For the first time, cases of Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 or Covid virus have been detected in pets. Two cats and a dog have tested positive in a PCR test.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The team, which conducted the study, also clarified Covid in pets remained ‘relatively rare’. The transmission seems to be taking place from humans to pets and not the other way round.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Dr Luca&nbsp;Ferasin, lead author, UK-based Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, while commenting on the research, said that the exercise has highlighted the growing risk of domestic animals getting infected with the virus.

“Our study reports the first cases of cats and dogs affected by the Alpha Covid variant. We also reported the atypical clinical manifestations&nbsp;characterised&nbsp;by severe heart abnormalities, which is a well-recognised&nbsp;complication in people affected by COVID-19, but has never been found in pets before,” Dr&nbsp;Ferasin&nbsp;added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In addition to the above animals, two other cats and a dog displayed antibodies two to six weeks after developing signs of cardiac disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

These pets had an acute onset of cardiac disease, which includes severe myocarditis. It leads to the inflammation of the heart muscle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, cases of Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 or Covid virus have been detected in pets. Two cats and a dog have tested positive in a PCR test. The team, which conducted the study, also clarified Covid in pets remained ‘relatively rare’.

For the first time, cases of Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 or Covid virus have been detected in pets. Two cats and a dog have tested positive in a PCR test. The team, which conducted the study, also clarified Covid in pets remained ‘relatively rare’. The transmission seems to be taking place from humans to pets and not the other way round. Also Read: Abandoned dog Deng Deng goes under hammer, fetches $25,000 in China Dr Luca Ferasin, lead author, UK-based Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, while commenting on the research, said that the exercise has highlighted the growing risk of domestic animals getting infected with the virus. “Our study reports the first cases of cats and dogs affected by the Alpha Covid variant. We also reported the atypical clinical manifestations characterised by severe heart abnormalities, which is a well-recognised complication in people affected by COVID-19, but has never been found in pets before,” Dr Ferasin added. Also Read: In a conservation effort, 3,000 baby river turtles released in Peru In addition to the above animals, two other cats and a dog displayed antibodies two to six weeks after developing signs of cardiac disease. These pets had an acute onset of cardiac disease, which includes severe myocarditis. It leads to the inflammation of the heart muscle. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Covid variant Alpha found in pets, says study    

According to a research that provided insight on the pandemic's impact, about 28 million more years of life were lost in 31 nations last year than expected.

Researchers looked at 37 nations or areas in the upper medium and high income ranges that had credible and full mortality data. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-a-new-covid-pandemic-emerging-or-is-it-an-endemic-now-experts-answer-426439">Also read | Is a new Covid pandemic emerging or is it an endemic now? Experts answer</a> 
 
Between 2005 and 2019, men and women's life expectancy at birth increased in all of the nations analysed. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-origins-china-says-us-report-without-credibility-intelligence-services-known-for-fraud-and-deception-426094" hreflang="en">Covid origins: China says US report without credibility, intelligence services known for 'fraud and deception'</a>

However, life expectancy for men and women in all nations declined in 2020, with the exception of New Zealand, Taiwan, and Norway, which saw an increase, according to a research published in the British Medical Journal.&nbsp;

The actual toll, according to the researchers, is likely to be significantly greater because most nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were left out of the analysis owing to a lack of data.&nbsp;

The countries with the greatest declines in life expectancy were Russia, the United States, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Chile, and Spain. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-for-children-us-gives-final-nod-to-pfizer-jabs-for-5-11-age-group-426324" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group</a>

In the meantime, no indication of a shift in life expectancy has been observed in Denmark, Iceland, or South Korea.

The research did not cover Australia.&nbsp;

Researchers led by Dr. Nazrul Islam of the University of Oxford counted excess fatalities - the difference between actual and projected deaths from all causes—and how premature they were to better understand the pandemic's impact.

They contrasted what was found in terms of life expectancy and years lost in 2020 to what would be predicted based on historical patterns in the nations analysed from 2005 to 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a research that provided insight on the pandemic's impact, about 28 million more years of life were lost in 31 nations last year than expected. Researchers looked at 37 nations or areas in the upper medium and high income ranges that had credible and full mortality data.

According to a research that provided insight on the pandemic's impact, about 28 million more years of life were lost in 31 nations last year than expected. Researchers looked at 37 nations or areas in the upper medium and high income ranges that had credible and full mortality data. Also read | Is a new Covid pandemic emerging or is it an endemic now? Experts answer Between 2005 and 2019, men and women's life expectancy at birth increased in all of the nations analysed. Also read | Covid origins: China says US report without credibility, intelligence services known for 'fraud and deception' However, life expectancy for men and women in all nations declined in 2020, with the exception of New Zealand, Taiwan, and Norway, which saw an increase, according to a research published in the British Medical Journal. The actual toll, according to the researchers, is likely to be significantly greater because most nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America were left out of the analysis owing to a lack of data. The countries with the greatest declines in life expectancy were Russia, the United States, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Chile, and Spain. Also read | COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group In the meantime, no indication of a shift in life expectancy has been observed in Denmark, Iceland, or South Korea. The research did not cover Australia. Researchers led by Dr. Nazrul Islam of the University of Oxford counted excess fatalities - the difference between actual and projected deaths from all causes—and how premature they were to better understand the pandemic's impact. They contrasted what was found in terms of life expectancy and years lost in 2020 to what would be predicted based on historical patterns in the nations analysed from 2005 to 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

28 million more years of life lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Study

A new research warned the gender gap in mortality rates for teenagers or young adults seems to be widening in many countries.&nbsp;As per the study, boys and men are more likely to die young than women. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Boys and young men from the age of 10 to 24 accounted for around two-thirds (61%) of all global deaths in 2019.

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The mortality rates in males in this age group have decreased by 15.3% since 1950. It lags behind improvements in mortality rates in females, which decreased by 30% in the same age group in the corresponding time period. &nbsp;

The greatest differences in mortality rates were identified in Latin America and the Caribbean. The mortality rate in men from the age of 20 to 24 was more than three times for women. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The cause of death for men aged 15 to 24 in this region was interpersonal violence and conflict. In 20 years, there has been little or no improvement in mortality for this age group, said the study. &nbsp;

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In 2019, the major causes of death for men had varied as per the age and region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Joseph Ward, child health institute, University College London, who is one of the authors of the research, said, “High numbers of deaths in males indicate increases in the proportion of deaths due to violence, trauma and substance misuse, which predominately affect young males. This reflects a failure to address some of the leading causes of mortality in this age group.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A new research warned the gender gap in mortality rates for teenagers or young adults seems to be widening in many countries. As per the study, boys and men are more likely to die young than women.

A new research warned the gender gap in mortality rates for teenagers or young adults seems to be widening in many countries. As per the study, boys and men are more likely to die young than women. Boys and young men from the age of 10 to 24 accounted for around two-thirds (61%) of all global deaths in 2019. Also Read | COVID-19: Global death toll tops 5 million in less than two years The mortality rates in males in this age group have decreased by 15.3% since 1950. It lags behind improvements in mortality rates in females, which decreased by 30% in the same age group in the corresponding time period. The greatest differences in mortality rates were identified in Latin America and the Caribbean. The mortality rate in men from the age of 20 to 24 was more than three times for women. The cause of death for men aged 15 to 24 in this region was interpersonal violence and conflict. In 20 years, there has been little or no improvement in mortality for this age group, said the study. Also Read | COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030 In 2019, the major causes of death for men had varied as per the age and region. Joseph Ward, child health institute, University College London, who is one of the authors of the research, said, “High numbers of deaths in males indicate increases in the proportion of deaths due to violence, trauma and substance misuse, which predominately affect young males. This reflects a failure to address some of the leading causes of mortality in this age group.” (With inputs from agencies)

In 2019, young men accounted for 61% of all global deaths, finds study

Global corn yields, among other staple produces, may sink by nearly a quarter or 24 per cent by 2030 due to the climate change rapidly flipping weather patterns around the world, said a new study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). &nbsp;&nbsp;

The wheat yields, at the same time, can grow by&nbsp;17 per cent. &nbsp;

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Published in the journal ‘Nature Food’, the study was a collaborative effort from groups, such as NASA and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). &nbsp;

Rising temperatures and shifts in rainfall and human-made greenhouse gas emissions have already begun to cause effects&nbsp;and will make it harder to grow corn, found researchers. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-summit-world-leaders-pledge-to-end-deforestation-by-2030-425988" hreflang="en">COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030</a>

They also found that the production cuts are also occurring sooner than expected as compared to past studies, said a Bloomberg report. &nbsp;

In a statement, lead author Jonas Jaegermeyr said, “Even under optimistic climate change scenarios, where societies enact ambitious efforts to limit global temperature rise, global agriculture is facing a new climate reality…And with the interconnectedness of the global food system, impacts in even one region’s breadbasket will be felt worldwide.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Global corn yields, among other staple produces, may sink by nearly a quarter or 24 per cent by 2030 due to the climate change rapidly flipping weather patterns around the world, said a new study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Global corn yields, among other staple produces, may sink by nearly a quarter or 24 per cent by 2030 due to the climate change rapidly flipping weather patterns around the world, said a new study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The wheat yields, at the same time, can grow by 17 per cent. Also Read | Watch: As Joe Biden seems to fall asleep at the COP26, Twitter takes aim at him Published in the journal ‘Nature Food’, the study was a collaborative effort from groups, such as NASA and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). Rising temperatures and shifts in rainfall and human-made greenhouse gas emissions have already begun to cause effects and will make it harder to grow corn, found researchers. Also Read | COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030 They also found that the production cuts are also occurring sooner than expected as compared to past studies, said a Bloomberg report. In a statement, lead author Jonas Jaegermeyr said, “Even under optimistic climate change scenarios, where societies enact ambitious efforts to limit global temperature rise, global agriculture is facing a new climate reality…And with the interconnectedness of the global food system, impacts in even one region’s breadbasket will be felt worldwide.” (With inputs from agencies)

By 2030, climate change may trigger 24% dip in global corn yields, says study

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection.&nbsp;

The study analysed data from nearly 190 hospitals in nine states. The researchers counted 7,000 adult patients who were hospitalised this year with respiratory illnesses or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. It was concluded that about 6,000 of them had been fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines three to six months before getting hospitalised.&nbsp;

The remaining 1,000 were unvaccinated but had been infected with the deadly virus.

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Dr Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study was quoted by The Associated Press, "These data show, pretty strongly, that the vaccines are more protective against symptomatic Covid."

Saag deemed the research as convincing. He also said that it is important information for parents as the government is now expanding its vaccination campaign to more children.

“There have been many people who have advocated, ‘Well, let’s just let the kids get infected.’ I think these data support the notion that the vaccines work better in general, and likely work better for 5- to 11-year-olds,” Saag said.

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection.

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection. The study analysed data from nearly 190 hospitals in nine states. The researchers counted 7,000 adult patients who were hospitalised this year with respiratory illnesses or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. It was concluded that about 6,000 of them had been fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines three to six months before getting hospitalised. The remaining 1,000 were unvaccinated but had been infected with the deadly virus. Also read | Documents Trump wants to shield from Capitol riots investigators revealed Dr Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study was quoted by The Associated Press, "These data show, pretty strongly, that the vaccines are more protective against symptomatic Covid." Saag deemed the research as convincing. He also said that it is important information for parents as the government is now expanding its vaccination campaign to more children. “There have been many people who have advocated, ‘Well, let’s just let the kids get infected.’ I think these data support the notion that the vaccines work better in general, and likely work better for 5- to 11-year-olds,” Saag said.

