There, it's been said premenstrual mood swings and anxiety are "key public health issue(s) globally".&nbsp;

Premenstrual symptoms are reported by more than 64 per cent of women globally during each menstrual cycle, reports IANS quoting a recent study.

28.61 per cent of women reported that premenstrual symptoms interfered with their daily activities every time they had a period, and another 34.84 per cent claimed that this happened sometimes.

Watch |&nbsp;Spain: First European country to offer paid menstrual leave

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Food cravings (85.28 per cent), mood changes or anxiety (64.18 per cent), and weariness (57.3 per cent) were the most frequently reported symptoms.

Jennifer L. Payne, director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Research Programme at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and one of the study's authors, said "our demonstrates that premenstrual mood symptoms are incredibly common worldwide."

"More importantly," she noted, "a majority of women reported that their premenstrual symptoms interfered with their everyday life at least some of the time."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-menstrual-hygiene-day-how-women-have-managed-periods-throughout-history-482520">Menstrual Hygiene Day: How women have managed periods throughout history</a>

According to the researchers, "premenstrual mood symptoms are a key public health issue globally" because at least 61 per cent of women in all age categories reported experiencing mood-related symptoms every menstrual cycle.

More than 238,000 survey responses from women ages 18 to 55 from 140 countries were analysed for the study, which was published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-man-goes-to-doctor-after-finding-blood-in-pee-turns-out-he-was-on-his-period-496368">Chinese man goes to doctor after finding blood in pee, turns out he was on his period</a>

The data was taken from an app called 'Flo' which assists women in tracking their menstrual cycle as well as their emotional and physical symptoms both during and after pregnancy.

Researchers have expressed hope that increasing healthcare practitioners' awareness of how frequently these symptoms—particularly anxiety and mood-related symptoms—occur, will help women avail better care.

"Increasing awareness of how common these symptoms are, and that if they impact functioning that there are treatments available, will help women improve their quality of life."

(With inputs from agencies)

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There, it's been said premenstrual mood swings and anxiety are "key public health issue(s) globally". Premenstrual symptoms are reported by more than 64 per cent of women globally during each menstrual cycle, reports IANS quoting a recent study.

There, it's been said premenstrual mood swings and anxiety are "key public health issue(s) globally". Premenstrual symptoms are reported by more than 64 per cent of women globally during each menstrual cycle, reports IANS quoting a recent study. 28.61 per cent of women reported that premenstrual symptoms interfered with their daily activities every time they had a period, and another 34.84 per cent claimed that this happened sometimes. Watch | Spain: First European country to offer paid menstrual leave Food cravings (85.28 per cent), mood changes or anxiety (64.18 per cent), and weariness (57.3 per cent) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Jennifer L. Payne, director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Research Programme at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and one of the study's authors, said "our demonstrates that premenstrual mood symptoms are incredibly common worldwide." "More importantly," she noted, "a majority of women reported that their premenstrual symptoms interfered with their everyday life at least some of the time." Also read | Menstrual Hygiene Day: How women have managed periods throughout history According to the researchers, "premenstrual mood symptoms are a key public health issue globally" because at least 61 per cent of women in all age categories reported experiencing mood-related symptoms every menstrual cycle. More than 238,000 survey responses from women ages 18 to 55 from 140 countries were analysed for the study, which was published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health. Also read | Chinese man goes to doctor after finding blood in pee, turns out he was on his period The data was taken from an app called 'Flo' which assists women in tracking their menstrual cycle as well as their emotional and physical symptoms both during and after pregnancy. Researchers have expressed hope that increasing healthcare practitioners' awareness of how frequently these symptoms—particularly anxiety and mood-related symptoms—occur, will help women avail better care. "Increasing awareness of how common these symptoms are, and that if they impact functioning that there are treatments available, will help women improve their quality of life." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Finally! Research accepts PMS as a 'key public health issue globally' which interferes with women's lives

A new study suggests that the modern-day cold sores or herpes origins can be traced back to the bronze age, to the time when our ancestors began to engage in romantic and sexual kissing. Today, the virus infects approximately 3.7 billion people, says the study, which was led by an international team of researchers from Cambridge University. The team has discovered and sequenced ancient genomes from the herpes virus, which frequently causes lip sores.&nbsp;The research published in the journal ‘Science Advances’ says that the Neolithic blooming of facial herpes found in the ancient DNA may have corresponded with the introduction of a new cultural activity imported from the east: romantic and sexual kissing.&nbsp;The team extracted viral DNA from the tooth roots of human bones dating back a millennium and then used that information to map ancient herpes genomes.

Watch |&nbsp;World Hepatitis Day: Expert tells WION how to save kids from disease

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An analysis showed the painful lip blisters flourished during the Neolithic period, in the wake of vast migrations into Europe from the Steppe grasslands of Eurasia.&nbsp;

Herpes is present in every species of monkey, “so we assume it has been with us since our own species left Africa,”&nbsp;according to co-senior author Dr Christiana Scheib, a research associate at St. John's College in Cambridge.

The study found that interbreeding sparked population explosions across the continent, which fueled increased transmission rates.

“However, something happened around five thousand years ago that allowed one strain of herpes to overtake all others, possibly an increase in transmissions, which could have been linked to kissing.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-earth-is-exhausted-mankind-has-already-used-up-its-resources-for-the-year-2022-501303" hreflang="en">Earth Overshoot Day: The planet is exhausted. Mankind has already used up its resources for the year 2022</a>

“Herpes has a history stretching back millions of years, and forms of the virus infect species from bats to coral.”

