Delta variant continues to wreak havoc across USA. Top health experts have also warned of a looming Omicron wave that could sweep across the US.

CDC warns of looming Omicron wave in US

Your addiction to smartphones may affect your child's development, says a new study. The Tel Aviv University conducted a study for the peer-reviewed journal Child Development last month and have revealed that kids whose parents are on smartphones for long hours tend to have slow development.&nbsp; 
 
The researchers, led by Dr Katy Borodkin of the Department of Communication Disorders at the Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine of Tel Aviv University, observed 33 Israeli mothers and their 16 toddlers, all boys aged 24-36 months for a certain period of time.&nbsp; 
 
The researchers reportedly invited participants saying they would examine the common interests between mothers and children. The mothers were asked to browse a specific Facebook page and 'like' content that interests them, read printed magazines and mark interesting articles and play with their child while the phone and magazine were in another room. 
 
Borodkin revealed that the activity was intended to observe mothers while they took care of their children and also devote some of their attention to her smartphone.&nbsp; 
 
"The mothers were unaware of the purpose of the experiment, so they behaved naturally by splitting their interest between the toddlers and the smartphone and magazines. We videotaped all the interactions between the mothers and the toddlers and later scanned the recordings frame by frame in an attempt to quantify the mother-child interaction," said Borodkin in her research.&nbsp; 
 
The researchers defined three aspects of the interaction between a mother and her child: Maternal linguistic input - the "linguistic content that the mother conveys to the child"; conversational turns - the level of interactivity of a mother-child verbal exchange; and maternal responsiveness - the timeliness and specificity of a mother's response to a particular "bid" from her child. 
 
According to the research, a decrease in maternal linguistic input leads to reduced vocabulary in a child, even when they become adults.&nbsp; 
 
Similarly how interactive a particular conversation was - affect a child's linguistic and social development as "the child learns that he or she has some time to contribute to the interaction as well as the basic social norms of social interactions."&nbsp; 
 
Maternal responsiveness is critical for child development, including linguistic, cognitive emotional and social development.&nbsp; 
 
"For example, when the child says 'look, a truck', there is no comparison between a response such as 'yes, that’s great' and a response such as 'correct, this is a red truck, like the one we saw yesterday", said the researchers.&nbsp; 
According to the research the three components of mother-child interaction were two to four times lower when the mother was using her smartphone or reading a magazine.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;"Moreover, they exchanged fewer conversational turns with the toddler, provided less immediate and content-tailored responses, and more often ignored explicit child bids," TAU stated. 
 
The team stated that using a smartphone and reading was equally distracting. TAU though was careful to add that there is currently no evidence that smartphones directly impact child development because smartphones are a recent phenomenon- although finding suggest "an adverse impact on the foundation of child development." 
 
The research may also be relevant to father-child interaction as the use of smartphones by both women and men is comparable. 
 
"In our current research we focused on the mothers, but we believe that our findings characterize communication interferences between fathers and their toddlers as well, since the smartphone usage patterns are similar between men and women, thus allowing us to estimate with high probability that the research findings are applicable to fathers and to mothers”, Borodkin further said.&nbsp;

Your addiction to smartphones may affect your child's development, says a new study. The Tel Aviv University conducted a study for the peer-reviewed journal Child Development last month and have revealed that kids whose parents are on smartphones for long hours tend to have slow development.

Your addiction to smartphones may affect your child's development, says a new study. The Tel Aviv University conducted a study for the peer-reviewed journal Child Development last month and have revealed that kids whose parents are on smartphones for long hours tend to have slow development. The researchers, led by Dr Katy Borodkin of the Department of Communication Disorders at the Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine of Tel Aviv University, observed 33 Israeli mothers and their 16 toddlers, all boys aged 24-36 months for a certain period of time. The researchers reportedly invited participants saying they would examine the common interests between mothers and children. The mothers were asked to browse a specific Facebook page and 'like' content that interests them, read printed magazines and mark interesting articles and play with their child while the phone and magazine were in another room. Borodkin revealed that the activity was intended to observe mothers while they took care of their children and also devote some of their attention to her smartphone. "The mothers were unaware of the purpose of the experiment, so they behaved naturally by splitting their interest between the toddlers and the smartphone and magazines. We videotaped all the interactions between the mothers and the toddlers and later scanned the recordings frame by frame in an attempt to quantify the mother-child interaction," said Borodkin in her research. The researchers defined three aspects of the interaction between a mother and her child: Maternal linguistic input - the "linguistic content that the mother conveys to the child"; conversational turns - the level of interactivity of a mother-child verbal exchange; and maternal responsiveness - the timeliness and specificity of a mother's response to a particular "bid" from her child. According to the research, a decrease in maternal linguistic input leads to reduced vocabulary in a child, even when they become adults. Similarly how interactive a particular conversation was - affect a child's linguistic and social development as "the child learns that he or she has some time to contribute to the interaction as well as the basic social norms of social interactions." Maternal responsiveness is critical for child development, including linguistic, cognitive emotional and social development. "For example, when the child says 'look, a truck', there is no comparison between a response such as 'yes, that’s great' and a response such as 'correct, this is a red truck, like the one we saw yesterday", said the researchers. According to the research the three components of mother-child interaction were two to four times lower when the mother was using her smartphone or reading a magazine. "Moreover, they exchanged fewer conversational turns with the toddler, provided less immediate and content-tailored responses, and more often ignored explicit child bids," TAU stated. The team stated that using a smartphone and reading was equally distracting. TAU though was careful to add that there is currently no evidence that smartphones directly impact child development because smartphones are a recent phenomenon- although finding suggest "an adverse impact on the foundation of child development." The research may also be relevant to father-child interaction as the use of smartphones by both women and men is comparable. "In our current research we focused on the mothers, but we believe that our findings characterize communication interferences between fathers and their toddlers as well, since the smartphone usage patterns are similar between men and women, thus allowing us to estimate with high probability that the research findings are applicable to fathers and to mothers”, Borodkin further said.

Are you addicted to smartphone? It may affect your child's development, claims new study

The world is still grappling with various symptoms that crop up during and post COVID-19 infection. While post-COVID-19 problems like gastritis, hair loss is common for most people, a new rather bizarre disease seem to have cropped up called Parosmia.&nbsp; 
 
Those who suffer from this symptom typically lose their sense of smell and taste weeks after recovering from COVID-19. Instead, many complained that the food they eat or smell can be compared to the smell of sewage, garbage or even gasoline. 
 
The loss of smell and taste has long been associated with COVID-19 for a long time. It was one of the earliest symptoms associated with the virus that differentiated it from the usual cough, cold and fever.&nbsp; 
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a change in taste and smell is on the list of potential long haul COVID symptoms. As per the CDC, the symptom can occur in even those who have had mild illnesses.&nbsp; 
 
While CDC does list it as a post -COVID-19 symptom, it has so far been reported far less than the symptom of loss of taste and smell. The condition, however, can lead to major health issues including paranoia around food and malnutrition. 
 
The symptom, though, in recent months has been widely discussed on social media. An American University student, Natalia Cano got teary eyed on TikTok as she discussed her parosmia symptoms which, she says, have been around for nearly 10 months.&nbsp; 
 
Her original video received more than 13 million views. Cano has since made others to shed light on her symptoms.

Cano has given details of her symptoms in the video. She says water never tastes clean. Nearly all food and beverages make her nauseous. Cano says she forces herself to eat two energy Bars a day- not because they don't taste terrible but because they're quick to scarf down. 
 
Cano tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of 2021 while working at a bakery.&nbsp; 
 
While she recovered from the virus itself, she began experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues, alongside a particularly unusual symptom: a change in her taste and smell.&nbsp; 
 
The GI issues have since been resolved, but Cano is still living with parosmia, which she says is affecting not only her eating habits but also her mental health.&nbsp; 
 
"Things taste like garbage. Like sewage," Cano tells Yahoo in an interview after her video went viral. "But it's not like it actually tastes like garbage or sewage, that's just the only way I can compare it to people. It's like I've been given this bad taste. It's the same amount of bad as rotting meat, garbage, sewage, but it doesn't taste like that." 
 
Cano says that when she shared the video, she had thought that only five or six people suffered from similar symptoms but she later realised there were many like her, struggling with parosmia.&nbsp; 
 
Like Jessica Cox, a 27-year-old producer who after watching Cano's video realised she had a similar condition post her COVID-19 bout. 
&nbsp; 
"Everything tasted like one rotten thing — I don't know what that rotten thing is, but it’s a nasty taste and smell," Cox told Yahoo. "I would just be walking and I would smell that nasty smell, and I didn't know where it was coming from."

It was only recently that Cox said she's been able to taste and smell more normally. However, things aren't how they were before COVID.

“I'll eat a blueberry, and it just doesn’t taste exactly like how I remember it," Cox says. "It doesn't taste rotten, but it doesn't taste exactly like a blueberry" used to. She also revealed that she had recovered from parosmia but now has got an eating disorder.&nbsp; 
 
Considering Cano's video went viral with many realising they were going through similar symptoms, it is still something that is not being widely discussed. Perhaps those who have the symptom are yet to realise the severity of the situation or haven't yet made the connection with COVID-19.&nbsp; 
 
Nevertheless, it is important to share the symptoms on social media with correct details so that research or a cure of the symptom can be initiated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The world is still grappling with various symptoms that crop up during and post COVID-19 infection. While post-COVID-19 problems like gastritis, hair loss is common for most people, a new rather bizarre disease seem to have cropped up called Parosmia.