Vaccines against coronavirus more protective than prior infection: Study

If Americans meet five hours per week of moderate-intensity recommended physical activity guidelines, then more than 46,000 cancer cases annually in the United States could be prevented.

Published in the journal 'Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise', the data noted that three per cent of all cancer cases in adults in the US aged 30 years and older during 2013 to 2016 was due to physical inactivity. Also, the proportion was higher in women compared to men.

The maximum number of cases were in the South, such as Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi, whereas the lowest proportions were found in the Mountain region and northern states, such as Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The data highlights specific cancer sites, including 16.9 per cent of stomach cancers, 11.9 per cent of endometrial cancers, 11.0 per cent of kidney cancers, 9.3 per cent of colon cancers, 8.1 per cent of oesophagal cancers, 6.5 per cent of female breast cancers, and 3.9 per cent of urinary bladder cancers.

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State-wise, the proportion of cancer cases attributable to physical inactivity ranged from 2.3 per cent in Utah to 3.7 per cent in Kentucky.

The author wrote, "These findings underscore the need to encourage physical activity as a means of cancer prevention and implement individual- and community-level interventions that address the various behavioural and socioeconomic barriers to recreational physical activity. Understanding and reducing the behavioural and socioeconomic barriers to physical activity is essential for optimising intervention strategies targeting at-risk groups across the country."

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The data highlights the importance of physical activity.&nbsp;

It talks about how there are many barriers to recreational physical activity, which include, lack of time due to long working hours in low-wage jobs, the cost of gym memberships or personal equipment.&nbsp;

The lack of access to a safe environment also contributes to the lack of physical activity.&nbsp;

If Americans meet five hours per week of moderate-intensity recommended physical activity guidelines, then more than 46,000 cancer cases annually in the United States could be prevented.

If Americans meet five hours per week of moderate-intensity recommended physical activity guidelines, then more than 46,000 cancer cases annually in the United States could be prevented. Published in the journal 'Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise', the data noted that three per cent of all cancer cases in adults in the US aged 30 years and older during 2013 to 2016 was due to physical inactivity. Also, the proportion was higher in women compared to men. The maximum number of cases were in the South, such as Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi, whereas the lowest proportions were found in the Mountain region and northern states, such as Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Wisconsin. The data highlights specific cancer sites, including 16.9 per cent of stomach cancers, 11.9 per cent of endometrial cancers, 11.0 per cent of kidney cancers, 9.3 per cent of colon cancers, 8.1 per cent of oesophagal cancers, 6.5 per cent of female breast cancers, and 3.9 per cent of urinary bladder cancers. Also read | Bakery in UK stops producing its bestselling biscuit, here’s why State-wise, the proportion of cancer cases attributable to physical inactivity ranged from 2.3 per cent in Utah to 3.7 per cent in Kentucky. The author wrote, "These findings underscore the need to encourage physical activity as a means of cancer prevention and implement individual- and community-level interventions that address the various behavioural and socioeconomic barriers to recreational physical activity. Understanding and reducing the behavioural and socioeconomic barriers to physical activity is essential for optimising intervention strategies targeting at-risk groups across the country." Also read | As COVID-19 creates 'new poor', here's how India is progressing to eradicate extreme poverty The data highlights the importance of physical activity. It talks about how there are many barriers to recreational physical activity, which include, lack of time due to long working hours in low-wage jobs, the cost of gym memberships or personal equipment. The lack of access to a safe environment also contributes to the lack of physical activity.

Five hours of physical activity per week helps in preventing cancer: Study

Afghan teenager Amena saw dozens of classmates killed when her girls' school was targeted by an Islamic State bomb attack in May, but she was determined to continue her education.

Now, like most secondary school girls in the country, she is banned from lessons altogether after the Taliban's hardline government excluded them from returning to class one month ago.

"I wanted to study, see my friends and have a bright future, but now I am not allowed," 16-year-old Amena told AFP at her home in western Kabul.&nbsp;

"This situation makes me feel awful. Since the Taliban arrived, I am very sad and angry."

On September 18, Afghanistan's new Islamist rulers ordered male teachers and boys aged 13 and over back to secondary schools, picking up an academic year already cut short by violence and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, there was no mention of women teachers or girl pupils.

The Taliban later said older girls can return to secondary schools, which were already mostly split by gender, but only once security and stricter segregation under their interpretation of Islamic law could be ensured.

Reports have emerged of girls going back to a few high schools -- such as in Kunduz province where the Taliban promoted the return with a stage-managed rally.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency">Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency</a>

The de facto Taliban education minister told the UN children's body that a framework to allow all girls to go to secondary school will be announced soon, a senior UNICEF executive said Friday.

But for now, the vast majority are barred from lessons across the country of about 39 million people, including in the capital Kabul.&nbsp;

Primary schools, meanwhile, have reopened for all children and women can go to private universities, though with tough restrictions on their clothes and movement.

'No hope'&nbsp;

Amena lives just a short walk from her Sayed Al-Shuhada High School, where 85 people -- mainly young girls -- perished in the May bomb attack.

"Innocent girls were killed," Amena said, her eyes welling up.

"I saw with my own eyes the dying and wounded girls.

"However, I still wanted to go to school again."

Amena would be in Grade 10 studying her favourite subjects such as biology, but instead is stuck inside with a handful of books doing "nothing special".

Also Read |<a href="Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report">&nbsp;Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report</a>

The teenager said she dreamt of becoming a journalist, but now has "no hope in Afghanistan".

Her siblings help her at home, and occasionally she gets lessons from a psychologist who comes to see her younger sister, still traumatised by the school attack.

"They say: 'Study if you cannot go to school -- study at home so that you may become someone in the future.'"

"My brother brings home storybooks and I read them," Amena said. "And I always watch the news."

But she does not understand why boys are allowed to study and girls are not.

"Half of the society is made up of girls and the other half is made up of boys. There is no difference between them," she said.

"Why can't we study? Are we not part of society? Why should only boys have a future?"

Recent progress&nbsp;

After US-led forces ousted the Taliban in 2001, progress was made in girls' education.

The number of schools tripled and female literacy nearly doubled to 30 percent, but the change was largely limited to the cities.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/isis-claims-responsibility-of-mosque-blast-that-killed-at-least-60-people-419339">ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people</a>

"Afghan women have made great achievements in the past 20 years," said Nasrin Hasani, a 21-year-old teacher at a Kabul secondary school who now helps out with primary pupils.

But the current situation has "lowered both our and the students' morale", she said, questioning the Taliban's reasoning.

"As far as we all know, the religion of Islam has never hindered the education and work of women."

Hasani said she has not experienced any direct threats from the Taliban.

But Amnesty International reported that one high school teacher received death threats and was summoned for prosecution because she used to teach co-educational sport.

Hasani said she was clinging to hope that the Taliban will be "a little different" from their brutal 1996-2001 regime, when women were not even allowed out of their homes unchaperoned.

Buried dreams&nbsp;

Born years after 2001, Zainab has no memories of that period and loved going to school until the Taliban directive.

The 12-year-old was stuck looking out of the window with a "terrible feeling" last month when boys went back to school.

"It is quite obvious that things get worse day by day", said Zainab, whose name has been changed to protect her identity.

Her 16-year-old sister Malalay said tearfully that she had "feelings of despair and fear".

Malalay, whose name has also been changed, passes her time helping around the house, cleaning, washing dishes and doing laundry.

She said she tries not to cry in front of her mother "because there are a lot of pressures on her".

The teen had dreams of promoting women's rights and speaking out against the men depriving her of her rights.

"My rights are to go to school and university," she said.

"All my dreams and plans are now buried."

Afghan teenager Amena saw dozens of classmates killed when her girls' school was targeted by an Islamic State bomb attack in May, but she was determined to continue her education.

Afghan teenager Amena saw dozens of classmates killed when her girls' school was targeted by an Islamic State bomb attack in May, but she was determined to continue her education. Now, like most secondary school girls in the country, she is banned from lessons altogether after the Taliban's hardline government excluded them from returning to class one month ago. "I wanted to study, see my friends and have a bright future, but now I am not allowed," 16-year-old Amena told AFP at her home in western Kabul. "This situation makes me feel awful. Since the Taliban arrived, I am very sad and angry." On September 18, Afghanistan's new Islamist rulers ordered male teachers and boys aged 13 and over back to secondary schools, picking up an academic year already cut short by violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was no mention of women teachers or girl pupils. The Taliban later said older girls can return to secondary schools, which were already mostly split by gender, but only once security and stricter segregation under their interpretation of Islamic law could be ensured. Reports have emerged of girls going back to a few high schools -- such as in Kunduz province where the Taliban promoted the return with a stage-managed rally. Also Read | Thousands of Afghans receive assistance: UN agency The de facto Taliban education minister told the UN children's body that a framework to allow all girls to go to secondary school will be announced soon, a senior UNICEF executive said Friday. But for now, the vast majority are barred from lessons across the country of about 39 million people, including in the capital Kabul. Primary schools, meanwhile, have reopened for all children and women can go to private universities, though with tough restrictions on their clothes and movement. 'No hope' Amena lives just a short walk from her Sayed Al-Shuhada High School, where 85 people -- mainly young girls -- perished in the May bomb attack. "Innocent girls were killed," Amena said, her eyes welling up. "I saw with my own eyes the dying and wounded girls. "However, I still wanted to go to school again." Amena would be in Grade 10 studying her favourite subjects such as biology, but instead is stuck inside with a handful of books doing "nothing special". Also Read | Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report The teenager said she dreamt of becoming a journalist, but now has "no hope in Afghanistan". Her siblings help her at home, and occasionally she gets lessons from a psychologist who comes to see her younger sister, still traumatised by the school attack. "They say: 'Study if you cannot go to school -- study at home so that you may become someone in the future.'" "My brother brings home storybooks and I read them," Amena said. "And I always watch the news." But she does not understand why boys are allowed to study and girls are not. "Half of the society is made up of girls and the other half is made up of boys. There is no difference between them," she said. "Why can't we study? Are we not part of society? Why should only boys have a future?" Recent progress After US-led forces ousted the Taliban in 2001, progress was made in girls' education. The number of schools tripled and female literacy nearly doubled to 30 percent, but the change was largely limited to the cities. Also Read | ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people "Afghan women have made great achievements in the past 20 years," said Nasrin Hasani, a 21-year-old teacher at a Kabul secondary school who now helps out with primary pupils. But the current situation has "lowered both our and the students' morale", she said, questioning the Taliban's reasoning. "As far as we all know, the religion of Islam has never hindered the education and work of women." Hasani said she has not experienced any direct threats from the Taliban. But Amnesty International reported that one high school teacher received death threats and was summoned for prosecution because she used to teach co-educational sport. Hasani said she was clinging to hope that the Taliban will be "a little different" from their brutal 1996-2001 regime, when women were not even allowed out of their homes unchaperoned. Buried dreams Born years after 2001, Zainab has no memories of that period and loved going to school until the Taliban directive. The 12-year-old was stuck looking out of the window with a "terrible feeling" last month when boys went back to school. "It is quite obvious that things get worse day by day", said Zainab, whose name has been changed to protect her identity. Her 16-year-old sister Malalay said tearfully that she had "feelings of despair and fear". Malalay, whose name has also been changed, passes her time helping around the house, cleaning, washing dishes and doing laundry. She said she tries not to cry in front of her mother "because there are a lot of pressures on her". The teen had dreams of promoting women's rights and speaking out against the men depriving her of her rights. "My rights are to go to school and university," she said. "All my dreams and plans are now buried."