The study points out that behaviour is far from universal in human civilizations. The earliest account of kissing is a Bronze Age document from South Asia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bacteria-behind-rare-disease-found-in-united-states-for-first-time-ever-cdc-issues-health-advisory-501296" hreflang="en">Bacteria behind rare disease found in United States for first time ever, CDC issues health advisory</a>

Centuries later, the Roman Emperor Tiberius also made a possible herpes-related decree that attempted to forbid kissing at official gatherings in order to stop the spread of the disease.&nbsp;

A high temperature, nausea, headaches, and swollen, inflamed gums with sores in and around the mouth are just a few of the symptoms of herpes.&nbsp;Herpes can become active after years of dormancy in the body, making it a chronic illness.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new study suggests that the modern-day cold sores or herpes origins can be traced back to the bronze age, to the time when our ancestors began to engage in romantic and sexual kissing.

A new study suggests that the modern-day cold sores or herpes origins can be traced back to the bronze age, to the time when our ancestors began to engage in romantic and sexual kissing. Today, the virus infects approximately 3.7 billion people, says the study, which was led by an international team of researchers from Cambridge University. The team has discovered and sequenced ancient genomes from the herpes virus, which frequently causes lip sores. The research published in the journal ‘Science Advances’ says that the Neolithic blooming of facial herpes found in the ancient DNA may have corresponded with the introduction of a new cultural activity imported from the east: romantic and sexual kissing. The team extracted viral DNA from the tooth roots of human bones dating back a millennium and then used that information to map ancient herpes genomes. Watch | World Hepatitis Day: Expert tells WION how to save kids from disease An analysis showed the painful lip blisters flourished during the Neolithic period, in the wake of vast migrations into Europe from the Steppe grasslands of Eurasia. Herpes is present in every species of monkey, “so we assume it has been with us since our own species left Africa,” according to co-senior author Dr Christiana Scheib, a research associate at St. John's College in Cambridge. The study found that interbreeding sparked population explosions across the continent, which fueled increased transmission rates. “However, something happened around five thousand years ago that allowed one strain of herpes to overtake all others, possibly an increase in transmissions, which could have been linked to kissing.” Also read | Earth Overshoot Day: The planet is exhausted. Mankind has already used up its resources for the year 2022 “Herpes has a history stretching back millions of years, and forms of the virus infect species from bats to coral.” The study points out that behaviour is far from universal in human civilizations. The earliest account of kissing is a Bronze Age document from South Asia. Also read | Bacteria behind rare disease found in United States for first time ever, CDC issues health advisory Centuries later, the Roman Emperor Tiberius also made a possible herpes-related decree that attempted to forbid kissing at official gatherings in order to stop the spread of the disease. A high temperature, nausea, headaches, and swollen, inflamed gums with sores in and around the mouth are just a few of the symptoms of herpes. Herpes can become active after years of dormancy in the body, making it a chronic illness. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

All the kissing our ancestors’ did is what gave us herpes: Study

Do you remember your science lessons from school? Do you remember learning about chromosomes? We were taught that there are two chromosomes X and Y and that each of us has a set of chromosomes. Individuals with XX (or two X chromosomes) are female, while those with XY (or one X and one Y chromosome) are male. A recently published study has now revealed that many men can actually carry an extra chromosome.&nbsp;The study was published in the journal Genetics in Medicine. It included data on more than 207,000 men. It was discovered that of the participants, over 350 had an extra chromosome, either X or Y.&nbsp;Very few of these men knew about this abnormality or had it mentioned in their medical records.

Talking to the Guardian Dr Ken Ong, co-senior author of the study who is a pediatric endocrinologist in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge says that they were surprised at how common this abnormality is.

Watch |&nbsp;Robots to solve ocean's pollution menace: 15mm long robo-fish to hunt for plastic

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The National Human Genome Research Institute reported that previous estimations indicated that approximately 100 to 200 men out of every 100,000 are XXY. An estimated 18 to 100 out of every 100,000 were believed to be XYY.

Having an extra chromosome can raise the risk of certain health conditions. Those having Klinefelter syndrome (KS) or an extra X chromosome are linked to reproductive problems like infertility and delayed puberty. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, XXY men are four times more likely than XY men to have late puberty.

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On the other hand, with an extra Y chromosome or 47,XYY syndrome does not come with reproductive problems but was linked to learning disabilities, including delay in acquiring speech and motor skills. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, they also have unusually low muscle tone.

Additionally, both XXY and XYY men have a higher rate of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the artery walls), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the veins and lung arteries), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (which obstructs airflow to the lungs).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-tiny-mites-that-have-sex-on-our-faces-may-go-extinct-490962" hreflang="en">The tiny mites that have sex on our faces may go extinct</a>

In their report, the authors questioned: "why both KS and 47,XYY should show striking similarities in conferring substantially higher risks for many diseases in common." As per them, future research is needed to examine the reasons causing this elevated risk.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Do you remember your science lessons from school? Do you remember learning about chromosomes? We were taught that there are two chromosomes X and Y and that each of us has a set of chromosomes.