The world is still grappling with various symptoms that crop up during and post COVID-19 infection. While post-COVID-19 problems like gastritis, hair loss is common for most people, a new rather bizarre disease seem to have cropped up called Parosmia. Those who suffer from this symptom typically lose their sense of smell and taste weeks after recovering from COVID-19. Instead, many complained that the food they eat or smell can be compared to the smell of sewage, garbage or even gasoline. The loss of smell and taste has long been associated with COVID-19 for a long time. It was one of the earliest symptoms associated with the virus that differentiated it from the usual cough, cold and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a change in taste and smell is on the list of potential long haul COVID symptoms. As per the CDC, the symptom can occur in even those who have had mild illnesses. While CDC does list it as a post -COVID-19 symptom, it has so far been reported far less than the symptom of loss of taste and smell. The condition, however, can lead to major health issues including paranoia around food and malnutrition. The symptom, though, in recent months has been widely discussed on social media. An American University student, Natalia Cano got teary eyed on TikTok as she discussed her parosmia symptoms which, she says, have been around for nearly 10 months. Her original video received more than 13 million views. Cano has since made others to shed light on her symptoms. Cano has given details of her symptoms in the video. She says water never tastes clean. Nearly all food and beverages make her nauseous. Cano says she forces herself to eat two energy Bars a day- not because they don't taste terrible but because they're quick to scarf down. Cano tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of 2021 while working at a bakery. While she recovered from the virus itself, she began experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues, alongside a particularly unusual symptom: a change in her taste and smell. The GI issues have since been resolved, but Cano is still living with parosmia, which she says is affecting not only her eating habits but also her mental health. "Things taste like garbage. Like sewage," Cano tells Yahoo in an interview after her video went viral. "But it's not like it actually tastes like garbage or sewage, that's just the only way I can compare it to people. It's like I've been given this bad taste. It's the same amount of bad as rotting meat, garbage, sewage, but it doesn't taste like that." Cano says that when she shared the video, she had thought that only five or six people suffered from similar symptoms but she later realised there were many like her, struggling with parosmia. Like Jessica Cox, a 27-year-old producer who after watching Cano's video realised she had a similar condition post her COVID-19 bout. "Everything tasted like one rotten thing — I don't know what that rotten thing is, but it’s a nasty taste and smell," Cox told Yahoo. "I would just be walking and I would smell that nasty smell, and I didn't know where it was coming from." It was only recently that Cox said she's been able to taste and smell more normally. However, things aren't how they were before COVID. “I'll eat a blueberry, and it just doesn’t taste exactly like how I remember it," Cox says. "It doesn't taste rotten, but it doesn't taste exactly like a blueberry" used to. She also revealed that she had recovered from parosmia but now has got an eating disorder. Considering Cano's video went viral with many realising they were going through similar symptoms, it is still something that is not being widely discussed. Perhaps those who have the symptom are yet to realise the severity of the situation or haven't yet made the connection with COVID-19. Nevertheless, it is important to share the symptoms on social media with correct details so that research or a cure of the symptom can be initiated.

Food smelling like 'garbage' post COVID-19 recovery? You may be suffering from parosmia

A global study co-led by NUI Galway into causes of stroke has found that one in 11 survivors experienced a period of anger or upset in the one hour leading up to it. The research published in the European Heart Journal found that one in 20 patients had engaged in heavy physical exertion. 
 
The suspected triggers have been identified as part of the global INTERSTROKE study -- the largest research project of its kind, which analysed 13,462 cases of acute stroke, involving patients with a range of ethnic backgrounds in 32 countries, including Ireland. Stroke is a leading global cause of death or disability.&nbsp; 
 
Each year, approximately 7,500 Irish people have a stroke and around 2,000 of these people die. An estimated 30,000 people are living in Ireland with disabilities as a result of a stroke. Professor Andrew Smyth, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at NUI Galway, Director of the HRB-Clinical Research Facility Galway and a Consultant Nephrologist at Galway University Hospitals, was one of the lead researchers. 
 
He said, "Stroke prevention is a priority for physicians, and despite advances, it remains difficult to predict when a stroke will occur. Many studies have focused on medium to long-term exposures, such as hypertension, obesity or smoking. Our study aimed to look at acute exposures that may act as triggers." 
 
The research analyzed patterns in patients who suffered an ischemic stroke -- the most common type of stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, and also intracerebral haemorrhage -- which is less common and involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself. 
 
Professor Smyth added, "We looked at two separate triggers. Our research found that anger or emotional upset was linked to an approximately 30 per cent increase in the risk of stroke during one hour after an episode -- with a greater increase if the patient did not have a history of depression. The odds were also greater for those with a lower level of education. 
 
"We also found that heavy physical exertion was linked to an approximately 60 per cent increase in risk is of intracerebral haemorrhage during the one hour after the episode of heavy exertion. There was a greater increase for women and less risk for those with a normal BMI," he said. 
 
The study also concluded that there was no increase with exposure to both triggers of anger and heavy physical exertion. Co-author of the paper, Dr Michelle Canavan, Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, said "Our message is for people to practice mental and physical wellness at all ages. But it is also important for some people to avoid heavy physical exertion, particularly if they are high-risk of cardiovascular, while also adopting a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise. 
 
"The global INTERSTROKE study was co-led by Professor Martin O'Donnell, Professor of Neurovascular Medicine at NUI Galway, and Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, in collaboration with Prof Salim Yusuf of the Population Health Research Institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Canada." 
 
Some of the best ways to prevent stroke are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, treat high blood pressure and not smoke, but our research also shows other events such as an episode of anger or upset or a period of heavy physical exertion independently increase the short-term risk" Prof O'Donnell said. 
 
"We would emphasize that a brief episode of heavy physical exertion is different to getting regular physical activity, which reduces the long-term risk of stroke," Prof O'Donnell concluded.

A global study co-led by NUI Galway into causes of stroke has found that one in 11 survivors experienced a period of anger or upset in the one hour leading up to it.

A global study co-led by NUI Galway into causes of stroke has found that one in 11 survivors experienced a period of anger or upset in the one hour leading up to it. The research published in the European Heart Journal found that one in 20 patients had engaged in heavy physical exertion. The suspected triggers have been identified as part of the global INTERSTROKE study -- the largest research project of its kind, which analysed 13,462 cases of acute stroke, involving patients with a range of ethnic backgrounds in 32 countries, including Ireland. Stroke is a leading global cause of death or disability. Each year, approximately 7,500 Irish people have a stroke and around 2,000 of these people die. An estimated 30,000 people are living in Ireland with disabilities as a result of a stroke. Professor Andrew Smyth, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at NUI Galway, Director of the HRB-Clinical Research Facility Galway and a Consultant Nephrologist at Galway University Hospitals, was one of the lead researchers. He said, "Stroke prevention is a priority for physicians, and despite advances, it remains difficult to predict when a stroke will occur. Many studies have focused on medium to long-term exposures, such as hypertension, obesity or smoking. Our study aimed to look at acute exposures that may act as triggers." The research analyzed patterns in patients who suffered an ischemic stroke -- the most common type of stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, and also intracerebral haemorrhage -- which is less common and involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself. Professor Smyth added, "We looked at two separate triggers. Our research found that anger or emotional upset was linked to an approximately 30 per cent increase in the risk of stroke during one hour after an episode -- with a greater increase if the patient did not have a history of depression. The odds were also greater for those with a lower level of education. "We also found that heavy physical exertion was linked to an approximately 60 per cent increase in risk is of intracerebral haemorrhage during the one hour after the episode of heavy exertion. There was a greater increase for women and less risk for those with a normal BMI," he said. The study also concluded that there was no increase with exposure to both triggers of anger and heavy physical exertion. Co-author of the paper, Dr Michelle Canavan, Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, said "Our message is for people to practice mental and physical wellness at all ages. But it is also important for some people to avoid heavy physical exertion, particularly if they are high-risk of cardiovascular, while also adopting a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise. "The global INTERSTROKE study was co-led by Professor Martin O'Donnell, Professor of Neurovascular Medicine at NUI Galway, and Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, in collaboration with Prof Salim Yusuf of the Population Health Research Institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, Canada." Some of the best ways to prevent stroke are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, treat high blood pressure and not smoke, but our research also shows other events such as an episode of anger or upset or a period of heavy physical exertion independently increase the short-term risk" Prof O'Donnell said. "We would emphasize that a brief episode of heavy physical exertion is different to getting regular physical activity, which reduces the long-term risk of stroke," Prof O'Donnell concluded.

Stroke may be triggered by anger, emotional upset, heavy physical exertion: Study

Adopting a plant-based diet that is rich in dark green leafy vegetables, could relieve symptoms of chronic migraine, according to a recent study. This study was published online in the 'BMJ Case Reports Journal'. 
 
The recommendation comes after they treated a man who had endured severe migraine headaches without aura for more than 12 years. He had tried prescribed medicines (Zolmitriptan and Topiramate); cutting out potential 'trigger' foods, including chocolate, cheese, nuts, caffeine, and dried fruit; and yoga and meditation in a bid to blunt the severity and frequency of his headaches. Nothing had worked. 
 
Over one billion people worldwide have migraines, characterized as one-sided, pulsating headaches lasting 4-72 hours, and often accompanied by sensitivity to noise and light and sometimes prodromal auras. Migraines are either episodic (fewer than 15 days a month) or chronic (15 or more migraine days a month plus migraine features on at least 8 days of the month). Successful migraine treatment is defined as a halving in the frequency and length of attacks, or as an improvement in symptoms. 
 
While drugs can help prevent and treat the condition, a growing body of evidence suggested that diet may also offer an effective alternative without any of the side effects associated with some medicines, said the report authors. 
Six months before his clinic referral, the man's migraines had become chronic, occurring on 18-24 days of every month.He described the pain as starting suddenly and intensely in the forehead and temple on the left side of his head.&nbsp; 
 
The pain was throbbing in nature and usually lasted 72 hours.His headaches were accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. On a scale of 0-10, he scored the pain severity as 10-12 out of 10.Blood tests revealed that he didn't have high levels of systemic inflammation and that he had a normal level of beta-carotene (53 ug/dl).This was likely derived from his daily consumption of sweet potatoes, which, although high in beta-carotene, are relatively low in the nutrients responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of carotenoids, pointed out the report authors. 
 
These are instead found in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and watercress. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in migraine.The report authors advised the man to adopt the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet, a nutrient-dense, whole-food, plant-based diet. 
 
The LIFE diet included eating at least five ounces by weight of raw or cooked dark green leafy vegetables every day, drinking one 32-ounce daily green LIFE smoothie, and limiting the intake of whole grains, starchy vegetables, oils, and animal protein, particularly dairy and red meat.After two months on the LIFE diet, the man said that the frequency of his migraine attacks had fallen to just one day a month; the length and severity of the attacks had also lessened. Blood tests showed a substantial rise in beta-carotene levels, from 53 ug/dl to 92 ug/dl.He had stopped taking all his migraine meds.&nbsp; 
 
Even when he tried certain 'challenge' foods, such as egg whites, salmon, or iced tea, which triggered headache attacks, these were much less painful and much shorter in duration than before.After three months, his migraines stopped completely and they haven`t returned in 7.5 years. 
 
The man was allergic, and previously published research suggests that better control of allergies may lead to fewer migraine headaches. In this case, the man`s allergy symptoms improved to the point that he no longer needed to use seasonal medication.He was also HIV positive, and HIV has been linked to a heightened risk of migraines, so it is certainly possible that the man's HIV status and antiretroviral drugs had contributed to his symptoms, said the authors of the report. 
 
But it wasn't possible to study this further without stopping the antiretroviral treatment, which is a limitation of the study, they acknowledged. 
 