Why can't we study ? - Afghan girls still barred from school

A new study has revealed that four weeks on a diet of highly processed food can lead to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of ageing rats, accompanied by behavioural signs of memory loss.

Also, replacing processed foods with omega-3 fatty acid DHA reduced the inflammatory effects in older rats.&nbsp;

However, no such cognitive issues were found in young rats that were given a processed food-enriched diet.

Senior study author Ruth Barrientos, an investigator in The Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural health said, "The fact we're seeing these effects so quickly is a little bit alarming."

He further highlighted that the findings also indicated that processed diet can lead to abrupt memory deficit and rapid memory decline in older people. This can be a cause of Alzheimer's.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-food-day-2021-here-are-few-ways-to-end-global-hunger-and-reduce-food-wastage-421293">Also read |&nbsp;World Food Day 2021: Here are few ways to end global hunger and reduce food wastage</a>

"By being aware of this, maybe we can limit processed foods in our diets and increase consumption of foods that are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to either prevent or slow that progression," Ruth said.

The research team randomly assigned 3-month-old and 24-month-old male rats to their normal chow (32 per cent calories from protein, 54 per cent from wheat-based complex carbs and 14 per cent from fat), a highly-processed diet (19.6 per cent of calories from protein, 63.3 per cent from refined carbs, cornstarch, maltodextrin and sucrose, and 17.1 per cent from fat), or the same processed diet supplemented with DHA.

The activation of genes led to a powerful pro-inflammatory protein and various other substances that contribute to inflammation.

The results also concluded that DHA supplementation of the processed-food diets consumed by the older rats prevented the elevated inflammatory response in the brain and behavioural signs of memory loss.

These researchers, however, are not sure about the exact dosage of DHA.

A new study has revealed that four weeks on a diet of highly processed food can lead to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of ageing rats, accompanied by behavioural signs of memory loss.

A new study has revealed that four weeks on a diet of highly processed food can lead to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of ageing rats, accompanied by behavioural signs of memory loss. Also, replacing processed foods with omega-3 fatty acid DHA reduced the inflammatory effects in older rats. However, no such cognitive issues were found in young rats that were given a processed food-enriched diet. Senior study author Ruth Barrientos, an investigator in The Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural health said, "The fact we're seeing these effects so quickly is a little bit alarming." He further highlighted that the findings also indicated that processed diet can lead to abrupt memory deficit and rapid memory decline in older people. This can be a cause of Alzheimer's. Also read | World Food Day 2021: Here are few ways to end global hunger and reduce food wastage "By being aware of this, maybe we can limit processed foods in our diets and increase consumption of foods that are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to either prevent or slow that progression," Ruth said. The research team randomly assigned 3-month-old and 24-month-old male rats to their normal chow (32 per cent calories from protein, 54 per cent from wheat-based complex carbs and 14 per cent from fat), a highly-processed diet (19.6 per cent of calories from protein, 63.3 per cent from refined carbs, cornstarch, maltodextrin and sucrose, and 17.1 per cent from fat), or the same processed diet supplemented with DHA. The activation of genes led to a powerful pro-inflammatory protein and various other substances that contribute to inflammation. The results also concluded that DHA supplementation of the processed-food diets consumed by the older rats prevented the elevated inflammatory response in the brain and behavioural signs of memory loss. These researchers, however, are not sure about the exact dosage of DHA.

Highly processed food may affect memory and lead to Alzheimer's, says study

A new study has revealed that drinking a glass of warm milk can make one sleepy. As per the study, milk's sleep-enhancing properties are linked to tryptophan. However, scientists have also discovered a mixture of milk peptides, called casein tryptic hydrolysate (CTH), that relieves stress and enhances sleep.

Published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the study has identified specific peptides in CTH that can be used in new and natural sleep remedies.&nbsp;

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of US adults do not get enough sleep.&nbsp;

Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem, are commonly prescribed for insomnia. Also, they can cause side effects, and people can become addicted to them.&nbsp;

Scientists have also discovered several natural peptides, or small pieces of proteins. These peptides bind the GABA receptor and have anti-anxiety and sleep-enhancing effects.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-spotted-smiling-and-clapping-as-soldiers-lie-on-bed-of-nails-420694">Also read |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un spotted smiling and clapping as soldiers lie on bed of nails</a>

As a part of the study, the researchers compared the effects of CTH and a-CZP in mouse sleep tests. It was discovered that the CTH showed better sleep-enhancing properties than a-CZP alone.&nbsp;

This result suggested that other sleep-promoting peptides besides a-CZP exist in CTH.

After this, the team used mass spectrometry to identify bioactive peptides released from CTH during simulated gastric digestion. The scientists virtually screened these peptides for binding to the GABA receptor.&nbsp;

The research reveals that all the strong candidates were tested in mice, and the best one, called YPVEPF, increased the number of mice that fell asleep quickly by about 25 per cent and the sleep duration by more than 400 per cent compared to a control group.&nbsp;

A new study has revealed that drinking a glass of warm milk can make one sleepy. As per the study, milk's sleep-enhancing properties are linked to tryptophan. However, scientists have also discovered a mixture of milk peptides, called casein tryptic hydrolysate (CTH), that relieves stress and enhances sleep.

A new study has revealed that drinking a glass of warm milk can make one sleepy. As per the study, milk's sleep-enhancing properties are linked to tryptophan. However, scientists have also discovered a mixture of milk peptides, called casein tryptic hydrolysate (CTH), that relieves stress and enhances sleep. Published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the study has identified specific peptides in CTH that can be used in new and natural sleep remedies. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of US adults do not get enough sleep. Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem, are commonly prescribed for insomnia. Also, they can cause side effects, and people can become addicted to them. Scientists have also discovered several natural peptides, or small pieces of proteins. These peptides bind the GABA receptor and have anti-anxiety and sleep-enhancing effects. Also read | Kim Jong Un spotted smiling and clapping as soldiers lie on bed of nails As a part of the study, the researchers compared the effects of CTH and a-CZP in mouse sleep tests. It was discovered that the CTH showed better sleep-enhancing properties than a-CZP alone. This result suggested that other sleep-promoting peptides besides a-CZP exist in CTH. After this, the team used mass spectrometry to identify bioactive peptides released from CTH during simulated gastric digestion. The scientists virtually screened these peptides for binding to the GABA receptor. The research reveals that all the strong candidates were tested in mice, and the best one, called YPVEPF, increased the number of mice that fell asleep quickly by about 25 per cent and the sleep duration by more than 400 per cent compared to a control group.

Study says drinking warm milk can make one sleepy, here is how

Isolated populations of India have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, reveals a study. A study led by experts at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU) involve examples of the tribes such as Onge and Jarawa. Both the tribes are isolated from the population on mainland India and are found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Speaking about the research, Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of the BHU, who co-led the exercise with CSIR’s Kumarasamy Thangaraj said, "There might be some speculations on the effects on Covid-19 among isolated populations. However, for the first time, we used genomic data to study the risk of the infection on 227 isolated Indian populations. It was found that the ones which carry long homozygous segments in their genome are highly susceptible to Covid-19.”&nbsp;

Homozygous is a genetic condition where an individual inherits the same gene variants or alleles for a particular gene from both parents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-24-year-old-rumeysa-gelgi-titled-as-tallest-woman-living-420736">Also read |&nbsp;Turkey’s 24-year-old Rumeysa Gelgi titled as tallest woman living</a>

As a part of the study, the high-density genomic data of more than 1600 people across these 227 groups was investigated.

Among these, high frequency for COVID-19 risk alleles (gene) was found among the Onge and Jarawa tribes. The other groups included the Great Andamanese and Sentinels.

“The study noted that these inhabitants live in protected areas and the general public is not allowed to interact with them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-spotted-smiling-and-clapping-as-soldiers-lie-on-bed-of-nails-420694">Also read |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un spotted smiling and clapping as soldiers lie on bed of nails</a>

However, after seeing the number of cases among the islanders, it can be said that they are at greater risk mainly from illegal intruders and health workers. The total census of this population is less than 1000 in number,” said Professor Gyaneshwer.&nbsp;

Isolated populations of India have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, reveals a study. A study led by experts at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU) involve examples of the tribes such as Onge and Jarawa.

Isolated populations of India have a higher genetic risk for COVID-19, reveals a study. A study led by experts at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU) involve examples of the tribes such as Onge and Jarawa. Both the tribes are isolated from the population on mainland India and are found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Speaking about the research, Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of the BHU, who co-led the exercise with CSIR’s Kumarasamy Thangaraj said, "There might be some speculations on the effects on Covid-19 among isolated populations. However, for the first time, we used genomic data to study the risk of the infection on 227 isolated Indian populations. It was found that the ones which carry long homozygous segments in their genome are highly susceptible to Covid-19.” Homozygous is a genetic condition where an individual inherits the same gene variants or alleles for a particular gene from both parents. Also read | Turkey’s 24-year-old Rumeysa Gelgi titled as tallest woman living As a part of the study, the high-density genomic data of more than 1600 people across these 227 groups was investigated. Among these, high frequency for COVID-19 risk alleles (gene) was found among the Onge and Jarawa tribes. The other groups included the Great Andamanese and Sentinels. “The study noted that these inhabitants live in protected areas and the general public is not allowed to interact with them. Also read | Kim Jong Un spotted smiling and clapping as soldiers lie on bed of nails However, after seeing the number of cases among the islanders, it can be said that they are at greater risk mainly from illegal intruders and health workers. The total census of this population is less than 1000 in number,” said Professor Gyaneshwer.

Isolated populations of India more likely to contract COVID-19: Study

Around 12,500 to 12,000 years ago, ancient North Americans started using tobacco. This is roughly 9,000 years before the oldest indications that they smoked the plant in pipes, said a new study. &nbsp;

The new discovery replaces the pipe-smoking report as the oldest evidence for the human use of tobacco across the world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/197-billion-years-old-moon-rocks-set-new-record-for-youngest-lunar-material-419893" hreflang="en">1.97 billion years old Moon rocks set new record for youngest lunar material</a>

At the Wishbone site in Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert, excavations uncovered four charred seeds of wild tobacco plants in a small fireplace, said archaeologist Daron Duke from Far Western Anthropological Research Group in Henderson, Nevada and colleagues. &nbsp;

It is highly likely that the seeds came from plants gathered on foothills or mountains located 13 kilometers or more from the Wishbone area. Three of these seeds were radiocarbon dated by the scientists, the team reported on October 11 in ‘Nature Human Behavior’. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-unearth-secret-of-no-star-formation-in-some-early-galaxies-419676" hreflang="en">Astronomers unearth secret of no star formation in some early galaxies</a>

At the time of its occupation, the site was located in a sprawling marshland. It’s still unclear how ancient North American hunter-gatherers used the tobacco, said Duke. &nbsp;

Wads of tobacco leaves, stems and other plant fibers are likely to have been converted into balls and chewed or sucked, and seeds were finally discarded. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around 12,500 to 12,000 years ago, ancient North Americans started using tobacco. This is roughly 9,000 years before the oldest indications that they smoked the plant in pipes, said a new study.

