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Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Watch: Incredible clip of Paralympic medallist Sheetal Devi driving using her feet
Indian Paralympic player Sheetal Devi was seen driving a car using her feet in a social media clip released on her Instagram. 'Took on the driver's seat for a while, loving every moment of it. Never say NEVER,' she captioned it. Devi was born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes underdeveloped limbs. During the Paris Paralympics, she shot 703 points out of a possible 720, leaving behind the previous world record score of 698. She uses her right foot, right shoulder, and jaw to release the arrow and gets the upper body strength from a penchant for climbing trees as a kid. Devi is only one of two armless athletes to win a bronze medal at the Paralympics. The story of this 18-year-old archer from Jammu, however, is not just about beating the odds and winning medals. She is also inspiring others in similar or more challenging circumstances to take up the bow and be as good as her. A post shared by Sheetal Devi (@sheetal_archery) National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) notes in a report that when phocomelia is identified in a child, physicians should complete a thorough search for other associated abnormalities, as other defects are present in approximately half of the patients presenting with this limb anomaly. 'Particularly, practitioners should examine the musculoskeletal system, including the vertebrae, the intestines, and the heart, as dysfunction in these organ systems appears most frequently in conjunction with phocomelia,' it reads. NCBI notes that prosthetics may be of some use, 'but many without such tools can function quite well'. 'Families of children who have severely hypoplastic extremities should work with therapists to help understand how to meet the unique needs of their children. And finally, caring for a disabled child can be traumatic for some people. Therefore, physicians should have a low threshold to recommend mental counselling services to assist in coping mechanisms that both the parents and the child may need,' the report reads.
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GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
UP researchers use AI models to predict antimicrobial resistance
Researchers from the University of the Philippines have tapped artificial intelligence to predict antimicrobial resistance, particularly in agricultural environments. UP researchers used Escherichia coli (E. coli) for testing antimicrobial resistance since it can easily develop resistance to antibiotics. E. coli is a common bacterium that inhabits the intestines of animals and humans and is often used to identify fecal contamination. UP researchers tested AI prediction models to determine the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli using genetic data and laboratory test results from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. These AI models are Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and two ensemble methods—Adaptive Boosting (AB) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). 'We selected the models based on their strengths in handling biological and imbalanced data,' said Dr. Pierangeli Vital of UP Diliman College of Science's Natural Sciences Research Institute. 'These models were chosen to compare performance across different learning strategies and to identify which is most suitable for predicting antibiotic resistance,' she added. The study showed that the AI models most accurately predicted resistance to streptomycin and tetracycline, both types of antibiotics. However, ciprofloxacin, another type of antibiotic, was the most challenging to predict due to the limited number of resistant samples in the data (only 4%), which led to difficulty in identifying resistance and poor sensitivity. The study noted that AB and XGB consistently delivered good results, even when tested on imbalanced antimicrobial resistance data. 'We think that this strategy has great potential for real-time monitoring of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in agriculture,' Vital said. 'As DNA sequencing becomes faster and cheaper, prediction models such as ours can pick up resistant bacteria early—before they lead to outbreaks. This can facilitate better decision-making in food safety, agriculture, and public health programs,' she added. The researchers recommend including more diverse sample types and data sources to better understand and predict how bacteria develop resistance. The study titled 'Prediction models for the antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in an agricultural setting around Metro Manila, Philippines' was published in the Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
NBC News
06-06-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Should you be wearing a UPF Sun hat? Here's why dermatologists say yes