Do you remember your science lessons from school? Do you remember learning about chromosomes? We were taught that there are two chromosomes X and Y and that each of us has a set of chromosomes. Individuals with XX (or two X chromosomes) are female, while those with XY (or one X and one Y chromosome) are male. A recently published study has now revealed that many men can actually carry an extra chromosome. The study was published in the journal Genetics in Medicine. It included data on more than 207,000 men. It was discovered that of the participants, over 350 had an extra chromosome, either X or Y. Very few of these men knew about this abnormality or had it mentioned in their medical records. Talking to the Guardian Dr Ken Ong, co-senior author of the study who is a pediatric endocrinologist in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge says that they were surprised at how common this abnormality is. Watch | Robots to solve ocean's pollution menace: 15mm long robo-fish to hunt for plastic The National Human Genome Research Institute reported that previous estimations indicated that approximately 100 to 200 men out of every 100,000 are XXY. An estimated 18 to 100 out of every 100,000 were believed to be XYY. Having an extra chromosome can raise the risk of certain health conditions. Those having Klinefelter syndrome (KS) or an extra X chromosome are linked to reproductive problems like infertility and delayed puberty. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, XXY men are four times more likely than XY men to have late puberty. Also read | A beer a day might keep your gut flora healthy: Study On the other hand, with an extra Y chromosome or 47,XYY syndrome does not come with reproductive problems but was linked to learning disabilities, including delay in acquiring speech and motor skills. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, they also have unusually low muscle tone. Additionally, both XXY and XYY men have a higher rate of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the artery walls), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the veins and lung arteries), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (which obstructs airflow to the lungs). Also read | The tiny mites that have sex on our faces may go extinct In their report, the authors questioned: "why both KS and 47,XYY should show striking similarities in conferring substantially higher risks for many diseases in common." As per them, future research is needed to examine the reasons causing this elevated risk. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

For the men out there: Do you fall sick often? This might be why

The pandemic took so much from everyone's loved ones: time, mental health, physical health, and just as we began to believe that living with the coronavirus was possible, here's another bad news.

People hospitalised during the pandemic for Covid and other reasons have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections than people hospitalised before the pandemic says a study.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-of-14-or-a-toddlers-murderer-court-stays-execution-of-texas-woman-who-claims-confession-was-coerced-473974" hreflang="en">Mother of 14 or a toddler's murderer? Court stays execution of Texas woman who claims confession was coerced</a>

Antibiotic-resistant infections claimed the lives of an estimated 1.2 million people worldwide in 2019, with the number anticipated to increase by more than tenfold by 2050.

The study, which was presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Portugal this year, looked at how the pandemic affected antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 271 hospitals across the United States.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) secondary infections have been linked to the pandemic in the past. It is thought to be&nbsp;a result of increased antibiotic use to treat COVID-19 patients and interruptions to infection prevention and control measures in overburdened health systems.

Watch |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

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During the pre-pandemic period, 1,789,458 patients were admitted to the hospital, and 3,729,208 were hospitalised during the pandemic.

In the pre-pandemic period, there were 63,263 people admitted to the hospital with at least one AMR infection, and during the pandemic, this number more than doubled,&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;to a whopping&nbsp;129,410.

AMR was shown to be more prevalent during the pandemic, with rates of 4.92 per 100 admissions during the epidemic and 4.11 per 100 admissions before the pandemic, according to the study.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-detects-omicron-ba23-variant-for-the-first-time-473877" hreflang="en">China detects Omicron BA.2.3 variant for the first time</a>

These new findings emphasise the significance of closely monitoring the influence of Covid-19 on antibiotic resistance rates,&nbsp;stated Merck's Dr Karri Bauer.

As per him it's especially concerning because drug resistance has been increasing in both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients during the pandemic.

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(With inputs from agencies)

The pandemic took so much from everyone's loved ones: time, mental health, physical health, and just as we began to believe that living with the coronavirus was possible, here's another bad news.

The pandemic took so much from everyone's loved ones: time, mental health, physical health, and just as we began to believe that living with the coronavirus was possible, here's another bad news. People hospitalised during the pandemic for Covid and other reasons have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections than people hospitalised before the pandemic says a study. Also read | Mother of 14 or a toddler's murderer? Court stays execution of Texas woman who claims confession was coerced Antibiotic-resistant infections claimed the lives of an estimated 1.2 million people worldwide in 2019, with the number anticipated to increase by more than tenfold by 2050. The study, which was presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Portugal this year, looked at how the pandemic affected antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 271 hospitals across the United States. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) secondary infections have been linked to the pandemic in the past. It is thought to be a result of increased antibiotic use to treat COVID-19 patients and interruptions to infection prevention and control measures in overburdened health systems. Watch | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed During the pre-pandemic period, 1,789,458 patients were admitted to the hospital, and 3,729,208 were hospitalised during the pandemic. In the pre-pandemic period, there were 63,263 people admitted to the hospital with at least one AMR infection, and during the pandemic, this number more than doubled, increasing to a whopping 129,410. AMR was shown to be more prevalent during the pandemic, with rates of 4.92 per 100 admissions during the epidemic and 4.11 per 100 admissions before the pandemic, according to the study. Also read | China detects Omicron BA.2.3 variant for the first time These new findings emphasise the significance of closely monitoring the influence of Covid-19 on antibiotic resistance rates, stated Merck's Dr Karri Bauer. As per him it's especially concerning because drug resistance has been increasing in both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients during the pandemic. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Covid pandemic increased antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections: Study

Have you ever wondered why humans live a far longer life than the animals around us?