Around 12,500 to 12,000 years ago, ancient North Americans started using tobacco. This is roughly 9,000 years before the oldest indications that they smoked the plant in pipes, said a new study. The new discovery replaces the pipe-smoking report as the oldest evidence for the human use of tobacco across the world. Also Read: 1.97 billion years old Moon rocks set new record for youngest lunar material At the Wishbone site in Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert, excavations uncovered four charred seeds of wild tobacco plants in a small fireplace, said archaeologist Daron Duke from Far Western Anthropological Research Group in Henderson, Nevada and colleagues. It is highly likely that the seeds came from plants gathered on foothills or mountains located 13 kilometers or more from the Wishbone area. Three of these seeds were radiocarbon dated by the scientists, the team reported on October 11 in ‘Nature Human Behavior’. Also Read: Astronomers unearth secret of no star formation in some early galaxies At the time of its occupation, the site was located in a sprawling marshland. It’s still unclear how ancient North American hunter-gatherers used the tobacco, said Duke. Wads of tobacco leaves, stems and other plant fibers are likely to have been converted into balls and chewed or sucked, and seeds were finally discarded. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study

In the southwestern Brazilian city of Toledo, you won’t find much vaccine skepticism. About 98% of eligible residents there have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to municipal officials.

Most received the vaccine offered by Pfizer, and this week the drugmaker said that presented an opportunity: Pfizer announced that it would fully vaccinate everyone in the city older than the age of 12 so it can carry out a study of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

The company will work with local health officials, a hospital, a university and Brazil’s national vaccination program to monitor the transmission of the coronavirus in a “real-life scenario” after the whole population has been vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech serum, Pfizer said.

The study will follow participants for up to one year to investigate how long vaccine protection lasts against COVID-19 and new virus variants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-asks-us-government-to-allow-covid-vaccine-for-children-ages-5-11-418917">Also read |&nbsp;Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11</a>

“Here we believe in science, and we lament the almost 600,000 deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil,” Mayor Beto Lunitti of Toledo said in announcing the Pfizer study.

The study comes after the experimental inoculation of almost every adult in the southeastern Brazilian town of Serrana. That experiment was believed to be the first mass trial of its kind in which an entire town was vaccinated against the coronavirus before the rest of the country.

The experiment in Serrana was conducted over three months in winter and spring. Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine was put to the test in the town of 45,000. It was a resounding success, with steep drops in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths, at a time when the rest of Brazil was in the grip of the pandemic.

Brazil has suffered one of the world’s highest death tolls from the pandemic. About 600,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, according to a New York Times database. Though many experts believe the true death toll may be higher, that is the world’s second-highest death toll. More than 710,000 Americans have died.

Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been ambivalent about the importance of vaccines. Many Brazilians have expressed anger at how slowly their government acquired vaccines and a corruption scandal involving vaccine deals.

In the southwestern Brazilian city of Toledo, you won’t find much vaccine skepticism. About 98% of eligible residents there have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to municipal officials.

In the southwestern Brazilian city of Toledo, you won’t find much vaccine skepticism. About 98% of eligible residents there have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to municipal officials. Most received the vaccine offered by Pfizer, and this week the drugmaker said that presented an opportunity: Pfizer announced that it would fully vaccinate everyone in the city older than the age of 12 so it can carry out a study of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. The company will work with local health officials, a hospital, a university and Brazil’s national vaccination program to monitor the transmission of the coronavirus in a “real-life scenario” after the whole population has been vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech serum, Pfizer said. The study will follow participants for up to one year to investigate how long vaccine protection lasts against COVID-19 and new virus variants. Also read | Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11 “Here we believe in science, and we lament the almost 600,000 deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil,” Mayor Beto Lunitti of Toledo said in announcing the Pfizer study. The study comes after the experimental inoculation of almost every adult in the southeastern Brazilian town of Serrana. That experiment was believed to be the first mass trial of its kind in which an entire town was vaccinated against the coronavirus before the rest of the country. The experiment in Serrana was conducted over three months in winter and spring. Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine was put to the test in the town of 45,000. It was a resounding success, with steep drops in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths, at a time when the rest of Brazil was in the grip of the pandemic. Brazil has suffered one of the world’s highest death tolls from the pandemic. About 600,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, according to a New York Times database. Though many experts believe the true death toll may be higher, that is the world’s second-highest death toll. More than 710,000 Americans have died. Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been ambivalent about the importance of vaccines. Many Brazilians have expressed anger at how slowly their government acquired vaccines and a corruption scandal involving vaccine deals.

Pfizer to vaccinate entire city in Brazil as part of study

Two recent studies from Israel and Qatar confirm that the immune protection offered by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine decreases after two months or so. However, protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death remains strong.

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study says that even fully vaccinated people need to maintain precautions against infection.&nbsp;

The study from Israel covered 4,800 health care workers. It showed that the antibody levels drop off rapidly after two doses of vaccine "especially among men, among persons 65 years of age or older, and among persons with immunosuppression."

The researchers highlighted that the levels of neutralising antibodies correlate with protection against infection. However, this study only focussed on antibody levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-jab-prevents-severe-virus-for-at-least-6-months-study-418358">Also read |&nbsp;Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study</a>

The researchers wrote, "Published work about many vaccines, such as those against measles, mumps, and rubella, has shown a small decrease each year of 5 to 10% in the neutralising antibody levels."

"We found that a significant and rapid decrease in humoral response to the BNT162b2 vaccine was observed within months after vaccination."

The study further highlighted that immunity for people who get vaccinated after natural COVID-19 infection lasts longer. Also, it is especially strong for people who recovered from infection and then got vaccinated.

"Overall, the accumulating evidence from our study and others shows that long-term humoral response and vaccine effectiveness in previously infected persons were superior to that in recipients of two doses of vaccine," the researchers wrote.

The study from Qatar&nbsp;focussed on actual infections among the highly vaccinated population of that small Gulf nation. People there mostly got Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-watchdog-backs-pfizer-booster-for-over-18s-418403">Also read |&nbsp;EU watchdog backs Pfizer booster for over-18s</a>

Laith Abu-Raddad of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and colleagues wrote, "BNT162b2-induced protection against infection builds rapidly after the first dose, peaks in the first month after the second dose, and then gradually wanes in subsequent months." 
The waning appears to accelerate after the fourth month, to reach a low level of approximately 20% in subsequent months," they added.

The researchers said that protection against hospitalsation and death stayed at above 90 per cent.&nbsp;

Two recent studies from Israel and Qatar confirm that the immune protection offered by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine decreases after two months or so. However, protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death remains strong.

Two recent studies from Israel and Qatar confirm that the immune protection offered by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine decreases after two months or so. However, protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death remains strong. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study says that even fully vaccinated people need to maintain precautions against infection. The study from Israel covered 4,800 health care workers. It showed that the antibody levels drop off rapidly after two doses of vaccine "especially among men, among persons 65 years of age or older, and among persons with immunosuppression." The researchers highlighted that the levels of neutralising antibodies correlate with protection against infection. However, this study only focussed on antibody levels. Also read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study The researchers wrote, "Published work about many vaccines, such as those against measles, mumps, and rubella, has shown a small decrease each year of 5 to 10% in the neutralising antibody levels." "We found that a significant and rapid decrease in humoral response to the BNT162b2 vaccine was observed within months after vaccination." The study further highlighted that immunity for people who get vaccinated after natural COVID-19 infection lasts longer. Also, it is especially strong for people who recovered from infection and then got vaccinated. "Overall, the accumulating evidence from our study and others shows that long-term humoral response and vaccine effectiveness in previously infected persons were superior to that in recipients of two doses of vaccine," the researchers wrote. The study from Qatar focussed on actual infections among the highly vaccinated population of that small Gulf nation. People there mostly got Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine. Also read | EU watchdog backs Pfizer booster for over-18s Laith Abu-Raddad of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and colleagues wrote, "BNT162b2-induced protection against infection builds rapidly after the first dose, peaks in the first month after the second dose, and then gradually wanes in subsequent months." The waning appears to accelerate after the fourth month, to reach a low level of approximately 20% in subsequent months," they added. The researchers said that protection against hospitalsation and death stayed at above 90 per cent.

Immunity from Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine decreasing: Study

A new study has warned that China's population could halve within the next 45 years. The projection was based on the official birth rate of 1.3 children per woman last year.&nbsp;

Before this, a study had projected that China will experience a negative growth after 2025, which will result in a shortage of consumer demand, a well-known Chinese economist has cautioned.

Cai Fang, a member of the monetary policy committee of the People's Bank of China, the central bank said that China's population is set to peak in a time period of four years time and the milestone will be marked by a significant downturn in consumer demand

Mr Cai was quoted as saying by Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post as saying, "When the total population enters negative growth (after 2025), there will be a shortage of demand."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-to-enter-negative-growth-after-2025-report-378507">Also read |&nbsp;China's population to enter negative growth after 2025: Report&nbsp;</a>

He further added, "We need to pay attention to the impact of demographics on future consumption."

A PBOC study released a few months ago says that China should immediately liberalise its birth policies or face a scenario in which it has a lower share of workers and a higher burden of elderly care than the United States by 2050.

"We should not hesitate and wait for the effects of existing birth policies," the researchers said in a working paper published early this week.

"The birth liberalisation should happen now when there are some residents who still want to have children but can't. It's useless to liberalise it when no one wants to have children," it said.

A new study has warned that China's population could halve within the next 45 years. The projection was based on the official birth rate of 1.3 children per woman last year.

A new study has warned that China's population could halve within the next 45 years. The projection was based on the official birth rate of 1.3 children per woman last year. Before this, a study had projected that China will experience a negative growth after 2025, which will result in a shortage of consumer demand, a well-known Chinese economist has cautioned. Cai Fang, a member of the monetary policy committee of the People's Bank of China, the central bank said that China's population is set to peak in a time period of four years time and the milestone will be marked by a significant downturn in consumer demand Mr Cai was quoted as saying by Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post as saying, "When the total population enters negative growth (after 2025), there will be a shortage of demand." Also read | China's population to enter negative growth after 2025: Report He further added, "We need to pay attention to the impact of demographics on future consumption." A PBOC study released a few months ago says that China should immediately liberalise its birth policies or face a scenario in which it has a lower share of workers and a higher burden of elderly care than the United States by 2050. "We should not hesitate and wait for the effects of existing birth policies," the researchers said in a working paper published early this week. "The birth liberalisation should happen now when there are some residents who still want to have children but can't. It's useless to liberalise it when no one wants to have children," it said.

China’s population could halve within the next 45 years: Study

The results of a clinical trial have concluded that flu jabs are safe to give at the same time as the Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The study discovered that while some people experienced more side effects with certain combinations of flu and COVID-19 shots, the ailments were mainly mild to moderate.