People often underestimate the importance of a hat when spending time outdoors. Yes, hats do a great job of keeping sunlight out of your eyes and making it easier to see, but some of them can also help protect your skin, similar to sunscreen. This is why dermatologists recommend wearing clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). 'Topical SPF is a great tool, but it also isn't perfect. Chemical sunscreens must be fully absorbed to work, about 30 minutes after application,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. 'For physical [mineral] sunscreen, if you do not have consistent application or an area rubs off, then you are not adequately protected.' UPF clothing, including hats, is the first line of defense against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially for those with sensitive skin. But what exactly is UPF? We consulted experts to understand how UPF works and used their guidance to compile the best UPF hats to shop for. What is the UPF rating? 'UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It shows how well a fabric protects you from UV rays,' according to Dr. Mohiba Tareen, a board-certified dermatologist at Tareen Dermatology. 'These are the rays that can cause skin aging (UVA) and burning (UVB). A UPF rating tells you how much UV radiation can get through the fabric.' As an example, if a hat has a UPF 50 rating, that means that 1/50th (2%) of UV rays pass through, so it blocks 98%.Here's a quick breakdown to determine how protective UPF ratings are: How we picked the best UPF hats When shopping for a UPF sun-protective hat, our experts stress the importance of keeping the following key factors in mind: UPF rating: Although the Skin Cancer Foundation allows a minimum of UPF 30, the most optimal level of protection is 50+, says Tareen. A UPF rating of 30 means the fabric allows 1/30th, or about 3%, of UV radiation to pass through. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only 1/50th, or about 2% of UV transmission. Any fabric that permits less than 2% is labeled UPF 50+. Weave density: The denser the fabric, the better it blocks the rays. For a quick visual check, Dr. Tareen recommends holding the hat up to the sunlight to gauge its transparency. Color: 'The more intense the hue, the better the protection,' according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Dark or bright colors, including red, black and navy blue, absorb more UV rays than lighter colors, like whites and pastels. Material: Different types of material matter as well, according to our experts. For instance, unbleached cotton, rayon, flax and hemp all consist of natural fibers that absorb UV rays, while shiny polyester, nylon or lightweight satin silks deflect the rays and are considered more protective. In addition, these latter materials are quick-drying, which is another plus, as a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that UV protection appears to be less effective when the material is wet. Coverage: The best sun-protective hats should have a minimum 3-inch brim around the circumference or a minimum 3-inch bill with a permanently attached drape to cover the neck and ears, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. For baby and toddler hats, the foundation recommends a 2½-inch brim. The best UPF hats to shop in 2025 Below, we rounded up a list of the best UPF hats for men, women, kids and babies that meet the experts' criteria. All provide optimum coverage, have a UPF rating of 50 or more and have the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation. Many of them also have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or at least 100 reviews at a retailer. This unisex wide-brimmed safari hat has UPF 50+ protection to block out 98% of the sun's rays, according to the brand. It has breathable mesh to keep you sweat-free and also includes an adjustable chin strap to keep it in place during windy days. This option also has a 4.5-star average rating from 27,768 reviews on Amazon. This brimmed fishing hat is made from a fast-drying, textured nylon that keeps you cool by pulling moisture to the fabric's surface to keep sweat at bay, according to the brand. It has an adjustable chin strap and toggle for a secure fit during windy days on the water, along with vented sides for increased breathability. The hat is one size fits all, and comes in 32 different colors. Best UPF hat for women This stylish braided straw fedora has UPF 50+ protection, along with a removable drawstring and an adjustable built-in strap to ensure the right fit. Coolibar Etta Shapeable Sun Catcher Hat $49.50 $55.00 Amazon Now 10% off $55.00 Coolibar Coolibar boasts unanimous approval from our experts, and the brand is 'respected in gear quality and longevity, so it's a very safe purchase and one that should invoke confidence in the buyer,' says Minars. With UPF 50+ protection in a fabric that's both breathable as well as shapeable, this adjustable hat is a top pick. Tareen loves this high-end, stylish lightweight option that has the look of a fashionable straw hat without compromising the protection of UPF. Not only does this model come in seven different color options but it's also designed to guard skin from 95% of UVA and UVB rays, according to the brand. Best UPF hat with neck protection This protective sun hat from Sunday Afternoons, which has a 4.6-star average rating from 1,789 reviews at Amazon, has a brim made with foam to help maintain its shape and prevent it from flying away in the wind. The underside of the hat has a dark hue to help absorb reflective light and prevent glare, according to the brand. The inside also has a sweatband and the back of it is extra long to help protect your neck. Best baseball-style UPF hat If you prefer the look of a baseball cap but still want the protection of a UPF hat, this option, which has a 4.4-star average rating from 14,400 reviews on Amazon, is a good choice. It has an adjustable strap and absorbs water and sweat to maintain a cool temperature for up to 2 hours, according to the brand. It's made of a breathable material, ideal for athletic activity and is machine washable. Best fedora-style UPF hat Whether you're out golfing or spending time at the beach, this stylish UPF 50+ hat will help keep you protected from the sun. Recommended for when you want to travel light, according to the brand, the Coolibar Travel Fedora has an interior moisture-wicking sweatband and mesh grommets for increased airflow. It also has a 4.2-star average rating