Surely, you must’ve thought about it at one time or another. Why is it that for our animal companions, our dogs or cats, a 20-year lifespan is quite long, but for us, a 50-60 years life is at times considered short?

Well, the simple reason behind that is that humans on average die at around 70-80 years of age. In 2017, the United Nations pegged the estimated global average life expectancy at 72.6 years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-is-how-a-nasa-sample-of-lunar-dust-came-to-be-sold-at-a-public-auction-for-500000-470899" hreflang="en">This is how a NASA sample of lunar dust came to be sold at a public auction for $500,000</a>

But why do we have a longer lifespan?

Earlier scientists thought that this had something to do with our body size. Experts suggested that a smaller body size burns up energy quickly, which causes a speedier decline. For example, a mice has an average lifespan of 3.7 years while for a dog it can be anywhere from 10-13 years.

But then, how does a naked mole rat that is only five inches big have pretty much the same lifespan as a giraffe? While a giraffe typically lives for 24 years, the naked mole-rat lives for 25 years.&nbsp;

A new study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, which was published in the journal Nature suggests that the key to the logic behind the high or low lifespans might be in the rate of genetic decay and DNA mutations.

Watch |&nbsp;Emerging trends in the world of Robotics

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The study reports that animals with longer lives successfully slow down their DNA mutations, which contributes to their lengthy lifespans.&nbsp;

Somatic mutations are genetic alterations that occur in all cells and are mostly inconsequential, but some of them can set a cell on the route to cancer or affect normal function.

A report by the Telegraph quotes the study’s lead author saying that: “To find a similar pattern of genetic changes in animals as different from one another as a mouse and a tiger was surprising.&nbsp;

“But the most exciting aspect of the study has to be finding that lifespan is inversely proportional to the somatic mutation rate. This suggests that somatic mutations may play a role in ageing.”

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Going back to the giraffe and naked mole-rat example, the key to their almost similar lifespan lies in the number of genetic mutations; which is 99 for the former and 93 for the latter.

While we humans only face 47 mutations a year, mice which have a very short life span of 3.7 years experience suffer a massive number of 796 mutations every year.&nbsp;

The finding, according to the researchers, opens the door to a better knowledge of the ageing process, as well as the inevitability and timing of death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Have you ever wondered why humans live a far longer life than the animals around us? Surely, you must’ve thought about it at one time or another. Why is it that for our animal companions, our dogs or cats, a 20-year lifespan is quite long, but for us, a 50-60 years life is at times considered short?

Have you ever wondered why humans live a far longer life than the animals around us? Surely, you must’ve thought about it at one time or another. Why is it that for our animal companions, our dogs or cats, a 20-year lifespan is quite long, but for us, a 50-60 years life is at times considered short? Well, the simple reason behind that is that humans on average die at around 70-80 years of age. In 2017, the United Nations pegged the estimated global average life expectancy at 72.6 years. Also read | This is how a NASA sample of lunar dust came to be sold at a public auction for $500,000 But why do we have a longer lifespan? Earlier scientists thought that this had something to do with our body size. Experts suggested that a smaller body size burns up energy quickly, which causes a speedier decline. For example, a mice has an average lifespan of 3.7 years while for a dog it can be anywhere from 10-13 years. But then, how does a naked mole rat that is only five inches big have pretty much the same lifespan as a giraffe? While a giraffe typically lives for 24 years, the naked mole-rat lives for 25 years. A new study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, which was published in the journal Nature suggests that the key to the logic behind the high or low lifespans might be in the rate of genetic decay and DNA mutations. Watch | Emerging trends in the world of Robotics The study reports that animals with longer lives successfully slow down their DNA mutations, which contributes to their lengthy lifespans. Somatic mutations are genetic alterations that occur in all cells and are mostly inconsequential, but some of them can set a cell on the route to cancer or affect normal function. A report by the Telegraph quotes the study’s lead author saying that: “To find a similar pattern of genetic changes in animals as different from one another as a mouse and a tiger was surprising. “But the most exciting aspect of the study has to be finding that lifespan is inversely proportional to the somatic mutation rate. This suggests that somatic mutations may play a role in ageing.” Also read | Scientists find sunscreen lotion chemical accumulating in Mediterranean seagrass Going back to the giraffe and naked mole-rat example, the key to their almost similar lifespan lies in the number of genetic mutations; which is 99 for the former and 93 for the latter. While we humans only face 47 mutations a year, mice which have a very short life span of 3.7 years experience suffer a massive number of 796 mutations every year. The finding, according to the researchers, opens the door to a better knowledge of the ageing process, as well as the inevitability and timing of death. (With inputs from agencies)

Why do humans have a longer life span than our furry companions? Scientists have the answer

Researchers in the UK have discovered 16 new genetic variants that can increase the severity of COVID-19 infection.

Some of the genes are associated with blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation intensity.

"Our latest findings point to specific molecular targets in critical COVID-19. These results explain why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all," said Professor Kenneth Baillie, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-says-hong-kong-must-stick-to-dynamic-zero-covid-strategy-460251" hreflang="en">COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy</a>

A single genetic variant disrupting a key messenger molecule in immune system signalling, called interferon alpha-10 was enough to increase a patient's risk of severe disease, according to the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04576-6">study published in the journal Nature</a>.