The most common side effects were pain at the injection site and temporary fatigue, headache or muscle pain.

The trial took place across 12 NHS sites in England and Wales and it looked at the side-effects and immune responses when 679 people had their second shot of Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in one arm followed by one of three flu vaccines in the other.

As a part of the study, the volunteers were divided into two age groups, the under-65s and the 65s and over.

At their first appointment, the volunteers were given either a COVID-19 shot and a flu shot, or a Covid shot and a placebo.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transport-chiefs-warn-world-leaders-and-un-about-incoming-collapse-of-global-supply-chain-417077">Also read |&nbsp;Transport chiefs warn world leaders and UN about incoming collapse of global supply chain</a>

The older group received the FluAd jab made by Seqirus in the UK, while the younger group had either Flublok from Sanofi or Flucelvax, also from Seqirus.

As per the blood tests on the trial volunteers, there was no negative impact on the immune responses to either flu or COVID-19 vaccines when the shots were given one after the other, in opposite arms.&nbsp;

However, one of the flu vaccines, FluBlok by Sanofi, appeared to be more potent when it was given alongside the Pfizer jab.

Dr Rajeka Lazarus, who is the lead scientist on the trial and a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said that the results, which are preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed, were “a really positive step”.

“We don’t expect, with booster doses, that there would be an impact on how well the Covid vaccine works,” she said.&nbsp;

The results of a clinical trial have concluded that flu jabs are safe to give at the same time as the Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The study discovered that while some people experienced more side effects with certain combinations of flu and COVID-19 shots, the ailments were mainly mild to moderate.

The results of a clinical trial have concluded that flu jabs are safe to give at the same time as the Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The study discovered that while some people experienced more side effects with certain combinations of flu and COVID-19 shots, the ailments were mainly mild to moderate. The most common side effects were pain at the injection site and temporary fatigue, headache or muscle pain. The trial took place across 12 NHS sites in England and Wales and it looked at the side-effects and immune responses when 679 people had their second shot of Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in one arm followed by one of three flu vaccines in the other. As a part of the study, the volunteers were divided into two age groups, the under-65s and the 65s and over. At their first appointment, the volunteers were given either a COVID-19 shot and a flu shot, or a Covid shot and a placebo. Also read | Transport chiefs warn world leaders and UN about incoming collapse of global supply chain The older group received the FluAd jab made by Seqirus in the UK, while the younger group had either Flublok from Sanofi or Flucelvax, also from Seqirus. As per the blood tests on the trial volunteers, there was no negative impact on the immune responses to either flu or COVID-19 vaccines when the shots were given one after the other, in opposite arms. However, one of the flu vaccines, FluBlok by Sanofi, appeared to be more potent when it was given alongside the Pfizer jab. Dr Rajeka Lazarus, who is the lead scientist on the trial and a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said that the results, which are preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed, were “a really positive step”. “We don’t expect, with booster doses, that there would be an impact on how well the Covid vaccine works,” she said.

Flu and COVID-19 jabs safe when given at same time: Study

According to a study, warming ocean waters have&nbsp;led to a drop in Earth's brightness.

Our planet now reflects about half a watt less light per square metre than it did 20 years ago,&nbsp;with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of Earthshine data.

As part of the study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, researchers used decades of Earthshine measurements to come up with their conclusion.&nbsp;Earthshine is the light reflected from the Earth that illuminates the surface of the moon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-have-every-right-to-be-angry-boris-johnson-tells-climate-activists-417389">'You have every right to be angry', Boris Johnson tells climate activists</a>

Researchers estimate that the decrease in reflected light is the equivalent of a 0.5 per cent decrease in the Earth's reflectance.

According to the researchers, Earth reflects about 30 per cent of the sunlight it receives.

Philip Goode, a researcher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the lead author of the study, says that&nbsp;"The albedo drop was such a surprise to us when we analysed the last three years of data after 17 years of nearly flat albedo,".

In his statement, Goode is referring to the Earthshine data gathered by the Big Bear Solar Observatory in Southern California from 1998 to 2017.

The researchers said the dimming trend became apparent when the latest data was added to the previous years.

They noted&nbsp;that solar brightness and the planet's reflectivity are two features that affect the amount of net sunlight reaching the Earth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-1950s-coral-cover-reduced-by-half-in-world-finds-report-414010">Since 1950s, coral cover reduced by half in world, finds report</a>

Observations by the researchers did not correlate with the periodic changes in the Sun's brightness, meaning something on Earth is responsible for changes in Earth's reflectiveness.

According to NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project, there has also been a reduction in bright, reflective low-lying clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean in recent years.

That is the same area where increases in sea surface temperatures have been recorded because of the reversal of a climatic condition with likely connections to global climate change, according to the researchers.

According to them, the dimming of the Earth is also evident in how much more solar energy is being captured by Earth's climate system.

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According to the researchers, this additional solar energy can contribute to global warming once it reaches Earth's atmosphere and oceans.

"It's actually quite concerning," said Edward Schwieterman, a planetary scientist at the University of California at Riverside who was not involved in the study.

Many scientists had hoped that a warmer Earth might lead to more clouds and higher albedo, which would then help to moderate warming and balance the climate system, he said.

"But this shows the opposite is true,"&nbsp;Schwieterman added.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a study, warming ocean waters have led to a drop in Earth's brightness. Our planet now reflects about half a watt less light per square metre than it did 20 years ago, with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of Earthshine data.

According to a study, warming ocean waters have led to a drop in Earth's brightness. Our planet now reflects about half a watt less light per square metre than it did 20 years ago, with most of the drop occurring in the last three years of Earthshine data. As part of the study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, researchers used decades of Earthshine measurements to come up with their conclusion. Earthshine is the light reflected from the Earth that illuminates the surface of the moon. Also read | 'You have every right to be angry', Boris Johnson tells climate activists Researchers estimate that the decrease in reflected light is the equivalent of a 0.5 per cent decrease in the Earth's reflectance. According to the researchers, Earth reflects about 30 per cent of the sunlight it receives. Philip Goode, a researcher at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the lead author of the study, says that "The albedo drop was such a surprise to us when we analysed the last three years of data after 17 years of nearly flat albedo,". In his statement, Goode is referring to the Earthshine data gathered by the Big Bear Solar Observatory in Southern California from 1998 to 2017. The researchers said the dimming trend became apparent when the latest data was added to the previous years. They noted that solar brightness and the planet's reflectivity are two features that affect the amount of net sunlight reaching the Earth. Also read | Since 1950s, coral cover reduced by half in world, finds report Observations by the researchers did not correlate with the periodic changes in the Sun's brightness, meaning something on Earth is responsible for changes in Earth's reflectiveness. According to NASA's Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project, there has also been a reduction in bright, reflective low-lying clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean in recent years. That is the same area where increases in sea surface temperatures have been recorded because of the reversal of a climatic condition with likely connections to global climate change, according to the researchers. According to them, the dimming of the Earth is also evident in how much more solar energy is being captured by Earth's climate system. According to the researchers, this additional solar energy can contribute to global warming once it reaches Earth's atmosphere and oceans. "It's actually quite concerning," said Edward Schwieterman, a planetary scientist at the University of California at Riverside who was not involved in the study. Many scientists had hoped that a warmer Earth might lead to more clouds and higher albedo, which would then help to moderate warming and balance the climate system, he said. "But this shows the opposite is true," Schwieterman added. (With inputs from agencies)

Study shows Earth's brightness is dropping because of climate change

Mars, the nearest neighbour of Earth is today a barren wasteland. The red planet is a striking sight in the night sky. It's hard to imagine anything catastrophic happening on Mars today.

But a new study has found that massive floods from overflowing craters had outsized role in shaping Martian surface. The study has been carried out by researchers at University of Texas at Austin.

The study found that these floods carved deep chasms and moved vast amounts of sediment. The findings have been published in the scientific journal 'Nature'

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"If we think about how sediment was being moved across the landscape on ancient Mars, lake breach floods were a really important process globally," said lead author Tim Goudge, an assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences.&nbsp;

"And this is a bit of a surprising result because they`ve been thought of as one-off anomalies for so long," Goudge added.

Crater lakes were common on Mars billions of years ago when the Red Planet had liquid water on its surface. Some craters could hold a small sea`s worth of water. But when the water became too much to hold, it would breach the edge of the crater, causing catastrophic flooding that carved river valleys in its wake.&nbsp;

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A 2019 study led by Goudge determined that these events happened rapidly. Remote sensing images taken by satellites orbiting Mars have allowed scientists to study the remains of breached Martian crater lakes.&nbsp;

However, the crater lakes and their river valleys have mostly been studied on an individual basis, Goudge said. This is the first study to investigate how the 262 breached lakes across the Red Planet shaped the Martian surface as a whole.

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The research entailed reviewing a preexisting catalogue of river valleys on Mars and classifying the valleys into two categories: valleys that got their start at a crater`s edge, which indicates they formed during a lake breach flood, and valleys that formed elsewhere on the landscape, which suggests a more gradual formation over time.

From there, the scientists compared the depth, length and volume of the different valley types and found that river valleys formed by crater lake breaches punch far above their weight, eroding away nearly a quarter of the Red Planet`s river valley volume despite making up only 3 per cent of total valley length.

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

Mars, the nearest neighbour of Earth is today a barren wasteland. The red planet is a striking sight in the night sky. It's hard to imagine anything catastrophic happening on Mars today.

Mars, the nearest neighbour of Earth is today a barren wasteland. The red planet is a striking sight in the night sky. It's hard to imagine anything catastrophic happening on Mars today. But a new study has found that massive floods from overflowing craters had outsized role in shaping Martian surface. The study has been carried out by researchers at University of Texas at Austin. The study found that these floods carved deep chasms and moved vast amounts of sediment. The findings have been published in the scientific journal 'Nature' Also Read | NASA's Hubble space telescope finds dead galaxies "If we think about how sediment was being moved across the landscape on ancient Mars, lake breach floods were a really important process globally," said lead author Tim Goudge, an assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. "And this is a bit of a surprising result because they`ve been thought of as one-off anomalies for so long," Goudge added. Crater lakes were common on Mars billions of years ago when the Red Planet had liquid water on its surface. Some craters could hold a small sea`s worth of water. But when the water became too much to hold, it would breach the edge of the crater, causing catastrophic flooding that carved river valleys in its wake. Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why A 2019 study led by Goudge determined that these events happened rapidly. Remote sensing images taken by satellites orbiting Mars have allowed scientists to study the remains of breached Martian crater lakes. However, the crater lakes and their river valleys have mostly been studied on an individual basis, Goudge said. This is the first study to investigate how the 262 breached lakes across the Red Planet shaped the Martian surface as a whole. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck The research entailed reviewing a preexisting catalogue of river valleys on Mars and classifying the valleys into two categories: valleys that got their start at a crater`s edge, which indicates they formed during a lake breach flood, and valleys that formed elsewhere on the landscape, which suggests a more gradual formation over time. From there, the scientists compared the depth, length and volume of the different valley types and found that river valleys formed by crater lake breaches punch far above their weight, eroding away nearly a quarter of the Red Planet`s river valley volume despite making up only 3 per cent of total valley length. (With inputs from agencies)

Megafloods shaped Martian surface, says study

Scientists in the Netherlands have solved the medical mystery of what causes some twins to be born identical. It is because these identical twins form after a fertilised egg called a zygote, which splits into two embryos sharing the same genes.&nbsp;

However, the reason for the split is unknown.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research looked at the epigenetic modifications in twins’ DNA, factors that can switch genes “on” or “off” without changing their underlying sequence.&nbsp;

It was concluded that identical twins from across the world shared similar marks at 834 points across their genome, which happens to be the total of an organism’s DNA.

