Latest news with #SANS
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Calgary Herald
There is a serious side effect to going to space, NASA says
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. NASA astronaut Suni Williams conducts an eye exam on the International Space Station. Photo by NASA A new study from NASA, conducted over several years of long-duration spaceflights on the International Space Station, has found that more than half of U.S. astronauts started noticing changes in their vision after more than six months aboard the ISS. Here's what to know. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors 'Many found that, as their mission progressed, they needed stronger reading glasses,' the study says. 'Researchers studying this phenomenon identified swelling in the optic disc, which is where the optic nerve enters the retina, and flattening of the eye shape.' Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again The acronym-loving space agency calls the condition SANS, short for Space-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome. 'Microgravity causes a person's blood and cerebrospinal fluid to shift toward the head, and studies have suggested that these fluid shifts may be an underlying cause of SANS,' researchers at NASA found. A Canadian-led study with an even longer acronym — Space Flight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome Ocular Rigidity Investigation, or SANSORI — was carried out to determine whether stiffness of the eye, called ocular rigidity, contributes to development of SANS. It studied 26 eyes (or 13 crew members) that spent between 157 and 186 days on the ISS, and revealed a drop in ocular rigidity (33 per cent), intraocular pressure (11 per cent) and ocular pulse amplitude (25 per cent) following the missions. 'These findings reveal previously unknown effects of microgravity on the eye's mechanical properties, contributing to a deeper understanding of … SANS,' researchers wrote. 'Long-term space missions significantly alter ocular biomechanics and have the potential to become biomarkers of disease progression.' NASA has a study taking place now on the space station with a device called the Thigh Cuff. The ongoing investigation has 10 astronauts using tight leg cuffs to change the way fluid moves around inside the body, especially around the eyes and in the heart and blood vessels. That study is expected to wrap up next year but, if successful, the team behind the device says, 'the cuffs could serve as a countermeasure against the problems associated with fluid shifts, including SANS.' They add: 'A simple and easy-to-use tool to counter the headward shift of body fluids could help protect astronauts on future missions to the Moon and Mars. The cuffs also could treat conditions on Earth that cause fluid to build up in the head or upper body, such as long-term bed rest and certain diseases.' This advertisement has not loaded yet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Other possible treatments have been considered. Last year, a paper was published about an unnamed female astronaut with a particularly severe case of SANS. Her condition improved after she started taking a prescribed B-vitamin supplement that was flown to her on the station; however, there was coincidentally a reduction in cabin carbon dioxide at the same time, so researchers weren't certain if that may have also helped. The good new is that SANS does not seem to be a lifelong condition. In an interview, Dr. Andrew G. Lee, a Houston ophthalmologist and one of the authors of the above study, was refreshingly blunt about the longterm consequences. 'Astronaut vision is super important, not only for their safety but for mission quality,' he said. 'It's really important not to have blind people going to Mars.' He added: 'But so far so good. We have not seen any permanent vision loss from any SANS case, and the treatment seems to be come home. So once you get back to the gravitational field of the planet it seems to just go away after a while.' 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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
NASA reports shocking vision changes in astronauts after months in space with long-term eye damage risks
Source: NASA Spending extended periods in zero gravity is no small feat for the human body, and one of the most pressing concerns emerging from long-duration space missions is the impact on astronauts' vision health. As crew members spend six months or more aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA has documented a range of eye-related symptoms, now grouped under the condition called Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome ( SANS ). Fluid shifts in microgravity drive the phenomenon and could present serious challenges for deep space missions like those to the Moon or Mars. Let's explore the condition, causes, research efforts, and potential solutions. NASA finds microgravity causes vision changes in space station astronauts When astronauts began staying in space for longer durations, subtle but troubling changes in their eyesight became increasingly common. Many noticed the sudden need for stronger reading glasses, while flight surgeons and researchers identified specific physiological changes such as: Swelling of the optic disc, where the optic nerve connects to the retina Flattening of the eyeball, altering its shape and impairing focus by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo These symptoms are now collectively known as Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), and represent a critical health risk that could hinder long-term human space exploration. Source: NASA How fluid redistribution in zero gravity triggers SANS One