However, they concluded, "This report suggests that a whole food plant-based diet may offer a safe, effective and permanent treatment for reversing chronic migraine." 
 
"While this report describes one very adherent patient who had a remarkable response, the LIFE diet has reduced migraine frequency within three months in several additional patients (personal communication)."&nbsp;

Adopting a plant-based diet that is rich in dark green leafy vegetables, could relieve symptoms of chronic migraine, according to a recent study. This study was published online in the 'BMJ Case Reports Journal'.

Adopting a plant-based diet that is rich in dark green leafy vegetables, could relieve symptoms of chronic migraine, according to a recent study. This study was published online in the 'BMJ Case Reports Journal'. The recommendation comes after they treated a man who had endured severe migraine headaches without aura for more than 12 years. He had tried prescribed medicines (Zolmitriptan and Topiramate); cutting out potential 'trigger' foods, including chocolate, cheese, nuts, caffeine, and dried fruit; and yoga and meditation in a bid to blunt the severity and frequency of his headaches. Nothing had worked. Over one billion people worldwide have migraines, characterized as one-sided, pulsating headaches lasting 4-72 hours, and often accompanied by sensitivity to noise and light and sometimes prodromal auras. Migraines are either episodic (fewer than 15 days a month) or chronic (15 or more migraine days a month plus migraine features on at least 8 days of the month). Successful migraine treatment is defined as a halving in the frequency and length of attacks, or as an improvement in symptoms. While drugs can help prevent and treat the condition, a growing body of evidence suggested that diet may also offer an effective alternative without any of the side effects associated with some medicines, said the report authors. Six months before his clinic referral, the man's migraines had become chronic, occurring on 18-24 days of every month.He described the pain as starting suddenly and intensely in the forehead and temple on the left side of his head. The pain was throbbing in nature and usually lasted 72 hours.His headaches were accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. On a scale of 0-10, he scored the pain severity as 10-12 out of 10.Blood tests revealed that he didn't have high levels of systemic inflammation and that he had a normal level of beta-carotene (53 ug/dl).This was likely derived from his daily consumption of sweet potatoes, which, although high in beta-carotene, are relatively low in the nutrients responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of carotenoids, pointed out the report authors. These are instead found in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and watercress. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in migraine.The report authors advised the man to adopt the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet, a nutrient-dense, whole-food, plant-based diet. The LIFE diet included eating at least five ounces by weight of raw or cooked dark green leafy vegetables every day, drinking one 32-ounce daily green LIFE smoothie, and limiting the intake of whole grains, starchy vegetables, oils, and animal protein, particularly dairy and red meat.After two months on the LIFE diet, the man said that the frequency of his migraine attacks had fallen to just one day a month; the length and severity of the attacks had also lessened. Blood tests showed a substantial rise in beta-carotene levels, from 53 ug/dl to 92 ug/dl.He had stopped taking all his migraine meds. Even when he tried certain 'challenge' foods, such as egg whites, salmon, or iced tea, which triggered headache attacks, these were much less painful and much shorter in duration than before.After three months, his migraines stopped completely and they haven`t returned in 7.5 years. The man was allergic, and previously published research suggests that better control of allergies may lead to fewer migraine headaches. In this case, the man`s allergy symptoms improved to the point that he no longer needed to use seasonal medication.He was also HIV positive, and HIV has been linked to a heightened risk of migraines, so it is certainly possible that the man's HIV status and antiretroviral drugs had contributed to his symptoms, said the authors of the report. But it wasn't possible to study this further without stopping the antiretroviral treatment, which is a limitation of the study, they acknowledged. However, they concluded, "This report suggests that a whole food plant-based diet may offer a safe, effective and permanent treatment for reversing chronic migraine." "While this report describes one very adherent patient who had a remarkable response, the LIFE diet has reduced migraine frequency within three months in several additional patients (personal communication)."

Adopting plant-based diet relieves migraine symptoms: Study

To stay healthy in old age, household chores can help adults in a big way. It may seem a bit rash, but researchers suggest that tasks at home like scrubbing floors, dusting, etc may help in staying fit. &nbsp;

The study has been published in the journal ‘BMJ Open’. A Singapore-based team of researchers said that regular physical activity “improves physical and mental health, mitigates the risks and effects of chronic diseases, and reduces falls, immobility, dependency and mortality among older adults”. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-tea-coffee-lowers-risk-of-stroke-and-dementia-study-430110" hreflang="en">Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study</a>

In the study, the team recruited adults from Yishun town in Singapore. The participants were asked about their levels of physical activity, including the amount of light housework and heavy housework they did and were assessed for their risk of having a fall based on measures like knee extension strength. &nbsp;

It involved 249 participants in the age group of 21 to 64 years and 240 participants belonging to the age group of 65 to 90 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/scientists-discover-lie-detector-that-uses-artificial-intelligence-to-detect-micro-expressions-431030" hreflang="en">Scientists discover lie detector that uses artificial intelligence to detect micro-expressions</a>

The team found cognitive scores and attention scores were 8% and 14% higher respectively for adults, which did high amount of heavy housework compared to low levels. &nbsp;

Dr Shiou-Liang Wee, co-author of the research, said, “Housework is a purposeful activity performed by many older adults. Independent of recreation, (commuting) and other work-related physical activity, heavy housework is linked to sharper memory and better falls protection in older adults.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To stay healthy in old age, household chores can help adults in a big way. It may seem a bit rash, but researchers suggest that tasks at home like scrubbing floors, dusting, etc may help in staying fit.

To stay healthy in old age, household chores can help adults in a big way. It may seem a bit rash, but researchers suggest that tasks at home like scrubbing floors, dusting, etc may help in staying fit. The study has been published in the journal ‘BMJ Open’. A Singapore-based team of researchers said that regular physical activity “improves physical and mental health, mitigates the risks and effects of chronic diseases, and reduces falls, immobility, dependency and mortality among older adults”. Also Read | Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study In the study, the team recruited adults from Yishun town in Singapore. The participants were asked about their levels of physical activity, including the amount of light housework and heavy housework they did and were assessed for their risk of having a fall based on measures like knee extension strength. It involved 249 participants in the age group of 21 to 64 years and 240 participants belonging to the age group of 65 to 90 years. Also Read: Scientists discover lie detector that uses artificial intelligence to detect micro-expressions The team found cognitive scores and attention scores were 8% and 14% higher respectively for adults, which did high amount of heavy housework compared to low levels. Dr Shiou-Liang Wee, co-author of the research, said, “Housework is a purposeful activity performed by many older adults. Independent of recreation, (commuting) and other work-related physical activity, heavy housework is linked to sharper memory and better falls protection in older adults.” (With inputs from agencies)

In old age, household chores can boost health, says study

A new nationally representative study, in the US, found that one in four adults aged 20-39 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). 
 
The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Those with ADHD were four times more likely to have GAD at some point in their life when compared to those without ADHD.&nbsp; 
 
Even after controlling for other relevant factors, including sociodemographics, adverse childhood experiences, and a lifetime history of substance use disorders and major depressive disorders, those with ADHD still had more than double the odds of GAD." These findings underline how vulnerable adults with ADHD are too generalized anxiety disorders," says lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson, professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging. 
 
"There are many studies linking adult ADHD to depression and suicidality, but less attention has been paid to generalized activity disorders and other adverse outcomes across the life course." 
 
The study identified several factors that were associated with GAD among those with ADHD. Female respondents with ADHD had nearly five times higher odds of GAD, even after controlling for other covariates." 
 
ADHD has been severely underdiagnosed and undertreated in girls and women," says co-author Andie MacNeil, a recent Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate from the University of Toronto.&nbsp; 
 
"These findings suggest that women with ADHD may also be more susceptible to experiencing anxiety, emphasizing the need for greater support for women with ADHD." 
 
Adults who had experienced adverse childhood experiences such as childhood sexual or physical abuse or chronic parental domestic violence were three times more likely to have a generalized anxiety disorder. Sixty per cent of those with ADHD who had anxiety disorders had experienced at least one of these adverse childhood experiences. 
Other factors associated with GAD among adults with ADHD include having an income below USD 40,000, having fewer close relationships, and having a lifetime history of major depressive disorder.&nbsp; 
 
The odds of GAD among those with ADHD were six-fold for those with a lifetime history of major depressive disorder."These results highlight the importance of screening for mental illness and addressing depressive symptoms when providing support to those with ADHD," said Lauren Carrique, a recent graduate of the University of Toronto`s MSW program who is a social worker at Toronto General Hospital. "Individuals experiencing ADHD, GAD, and depression is a particularly vulnerable subgroup that may need targeted outreach by health professionals." 
 
Investigators examined a nationally representative sample of 6,898 respondents from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health aged 20-39, of whom 272 had ADHD and 682 had GAD. Unfortunately, the researchers did not have access to information on what treatments, if any, respondents with ADHD were receiving to address their anxiety.&nbsp; 
 
One particularly promising talk-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, also called CBT, has been shown to be very effective for improving anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms." 
 
It is crucial that those with ADHD who are struggling with mental health issues reach out for help from their family doctor or other mental health professionals including social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. Effective treatments, such as CBT, are available and these can dramatically improve one`s quality of life", said Fuller-Thomson

A new nationally representative study, in the US, found that one in four adults aged 20-39 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

A new nationally representative study, in the US, found that one in four adults aged 20-39 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. Those with ADHD were four times more likely to have GAD at some point in their life when compared to those without ADHD. Even after controlling for other relevant factors, including sociodemographics, adverse childhood experiences, and a lifetime history of substance use disorders and major depressive disorders, those with ADHD still had more than double the odds of GAD." These findings underline how vulnerable adults with ADHD are too generalized anxiety disorders," says lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson, professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging. "There are many studies linking adult ADHD to depression and suicidality, but less attention has been paid to generalized activity disorders and other adverse outcomes across the life course." The study identified several factors that were associated with GAD among those with ADHD. Female respondents with ADHD had nearly five times higher odds of GAD, even after controlling for other covariates." ADHD has been severely underdiagnosed and undertreated in girls and women," says co-author Andie MacNeil, a recent Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate from the University of Toronto. "These findings suggest that women with ADHD may also be more susceptible to experiencing anxiety, emphasizing the need for greater support for women with ADHD." Adults who had experienced adverse childhood experiences such as childhood sexual or physical abuse or chronic parental domestic violence were three times more likely to have a generalized anxiety disorder. Sixty per cent of those with ADHD who had anxiety disorders had experienced at least one of these adverse childhood experiences. Other factors associated with GAD among adults with ADHD include having an income below USD 40,000, having fewer close relationships, and having a lifetime history of major depressive disorder. The odds of GAD among those with ADHD were six-fold for those with a lifetime history of major depressive disorder."These results highlight the importance of screening for mental illness and addressing depressive symptoms when providing support to those with ADHD," said Lauren Carrique, a recent graduate of the University of Toronto`s MSW program who is a social worker at Toronto General Hospital. "Individuals experiencing ADHD, GAD, and depression is a particularly vulnerable subgroup that may need targeted outreach by health professionals." Investigators examined a nationally representative sample of 6,898 respondents from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health aged 20-39, of whom 272 had ADHD and 682 had GAD. Unfortunately, the researchers did not have access to information on what treatments, if any, respondents with ADHD were receiving to address their anxiety. One particularly promising talk-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, also called CBT, has been shown to be very effective for improving anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms." It is crucial that those with ADHD who are struggling with mental health issues reach out for help from their family doctor or other mental health professionals including social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. Effective treatments, such as CBT, are available and these can dramatically improve one`s quality of life", said Fuller-Thomson

Adults with ADHD four times more likely to have generalised anxiety disorder: Study

A group of US states have announced a joint probe into Meta Platforms, for promoting its social media app Instagram to children despite knowing the harm it can cause to their mental health. "Facebook, now Meta, has failed to protect young people on its platforms and instead chose to ignore or, in some cases, double down on known manipulations that pose a real threat to physical and mental health, exploiting children in the interest of profit," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement.