from 310 reviews at Coolibar. Another expert favorite, this UPF 50+ hat lets you stay protected during a day on the water. With a 4.4-star average rating from 389 reviews at Coolibar, this hat provides all-around protection, including around the ears. The convertible style allows you to add extra neck coverage when you want while a covered mesh panel and sweatband help keep you cool. Best mesh UPF hat This versatile, adventure-ready hat has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,233 reviews on Amazon. It's water-resistant, breathable, UPF 50+ and adjustable, according to the brand. With a wide brim, interior sweatband and flap to protect your head, neck and ears, this foldable hat is a solid choice for keeping you covered in the sun this summer and beyond. Best UPF hat for kids This full-coverage sports hat has a 4.6-star average rating from 229 reviews at Amazon and features an attached neck drape for additional protection as kids splash in the water and comes in a quick-drying UPF 50+ material that's both chlorine- and saltwater-resistant, according to the brand. Best bucket UPF hat for kids UV Skinz is one of Tareen's go-to brands, she says. As a mom of five, she appreciates both the safety and practicality of these UPF 50+ hats that she says actually stay on little heads. Plus, this versatile style has a sun flap to cover ears and necks but can also be tucked away. Best UPF hat for 9 to 18 months These Green Sprouts hats give full coverage from the sun to little necks and ears. They are also machine-washable, come in a UPF 50+ water-wicking material and feature an adjustable toggle to grow with the baby. This hat also has a 4.8-star average rating from 123 reviews at Green Sprouts. Best UPF hat for babies With reversible patterns, playful 3D animal details and a range of colors, there's an adorable option for every baby fashionista from Durio. The brand also makes the Summer Beach UPF Hat for toddlers and kids up to 8 years old. These lightweight sun hats block up to 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays with a UPF 50+ cotton and polyester fabric. Best reversible UPF hat for babies Given the amount of time Tareen's five kids have spent in these UPF 50+ sun protective hats, she knows that they aren't only safe but they also stay on with their simple tie. These water-friendly, reversible hats come in both boys and girls versions in an array of patterns and colors. How to shop for a UPF hat Although style is always top of mind — and there are plenty of great options out there to choose from — it's important to invest in a hat that fully protects you and is best for your needs. Fortunately, our experts say there are several key factors that will easily rule out the good from the not-so-good. SCF seal: A good place to start is looking for the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, according to our experts. Although the optimal rating is UPF 50+, the foundation grants this seal to fabrics that have a minimum of 30 UPF on the lightest shade in the product range. In addition, the clothing awarded this seal must also pass a number of tests by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Brim coverage: As noted above, our experts also said to invest in at least a 3-inch wide brim to shade the face, scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back. Kids' brims should be a minimum of 2.5 inches, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Water resistance: If you're planning to wear your hat at the beach or for any other water activity, look for a hat that will dry quickly if it gets wet, as studies have found that UPF hats are less effective when wet. Other key considerations when shopping for a quality UPF sun hat or any other type of UPF clothing, according to our experts, include opting for darker colors and tighter weaves, like polyester and nylon rather than cotton, flax and hemp, which absorb UV rays rather than deflect them. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select?
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why So Many Marriages Fall Apart After the Kids Leave
No one tells you that 'empty nest' might also mean empty house, empty schedule—and, sometimes, empty marriage. For many couples, the departure of the last child marks not just a milestone, but a reckoning. Without the structure of school pickups, college prep, and daily distractions, some relationships are forced to look each other in the eye for the first time in years. And what they see isn't always love—it's distance. The kids leave. The silence grows. And suddenly, there's nowhere left to hide. Here's why so many marriages quietly unravel just when you'd think they'd be strongest. As highlighted in a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, couples often experience changes in marital closeness and identity when transitioning to the empty nest phase. For years, 'Mom' and 'Dad' came before everything, including the couple underneath. Their roles were clear, their days were full, and their connection was often sidelined for survival. When the kids leave, those titles vanish, and what's left can feel like a void. Without the shared purpose of raising children, some couples feel unmoored, even invisible. Rebuilding an identity as partners, not parents, requires time and intentional effort. But many discover they've forgotten how to be a couple without an audience. What once brought them together is now gone, and nothing new has taken its place. It's not that the marriage broke—it just atrophied. When children are in the house, a lot of couples hit pause on the hard stuff. Big issues get shelved. Tensions get swallowed. The home becomes a stage for peace at all costs. But conflict doesn't disappear—it waits. And