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As per the scientists, the shared marks can allow researchers to determine, with up to 80 per cent accuracy whether an individual is an identical twin.&nbsp;

Nancy Segal, a developmental psychologist at California State University, told the Science News publication that it was “a very, very important finding”, as identical twins are predisposed for a variety of conditions, including spina bifida.

However, it is yet to be proved that the chemical marks on the DNA are the cause of identical twins being conceived.&nbsp;

Also, as many as 12 per cent of human pregnancies may start as multiple embryos but just under 2 per cent carry to term, with many people unaware of the fact that they had a twin.

Scientists in the Netherlands have solved the medical mystery of what causes some twins to be born identical. It is because these identical twins form after a fertilised egg called a zygote, which splits into two embryos sharing the same genes.

Scientists in the Netherlands have solved the medical mystery of what causes some twins to be born identical. It is because these identical twins form after a fertilised egg called a zygote, which splits into two embryos sharing the same genes. However, the reason for the split is unknown. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research looked at the epigenetic modifications in twins’ DNA, factors that can switch genes “on” or “off” without changing their underlying sequence. It was concluded that identical twins from across the world shared similar marks at 834 points across their genome, which happens to be the total of an organism’s DNA. Also read | Mont Blanc has shrunk by almost 1 metre since its last measurement As per the scientists, the shared marks can allow researchers to determine, with up to 80 per cent accuracy whether an individual is an identical twin. Nancy Segal, a developmental psychologist at California State University, told the Science News publication that it was “a very, very important finding”, as identical twins are predisposed for a variety of conditions, including spina bifida. However, it is yet to be proved that the chemical marks on the DNA are the cause of identical twins being conceived. Also, as many as 12 per cent of human pregnancies may start as multiple embryos but just under 2 per cent carry to term, with many people unaware of the fact that they had a twin.

Mystery behind identical twins solved by Dutch scientists

As the world attempts recovery from Covid pandemic with the help of vaccines and other measures,&nbsp;new studies are shedding more light on the occurrence of illness and thus helping strategies to defeat the disease that still has the world in its grips.

A new, comprehensive study has found that 37 per cent (or 1 in 3) Covid patients had at least one long Covid symptom even after three to six months after recovery.&nbsp;

The research was carried out by Oxford University, Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and National Institute for Health Research. The study has been published in journal PLOS Medicine.

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The sample size for the study was huge. 270,000 people recovering from Covid in US were studied.

The study found that most common symptoms of long Covid that persisted after recovery were fatigue, breathing problems, pain and anxiety or depression and abdominal symptoms. It was also found that Long Covid symptoms were more frequent in patients who had been hospitalised. The symptoms were slightly more common in women than men.

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Age factor also mattered and which symptoms patients would have was found to be dependent on their age. Older people and men mainly had cognitive problems and breathing difficulties. Young people and women suffered more from headaches, abdominal symptoms or depression.

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It was also found that Covid patients admitted to hospital were more likely to suffer from cognitive problems such as brain fog and fatigue compared to those who did not need hospitalisation.

Experts have been quoted in media reports as saying that this was a 'large, well-conducted and thorough study'.

As the world attempts recovery from Covid pandemic with the help of vaccines and other measures, new studies are shedding more light on the occurrence of illness and thus helping strategies to defeat the disease that still has the world in its grips.

As the world attempts recovery from Covid pandemic with the help of vaccines and other measures, new studies are shedding more light on the occurrence of illness and thus helping strategies to defeat the disease that still has the world in its grips. A new, comprehensive study has found that 37 per cent (or 1 in 3) Covid patients had at least one long Covid symptom even after three to six months after recovery. The research was carried out by Oxford University, Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and National Institute for Health Research. The study has been published in journal PLOS Medicine. Also Read | COVID-19 has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy, says study The sample size for the study was huge. 270,000 people recovering from Covid in US were studied. The study found that most common symptoms of long Covid that persisted after recovery were fatigue, breathing problems, pain and anxiety or depression and abdominal symptoms. It was also found that Long Covid symptoms were more frequent in patients who had been hospitalised. The symptoms were slightly more common in women than men. Also Read | Covid virus expected to continue to transmit for a very long time, says WHO official Age factor also mattered and which symptoms patients would have was found to be dependent on their age. Older people and men mainly had cognitive problems and breathing difficulties. Young people and women suffered more from headaches, abdominal symptoms or depression. Also Read | ‘Every day is frightening’: Working for the top US employer amid Covid It was also found that Covid patients admitted to hospital were more likely to suffer from cognitive problems such as brain fog and fatigue compared to those who did not need hospitalisation. Experts have been quoted in media reports as saying that this was a 'large, well-conducted and thorough study'.

37 per cent patients have long Covid symptoms months post recovery: Oxford study

A recent research published this week in the journal Science has shown that people born today will have more climate disasters over their lifetimes than their grandparents. As per the research, a child born in 2020 will endure an average of 30 extreme heatwaves in their lifetime, even if countries fulfil their current pledges to cut future carbon emissions.&nbsp;

This is seven times more heatwaves than someone born in 1960.

Also, the babies of current times will grow up to experience twice as many droughts and wildfires and three times more river floods and crop failures than someone who is 60 years old today.

Professor Wim Thiery, at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium and who led the research, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Our results highlight a severe threat to the safety of young generations and call for drastic emission reductions to safeguard their future."

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He further said that people under 40 today were set to live “unprecedented” lives, that is suffering heatwaves, droughts, floods and crop failures that would have been virtually impossible.

As a part of the research, drawing on multiple climates and demographic models, Thiery and 36 colleagues compared the risks faced by previous generations to the number of extreme events today’s children will have to witness.

Dr Katja Frieler, at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany and part of the study team said, "The good news is we can take much of the climate burden from our children’s shoulders if we limit warming to 1.5C by phasing out fossil fuel use. This is a huge opportunity.”

A recent research published this week in the journal Science has shown that people born today will have more climate disasters over their lifetimes than their grandparents.

A recent research published this week in the journal Science has shown that people born today will have more climate disasters over their lifetimes than their grandparents. As per the research, a child born in 2020 will endure an average of 30 extreme heatwaves in their lifetime, even if countries fulfil their current pledges to cut future carbon emissions. This is seven times more heatwaves than someone born in 1960. Also, the babies of current times will grow up to experience twice as many droughts and wildfires and three times more river floods and crop failures than someone who is 60 years old today. Professor Wim Thiery, at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium and who led the research, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Our results highlight a severe threat to the safety of young generations and call for drastic emission reductions to safeguard their future." Also read | COVID-19 has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy, says study He further said that people under 40 today were set to live “unprecedented” lives, that is suffering heatwaves, droughts, floods and crop failures that would have been virtually impossible. As a part of the research, drawing on multiple climates and demographic models, Thiery and 36 colleagues compared the risks faced by previous generations to the number of extreme events today’s children will have to witness. Dr Katja Frieler, at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany and part of the study team said, "The good news is we can take much of the climate burden from our children’s shoulders if we limit warming to 1.5C by phasing out fossil fuel use. This is a huge opportunity.”

Children will have to face more climate disasters than their grandparents, says study

As per a new study, the ongoing pandemic has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy in western Europe since the second world war.

Data from most of the 29 countries, mostly from Europe, the US and Chile, was analysed by scientists. It recorded reductions in life expectancy last year and at a scale that wiped out years of progress.

The data reveals that the biggest declines in life expectancy were among males in the US, with a decline of 2.2 years relative to 2019 levels, followed by Lithuanian males.

Dr José Manuel Aburto, a co-lead author of the study, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "For western European countries such as Spain, England and Wales, Italy, Belgium, among others, the last time such large magnitudes of declines in life expectancy at birth were observed in a single year was during the second world war.”

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The findings were concluded after an analysis of the 29 countries for which official death registrations for last year had been published.&nbsp;

A total of 27 experienced reductions in life expectancy.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics estimated that life expectancy for men in the UK had fallen for the first time in 40 years.&nbsp;

A boy born between 2018 and 2020 is expected to live until he is 79, down from 79.2 for the period of 2015-17.

As per the report, males experienced larger life expectancy declines than females across most of the 29 countries. These reductions across different countries were attributable to deaths caused by COVID-19.

As per a new study, the ongoing pandemic has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy in western Europe since the second world war. Data from most of the 29 countries, mostly from Europe, the US and Chile, was analysed by scientists.

As per a new study, the ongoing pandemic has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy in western Europe since the second world war. Data from most of the 29 countries, mostly from Europe, the US and Chile, was analysed by scientists. It recorded reductions in life expectancy last year and at a scale that wiped out years of progress. The data reveals that the biggest declines in life expectancy were among males in the US, with a decline of 2.2 years relative to 2019 levels, followed by Lithuanian males. Dr José Manuel Aburto, a co-lead author of the study, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "For western European countries such as Spain, England and Wales, Italy, Belgium, among others, the last time such large magnitudes of declines in life expectancy at birth were observed in a single year was during the second world war.” Also read | Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia The findings were concluded after an analysis of the 29 countries for which official death registrations for last year had been published. A total of 27 experienced reductions in life expectancy. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics estimated that life expectancy for men in the UK had fallen for the first time in 40 years. A boy born between 2018 and 2020 is expected to live until he is 79, down from 79.2 for the period of 2015-17. As per the report, males experienced larger life expectancy declines than females across most of the 29 countries. These reductions across different countries were attributable to deaths caused by COVID-19.

COVID-19  has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy, says study

As per a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enforcing masks in schools helps reduce the spread of COVID-19.

One study looked at data from schools in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima Counties after they resumed in-person learning in late July.

The two counties account for roughly 75 per cent of the state's population.&nbsp;

It was concluded that the K-12 schools that did not have mask requirements at the beginning of the school year were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks than schools that required all people to wear a mask indoors from the first day of school.&nbsp;

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As a part of the study, 999 schools were analysed. Out of this, 21 per cent had an early mask requirement, 30.9 per cent enacted a mask requirement between nine and 17 days after the school year began, and 48 per cent had no mask requirement.

Of the 191 COVID-19 outbreaks that occurred in those schools, 113 were in schools that did not enforce masks at all. Schools with early mask requirements had the lowest number of outbreaks.&nbsp;

Another study from the CDC looked at the impact of school mask mandates across the US. In this, researchers found that counties that had no mask requirements in their schools had a higher rate of pediatric COVID-19 cases after the school year began than those schools that did have requirements.

Schools that required masks&nbsp;had 16.32 cases per 100,000 children in the first week of classes while&nbsp;schools without had 34.85 cases per 100,000 children.&nbsp;

As per a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enforcing masks in schools helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. One study looked at data from schools in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima Counties after they resumed in-person learning in late July.