The investigation involves nine states - New York, Colorado, California, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It aims at examining whether the company has violated consumer protection laws, putting the young generation at risk.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said that the investigation will be targeting Meta's techniques for increasing the duration of engagement by young users.&nbsp;

The statement read that this investigation comes after "reports revealing that Meta's own internal research shows that using Instagram is associated with increased risks of physical and mental health harms on young people, including depression, eating disorders, and even suicide."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-asks-staff-to-preserve-records-dating-back-to-2016-amid-inquiries-424794">Also read |&nbsp;Facebook asks staff to preserve records dating back to 2016 amid inquiries</a>

As a response, Meta has issued a statement saying that the accusations are false and "demonstrate a deep misunderstanding of the facts."

"We continue to build new features to help people who might be dealing with negative social comparisons or body image issues, including our new 'Take a Break' feature and ways to nudge them towards other types of content," it added.&nbsp;

The probe comes at a time when Facebook is already under scrutiny after Frances Haugen, who is a Facebook data scientist turned whistleblower, appeared before a UK Parliamentary committee and said that Facebook will fuel more violent unrest around the world.&nbsp;

This is because of the way its algorithms are designed to promote divisive content.

"The events we're seeing around the world, things like Myanmar and Ethiopia, those are the opening chapters because engagement-based ranking does two things: one, it prioritises and amplifies divisive and polarising extreme content and two it concentrates it," she said.

With inputs from agencies&nbsp;

A group of US states have announced a joint probe into Meta Platforms, for promoting its social media app Instagram to children despite knowing the harm it can cause to their mental health.

A group of US states have announced a joint probe into Meta Platforms, for promoting its social media app Instagram to children despite knowing the harm it can cause to their mental health. "Facebook, now Meta, has failed to protect young people on its platforms and instead chose to ignore or, in some cases, double down on known manipulations that pose a real threat to physical and mental health, exploiting children in the interest of profit," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. The investigation involves nine states - New York, Colorado, California, Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It aims at examining whether the company has violated consumer protection laws, putting the young generation at risk. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has said that the investigation will be targeting Meta's techniques for increasing the duration of engagement by young users. The statement read that this investigation comes after "reports revealing that Meta's own internal research shows that using Instagram is associated with increased risks of physical and mental health harms on young people, including depression, eating disorders, and even suicide." Also read | Facebook asks staff to preserve records dating back to 2016 amid inquiries As a response, Meta has issued a statement saying that the accusations are false and "demonstrate a deep misunderstanding of the facts." "We continue to build new features to help people who might be dealing with negative social comparisons or body image issues, including our new 'Take a Break' feature and ways to nudge them towards other types of content," it added. The probe comes at a time when Facebook is already under scrutiny after Frances Haugen, who is a Facebook data scientist turned whistleblower, appeared before a UK Parliamentary committee and said that Facebook will fuel more violent unrest around the world. This is because of the way its algorithms are designed to promote divisive content. "The events we're seeing around the world, things like Myanmar and Ethiopia, those are the opening chapters because engagement-based ranking does two things: one, it prioritises and amplifies divisive and polarising extreme content and two it concentrates it," she said. With inputs from agencies

'Real threat': US investigates Instagram's impact on children's mental health

Greek&nbsp;public&nbsp;health&nbsp;sector&nbsp;workers&nbsp;protested in Athens on Monday&nbsp;as&nbsp;hospitals&nbsp;have become overwhelmed by a&nbsp;new&nbsp;surge in&nbsp;COVID-19 cases and authorities consider further restrictions.

Workers&nbsp;said they are&nbsp;underpaid, overworked and&nbsp;understaffed in the midst of the pandemic. They called for more hirings, for the government to include them on a list of hazardous professions which receive hazard pay benefits, and for private doctors to be ordered to assist, adding that a decision by the government to suspend unvaccinated&nbsp;health&nbsp;sector&nbsp;workers&nbsp;increased staff shortages.

Greece made vaccinations mandatory for nursing home staff in July and&nbsp;healthcare&nbsp;workers&nbsp;in September.

Hospitals, particularly in northern Greece, are scrambling to treat patients, as daily cases reached&nbsp;new&nbsp;record highs this month averaging over six thousand, and wards are running out of space for patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-summit-nearly-300-people-tested-positive-for-covid-19-after-event-429946">Also read |&nbsp;COP26 climate summit: Nearly 300 people tested positive for COVID-19 after event</a>

"The stretchers at the&nbsp;hospitals&nbsp;on duty are increasing by the dozens,&nbsp;patients are being chosen for the intensive care units by priority, based on their ages," said president of the Public Hospital&nbsp;Workers&nbsp;Federation Michalis Giannakos. "Patients lives are in danger, and staff that have remained are like elastic bands stretched from clinic to clinic, from ward to ward."

Last week authorities announced&nbsp;new&nbsp;measures which require the unvaccinated to provide negative tests to enter cafes and restaurants, state services and banks. Employees in the public and private&nbsp;sector&nbsp;now also need to test twice a week to enter their workplace.

The government is trying to avoid another lockdown, but with only about 60 percent of the population of 11 million vaccinated, it is considering further restrictions, including possibly more mandatory vaccinations and testing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-positive-decision-new-zealand-includes-covishield-covaxin-in-list-of-recognised-vaccines-430229">Also read |&nbsp;A 'positive' decision: New Zealand includes Covishield, Covaxin in list of recognised vaccines</a>

Greek&nbsp;government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said on Monday the&nbsp;health&nbsp;system is&nbsp;under&nbsp;intense&nbsp;pressure, adding only one in ten being treated in intensive care units for coronavirus is fully vaccinated.

Eleven private clinics have volunteered to provide space for&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;patients, he said, while the government has asked for private doctors to volunteer their help, and could order them to provide their services if necessary.

Greek public health sector workers protested in Athens on Monday as hospitals have become overwhelmed by a new surge in COVID-19 cases and authorities consider further restrictions.

Greek public health sector workers protested in Athens on Monday as hospitals have become overwhelmed by a new surge in COVID-19 cases and authorities consider further restrictions. Workers said they are underpaid, overworked and understaffed in the midst of the pandemic. They called for more hirings, for the government to include them on a list of hazardous professions which receive hazard pay benefits, and for private doctors to be ordered to assist, adding that a decision by the government to suspend unvaccinated health sector workers increased staff shortages. Greece made vaccinations mandatory for nursing home staff in July and healthcare workers in September. Hospitals, particularly in northern Greece, are scrambling to treat patients, as daily cases reached new record highs this month averaging over six thousand, and wards are running out of space for patients. Also read | COP26 climate summit: Nearly 300 people tested positive for COVID-19 after event "The stretchers at the hospitals on duty are increasing by the dozens, patients are being chosen for the intensive care units by priority, based on their ages," said president of the Public Hospital Workers Federation Michalis Giannakos. "Patients lives are in danger, and staff that have remained are like elastic bands stretched from clinic to clinic, from ward to ward." Last week authorities announced new measures which require the unvaccinated to provide negative tests to enter cafes and restaurants, state services and banks. Employees in the public and private sector now also need to test twice a week to enter their workplace. The government is trying to avoid another lockdown, but with only about 60 percent of the population of 11 million vaccinated, it is considering further restrictions, including possibly more mandatory vaccinations and testing. Also read | A 'positive' decision: New Zealand includes Covishield, Covaxin in list of recognised vaccines Greek government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said on Monday the health system is under intense pressure, adding only one in ten being treated in intensive care units for coronavirus is fully vaccinated. Eleven private clinics have volunteered to provide space for COVID patients, he said, while the government has asked for private doctors to volunteer their help, and could order them to provide their services if necessary.

Greek health sector workers protest as hospitals buckle under covid pressure

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage.

The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C. elegans” created by a Japanese firm, Hirotsu Bio Science.

It is well known that bodily fluids of cancer patients smell different to those of healthy people. There have been experiments with dogs who were trained to detect the disease in breath or urine samples. However, the method is time-consuming.

The firm has claimed that their genetically modified worm, which is around one-millimetre-long, has an acute sense of smell and will be able to react to the urine of people with cancer.

With this experiment, the scientists claimed that it was possible to detect cancer early.

“The new test is not meant to diagnose pancreatic cancer, but could help boost routine screening as urine samples can be collected at home without the need for a hospital visit,” Hirotsu said at a press conference on Tuesday.

And if the worms raise the alarm, the patient would then be referred to a doctor for further testing, he said.

"This is a major technological advancement," CEO Takaaki Hirotsu, a former academic who studied the tiny worms known as nematodes, told AFP.

He is hopeful it could help boost cancer detection rates in Japan, which like many countries has seen screening rates drop during the pandemic as people avoided medical visits.

Hirotsu and Osaka University detailed "C. elegans"&nbsp;cancer-detecting skills in a joint study published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal "Oncotarget"

In separate tests conducted by the firm, the worms correctly identified all 22 urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients, including people with early stages of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C.