when the kids leave, all those quiet resentments come rushing to the surface, raw and unresolved. Couples suddenly face years of detours they never took. And without distraction, there's nowhere to turn but toward the mess they postponed. Research published in Developmental Psychology by Katz and Gottman (1993) explores how marital dynamics can lead couples to outsource their emotional lives to their children, with long-term consequences for family relationships. In many marriages, kids become the emotional center. They're the source of joy, intimacy, and even validation. One partner (or both) channels their energy into the children instead of into each other. It feels noble at the time—selfless, even. But the long-term cost is disconnection. When the children are no longer there to absorb all the emotional energy, a void is left behind. Partners often realize they haven't been emotionally present for each other in years. And the distance is too wide to cross overnight. Marriage isn't static. People change—new dreams, new disappointments, new versions of the self. The strongest couples learn how to grow alongside each other, not apart. But many are so focused on the family unit that they forget to nurture the one-on-one bond. The departure of children acts like a spotlight on that forgotten space. Suddenly, they're sitting across the dinner table with someone who feels like a stranger. Not because either person did something wrong, but because they stopped doing the work. Love isn't lost—it's just outdated. For years, routine carried them: soccer games, work commutes, family dinners, homework help. It felt like connection—but it was often logistics. The rhythm masked the absence of true intimacy. They weren't necessarily in love; they were in sync. According to an article on couples often mistake routine and shared daily activities for true intimacy, which can mask the absence of a deeper emotional connection. When that rhythm disappears, so does the illusion of closeness. With no schedule to follow, they realize how little they know each other. The marriage wasn't sustained by love—it was sustained by movement. And now that it's quiet, the silence is deafening. The empty nest doesn't just create space—it triggers reflection. For many, it marks the halfway point of life, and questions start to echo: Is this it? Am I happy? Do I still want this? The answers aren't always easy—or aligned. In a comprehensive review published by midlife is described as a time when many parents experience empty nest syndrome, which often triggers reflection on life satisfaction and personal identity. Some realize they stayed together for the kids. Others realize they don't recognize the person they've become inside the marriage. Midlife isn't a crisis—it's a confrontation. And sometimes the most honest thing a person can do is admit they've outgrown what once fit. When children dominate a household, physical affection can take a backseat. Touch becomes practical—hugs for the kids, a pat on the back, a quick kiss goodbye. Over time, physical intimacy fades, sometimes to the point of extinction. It's easy not to notice when everyone's busy. As noted in a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, affection deprivation—such as the decline in physical closeness and touch in relationships when children dominate family life—can lead to increased stress, loneliness, and depression over time. But when the kids are gone, the absence of physical closeness becomes undeniable. There's no longer a buffer between their bodies and their silence. Reigniting touch after years of absence feels foreign. And without it, many realize how long it's been since they felt truly desired. Many couples learn how to manage a household, not how to communicate as adults. They talk about schedules, bills, and school calendars—but not about their feelings, their fears, or what they need. That worked while life was noisy. But in quiet seasons, shallow communication doesn't cut it. Without kids to orbit, conversations dry up. Some couples feel like roommates—efficient, functional, emotionally distant. And without deeper dialogue, there's no intimacy to fall back on. They don't fight because they don't talk. Behind many marriages is an unspoken imbalance. One person carries the mental and emotional weight—remembering birthdays, smoothing over conflict, checking in on feelings. The other coasts, often unaware it's happening. This dynamic can hold for decades—until the emotional laborer burns out. The kids leave, and the person who's been holding everything together decides they're done. Done carrying the weight. Done fixing the disconnection. And without that invisible glue, the whole thing cracks. Whether for religious reasons, financial reasons, or cultural pressure, many couples stay because leaving feels unthinkable. The kids provide cover—a reason to endure. The hope is often: It'll get better once we have time again. But time doesn't always bring healing. When the last child leaves, obligation isn't enough. It becomes clear that what held them together was duty, not desire. And that's not a sustainable foundation for what's supposed to be the next chapter. Between bedtime routines and grocery runs, many couples forget how to simply have fun together. Shared joy becomes a distant memory, replaced by teamwork and task management. Once the house is quiet, they have time—but not the muscle memory—for lightness. And sitting across from each other at dinner feels more like a performance than a pleasure. Enjoyment isn't just a luxury—it's an essential relationship. But too often, it's neglected in the name of responsibility. When there's nothing left to manage, many couples realize they forgot how to laugh, flirt, or dream. And