This points to the gene's crucial role in the immune system. It may suggest that treating patients with interferon, a protein released by immune cells to protect against viruses, in the early stages of infection may be beneficial.

Furthermore, the study found that variations in genes that control the levels of a vital component of blood clotting, known as Factor 8, are associated with critical illness in COVID-19.

Some of the abnormal clotting seen in severe cases of COVID-19 may be explained by this. According to researchers, factor 8 underlies the most common type of haemophilia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-weekly-child-covid-cases-in-us-drop-below-100k-for-1st-time-460200" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Weekly child cases in US drop below 100k for first time</a>

"It is now true to say that we understand the mechanisms of Covid better than the other syndromes we treat in intensive care in normal times -- sepsis, flu, and other forms of critical illness. COVID-19 is showing us the way to tackle those problems in the future," Baillie said.

Researchers sequenced the genomes of 7,491 patients from 224 intensive care units in the UK for the study.

The DNA of these people was compared with that of 48,400 other people who had not suffered from COVID-19, and 1,630 people who had suffered mild Covid.

As a result of obtaining the whole genome sequence for each participant in the study, the researchers were able to create a precise map and identify genetic variations that contribute to the severity of COVID-19.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hong Kong: Shipping containers hired to store dead bodies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-shipping-containers-hired-to-store-dead-bodies-460391/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The team found 16 genes that differed in the DNA of the ICU patients from the DNA of the other groups.

A total of seven other genetic variations associated with severe COVID-19 have also been confirmed in earlier studies by the same team.

The findings could lead to new tests and treatments to help protect the public from this virus, the team said.

Researchers in the UK have discovered 16 new genetic variants that can increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Some of the genes are associated with blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation intensity.

Researchers in the UK have discovered 16 new genetic variants that can increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Some of the genes are associated with blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation intensity. "Our latest findings point to specific molecular targets in critical COVID-19. These results explain why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all," said Professor Kenneth Baillie, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Also read | COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy A single genetic variant disrupting a key messenger molecule in immune system signalling, called interferon alpha-10 was enough to increase a patient's risk of severe disease, according to the study published in the journal Nature. This points to the gene's crucial role in the immune system. It may suggest that treating patients with interferon, a protein released by immune cells to protect against viruses, in the early stages of infection may be beneficial. Furthermore, the study found that variations in genes that control the levels of a vital component of blood clotting, known as Factor 8, are associated with critical illness in COVID-19. Some of the abnormal clotting seen in severe cases of COVID-19 may be explained by this. According to researchers, factor 8 underlies the most common type of haemophilia. Also read | COVID-19: Weekly child cases in US drop below 100k for first time "It is now true to say that we understand the mechanisms of Covid better than the other syndromes we treat in intensive care in normal times -- sepsis, flu, and other forms of critical illness. COVID-19 is showing us the way to tackle those problems in the future," Baillie said. Researchers sequenced the genomes of 7,491 patients from 224 intensive care units in the UK for the study. The DNA of these people was compared with that of 48,400 other people who had not suffered from COVID-19, and 1,630 people who had suffered mild Covid. As a result of obtaining the whole genome sequence for each participant in the study, the researchers were able to create a precise map and identify genetic variations that contribute to the severity of COVID-19. Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong: Shipping containers hired to store dead bodies The team found 16 genes that differed in the DNA of the ICU patients from the DNA of the other groups. A total of seven other genetic variations associated with severe COVID-19 have also been confirmed in earlier studies by the same team. The findings could lead to new tests and treatments to help protect the public from this virus, the team said.

This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all

Booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccine are safe and induce an immune response when given to individuals who have already received the full regimen of one of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines, according to a preliminary study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health.

Results reported in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that both primary and booster vaccines resulted in higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to those detected before the booster. Antibodies detected after the booster range from 4.2- to 76-fold higher than those found before.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-from-wuhan-chinese-scientists-say-new-covid-variant-neocov-has-high-mortality-rate-report-448335">Warning from Wuhan: Chinese scientists say new Covid variant 'NeoCov' has high mortality rate - Report</a>

Furthermore, all primary-boost combinations resulted in an increase of 4.6- to 56-fold in binding antibody levels.

The newly released report analyses data from 458 adults who had received at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment, full vaccinations with any of three authorised Covid vaccines in the US: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson and did not have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Participants received a single booster dose at enrollment: 150 received Janssen/Johnson &amp; Johnson*s vaccine, 154 received Moderna vaccine, and 154 received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-weed-cure-covid-cannabis-compound-stops-coronavirus-in-test-tube-447858">Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube</a>

Based on the participant's initial vaccination regimen, the booster vaccine was either different (mixed, or heterologous) from or the same (matched, or homologous) as the first vaccine.&nbsp;

Each participant kept a diary to record any side effects. Over half of the participants complained of headaches, pain at the injection site, muscle aches, and malaise.

However, serious adverse reactions were not reported.

In comparison to homologous or matched boosters, heterologous or mixed boosters elicited similar or higher antibody responses.

WATCH |&nbsp;An outlook at the world economy in 2022 amid COVID-19's third wave

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/an-outlook-at-the-world-economy-in-2022-amid-covid-19s-third-wave-448003/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"These data strongly suggest that homologous and heterologous booster vaccine will increase protective efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection," the study showed.

This report summarizes vaccination-related data through the first 29 days following booster vaccination.