A Japanese biotech firm has devised a new method that might help detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. The technique involves the use of a genetically modified a type of worm called “C. elegans” created by a Japanese firm, Hirotsu Bio Science. It is well known that bodily fluids of cancer patients smell different to those of healthy people. There have been experiments with dogs who were trained to detect the disease in breath or urine samples. However, the method is time-consuming. The firm has claimed that their genetically modified worm, which is around one-millimetre-long, has an acute sense of smell and will be able to react to the urine of people with cancer. With this experiment, the scientists claimed that it was possible to detect cancer early. “The new test is not meant to diagnose pancreatic cancer, but could help boost routine screening as urine samples can be collected at home without the need for a hospital visit,” Hirotsu said at a press conference on Tuesday. And if the worms raise the alarm, the patient would then be referred to a doctor for further testing, he said. "This is a major technological advancement," CEO Takaaki Hirotsu, a former academic who studied the tiny worms known as nematodes, told AFP. He is hopeful it could help boost cancer detection rates in Japan, which like many countries has seen screening rates drop during the pandemic as people avoided medical visits. Hirotsu and Osaka University detailed "C. elegans" cancer-detecting skills in a joint study published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal "Oncotarget" In separate tests conducted by the firm, the worms correctly identified all 22 urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients, including people with early stages of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese scientists use genetically modified worm to detect cancer

Doctors have advised Britain's Queen Elizabeth to take rest for at least the next two weeks. The 95-year-old monarch is avoiding official visits and only undertaking light duties at this time, Buckingham Palace said on Friday. &nbsp;

The world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch seems to be determined to appear at the annual Remembrance Sunday service. It commemorates the nation's war dead in central London on November 14, the palace said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-delegate-applications-for-six-afghans-rejected-days-before-event-425289" hreflang="en">Cop26: Delegate applications for six Afghans rejected days before event</a>

The queen of 15 other realms, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Elizabeth has been resting at her Windsor Castle since she stayed overnight in hospital last week. She had undergone "preliminary investigations" for an unspecified ailment, which is not related to Covid. &nbsp;

She is also not going to address world leaders in-person next week at the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-seeks-to-calm-fears-over-queen-elizabeths-health-425288" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson seeks to calm fears over Queen Elizabeth's health</a>

After the latest advice, the queen will no longer attend a major event on November 13 at the Royal Albert Hall hosted by a British military charity. But the queen had a "firm intention" to be present at the main national service of remembrance for veterans on November 14, the palace said. &nbsp;

The queen is in good spirits and have recorded a video address for the delegates of COP26 on Friday. Further rest was a "sensible precaution", a palace source said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Doctors have advised Britain's Queen Elizabeth to take rest for at least the next two weeks. The 95-year-old monarch is avoiding official visits and only undertaking light duties at this time, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

Doctors have advised Britain's Queen Elizabeth to take rest for at least the next two weeks. The 95-year-old monarch is avoiding official visits and only undertaking light duties at this time, Buckingham Palace said on Friday. The world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch seems to be determined to appear at the annual Remembrance Sunday service. It commemorates the nation's war dead in central London on November 14, the palace said. Also Read: Cop26: Delegate applications for six Afghans rejected days before event The queen of 15 other realms, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Elizabeth has been resting at her Windsor Castle since she stayed overnight in hospital last week. She had undergone "preliminary investigations" for an unspecified ailment, which is not related to Covid. She is also not going to address world leaders in-person next week at the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow. Also Read: UK PM Johnson seeks to calm fears over Queen Elizabeth's health After the latest advice, the queen will no longer attend a major event on November 13 at the Royal Albert Hall hosted by a British military charity. But the queen had a "firm intention" to be present at the main national service of remembrance for veterans on November 14, the palace said. The queen is in good spirits and have recorded a video address for the delegates of COP26 on Friday. Further rest was a "sensible precaution", a palace source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Doctors advise two more weeks’ rest to 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth   

There have been reports of health officials investigating 10 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease on Long Island. This is a rare form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella.&nbsp;

The source of the illness has not yet been identified, but New York is experiencing an uptick in Legionnaires cases statewide.&nbsp;

As per the country's health department, the 10 cases have been reported within a one-mile radius in a Long Island neighbourhood. The cluster includes people between the ages of 35 and 96. As of Saturday, one person has died from Legionnaires, two are hospitalised and seven have been released from the hospital

Medical teams are working on contact tracing, as well as swabbing and sampling on-site to find the cases' origins, reports CBS New York.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-covid-19-creates-new-poor-heres-how-india-is-progressing-to-eradicate-extreme-poverty-421445">Also read |&nbsp;As COVID-19 creates 'new poor', here's how India is progressing to eradicate extreme poverty</a>

The county health department has said that people can easily contract Legionnaires by breathing in a vapour containing the Legionella bacteria.

Symptoms of Legionnaires begin between 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms include breath, high fever, cough, muscle aches and headache.&nbsp;

The disease tends to last between 2 to 5 days and can range from a mild cough to a fatal case of pneumonia. Severe diseases can include respiratory failure, shock and acute kidney failure.&nbsp;

There have been reports of health officials investigating 10 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease on Long Island. This is a rare form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella.

There have been reports of health officials investigating 10 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease on Long Island. This is a rare form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella. The source of the illness has not yet been identified, but New York is experiencing an uptick in Legionnaires cases statewide. As per the country's health department, the 10 cases have been reported within a one-mile radius in a Long Island neighbourhood. The cluster includes people between the ages of 35 and 96. As of Saturday, one person has died from Legionnaires, two are hospitalised and seven have been released from the hospital Medical teams are working on contact tracing, as well as swabbing and sampling on-site to find the cases' origins, reports CBS New York. Also read | As COVID-19 creates 'new poor', here's how India is progressing to eradicate extreme poverty The county health department has said that people can easily contract Legionnaires by breathing in a vapour containing the Legionella bacteria. Symptoms of Legionnaires begin between 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms include breath, high fever, cough, muscle aches and headache. The disease tends to last between 2 to 5 days and can range from a mild cough to a fatal case of pneumonia. Severe diseases can include respiratory failure, shock and acute kidney failure.

Legionnaires' disease: Health officials investigating cluster in New York

Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place.

An official government tally showed 1,002 deaths and 33,208 new infections, setting a high for both fatalities and cases for the third day in a row.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-development-finance-corporation-chief-to-visit-india-to-boost-vaccine-manufacturing-421167">&nbsp;US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing</a>

The surging outbreak has come with just 31 per cent of Russians fully inoculated as of Saturday, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID-19 data from the regions.

A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread unchecked, though a number of regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places.

The Kremlin has avoided re-introducing major restrictions despite calling the country's vaccination rate "unacceptably" low, saying this week authorities have to ensure "the economy continues working".

It also said that Russia's medical system is prepared to take in the rising number of patients, describing it as not "overwhelmed".

Authorities have blamed Russians for the growing outbreak.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko this week pointed to their "behaviour", while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said everything had been done to give the public the chance to "save their lives by getting vaccinated".&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-18132-new-covid-19-cases-tally-lowest-in-over-7-months-419794">India adds 18,132 new COVID-19 cases, tally lowest in over 7 months</a>

While several Russian-developed jabs have been available for months, authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population.

Independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot.

Russia's fatalities from Covid now stand at 222,315 -- the highest toll in Europe -- even as authorities are accused of downplaying the severity of Russia's outbreak.

Under a broader definition of deaths linked to the virus, the Rosstat statistics agency has said that by the end of August more than 400,000 people in Russia had died with the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place.

Russia on Saturday topped 1,000 deaths over 24 hours for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's jab drive at a standstill and few restrictions in place. An official government tally showed 1,002 deaths and 33,208 new infections, setting a high for both fatalities and cases for the third day in a row. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing The surging outbreak has come with just 31 per cent of Russians fully inoculated as of Saturday, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID-19 data from the regions. A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread unchecked, though a number of regions have re-introduced QR codes for access to public places. The Kremlin has avoided re-introducing major restrictions despite calling the country's vaccination rate "unacceptably" low, saying this week authorities have to ensure "the economy continues working". It also said that Russia's medical system is prepared to take in the rising number of patients, describing it as not "overwhelmed". Authorities have blamed Russians for the growing outbreak. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko this week pointed to their "behaviour", while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said everything had been done to give the public the chance to "save their lives by getting vaccinated". Also Read | India adds 18,132 new COVID-19 cases, tally lowest in over 7 months While several Russian-developed jabs have been available for months, authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population. Independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot. Russia's fatalities from Covid now stand at 222,315 -- the highest toll in Europe -- even as authorities are accused of downplaying the severity of Russia's outbreak. Under a broader definition of deaths linked to the virus, the Rosstat statistics agency has said that by the end of August more than 400,000 people in Russia had died with the coronavirus.

Russia tops 1,000 daily COVID-19 deaths for first time

Health workers have a non-negotiable right to exercise conscientious objection by refusing to participate in an abortion, Pope Francis said on Thursday, calling the procedure "murder".

It was at least the third time in a month that the pope has spoken out strongly against abortion, which has become a major political issue in a number of countries, including the United States.

Last week a US&nbsp;appeals court temporarily reinstated Texas's restrictive abortion law, which bars the procedure as early as six weeks into pregnancy and outsources enforcement of the ban to ordinary citizens.

"Today it has become a bit fashionable to think that maybe it would be good to do away with conscientious objection (in the medical field)," he said to participants of a conference in Rome of hospital pharmacists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/learn-to-switch-off-says-pope-francis-after-successful-surgery-398866">Also read |&nbsp;Learn to switch off, says Pope Francis after successful surgery</a>

"It (conscientious objection) should never be negotiated, it is the ultimate responsibility of heath professionals," he said, adding that it was particularly applicable to abortion.

"Know that on this I am very clear: It is murder and it is never licit to be an accomplice," he said.

Most countries have laws that provide for some form of conscientious objection by health professionals, but abortion rights activists say not all are fulfilling their duty to refer a woman to another doctor.

In some Scandinavian countries, doctors are barred from refusing to provide any medical care that is legal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coastline-to-be-dotted-with-wind-farms-says-biden-administration-420686">Also read |&nbsp;US coastline to be dotted with wind farms, says Biden administration</a>

Last month, Francis told reporters on the plane returning from Slovakia that abortion was "murder", even soon after conception, but appeared to criticise some US&nbsp;Catholic bishops for dealing with US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's pro-choice position in a political rather than pastoral way.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that life begins at the moment of conception.

In June a divided conference of US Roman Catholic bishops voted to draft a statement on communion that may admonish Catholic politicians, including Biden. They are due to take up the issue again next month.

Health workers have a non-negotiable right to exercise conscientious objection by refusing to participate in an abortion, Pope Francis said on Thursday, calling the procedure "murder".