As per a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, enforcing masks in schools helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. One study looked at data from schools in Arizona's Maricopa and Pima Counties after they resumed in-person learning in late July. The two counties account for roughly 75 per cent of the state's population. It was concluded that the K-12 schools that did not have mask requirements at the beginning of the school year were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks than schools that required all people to wear a mask indoors from the first day of school. Also read | Eruptions shut airport on Canaries volcanic island As a part of the study, 999 schools were analysed. Out of this, 21 per cent had an early mask requirement, 30.9 per cent enacted a mask requirement between nine and 17 days after the school year began, and 48 per cent had no mask requirement. Of the 191 COVID-19 outbreaks that occurred in those schools, 113 were in schools that did not enforce masks at all. Schools with early mask requirements had the lowest number of outbreaks. Another study from the CDC looked at the impact of school mask mandates across the US. In this, researchers found that counties that had no mask requirements in their schools had a higher rate of pediatric COVID-19 cases after the school year began than those schools that did have requirements. Schools that required masks had 16.32 cases per 100,000 children in the first week of classes while schools without had 34.85 cases per 100,000 children.

CDC study: Schools with mask mandates likely to have fewer outbreaks

A study has revealed that pregnant women who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots pass high levels of antibodies to their babies.

As a part of the study, 36 newborns were tested at birth and had antibodies against COVID-19 after their mothers were vaccinated by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna doses.&nbsp;

The antibody levels were measured in the umbilical cord blood of the women while they were pregnant.&nbsp;

This was done to differentiate if the presence was from past infection or vaccines.

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Ashley Roman, an obstetrician at NYU Langone Health System and co-author of the study, was quoted by the Bloomberg as saying, "We didn't anticipate that. We expected to see more variability."

We pushed this data out relatively early because it's a unique finding and it has important implications for care," Roman said. "Right now we're recommending all pregnant women receive the vaccine for maternal benefit."

With the study, more and more women could be encouraged to get vaccinated. As per data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from September 11, only 30 per cent of pregnant women ages 18 to 49 are vaccinated.&nbsp;

This comes despite growing evidence of prenatal vaccine safety.&nbsp;

Given the study's small sample size, the team is now looking at results from a larger group, as well as how long immunisation lasts for infants after birth. 
&nbsp;

A study has revealed that pregnant women who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots pass high levels of antibodies to their babies.

A study has revealed that pregnant women who have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots pass high levels of antibodies to their babies. As a part of the study, 36 newborns were tested at birth and had antibodies against COVID-19 after their mothers were vaccinated by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna doses. The antibody levels were measured in the umbilical cord blood of the women while they were pregnant. This was done to differentiate if the presence was from past infection or vaccines. Also read | 'Seat is ours and will remain that way': France rubbishes reports about giving up UNSC seat to EU Ashley Roman, an obstetrician at NYU Langone Health System and co-author of the study, was quoted by the Bloomberg as saying, "We didn't anticipate that. We expected to see more variability." We pushed this data out relatively early because it's a unique finding and it has important implications for care," Roman said. "Right now we're recommending all pregnant women receive the vaccine for maternal benefit." With the study, more and more women could be encouraged to get vaccinated. As per data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from September 11, only 30 per cent of pregnant women ages 18 to 49 are vaccinated. This comes despite growing evidence of prenatal vaccine safety. Given the study's small sample size, the team is now looking at results from a larger group, as well as how long immunisation lasts for infants after birth.

Vaccinated pregnant women tend to pass antibodies to their babies, reveals study

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterised by worsening forgetfulness and getting lost in familiar places. Forgetting things, important dates or events, losing track of the day, date, time and place, losing way to the house, difficulty while reading, unable to identify relatives and friends are common traits of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterised by worsening forgetfulness and getting lost in familiar places. Forgetting things, important dates or events, losing track of the day, date, time and place, losing way to the house, difficulty while reading, unable to identify relatives and friends are common traits of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The disease progresses over time and at later stages, a person may lose the ability to speak and walk. To raise awareness about the disease, September 21 every year is marked as World Alzheimer's Day. The disease is usually noticed when a person starts misplacing things, forgetting about recent events, conversations and common places. A person close to the patient may start noticing these changes. Stages of the disease Dr Rajesh Benny, Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund explains the stages of Alzheimer's disease. Stage 1 - No clinical impairment: Like other neurodegenerative diseases, this stage can precede the memory loss by many years where the affected individual is clinically okay. Stage 2 - Very mild cognitive decline: This implies the forgetfulness associated with normal ageing, where an individual misplaces objects and can eventually find them after a period of search. Stage 3 - Mild cognitive decline: Recent memory worsens, which becomes apparent to the relatives. The patient suffers in daily functioning such as bank work, money issues, etc. and may be confused occasionally. Stage 4 - Moderate cognitive decline: Memory worsens further with difficulty doing tasks that need multitasking. The patients start losing their way around unfamiliar places and become socially withdrawn. Also read | Over 41 million dementia cases globally undiagnosed, claims study Stage 5 - Moderately severe cognitive decline: In this stage, the patient may even forget their current surroundings, home address, telephone number and need assistance for simple tasks like dressing. Losing way in familiar surroundings also happens. Stage 6 - Severe cognitive decline: There is worsening of behaviour with irritability and hallucinations. The patients experience memory loss even for past events and start losing control of their bladder/ bowel functions. Stage 7 - Very severe cognitive decline: During this stage, most of them lose the ability to speak, communicate and even walk around or move by now. A recent report by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), has revealed that over 41 million people living with dementia worldwide remain undiagnosed. Experts are of the opinion that getting diagnosed with the disease is vital, as it will ensure that those affected would receive timely support and treatment, which is more effective the earlier it begins, and to take part in clinical trials. Meanwhile, another research done by McGill University in Montreal, Canada, showed that as many as 90% of people with dementia have not been diagnosed in some countries. Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is currently the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide Paola Barbarino, the chief executive of ADI, said a lack of awareness and stigma within healthcare systems was severely hampering efforts to support people living with dementia. “This misinformation in our healthcare systems, along with a lack of trained specialists and readily available diagnosis tools, have contributed to alarmingly low diagnosis rates,” said the Guardian quoted Barbarino, who also serves as a board member of the World Dementia Council.

World Alzheimer's Day 2021: Different stages of the disease, and a recent study

According to Dutch researchers, Netherlands has long been the world's tallest nation but its people are getting shorter. Although height has increased over the last 100 years, the study showed that the dutch men born in 2001 were 1 centimetre shorter than their 1980 counterparts.

For women, the difference was more pronounced with a difference of 1.4 centimetres.&nbsp;

The study by Statistics Netherlands, municipal health service the GGD and the National Institute for Public Health, the RIVM, analysed 719,000 Dutch-born individuals between the ages of 19 and 60 who self-reported their height and used the average height at age 19 as a benchmark.

The reason for the height decrease is attributed to increased levels of immigration from shorter population groups.

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However, growth also tapered off for individuals whose parents were both born in the Netherlands. Also, for those whose four grandparents were all Dutch-born.

The study concluded that around 3 per cent of the 1930-34 generation were at least 190 centimetres tall, in 2020 more than 20 per cent is at least 190 centimetres, with 7 per cent at more than 195 centimetres.&nbsp;

In the 1950s, 42 per cent of young men were shorter than 175 centimetres, but in 2020, that figure is just 12 per cent.

For the same generation of women, less than 2 per cent of the 1930-34 cohort reached a height of 180 centimetres.&nbsp;

Among those born in 1980 however, nearly 10 per cent are at least 180 centimetres tall. 
&nbsp;

According to Dutch researchers, Netherlands has long been the world's tallest nation but its people are getting shorter. Although height has increased over the last 100 years, the study showed that the dutch men born in 2001 were 1 centimetre shorter than their 1980 counterparts.

According to Dutch researchers, Netherlands has long been the world's tallest nation but its people are getting shorter. Although height has increased over the last 100 years, the study showed that the dutch men born in 2001 were 1 centimetre shorter than their 1980 counterparts. For women, the difference was more pronounced with a difference of 1.4 centimetres. The study by Statistics Netherlands, municipal health service the GGD and the National Institute for Public Health, the RIVM, analysed 719,000 Dutch-born individuals between the ages of 19 and 60 who self-reported their height and used the average height at age 19 as a benchmark. The reason for the height decrease is attributed to increased levels of immigration from shorter population groups. Also read | The scientist and the AI-assisted, remote-control killing machine However, growth also tapered off for individuals whose parents were both born in the Netherlands. Also, for those whose four grandparents were all Dutch-born. The study concluded that around 3 per cent of the 1930-34 generation were at least 190 centimetres tall, in 2020 more than 20 per cent is at least 190 centimetres, with 7 per cent at more than 195 centimetres. In the 1950s, 42 per cent of young men were shorter than 175 centimetres, but in 2020, that figure is just 12 per cent. For the same generation of women, less than 2 per cent of the 1930-34 cohort reached a height of 180 centimetres. Among those born in 1980 however, nearly 10 per cent are at least 180 centimetres tall.

World’s tallest populace seem to be getting shorter, reveals study

The United States government has spent $5.7 billion in the last three months to treat the unvaccinated Covid patients in different hospitals of the country, said a new analysis published on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This study has taken the most recent data into account as numerous people were hospitalised in August due to unprecedented rise in coronavirus cases. The authors of the study estimate it to be accounted for $3.7 billion of preventable spending alone.

Watch:&nbsp;United Kingdom to launch booster programme

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The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) made the data analysis on the basis of information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and studies on health care costs, that say each preventable hospitalisation due to Covid costs about $20,000. &nbsp;

As per the analysis of data from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US saw 287,000 preventable Covid hospitalisations from June to August. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-hospitalisation-crisis-reaches-fever-pitch-in-southern-icus-413112" hreflang="en">Covid hospitalisation crisis reaches fever pitch in southern ICUs</a>

The authors of the study used “preventable” hospitalisations to refer to such incidents where unvaccinated adults were provided Covid treatment primarily, while also accounting for any post-vaccination infections that would have been expected if this population had been vaccinated.&nbsp;

The United States government has spent $5.7 billion in the last three months to treat the unvaccinated Covid patients in different hospitals of the country, said a new analysis published on Tuesday.

The United States government has spent $5.7 billion in the last three months to treat the unvaccinated Covid patients in different hospitals of the country, said a new analysis published on Tuesday. This study has taken the most recent data into account as numerous people were hospitalised in August due to unprecedented rise in coronavirus cases. The authors of the study estimate it to be accounted for $3.7 billion of preventable spending alone. Watch: United Kingdom to launch booster programme × The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) made the data analysis on the basis of information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and studies on health care costs, that say each preventable hospitalisation due to Covid costs about $20,000. As per the analysis of data from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US saw 287,000 preventable Covid hospitalisations from June to August. Also Read: Covid hospitalisation crisis reaches fever pitch in southern ICUs The authors of the study used “preventable” hospitalisations to refer to such incidents where unvaccinated adults were provided Covid treatment primarily, while also accounting for any post-vaccination infections that would have been expected if this population had been vaccinated.