without that, the relationship starts to feel more like an arrangement than a connection. While the family stayed centered, their ambitions may have quietly drifted apart. One leaned into their job, the other sacrificed their career—or maybe both changed in ways the other never really noticed. Success in one area sometimes masks growing emotional distance. And when there's no longer a shared mission, the separation becomes impossible to ignore. It's not about blame—it's about misalignment. People evolve, and sometimes the person they become isn't the one their partner signed up to grow old with. When the kids are gone, they finally have the bandwidth to look at each other and ask, 'Do we even want the same life anymore?' Too often, the answer is no. It's easy to mistake longevity for intimacy. A 25-year marriage looks impressive, but inside, it might be emotionally starved. Stability can create a kind of complacency, where showing up becomes the only thing expected. But presence doesn't equal partnership. When the scaffolding of parenting falls away, many couples are left with just the shell. No rituals, no shared dreams, no emotional glue. They've lasted—but they haven't grown. And in the stillness, that becomes impossible to deny. Today, leaving a marriage in your 50s or 60s is no longer shocking—it's almost expected. The term 'gray divorce' exists for a reason, and for many, it's liberating. Once the kids are grown, some realize they stayed far longer than they wanted to. Now, they have freedom, perspective, and fewer reasons to keep performing. Society has shifted. Starting over isn't shameful—it's often seen as brave. And for people who sacrificed their own needs for decades, the post-kid chapter becomes a second chance. For some, leaving isn't failure—it's finally choosing themselves. In some marriages, the truth is quietly brutal: the emotional connection never ran deep. Parenting masked the gap. Daily life filled in the silence. And over time, they convinced themselves it was enough. But when the kids leave, the emptiness becomes too loud to ignore. What held them together wasn't love—it was shared logistics, external focus, and sheer momentum. And faced with the rest of their lives, many people finally stop pretending that's enough.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists trace back origins of devastating crisis after studying human urine: 'It was shocking to watch the spread of the disease happen in real time'
In the 20th century, a seemingly odd but effective pregnancy test helped advance modern medicine — and in the process, accidentally unleashed a global ecological disaster. At the center of it all? A small aquatic amphibian with powerful legs and a surprising hormonal sensitivity. What started as a medical breakthrough turned into one of the most damaging wildlife pandemics ever recorded, with ripple effects that scientists are still grappling with today, as ZME Science detailed. In the 1930s, British scientist Lancelot Hogben discovered that the African clawed frog could be used to detect pregnancy when injected with a woman's urine. The hormone-sensitive amphibian would begin producing eggs if the woman was pregnant, making the frog a reusable — and revolutionary — diagnostic tool. And thus, the "Hogben test" came to be. Hospitals around the world began importing the species in massive numbers, and over tens of thousands of frogs were infused with human urine between the 1940s and the '60s, as reported in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Alongside this infusion, however, came an invisible hitchhiker: chytrid fungus, a highly infectious pathogen that the frogs carried without showing symptoms. As demand for the test waned in the 1960s and '70s as better and more sanitary options arose, many of the frogs were either euthanized or released into the wild, spreading the fungus to fragile ecosystems across the globe. As the African clawed frogs were transported across the globe to be injected with human urine, they carried the pathogen without suffering its lethal effects, thereby becoming unwitting super-spreaders, introducing chytrid to ecosystems where native amphibians had no defenses. Chytrid fungus invades a frog's skin — an organ essential for hydration and electrolyte balance, causing rapid, often fatal, cardiac arrest. Entire frog populations vanished in mere months. So far, the fungus has affected more than 700 species and driven at least 200 amphibian species to extinction. This wasn't just bad news for the frogs. Amphibians play a critical role in ecosystems as pest controllers and prey species. Their disappearance disrupts food chains, agriculture, and even water quality. Scientists call this one of the most devastating wildlife diseases in recorded history. "It was shocking to watch the spread of the disease happen in real time 15 years ago," Jamie Voyles, assistant professor at the University of Nevada, told the BBC. Do you worry about using cleaning products with harsh chemicals in them? All the time Sometimes Not really No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Thankfully, hope is not lost. Conservationists are turning to captive breeding, habitat management, and even probiotic treatments to protect vulnerable species. Some frogs are starting to show signs of resistance, and researchers are exploring how to harness that for broader protection. To help, people can support amphibian-friendly policies, avoid purchasing exotic pets, and donate to conservation groups like Amphibian Ark or the Wildlife Conservation Society. It is a cautionary tale — and a call to action — showing just how closely our choices are linked to the health of the natural world. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