Health workers have a non-negotiable right to exercise conscientious objection by refusing to participate in an abortion, Pope Francis said on Thursday, calling the procedure "murder". It was at least the third time in a month that the pope has spoken out strongly against abortion, which has become a major political issue in a number of countries, including the United States. Last week a US appeals court temporarily reinstated Texas's restrictive abortion law, which bars the procedure as early as six weeks into pregnancy and outsources enforcement of the ban to ordinary citizens. "Today it has become a bit fashionable to think that maybe it would be good to do away with conscientious objection (in the medical field)," he said to participants of a conference in Rome of hospital pharmacists. Also read | Learn to switch off, says Pope Francis after successful surgery "It (conscientious objection) should never be negotiated, it is the ultimate responsibility of heath professionals," he said, adding that it was particularly applicable to abortion. "Know that on this I am very clear: It is murder and it is never licit to be an accomplice," he said. Most countries have laws that provide for some form of conscientious objection by health professionals, but abortion rights activists say not all are fulfilling their duty to refer a woman to another doctor. In some Scandinavian countries, doctors are barred from refusing to provide any medical care that is legal. Also read | US coastline to be dotted with wind farms, says Biden administration Last month, Francis told reporters on the plane returning from Slovakia that abortion was "murder", even soon after conception, but appeared to criticise some US Catholic bishops for dealing with US President Joe Biden's pro-choice position in a political rather than pastoral way. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that life begins at the moment of conception. In June a divided conference of US Roman Catholic bishops voted to draft a statement on communion that may admonish Catholic politicians, including Biden. They are due to take up the issue again next month.

Pope says health workers' conscientious objection to abortion non-negotiable

Daily exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals used in everything from plastic containers to makeup, may lead to approximately 100,000 deaths in older Americans annually, a study from New York University warned Tuesday.

The chemicals, which can be found in hundreds of products such as toys, clothing and shampoo, have been known for decades to be "hormone disruptors," affecting a person's endocrine system.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-die-of-alcohol-poisoning-in-russia-419093">14 die of alcohol poisoning in Russia</a>

The toxins can enter the body through such items and are linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, said the study published in the journal Environmental Pollution.

The research, which was carried out by New York University's Grossman School of Medicine and includes some 5,000 adults aged 55 to 64, shows that those with higher concentrations of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die of heart disease.

However, higher concentrations did not appear to increase the risk of death by cancer.

"Our findings reveal that increased phthalate exposure is linked to early death, particularly due to heart disease," said study lead author Leonardo Trasande.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merck-seeks-us-fdas-authorisation-for-covid-19-pill-420024">Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill</a>

"Until now, we have understood that the chemicals connect to heart disease, and heart disease in turn is a leading cause of death, but we had not yet tied the chemicals themselves to death."

Trasande cautioned, however, that the study does not establish a direct cause and effect relationship between phthalate exposure and death, in part because the specific biological mechanisms of that relationship are unclear.

"Our research suggests that the toll of this chemical on society is much greater than we first thought," Trasande said, adding that it "is undeniably clear that limiting exposure to toxic phthalates can help safeguard Americans' physical and financial wellbeing."

Other studies have already linked phthalates to more than 10,000 deaths per year associated with reduced testosterone levels in adult men.

The study added that the economic loss due to phthalates is between $40 billion and $47 billion -- more than four times what was previously estimated.

Daily exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals used in everything from plastic containers to makeup, may lead to approximately 100,000 deaths in older Americans annually, a study from New York University warned Tuesday.

Daily exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals used in everything from plastic containers to makeup, may lead to approximately 100,000 deaths in older Americans annually, a study from New York University warned Tuesday. The chemicals, which can be found in hundreds of products such as toys, clothing and shampoo, have been known for decades to be "hormone disruptors," affecting a person's endocrine system. Also Read | 14 die of alcohol poisoning in Russia The toxins can enter the body through such items and are linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, said the study published in the journal Environmental Pollution. The research, which was carried out by New York University's Grossman School of Medicine and includes some 5,000 adults aged 55 to 64, shows that those with higher concentrations of phthalates in their urine were more likely to die of heart disease. However, higher concentrations did not appear to increase the risk of death by cancer. "Our findings reveal that increased phthalate exposure is linked to early death, particularly due to heart disease," said study lead author Leonardo Trasande. Also Read | Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill "Until now, we have understood that the chemicals connect to heart disease, and heart disease in turn is a leading cause of death, but we had not yet tied the chemicals themselves to death." Trasande cautioned, however, that the study does not establish a direct cause and effect relationship between phthalate exposure and death, in part because the specific biological mechanisms of that relationship are unclear. "Our research suggests that the toll of this chemical on society is much greater than we first thought," Trasande said, adding that it "is undeniably clear that limiting exposure to toxic phthalates can help safeguard Americans' physical and financial wellbeing." Other studies have already linked phthalates to more than 10,000 deaths per year associated with reduced testosterone levels in adult men. The study added that the economic loss due to phthalates is between $40 billion and $47 billion -- more than four times what was previously estimated.

Widely used chemical linked to 100,000 US deaths per year: Study

New Zealand announced Monday a sweeping "no jab, no job" policy for most healthcare workers and teachers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"We can't leave anything to chance so that's why we are making it mandatory," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, who is also the education minister.

Doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers must be double-jabbed by December 1 while everyone working in the education sector who has contact with students must have their two doses by January 1.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-drops-its-covid-19-elimination-plan-as-delta-persists-418063">New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists</a>

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners backed mandatory vaccinations with president Samantha Murton describing it as a "bold, but necessary call" to make.

Secondary schools will also be required to keep a register to show the vaccination status of students.

"Vaccination remains our strongest and most effective tool to protect against infection and disease," Hipkins said.&nbsp;

The order includes home-based educators and parents volunteering at schools, but no decision has been made on whether vaccination will be mandatory in the tertiary education sector.

Before the arrival of the Delta variant in August, New Zealand had won widespread praise for its Covid elimination policy, which had largely protected the country from the pandemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-racing-for-profits-keeps-covid-vaccine-out-of-reach-of-poor-419518">Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor</a>

Residents enjoyed a near-normal domestic life alongside tight restrictions on international borders.&nbsp;

However, the "Covid Zero" strategy fell apart when Delta was detected in Auckland, New Zealand's most populated region, and has since spread to the surrounding Northland and Waikato provinces.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the highly transmissible Delta variant had proved a "game-changer" that could not be eliminated.

New Zealand announced Monday a sweeping "no jab, no job" policy for most healthcare workers and teachers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "We can't leave anything to chance so that's why we are making it mandatory," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, who is also the education minister.

New Zealand announced Monday a sweeping "no jab, no job" policy for most healthcare workers and teachers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "We can't leave anything to chance so that's why we are making it mandatory," said COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, who is also the education minister. Doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers must be double-jabbed by December 1 while everyone working in the education sector who has contact with students must have their two doses by January 1. Also Read | New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners backed mandatory vaccinations with president Samantha Murton describing it as a "bold, but necessary call" to make. Secondary schools will also be required to keep a register to show the vaccination status of students. "Vaccination remains our strongest and most effective tool to protect against infection and disease," Hipkins said. The order includes home-based educators and parents volunteering at schools, but no decision has been made on whether vaccination will be mandatory in the tertiary education sector. Before the arrival of the Delta variant in August, New Zealand had won widespread praise for its Covid elimination policy, which had largely protected the country from the pandemic. Also Read | Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor Residents enjoyed a near-normal domestic life alongside tight restrictions on international borders. However, the "Covid Zero" strategy fell apart when Delta was detected in Auckland, New Zealand's most populated region, and has since spread to the surrounding Northland and Waikato provinces. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the highly transmissible Delta variant had proved a "game-changer" that could not be eliminated.

New Zealand health workers, teachers told 'no jab, no job'

Malaysia eased domestic and international travel curbs on Sunday for those fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, as a fierce outbreak slows and inoculation rates rise.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian nation had faced its worst COVID-19 wave in recent months, prompting authorities to impose a tough nationwide lockdown.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blood-sweat-no-beers-sydney-set-to-ease-key-covid-19-curbs-419558">'Blood, sweat, no beers': Sydney set to ease key COVID-19 curbs</a>

But with case numbers falling and the inoculation rollout picking up speed, authorities began lifting curbs, with businesses allowed to reopen and workers slowly returning to offices.&nbsp;

In a televised address on Sunday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced fully inoculated people can move freely within the country, as well as fly overseas without special permission.

"According to the ministry of health, the vaccination rate for the adult population has reached 90 per cent," he said to explain the move that takes effect on Monday.

But Ismail Sabri warned people to continue abiding by rules such as mask-wearing to keep the virus in check.&nbsp;

"Do not be complacent&nbsp;this is important in the government's efforts to reopen the economy," he said.

Malaysians had been prohibited from travelling between the country's different states since January, apart from in exceptional circumstances.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/womens-mental-health-deteriorated-more-in-covid-pandemic-study-419561">Women's mental health deteriorated more in Covid pandemic: Study</a>

Overseas travel had only been allowed for those who got special permission by applying through an official system.&nbsp;

While this requirement is being dropped, returning travellers will still need to undergo quarantine.

Malaysia largely avoided a first wave of the virus at the start of the pandemic last year after imposing restrictions and closing its borders.&nbsp;

It was hit hard this year by the Delta variant, and was logging over 20,000 cases a day and hundreds of deaths in August.

But after one of Southeast Asia's fastest vaccine rollouts, infection rates have slowed.&nbsp;

The country of 32 million has recorded over 2.3 million cases and 27,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Malaysia eased domestic and international travel curbs on Sunday for those fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, as a fierce outbreak slows and inoculation rates rise.

Malaysia eased domestic and international travel curbs on Sunday for those fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, as a fierce outbreak slows and inoculation rates rise. The Southeast Asian nation had faced its worst COVID-19 wave in recent months, prompting authorities to impose a tough nationwide lockdown. Also Read | 'Blood, sweat, no beers': Sydney set to ease key COVID-19 curbs But with case numbers falling and the inoculation rollout picking up speed, authorities began lifting curbs, with businesses allowed to reopen and workers slowly returning to offices. In a televised address on Sunday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced fully inoculated people can move freely within the country, as well as fly overseas without special permission. "According to the ministry of health, the vaccination rate for the adult population has reached 90 per cent," he said to explain the move that takes effect on Monday. But Ismail Sabri warned people to continue abiding by rules such as mask-wearing to keep the virus in check. "Do not be complacent this is important in the government's efforts to reopen the economy," he said. Malaysians had been prohibited from travelling between the country's different states since January, apart from in exceptional circumstances. Also Read | Women's mental health deteriorated more in Covid pandemic: Study Overseas travel had only been allowed for those who got special permission by applying through an official system. While this requirement is being dropped, returning travellers will still need to undergo quarantine. Malaysia largely avoided a first wave of the virus at the start of the pandemic last year after imposing restrictions and closing its borders. It was hit hard this year by the Delta variant, and was logging over 20,000 cases a day and hundreds of deaths in August. But after one of Southeast Asia's fastest vaccine rollouts, infection rates have slowed. The country of 32 million has recorded over 2.3 million cases and 27,000 deaths.