of the primary factors contributing to SANS is the redistribution of fluids in the absence of gravity. On Earth, gravity pulls fluids toward the lower body. But in microgravity, blood and cerebrospinal fluid tend to move toward the head. This 'headward' shift increases pressure in the skull and behind the eyes, potentially leading to structural changes. To address this, NASA is currently testing the Thigh Cuff experiment, in which astronauts wear tight bands around their thighs to trap blood in the lower body. If successful, this could prevent or even reverse the upward fluid migration—and may also help patients on Earth dealing with similar issues due to bed rest or certain diseases. NASA uses advanced imaging to study vision changes in astronauts NASA and its global partners have conducted numerous pioneering studies to better understand SANS. Among the most important: The Fluid Shifts Study (2015–2020) offered direct evidence of changes in how blood drains from the brain in weightlessness. The Vision Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) project investigated the link between fluid shifts, increased brain pressure, and SANS symptoms. Researchers used an array of high-tech tools to gather data, including: Comprehensive eye exams, with and without pupil dilation High-resolution retinal imaging MRI scans of the optic nerves Non-invasive measurements of retinal thickness Subjective insights were gathered through astronaut questionnaires, offering a fuller picture of the effects of spaceflight on vision. Source: NASA NASA advances diagnostic tools to monitor and manage SANS NASA and collaborating scientists are developing novel diagnostic technologies to better detect and manage SANS, including: Head-mounted virtual reality (VR) displays for multimodal vision assessments Optic nerve sheath diameter monitoring as a noninvasive diagnostic tool Additionally, there is a strong push for standardised imaging protocols across studies to ensure consistent results and faster development of countermeasures. A notable recovery case further highlighted possible solutions: one astronaut experienced significant improvement in SANS symptoms after six months in orbit. Recovery correlated with B vitamin supplementation and reduced CO₂ levels in the cabin—suggesting that nutrition and environmental controls could play a vital role in managing risk. How space travel impacts eyes at the genetic level Source: NASA Beyond fluid shifts, researchers are looking into how spaceflight alters eye tissue and even gene expression: Canadian teams using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) found mechanical changes in astronauts' eyes akin to those seen in conditions like glaucoma. Japanese studies involving mice showed changes in DNA and gene activity in the optic nerve and retina after spaceflight. Interestingly, early findings suggest that artificial gravity might help mitigate these effects. These revelations underscore how extended exposure to space can impact not only organ systems but also molecular biology—making it imperative to explore both physical and genetic countermeasures. SANS poses risk to astronaut vision Ongoing research into SANS is crucial, not just for astronaut safety on the ISS but for future exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Moreover, these investigations may lead to medical breakthroughs here on Earth—especially for patients suffering from conditions involving fluid imbalances and ocular pressure disorders. NASA's work to unravel the causes of SANS and develop effective treatments is a vivid reminder that the challenges of space travel often illuminate new frontiers in human biology and healthcare innovation. Also Read | NASA alert! 95-foot asteroid 2025 ME92 to fly past Earth on July 31 at 11,000 mph; should we be worried
India Today
21-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Astronauts back from space reveal shocking eye problems, Nasa on alert
Space travel is not easy, especially if astronauts are spending over six months in zero gravity. Nasa is working on alarming vision issues being reported by astronauts on long-duration Space Station astronauts began spending six months or longer aboard the International Space Station, subtle but concerning changes in their eyesight became impossible to crew members discovered they suddenly needed stronger reading glasses, and medical teams noted swelling of the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the retina) and a subtle flattening of the This constellation of symptoms, now known as Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), represents one of the most significant health challenges for extended space and the Shift of Bodily FluidsAt the heart of the phenomenon is zero gravity. Without the pull of Earth's gravity, blood and cerebrospinal fluid tend to accumulate in the upper body and head. Mounting evidence suggests these 'headward' fluid shifts play a key role in SANS, potentially increasing pressure in the brain and affecting the active investigation, known as the Thigh Cuff experiment, is exploring whether tight cuffs around the legs can prevent or reverse this process by trapping blood in the lower body. If successful, this solution could protect astronauts on future lunar and Mars missions, and may also help patients on Earth who suffer from similar fluid distribution issues due to disease or long-term bed rest.'Pioneering Studies and New DiagnosticsBetween 2015 and 2020, the landmark Fluid Shifts study offered the first direct evidence of altered blood drainage from the brain in Vision Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) project further probed the relationship between fluid shifts, increased brain pressure, and the development