Researchers plan to follow participants for one year to determine if booster vaccinations have any effect on longer-term immune responses.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccine are safe and induce an immune response when given to individuals who have already received the full regimen of one of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines, according to a preliminary study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health.

Booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccine are safe and induce an immune response when given to individuals who have already received the full regimen of one of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines, according to a preliminary study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health. Results reported in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that both primary and booster vaccines resulted in higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to those detected before the booster. Antibodies detected after the booster range from 4.2- to 76-fold higher than those found before. Also read | Warning from Wuhan: Chinese scientists say new Covid variant 'NeoCov' has high mortality rate - Report Furthermore, all primary-boost combinations resulted in an increase of 4.6- to 56-fold in binding antibody levels. The newly released report analyses data from 458 adults who had received at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment, full vaccinations with any of three authorised Covid vaccines in the US: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson and did not have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants received a single booster dose at enrollment: 150 received Janssen/Johnson & Johnson*s vaccine, 154 received Moderna vaccine, and 154 received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Also read | Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube Based on the participant's initial vaccination regimen, the booster vaccine was either different (mixed, or heterologous) from or the same (matched, or homologous) as the first vaccine. Each participant kept a diary to record any side effects. Over half of the participants complained of headaches, pain at the injection site, muscle aches, and malaise. However, serious adverse reactions were not reported. In comparison to homologous or matched boosters, heterologous or mixed boosters elicited similar or higher antibody responses. WATCH | An outlook at the world economy in 2022 amid COVID-19's third wave "These data strongly suggest that homologous and heterologous booster vaccine will increase protective efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection," the study showed. This report summarizes vaccination-related data through the first 29 days following booster vaccination. Researchers plan to follow participants for one year to determine if booster vaccinations have any effect on longer-term immune responses. (With inputs from agencies)

Safe to mix and match Covid booster doses: US National Institutes of Health

Dogs are one of the most adorable animals. One memorable gesture that they often do is that they tilt their head charmingly to one side. Have you ever wondered the reason behind the gesture? &nbsp;

Let’s find it out now. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a study published last week, although a dog's quizzical head cock seems like confusion, the gesture may actually be a sign of concentration and increased attention. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-andes-archaeologists-unearth-new-secrets-of-ancient-civilisations-in-peru-425999" hreflang="en">In Andes, archaeologists unearth new secrets of ancient civilisations in Peru</a>

The researchers looked to find out how well 40 dogs of various breeds could memorise the names for different toys. And then recall the information to retrieve specific toys in response to owners' commands. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several pups were not able to learn the names of the toys, but seven border collies showed remarkable aptitude in the task.&nbsp;

Deemed "gifted word learners", the group of seven collies had something in common. It was that they all tilted their heads far more frequently than their non-gifted counterparts on hearing a command. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-a-refrigerator-sized-asteroid-slip-past-earth-undetected-426436" hreflang="en">Did a refrigerator-sized asteroid slip past Earth undetected?</a>

The gifted learners tilted their heads 43 per cent of the time and the other 33 dogs did it just two per cent of the time, the data showed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a press release, Shany Dror, an animal cognition researcher, Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, who co-authored the study, said, "It seems that there is a relationship between success in retrieving a named toy and frequent head tilts upon hearing its name. That is why we suggest an association between head-tilting and processing relevant and meaningful stimuli." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Dogs are one of the most adorable animals. One memorable gesture that they often do is that they tilt their head charmingly to one side. Have you ever wondered the reason behind the gesture?

Dogs are one of the most adorable animals. One memorable gesture that they often do is that they tilt their head charmingly to one side. Have you ever wondered the reason behind the gesture? Let’s find it out now. According to a study published last week, although a dog's quizzical head cock seems like confusion, the gesture may actually be a sign of concentration and increased attention. Also Read: In Andes, archaeologists unearth new secrets of ancient civilisations in Peru The researchers looked to find out how well 40 dogs of various breeds could memorise the names for different toys. And then recall the information to retrieve specific toys in response to owners' commands. Several pups were not able to learn the names of the toys, but seven border collies showed remarkable aptitude in the task. Deemed "gifted word learners", the group of seven collies had something in common. It was that they all tilted their heads far more frequently than their non-gifted counterparts on hearing a command. Also Read: Did a refrigerator-sized asteroid slip past Earth undetected? The gifted learners tilted their heads 43 per cent of the time and the other 33 dogs did it just two per cent of the time, the data showed. In a press release, Shany Dror, an animal cognition researcher, Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, who co-authored the study, said, "It seems that there is a relationship between success in retrieving a named toy and frequent head tilts upon hearing its name. That is why we suggest an association between head-tilting and processing relevant and meaningful stimuli." (With inputs from agencies)

Why do dogs tilt head? New study reveals the cute reason  

A new study has found that metabolism remains unchanged from age 20 to 60. The findings have busted the long-held view that metabolism slows with middle-age - leading to obesity. If not metabolism, then what? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Middle-age bulge? Don't blame metabolism

Our powerful telescopes have been looking for life outside Earth, but have you ever wondered if other solar systems are 'looking back' at us, for life on our planet?

If so, how many of the stars outside our solar system could 'see' us?

Scientists may have the answer.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-on-1000-nearby-stars-could-see-us-new-study-suggests-337578">Also read | Aliens on 1000 nearby stars could see us, new study suggests</a> 
 
They have reported that 1,715 stars within 100 parsecs from the Sun are in the right position to have spotted life on a transiting Earth since early human civilisation about 5,000 years ago.