Malaysia eases travel curbs as Covid outbreak slows

Experts have warned that climate change is having an impact on the mental health of children and young people.&nbsp; 
Mala Rao and Richard Powell, of Imperial College London’s Department of Primary Care and Public Health, while writing in the British medical journal said that eco-anxiety “risks exacerbating health and social inequalities between those more or less vulnerable to these psychological impacts”.&nbsp;

Eco anxiety refers to the chronic fear of environmental doom. It is not yet considered a diagnosable condition. However, as per the researchers, the recognition of eco-anxiety and its complex psychological effects is increasing. Also, its “disproportionate” impact on children and young people is on an upward cycle.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/theres-no-vaccine-for-climate-crisis-who-chief-on-wildfires-in-several-countries-404716">Also read |&nbsp;There's no vaccine for climate crisis: WHO chief on wildfires in several countries</a>

The research talked about how young people’s emotions were linked with their feelings of betrayal by governments and adults. Governments were seen as failing to respond adequatel. This has left the young people with “no future” and “humanity doomed”.

The researchers highlighted that as per a 2020 survey, a total of 57 per cent of children and young people are seen distressed about the climate crisis.&nbsp;

The researchers called on global leaders to “recognise the challenges ahead, the need to act now, and the commitment necessary to create a path to a happier and healthier future, leaving no one behind”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-set-to-worsen-resource-degradation-conflict-report-says-418842">Also read |&nbsp;Climate change set to worsen resource degradation, conflict, report says</a>

According to a report by The Guardian, the researchers said, "The best chance of increasing optimism and hope in the eco-anxious young and old is to ensure they have access to the best and most reliable information on climate mitigation and adaptation."

“Especially important is information on how they could connect more strongly with nature, contribute to greener choices at an individual level, and join forces with like-minded communities and groups.” 
With this, the researchers said that it is important to find a solution to this problem.&nbsp;

Experts have warned that climate change is having an impact on the mental health of children and young people. Mala Rao and Richard Powell, of Imperial College London’s Department of Primary Care and Public Health, while writing in the British medical journal said that eco-anxiety “risks exacerbating health and social inequalities between those more or less vulnerable to these psychological impacts”.

Experts have warned that climate change is having an impact on the mental health of children and young people. Mala Rao and Richard Powell, of Imperial College London’s Department of Primary Care and Public Health, while writing in the British medical journal said that eco-anxiety “risks exacerbating health and social inequalities between those more or less vulnerable to these psychological impacts”. Eco anxiety refers to the chronic fear of environmental doom. It is not yet considered a diagnosable condition. However, as per the researchers, the recognition of eco-anxiety and its complex psychological effects is increasing. Also, its “disproportionate” impact on children and young people is on an upward cycle. Also read | There's no vaccine for climate crisis: WHO chief on wildfires in several countries The research talked about how young people’s emotions were linked with their feelings of betrayal by governments and adults. Governments were seen as failing to respond adequatel. This has left the young people with “no future” and “humanity doomed”. The researchers highlighted that as per a 2020 survey, a total of 57 per cent of children and young people are seen distressed about the climate crisis. The researchers called on global leaders to “recognise the challenges ahead, the need to act now, and the commitment necessary to create a path to a happier and healthier future, leaving no one behind”. Also read | Climate change set to worsen resource degradation, conflict, report says According to a report by The Guardian, the researchers said, "The best chance of increasing optimism and hope in the eco-anxious young and old is to ensure they have access to the best and most reliable information on climate mitigation and adaptation." “Especially important is information on how they could connect more strongly with nature, contribute to greener choices at an individual level, and join forces with like-minded communities and groups.” With this, the researchers said that it is important to find a solution to this problem.

‘Eco-anxiety’: Fear of environmental damage affecting mental health of people

Australian medical tech manufacturer Ellume said it had recalled almost 200,000 at-home COVID-19 tests in the United States over an increased chance of false positives.

Ellume's rapid at-home coronavirus test last year became the first to receive emergency use authorisation in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration issued an alert Tuesday over the "potential for false positive results with certain lots of the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test, due to a recently identified manufacturing issue".&nbsp;

"Negative results do not appear to be affected by the manufacturing issue," the statement said.

"The FDA is working closely with Ellume to assess the company's additional manufacturing checks and other corrective steps to help ensure that the issue is resolved."

A spokesman for Ellume told AFP on Wednesday that 195,000 of the 3.5 million tests shipped to the United States had been affected.

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Among them were tests provided to the Department of Defense for distribution to community health programmes.

In a statement dated October 1, the company said the voluntary recall was ordered after false positive results were reported in some product batches at higher rates than expected.&nbsp;

"I offer my sincere apologies -– and the apologies of our entire company –- for the stress or difficulties people may have experienced due to a false positive result," founder Sean Parsons said.

The firm said it had identified the cause of the issue and implemented additional controls, and had resumed distributing the tests to US retailers.&nbsp;

"We have and will continue to work diligently to ensure test accuracy, in all cases," Parsons added

Australian medical tech manufacturer Ellume said it had recalled almost 200,000 at-home COVID-19 tests in the United States over an increased chance of false positives.

Australian medical tech manufacturer Ellume said it had recalled almost 200,000 at-home COVID-19 tests in the United States over an increased chance of false positives. Ellume's rapid at-home coronavirus test last year became the first to receive emergency use authorisation in the US. The US Food and Drug Administration issued an alert Tuesday over the "potential for false positive results with certain lots of the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test, due to a recently identified manufacturing issue". "Negative results do not appear to be affected by the manufacturing issue," the statement said. "The FDA is working closely with Ellume to assess the company's additional manufacturing checks and other corrective steps to help ensure that the issue is resolved." A spokesman for Ellume told AFP on Wednesday that 195,000 of the 3.5 million tests shipped to the United States had been affected. Also Read | Australia reports 2,355 new COVID-19 cases as vaccination push continues Among them were tests provided to the Department of Defense for distribution to community health programmes. In a statement dated October 1, the company said the voluntary recall was ordered after false positive results were reported in some product batches at higher rates than expected. "I offer my sincere apologies -– and the apologies of our entire company –- for the stress or difficulties people may have experienced due to a false positive result," founder Sean Parsons said. The firm said it had identified the cause of the issue and implemented additional controls, and had resumed distributing the tests to US retailers. "We have and will continue to work diligently to ensure test accuracy, in all cases," Parsons added

Australian firm recalls US Covid tests over false positives

Russia on Tuesday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll as cases linked to the Delta variant spike amid a lacklustre vaccination drive and few anti-virus restrictions.

A government tally reported 895 fatalities over the past 24 hours, a record in Russia since the start of the pandemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-highest-covid-death-toll-for-second-consecutive-day-416898">Russia reports highest Covid death toll for second consecutive day</a>&nbsp;

The new figure brings total deaths from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;to 211,696 -&nbsp;the highest in Europe.

Authorities have been accused of playing down the severity of the outbreak.

The surging infections have come without any real pandemic restrictions to limit the spread.

Russia, the world's fifth worst-hit country with more than seven million infections, has seen cases climb as vaccinations stall.

Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, has experienced a spike over the past few weeks, with officials warning of rising hospital admissions.

Authorities say that the highly contagious Delta variant now accounts for all of the cases in the Russian capital.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-tourism-surges-in-july-but-falls-short-of-pre-covid-levels-418165">World tourism surges in July, but falls short of pre-Covid levels</a>

Free jabs have been available since early December, but authorities have struggled to convince a vaccine-sceptic population to get immunised.

Independent polling shows that more than half of Russians do not plan on getting a shot.

As of Tuesday, only 29 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions.

Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat reported in August that Russia had seen more than 350,000 fatalities.

Russia on Tuesday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll as cases linked to the Delta variant spike amid a lacklustre vaccination drive and few anti-virus restrictions.

Russia on Tuesday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll as cases linked to the Delta variant spike amid a lacklustre vaccination drive and few anti-virus restrictions. A government tally reported 895 fatalities over the past 24 hours, a record in Russia since the start of the pandemic. Also Read | Russia reports highest Covid death toll for second consecutive day The new figure brings total deaths from COVID-19 to 211,696 - the highest in Europe. Authorities have been accused of playing down the severity of the outbreak. The surging infections have come without any real pandemic restrictions to limit the spread. Russia, the world's fifth worst-hit country with more than seven million infections, has seen cases climb as vaccinations stall. Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, has experienced a spike over the past few weeks, with officials warning of rising hospital admissions. Authorities say that the highly contagious Delta variant now accounts for all of the cases in the Russian capital. Also Read | World tourism surges in July, but falls short of pre-Covid levels Free jabs have been available since early December, but authorities have struggled to convince a vaccine-sceptic population to get immunised. Independent polling shows that more than half of Russians do not plan on getting a shot. As of Tuesday, only 29 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions. Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat reported in August that Russia had seen more than 350,000 fatalities.

Russia reports record daily coronavirus deaths

Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday asked a judge to reduce the frequency of her court hearings due to strained health, her lawyer said, but assured the public there was no concern about her condition.

Suu Kyi, who is on trial and attending court sessions in multiple cases since her overthrow in a Feb. 1 coup, requested hearings in each case be handled every two weeks, not every week, chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told media.

Asked by Reuters about the status of her health, he said Suu Kyi, 76, was suffering from tiredness from her busy schedule and there was no indication of illness.

"She is tired. "At her age, it is not convenient to sit for hearings every day of the whole week," Khin Maung Zaw said by phone.

"She doesn’t have any disease nor specified sickness. It is not a concerning situation. She is just tired."

The health of the Nobel laureate is closely watched in Myanmar, where she spent many years in detention for challenging its military rulers.

She is charged with a litany of offences, including breaking coronavirus protocols, illegally importing and possessing two-way radios, incitement to cause public alarm and violating the Official Secrets Act.

The cases are being handled by courts in several cities and her allies fear the multiple legal cases, which they dismiss as nonsense, could tie her up in proceedings for years.

Suu Kyi has also been accused in court by a former politician of accepting big bribes and gold bars, allegations she on Monday told the court were "all absurd", according to her lawyer.

