, the levels in the rainwater are above the drinking water guidelines that the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) proposed," as his team compiled data since 2010. Also read | Explained: Why our brains are programmed to keep wanting more even if it leads to unhappiness Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can also affect fertility, retard infant development, increase the risk of obesity, and even raise cholesterol levels. Also read | Risk of deaths due to hot night temperatures may increase by 60 per cent: Study Cousins asserted that PFAS are extremely tenacious and pervasive and that they will never be eradicated from the planet. He said, "We have crossed a planetary boundary," he said, referring to a central paradigm for evaluating Earth's capacity to absorb the impact of human activity. He noticed that the ambient levels of PFAS in the environment have remained constant while in people they have dropped drastically over the previous 20 years. Cousins advised that we have to learn to accept it and live with it as it is not going anywhere. He said, "What's changed is the guidelines. They've gone down millions of times since the early 2000s because we've learned more about the toxicity of these substances, " AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New study reveals drinking rain water is unsafe

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