One parsec is 3.26 light years.

An additional 319 stars will enter this special vantage point in the next 5,000 years, according to a study by scientists&nbsp;at Cornell University, published in the journal Nature. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a> 
 
Among these stars are seven known exoplanet hosts, including Ross-128, which saw Earth transit the Sun in the past, and Teegarden’s Star and Trappist-1, which will start to see it in 29 and 1,642 years, respectively, said the study.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/strange-news-alert-miley-cyrus-demi-lovato-reveal-seeing-aliens-and-ufo-337403">Also read:&nbsp;Strange news alert! Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato reveal seeing aliens and UFO</a>

"We found that human-made radio waves have already swept over 75 of the closest stars on our list,' said Lisa Kaltenegger and Jackie Faherty, the authors of the study.

Our powerful telescopes have been looking for life outside Earth, but have you ever wondered if other solar systems are 'looking back' at us, for life on our planet?

Our powerful telescopes have been looking for life outside Earth, but have you ever wondered if other solar systems are 'looking back' at us, for life on our planet? If so, how many of the stars outside our solar system could 'see' us? Scientists may have the answer. Also read | Aliens on 1000 nearby stars could see us, new study suggests They have reported that 1,715 stars within 100 parsecs from the Sun are in the right position to have spotted life on a transiting Earth since early human civilisation about 5,000 years ago. One parsec is 3.26 light years. An additional 319 stars will enter this special vantage point in the next 5,000 years, according to a study by scientists at Cornell University, published in the journal Nature. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? Among these stars are seven known exoplanet hosts, including Ross-128, which saw Earth transit the Sun in the past, and Teegarden’s Star and Trappist-1, which will start to see it in 29 and 1,642 years, respectively, said the study. Also read: Strange news alert! Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato reveal seeing aliens and UFO "We found that human-made radio waves have already swept over 75 of the closest stars on our list,' said Lisa Kaltenegger and Jackie Faherty, the authors of the study.

Do you know how many stars may have 'seen' life on earth? Scientists have the answer

A new study has identified more than 1,000 nearby stars that are favourably positioned for spotting life on Earth. The team has identified 1,004 stars with Earth in their line of sight, which could contain habitable, Earth-like planets. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/strange-news-alert-miley-cyrus-demi-lovato-reveal-seeing-aliens-and-ufo-337403">Also read:&nbsp;Strange news alert! Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato reveal seeing aliens and UFO</a> 
 
"If observers were out there searching [from planets orbiting these stars], they would be able to see signs of a biosphere in the atmosphere of our Pale Blue Dot,” study lead author Lisa Kaltenegger, an associate professor of astronomy at Cornell and director of the university's Carl Sagan Institute, said in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a> 
 
"And we can even see some of the brightest of these stars in our night sky without binoculars or telescopes," Kaltenegger said.

These stars are all within 326 light-years of Earth. "The closest star in our list is at a distance of only 8.5 pc - about 28 light-years - from our Sun," the researchers said.

Due to several unexplained events, it has become very hard for the curious human brain to believe that we are the only living creatures in this wide, wide universe.&nbsp;

Most of us have tried to channel our inner Christopher Nolan to explain why aliens are very much legit, then there are some who are convinced that America is hiding aliens in Area 51.

There are around 100 billion to 300 billion stars in the Milky Way alone. The Australian astronomers studied just 10 million stars, the odds are still in favour of those looking for aliens.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has identified more than 1,000 nearby stars that are favourably positioned for spotting life on Earth. The team has identified 1,004 stars with Earth in their line of sight, which could contain habitable, Earth-like planets.

A new study has identified more than 1,000 nearby stars that are favourably positioned for spotting life on Earth. The team has identified 1,004 stars with Earth in their line of sight, which could contain habitable, Earth-like planets. Also read: Strange news alert! Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato reveal seeing aliens and UFO "If observers were out there searching [from planets orbiting these stars], they would be able to see signs of a biosphere in the atmosphere of our Pale Blue Dot,” study lead author Lisa Kaltenegger, an associate professor of astronomy at Cornell and director of the university's Carl Sagan Institute, said in a statement. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? "And we can even see some of the brightest of these stars in our night sky without binoculars or telescopes," Kaltenegger said. These stars are all within 326 light-years of Earth. "The closest star in our list is at a distance of only 8.5 pc - about 28 light-years - from our Sun," the researchers said. Due to several unexplained events, it has become very hard for the curious human brain to believe that we are the only living creatures in this wide, wide universe. Most of us have tried to channel our inner Christopher Nolan to explain why aliens are very much legit, then there are some who are convinced that America is hiding aliens in Area 51. There are around 100 billion to 300 billion stars in the Milky Way alone. The Australian astronomers studied just 10 million stars, the odds are still in favour of those looking for aliens. (With inputs from agencies)

Aliens on 1000 nearby stars could see us, new study suggests

Now the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the schools and universities are functioning across the world. Most of the courses offered online, exams are being waved off within the exception of few schools are brought back to their old ways of teaching, but is it safe schools to reopen completely?

World Pandemic: New study on schools in the UK

New study quells idea of 'Gay and Straight Gene'

There is no ''Gay gene'' says New Study

A new study shows a dip in Russian President Vladimir Putin's popularity ratings. Russians on social media blame Putin for a weak economy.