Suu Kyi last month was unable to appear for one session in court, complaining of feeling dizzy and unwell, which her legal team dismissed as motion sickness.

Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday asked a judge to reduce the frequency of her court hearings due to strained health, her lawyer said, but assured the public there was no concern about her condition.

Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday asked a judge to reduce the frequency of her court hearings due to strained health, her lawyer said, but assured the public there was no concern about her condition. Suu Kyi, who is on trial and attending court sessions in multiple cases since her overthrow in a Feb. 1 coup, requested hearings in each case be handled every two weeks, not every week, chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told media. Asked by Reuters about the status of her health, he said Suu Kyi, 76, was suffering from tiredness from her busy schedule and there was no indication of illness. "She is tired. "At her age, it is not convenient to sit for hearings every day of the whole week," Khin Maung Zaw said by phone. "She doesn’t have any disease nor specified sickness. It is not a concerning situation. She is just tired." The health of the Nobel laureate is closely watched in Myanmar, where she spent many years in detention for challenging its military rulers. She is charged with a litany of offences, including breaking coronavirus protocols, illegally importing and possessing two-way radios, incitement to cause public alarm and violating the Official Secrets Act. The cases are being handled by courts in several cities and her allies fear the multiple legal cases, which they dismiss as nonsense, could tie her up in proceedings for years. Suu Kyi has also been accused in court by a former politician of accepting big bribes and gold bars, allegations she on Monday told the court were "all absurd", according to her lawyer. Suu Kyi last month was unable to appear for one session in court, complaining of feeling dizzy and unwell, which her legal team dismissed as motion sickness.

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi tired, seeks less court time over ‘strained health’

A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organization said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts.

"The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8 per cent in 2021- up from 8.0 per cent forecasted in March - followed by a 4.7 per cent rise in 2022," up from four percent previously, the global trade body said.

The strong annual growth rate for merchandise trade in 2021 is mainly due to the collapse in 2020, when trade bottomed out in the second quarter.

The rate of growth is expected to moderate as merchandise trade returns to the long-term trend it was on before the COVID-19 crisis struck.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-wants-trade-security-pact-with-india-says-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-417979" hreflang="en">UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a>

Supply-side issues such as semiconductor scarcity and port backlogs may strain supply chains, but are unlikely to have large impacts on global aggregates, WTO experts said.

They said the biggest downside risks came from the pandemic itself.

"Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery," said WTO director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

"But inequitable access to vaccines is exacerbating economic divergence across regions. The longer vaccine inequity is allowed to persist, the greater the chance that even more dangerous variants of COVID-19 will emerge, setting back the health and economic progress we have made to date."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-have-frank-conversations-with-china-on-trade-418119" hreflang="en">US to have 'frank conversations' with China on trade</a>

While regions with access to COVID-19 jabs and sufficient fiscal space were recovering strongly, poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations are lagging behind, she said.

The WTO's 12th ministerial conference is to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3.

Okonjo-Iweala has said that one of her main objectives is to push long-blocked trade talks on fishery subsidies across the finish line.

The former Nigerian finance and foreign minister started her four-year term at the WTO helm in March. She dismissed as "fake news" reports that she was threatening to resign if no progress is made on major logjams at the global trade body.

A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organization said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts.

A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organization said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts. "The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8 per cent in 2021- up from 8.0 per cent forecasted in March - followed by a 4.7 per cent rise in 2022," up from four percent previously, the global trade body said. The strong annual growth rate for merchandise trade in 2021 is mainly due to the collapse in 2020, when trade bottomed out in the second quarter. The rate of growth is expected to moderate as merchandise trade returns to the long-term trend it was on before the COVID-19 crisis struck. Also Read: UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss Supply-side issues such as semiconductor scarcity and port backlogs may strain supply chains, but are unlikely to have large impacts on global aggregates, WTO experts said. They said the biggest downside risks came from the pandemic itself. "Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery," said WTO director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. "But inequitable access to vaccines is exacerbating economic divergence across regions. The longer vaccine inequity is allowed to persist, the greater the chance that even more dangerous variants of COVID-19 will emerge, setting back the health and economic progress we have made to date." Also Read: US to have 'frank conversations' with China on trade While regions with access to COVID-19 jabs and sufficient fiscal space were recovering strongly, poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations are lagging behind, she said. The WTO's 12th ministerial conference is to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3. Okonjo-Iweala has said that one of her main objectives is to push long-blocked trade talks on fishery subsidies across the finish line. The former Nigerian finance and foreign minister started her four-year term at the WTO helm in March. She dismissed as "fake news" reports that she was threatening to resign if no progress is made on major logjams at the global trade body.

WTO says goods trade surging past pre-pandemic level

New Zealand on Monday abandoned its strategy of eliminating coronavirus, easing some COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in its biggest city Auckland, and will instead look to live with the virus while controlling its spread.

The Pacific nation was among just a handful of countries to bring COVID-19 cases down to zero last year and largely stayed virus-free until an outbreak of the highly infections Delta variant in mid-August frustrated efforts to stamp out transmission.

"With this outbreak and Delta the return to zero is incredibly difficult," Ardern told a news conference.

"This is a change in approach we were always going to make over time. Our Delta outbreak has accelerated this transition. Vaccines will support it," she said.

Health authorities reported 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total number in the current outbreak to 1,357. The majority of the cases are in Auckland, which has been in lockdown for nearly 50 days.

Amid mounting pressure, Ardern has said her strategy was never to have zero cases, but to aggressively stamp out the virus. She said strict lockdowns will end once 90% of the eligible population is vaccinated.

"It`s clear that a long period of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases. But its ok elimination was important because we didn`t have vaccinations. Now we do. So we can begin to change the way we do things," she said.

People in Auckland will be able to leave their homes to connect with loved ones outdoors from Wednesday, with a limit of 10 people.

Early childhood education will return and people can also move around for recreation, but retail, hospitality and offices will still remain shut.

Ardern said remaining restrictions in Auckland will be eased in phases.

New Zealand on Monday abandoned its strategy of eliminating coronavirus, easing some COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in its biggest city Auckland, and will instead look to live with the virus while controlling its spread.

New Zealand on Monday abandoned its strategy of eliminating coronavirus, easing some COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in its biggest city Auckland, and will instead look to live with the virus while controlling its spread. The Pacific nation was among just a handful of countries to bring COVID-19 cases down to zero last year and largely stayed virus-free until an outbreak of the highly infections Delta variant in mid-August frustrated efforts to stamp out transmission. "With this outbreak and Delta the return to zero is incredibly difficult," Ardern told a news conference. "This is a change in approach we were always going to make over time. Our Delta outbreak has accelerated this transition. Vaccines will support it," she said. Health authorities reported 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total number in the current outbreak to 1,357. The majority of the cases are in Auckland, which has been in lockdown for nearly 50 days. Amid mounting pressure, Ardern has said her strategy was never to have zero cases, but to aggressively stamp out the virus. She said strict lockdowns will end once 90% of the eligible population is vaccinated. "It`s clear that a long period of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases. But its ok elimination was important because we didn`t have vaccinations. Now we do. So we can begin to change the way we do things," she said. People in Auckland will be able to leave their homes to connect with loved ones outdoors from Wednesday, with a limit of 10 people. Early childhood education will return and people can also move around for recreation, but retail, hospitality and offices will still remain shut. Ardern said remaining restrictions in Auckland will be eased in phases.

New Zealand drops its COVID-19 elimination plan as Delta persists

US lawmakers grilled Facebook over the potential harm its services are causing and its impact on the mental health of children.&nbsp; 
However, Facebook has defended the impact of its products, saying Instagram has "affirmatively helped" young people. Its global head of safety, Antigone Davis, testified to the US Senate, about child protection.

This comes after a leak exposed how Instagram's research had found the platform could harm children’s well-being. Earlier, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said the app's effects on teenagers' mental health were "quite small".

The committee started by reiterating Facebook's own research which said that Instagram could have a negative impact on body image and self-esteem.

Teenagers "blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression", it said. 
Davis was quoted by The BBC as saying, "We conduct this research, to make our platform better, to minimise the bad and maximise the good and to proactively identify where we can improve."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/smart-glasses-made-google-look-dumb-now-facebook-is-giving-them-a-try-413629">Also read |&nbsp;Smart glasses made google look dumb. Now Facebook is giving them a try.</a>

"We want our platforms to be a place for meaningful interactions with friends and family and we cannot achieve that goal if people do not feel safe."

Richard Blumenthal chairs the Senate commerce, science, and transportation subcommittee on consumer protection, product safety, and data security, highlighted how Facebook had earlier denied it was aware of any research that showed a negative correlation.

He said, "We know it chooses the growth of its products over the well-being of our children".&nbsp;

He further added, "And we now know that it is indefensibly delinquent in acting to protect them." 
"It is failing to hold itself accountable and the question that haunts me is how can we or parents or anyone trust Facebook."

Davis repeatedly failed to answer the committee's questions and said she would have to check with the relevant Facebook teams.

US lawmakers grilled Facebook over the potential harm its services are causing and its impact on the mental health of children. However, Facebook has defended the impact of its products, saying Instagram has "affirmatively helped" young people.

US lawmakers grilled Facebook over the potential harm its services are causing and its impact on the mental health of children. However, Facebook has defended the impact of its products, saying Instagram has "affirmatively helped" young people. Its global head of safety, Antigone Davis, testified to the US Senate, about child protection. This comes after a leak exposed how Instagram's research had found the platform could harm children’s well-being. Earlier, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said the app's effects on teenagers' mental health were "quite small". The committee started by reiterating Facebook's own research which said that Instagram could have a negative impact on body image and self-esteem. Teenagers "blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression", it said. Davis was quoted by The BBC as saying, "We conduct this research, to make our platform better, to minimise the bad and maximise the good and to proactively identify where we can improve." Also read | Smart glasses made google look dumb. Now Facebook is giving them a try. "We want our platforms to be a place for meaningful interactions with friends and family and we cannot achieve that goal if people do not feel safe." Richard Blumenthal chairs the Senate commerce, science, and transportation subcommittee on consumer protection, product safety, and data security, highlighted how Facebook had earlier denied it was aware of any research that showed a negative correlation. He said, "We know it chooses the growth of its products over the well-being of our children". He further added, "And we now know that it is indefensibly delinquent in acting to protect them." "It is failing to hold itself accountable and the question that haunts me is how can we or parents or anyone trust Facebook." Davis repeatedly failed to answer the committee's questions and said she would have to check with the relevant Facebook teams.

US lawmakers grill Facebook over teen mental health

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