For treating unvaccinated Covid patients, US spent $5.7 bn in 3 months: Study  

In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani said on Sunday that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. &nbsp;

At a news conference, the minister laid out new policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government.&nbsp;

At this time, the whole world has been watching the new government’s actions closely to see is the group true to its words and the type of rule it imposes on the country this time. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan: Burqa clad women march with Taliban flag

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In the era of their last rule, girls and women were denied an education, and were totally excluded from public life. &nbsp;

The Taliban have claimed to have changed, including in their attitudes towards women. But in recent days, they have used violence against women protesters demanding equal rights. &nbsp;

The minister said, “The Taliban did not want to turn the clock back 20 years. We will start building on what exists today." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-a-first-afghan-police-return-to-man-posts-with-taliban-at-kabul-airport-412573" hreflang="en">In a first, Afghan police return to man posts with Taliban at Kabul airport</a>&nbsp;

Under the Taliban, the female university students will face restrictions, which include a compulsory dress code. The minister added, hijabs will be mandatory. &nbsp;

“Gender segregation will also be enforced. We will not allow boys and girls to study together. We will not allow co-education,” said Haqqani. &nbsp;

Without elaborating, he said the subjects being taught in universities would also be reviewed. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani said on Sunday that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory.

In another measure curbing women’s freedom in Afghanistan, the new Taliban government’s higher education minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani said on Sunday that women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities, but classrooms will be gender-segregated and Islamic dress is compulsory. The women will be allowed to study at post-graduate levels too. At a news conference, the minister laid out new policies days after Afghanistan's new rulers formed the government. At this time, the whole world has been watching the new government’s actions closely to see is the group true to its words and the type of rule it imposes on the country this time. Watch | Afghanistan: Burqa clad women march with Taliban flag × In the era of their last rule, girls and women were denied an education, and were totally excluded from public life. The Taliban have claimed to have changed, including in their attitudes towards women. But in recent days, they have used violence against women protesters demanding equal rights. The minister said, “The Taliban did not want to turn the clock back 20 years. We will start building on what exists today." Also Read: In a first, Afghan police return to man posts with Taliban at Kabul airport Under the Taliban, the female university students will face restrictions, which include a compulsory dress code. The minister added, hijabs will be mandatory. “Gender segregation will also be enforced. We will not allow boys and girls to study together. We will not allow co-education,” said Haqqani. Without elaborating, he said the subjects being taught in universities would also be reviewed. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan women can study but in gender-segregated classrooms: Taliban Minister

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Friday said&nbsp;that a new study has found that unvaccinated individuals are four-and-a-half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and eleven times more likely to die from it.

CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the findings at a White House COVID-19 response team briefing on Friday. She said that the study, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), evaluated over six hundred thousand people with COVID-19 from April through mid-July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clearly-unconstitutional-us-justice-department-sues-texas-over-restrictive-abortion-law-412003">Also read |&nbsp;'Clearly unconstitutional': US Justice Department sues Texas over restrictive abortion law</a>

Walensky also said that the seven-day average of daily deaths from COVID-19 remains over one thousand.

The data comes one day after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden unveiled a six step plan to combat COVID-19 that includes measures such as requiring some employers to impose vaccination mandates or mandatory testing, making available more over-the-counter at-home coronavirus tests and expanding the government's free testing program.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Friday said that a new study has found that unvaccinated individuals are four-and-a-half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and eleven times more likely to die from it.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Friday said that a new study has found that unvaccinated individuals are four-and-a-half times more likely to contract COVID-19 and eleven times more likely to die from it. CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky discussed the findings at a White House COVID-19 response team briefing on Friday. She said that the study, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), evaluated over six hundred thousand people with COVID-19 from April through mid-July. Also read | 'Clearly unconstitutional': US Justice Department sues Texas over restrictive abortion law Walensky also said that the seven-day average of daily deaths from COVID-19 remains over one thousand. The data comes one day after US President Joe Biden unveiled a six step plan to combat COVID-19 that includes measures such as requiring some employers to impose vaccination mandates or mandatory testing, making available more over-the-counter at-home coronavirus tests and expanding the government's free testing program.

New CDC study says unvaccinated 4.5 times more likely to get COVID-19, 11 times more likely to die

As per a recent study, eco-friendly LED streetlights produce even worse light pollution for insects than traditional sodium bulbs.

The abundance of moth caterpillars in hedgerows by rural roads in England was 52 per cent lower under LED lights and 41 per cent lower under sodium lights when compared with nearby unlit areas.

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LED streetlights are even more harmful for insect populations than the traditional sodium bulbs they are replacing, a new study shows. See our summary of important findings on street lighting and insect populations from <a href="https://twitter.com/diarsia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@diarsia</a> and colleagues<a href="https://t.co/d0nvc2MlOW">https://t.co/d0nvc2MlOW</a> <a href="https://t.co/gkaGlAT5bF">pic.twitter.com/gkaGlAT5bF</a>
— UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology (@UK_CEH) <a href="https://twitter.com/UK_CEH/status/1430815905764843521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Also, in grass margins, moth caterpillar numbers near LEDs were a third lower than in unlit areas, whereas sodium lights had little effect on abundance.&nbsp;

The white LED lights are more energy-efficient but produce more blue light, say scientists.

The study happens to be the first to examine the impact of LEDs in a real-world setting and the first to show the direct impact of light pollution on caterpillars.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316">Also read |&nbsp;Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

The caterpillars are less mobile than adult moths, and therefore show more precisely the local losses caused by light pollution.

Douglas Boyes, of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, who led the new research was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "It’s a really striking result".&nbsp;

“We found numbers that you’re not really used to ecology. You usually find maybe 5-10% changes here and there, but we found up to 50% drops in the number of caterpillars in the areas lit by streetlights.

“LEDs are the baddies in our story, if you like, because they’re worse in terms of their effect at the moment, but they also have the potential to be much better than sodium lighting.”

As per a recent study, eco-friendly LED streetlights produce even worse light pollution for insects than traditional sodium bulbs. The abundance of moth caterpillars in hedgerows by rural roads in England was 52 per cent lower under LED lights and 41 per cent lower under sodium lights when compared with nearby unlit areas.

As per a recent study, eco-friendly LED streetlights produce even worse light pollution for insects than traditional sodium bulbs. The abundance of moth caterpillars in hedgerows by rural roads in England was 52 per cent lower under LED lights and 41 per cent lower under sodium lights when compared with nearby unlit areas. LED streetlights are even more harmful for insect populations than the traditional sodium bulbs they are replacing, a new study shows. See our summary of important findings on street lighting and insect populations from @diarsia and colleagueshttps://t.co/d0nvc2MlOW pic.twitter.com/gkaGlAT5bF — UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (@UK_CEH) August 26, 2021 × Also, in grass margins, moth caterpillar numbers near LEDs were a third lower than in unlit areas, whereas sodium lights had little effect on abundance. The white LED lights are more energy-efficient but produce more blue light, say scientists. The study happens to be the first to examine the impact of LEDs in a real-world setting and the first to show the direct impact of light pollution on caterpillars. Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report The caterpillars are less mobile than adult moths, and therefore show more precisely the local losses caused by light pollution. Douglas Boyes, of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, who led the new research was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "It’s a really striking result". “We found numbers that you’re not really used to ecology. You usually find maybe 5-10% changes here and there, but we found up to 50% drops in the number of caterpillars in the areas lit by streetlights. “LEDs are the baddies in our story, if you like, because they’re worse in terms of their effect at the moment, but they also have the potential to be much better than sodium lighting.”

Study says LED streetlights decimating moth numbers in England

Researchers from Duke University have warned that another pandemic similar to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to strike within 60 years.&nbsp;

As per the team, the number of new diseases spreading to humans may rise by three times over the coming decades.

“The most important takeaway is that large pandemics like COVID-19 and the Spanish flu are relatively likely,” says study author Dr William Pan in a university release.&nbsp;

Pan further&nbsp;highlighted that understanding that pandemics are not so rare should become a priority for health officials in charge of controlling them in the future.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-baby-girl-born-aboard-us-military-plane-named-reach-after-aircrafts-code-name-408427">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' after aircraft's code name</a>

The team used new statistical methods to measure the scale and frequency of outbreaks over the past four centuries.&nbsp;

This included a range of deadly pathogens including plague, smallpox, cholera, typhus, and novel influenza viruses.

Co-author Professor Gabriel Katul said that this is not to say it is a guarantee that the world will go virus-free for 59 years. As per the findings, such events are equally probable in any given year during the next few decades.

Prof. Katul said, "When a 100-year flood occurs today, one may erroneously presume that one can afford to wait another 100 years before experiencing another such event". He further added, "This impression is false. One can get another 100-year flood the next year.”

Researchers from Duke University have warned that another pandemic similar to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to strike within 60 years. As per the team, the number of new diseases spreading to humans may rise by three times over the coming decades.

Researchers from Duke University have warned that another pandemic similar to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to strike within 60 years. As per the team, the number of new diseases spreading to humans may rise by three times over the coming decades. “The most important takeaway is that large pandemics like COVID-19 and the Spanish flu are relatively likely,” says study author Dr William Pan in a university release. Pan further highlighted that understanding that pandemics are not so rare should become a priority for health officials in charge of controlling them in the future. Also read | Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' after aircraft's code name The team used new statistical methods to measure the scale and frequency of outbreaks over the past four centuries. This included a range of deadly pathogens including plague, smallpox, cholera, typhus, and novel influenza viruses. Co-author Professor Gabriel Katul said that this is not to say it is a guarantee that the world will go virus-free for 59 years. As per the findings, such events are equally probable in any given year during the next few decades. Prof. Katul said, "When a 100-year flood occurs today, one may erroneously presume that one can afford to wait another 100 years before experiencing another such event". He further added, "This impression is false. One can get another 100-year flood the next year.”

Another COVID-19 like pandemic likely to strike within 60 years, says study

A new study has revealed that a new approach to protecting young African children from malaria could reduce deaths and illness from the disease by 70 per cent. Giving them vaccines before the worst season in addition to preventative drugs produced "very striking" results, researchers say.

A new study has revealed that a new approach to protecting young African children from malaria could reduce deaths and illness from the disease by 70 per cent. Giving them vaccines before the worst season in addition to preventative drugs produced "very striking" results, researchers say. The trial followed 6,000 children aged under 17 months in Burkina Faso and Mali. It was concluded that most of the 400,000 deaths from malaria each year are in the under-fives. Also, the disease is still a major health issue in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report The trial focused on giving very young children a vaccine already in use and anti-malarial drugs at the time of year they are most vulnerable. Prof Brian Greenwood, a member of the research team, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), which led the trial, was quoted by the BBC as saying, "It worked better than we thought would be the case". "Hospital admissions were less, deaths were less in both countries - and we really didn't expect to see that." Over the period of three years, the trial found three doses of the vaccine and drugs before the worst malaria season. This was followed by a booster dose before subsequent rainy seasons, controlled infections much better than vaccines or drugs alone - and, the researchers said, could save millions of young lives in the African Sahel. As per scientists, the combined effects of the vaccine and drugs in the trial appear to be surprisingly powerful.

Trial suggests malaria sickness could be cut by 70 per cent

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