Gravitas: Is Putin losing his grip on Russia?

<a href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&amp;ai=DChcSEwj-0Yml0LXhAhUMk48KHZ8DD6kYABAAGgJzYg&amp;sig=AOD64_2SAzbeFqBQN4erSANdXL8mxQWzYw&amp;adurl=&amp;q=&amp;nb=0&amp;res_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wionews.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DTrade%2Btalks%2Bbetween%2Bthe%2BUnited%2BStates%2Band%2BChina%2B&amp;rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wionews.com%2F&amp;nm=14&amp;nx=316&amp;ny=11&amp;is=1202x192&amp;clkt=134&amp;bg=!GRqlGgJE6sxsgPSvMzICAAAAT1IAAAAdmQFtwlZc3rqvHP_JH1DKawSCk54WyIt5Tacs-zpOqE_4vvoOyRQ4zAAcYapsINV88HAPcsWlifJfF_0GNrPLxh_crD71MwSAsJYoqdnnR1Adzmk8btDjlhhez8pwe2TcQ-GGSYG1678QASgg3Q9SuXk25j-NEzwnrOmVyOjz9crF_Uv-OG-3bdoh1MZXvN_DJoTV-15Z3FA-xfTfeyYzZJtepUCw8cbU8VJKXh1ugE_1Y5NqcxzlSx_mpRcCNDc0oubYxpDvsgbjG9-FzymjU8D3eetX-mW83emheRtzF363KmKZQZTe66Uix30WBuIzR1rTGPAeacEsd8Fjv72yt9crI1Kc9P7gBvez3gf7a50JJTDBWbpZiY3n4-FggoAy9u2uLrgr9McCn15wN8K1Ey7XxbANZczEtDu0ZMhmLKqnlU6NkLJ88i5X3bcJ51KpK05YR6BAJ1eSeMZ5m2BoMW9MtAfx_mLKinXQyQFHNiY">Beauty</a> might only be skin deep, but for those wondering how to keep that skin young, scientists may have found an answer in the form of a protein that encourages cell competition.

The prosaically named COL17A1 might not sound like a fountain of youth, but the new study suggests it does the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/sitemap-page1.xml&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbhNu60LXhAhVSmuYKHTjOCRUQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2aNYLBrRnTWKqIfNRi6rYd">skin intact</a> and unimpaired.

The protein works by encouraging cell competition, a key process to maintain tissue fitness. That effectively "drives out" weaker cells while encouraging replication of stronger ones.

"Damaged or stressed stem cells can be selectively eliminated by intact stem cells every day in our skin," said Emi Nishimura, a professor at the <a href="https://platinum-dental.jp/english/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgbWG0tC14QIVlw4rCh1ecQXNEAAYASAAEgIHzvD_BwE">Tokyo Medical and Dental University</a>'s Stem Cell Biology department, who led the research.

But ageing results in a depletion of COL17A1, as do familiar enemies of youthful skin, like UV radiation and other stress factors.

And when that happens, weaker cells replicate, leaving the skin thinner, more prone to damage and slower to heal.

The research published Thursday in the journal Nature is based on investigations using mice tails, which share many of the same characteristics as human skin.

After confirming the importance of COL17A1, the team decided to investigate whether they could stimulate the protein once it was depleted -- effectively looking for compounds that could kickstart the anti-ageing process in skin.

They isolated two chemical compounds -- Y27632 and apocynin -- and tested both on skin cells, with positive results.

"Application of these drugs to full-thickness skin wounds significantly promoted wound repair," the study said.

The two compounds point to ways of "facilitating skin regeneration and reducing skin ageing," the study added.

In a review of the study commissioned by Nature, two professors from the University of Colorado said cell competition had previously only been studied extensively in fruit flies.

Beauty might only be skin deep, but for those wondering how to keep that skin young, scientists may have found an answer in the form of a protein that encourages cell competition.

Beauty might only be skin deep, but for those wondering how to keep that skin young, scientists may have found an answer in the form of a protein that encourages cell competition. The prosaically named COL17A1 might not sound like a fountain of youth, but the new study suggests it does the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping skin intact and unimpaired. The protein works by encouraging cell competition, a key process to maintain tissue fitness. That effectively "drives out" weaker cells while encouraging replication of stronger ones. "Damaged or stressed stem cells can be selectively eliminated by intact stem cells every day in our skin," said Emi Nishimura, a professor at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University's Stem Cell Biology department, who led the research. But ageing results in a depletion of COL17A1, as do familiar enemies of youthful skin, like UV radiation and other stress factors. And when that happens, weaker cells replicate, leaving the skin thinner, more prone to damage and slower to heal. The research published Thursday in the journal Nature is based on investigations using mice tails, which share many of the same characteristics as human skin. After confirming the importance of COL17A1, the team decided to investigate whether they could stimulate the protein once it was depleted -- effectively looking for compounds that could kickstart the anti-ageing process in skin. They isolated two chemical compounds -- Y27632 and apocynin -- and tested both on skin cells, with positive results. "Application of these drugs to full-thickness skin wounds significantly promoted wound repair," the study said. The two compounds point to ways of "facilitating skin regeneration and reducing skin ageing," the study added. In a review of the study commissioned by Nature, two professors from the University of Colorado said cell competition had previously only been studied extensively in fruit flies.

Forever young: Study uncovers protein that keeps skin youthful

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