of SANS. Researchers employed a battery of advanced techniques, including:Comprehensive eye exams (with and without pupil dilation)High-resolution retinal imagingNoninvasive measures of retinal thicknessMRI scans of the eyes and optic nervesResults from hundreds of astronauts were also collected through detailed questionnaires, providing essential context for the objective Treatments Novel technologies are changing the way SANS is detected and possibly managed. Researchers are developing a head-mounted virtual reality display for multimodal, noninvasive assessment, and optic nerve sheath diameter measurements have emerged as a promising diagnostic are also growing for standardised imaging and study protocols, which could streamline future research and treatment efforts. In a particularly notable case, one astronaut who developed unusually severe SANS symptoms after six months in space experienced marked recovery coincided with B vitamin supplementation and a reduction in cabin carbon dioxide following crew rotations, suggesting potential roles for targeted nutrition and habitat environment in risk Structure, Genetics, and Artificial GravityadvertisementCanadian studies using Optical Coherence Tomography have shown that long space missions can change the mechanical properties of eye tissues, similar to what's seen in age-related eye conditions like research by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency found DNA and gene expression changes in the optic nerve and retina of mice after spaceflight, with early evidence that artificial gravity could help counteract these investigations are critical, not only for safeguarding crew on the ISS but also for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, and may unlock new treatments for terrestrial diseases marked by fluid shifts and eye changes.- EndsTrending Reel
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
You Or Your Providers Are Using AI—Now What?
Jason Vest, CTO, Binary Defense. The rise of generative and agentic AI has fundamentally changed how enterprises approach risk management, software procurement, operations and security. But many companies still treat AI tools like any other software-as-a-service (SaaS) product, rushing to deploy them without fully understanding what they do—or how they expose the business. Whether it's licensing a chatbot, deploying an AI-powered analytics platform or integrating large language model (LLM) capabilities into your workflows, when your organization becomes the recipient of AI, you inherit a set of security, privacy and operational risks that are often opaque and poorly documented. These risks are being actively exploited, particularly by state-sponsored actors targeting sensitive enterprise data through exposed or misused AI interfaces. Not All AI Is The Same: Know What You're Buying Procurement teams often treat all AI as a monolith. But there's a world of difference between generative AI (GenAI), which produces original content based on inputs, and agentic AI, which takes autonomous actions based on goals. For example, GenAI might assist a marketing team by drafting a newsletter based on a prompt, while agentic AI could autonomously decide which stakeholder to contact or determine the appropriate remediation action in a security operations center (SOC). Each type of AI brings its own unique risks. Generative models can leak sensitive data if inputs or outputs are not properly controlled. Agentic systems can be manipulated or misconfigured to take damaging actions, sometimes without oversight. Before integrating any AI tool, companies need to ask a fundamental question: What data will be accessed, and where could it be exposed? Is this system generating content, or is it taking action on its own? That distinction should guide every aspect of your risk assessment. Security Starts With Understanding Security professionals are trained to ask, 'What is this system doing? What data does it touch? Who can interact with it?' Yet, when it comes to AI, we often accept a black box. Every AI-enabled application your company uses should be inventoried. You need to know: • What kind of AI is being used (e.g., generative AI or agentic)? • What data was used to develop the underlying model, and what controls are in place to ensure accuracy? • Where is the model hosted (e.g., on-premise, vendor-controlled or the cloud)? • What data is being ingested? • What guardrails are in place to prevent abuse, leakage or hallucination? NIST's AI Risk Management Framework and SANS' recent guidance offer excellent starting points for implementing the right security controls. But at a baseline, companies must treat AI like any other sensitive system, with controls for access, monitoring, auditing and incident response. Why AI Is A Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Risk One of the most underappreciated security angles of AI is its role in data leakage. Tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot and countless analytics platforms are hungry for data. Employees often don't realize that entering sensitive information into them can result in it being retained, reprocessed or even exposed to others. Data loss prevention (DLP) is making a comeback, and for good reason. Companies need modern DLP tools that can flag when proprietary code, personally identifiable information (PII) or customer records are being piped into third-party AI models. This isn't just a compliance issue—it's a core security function, particularly when dealing with foreign-developed AI platforms. China's DeepSeek AI chatbot has raised multiple concerns. South Korean regulators fined DeepSeek's parent company for transferring personal data from South Korean users to China without consent. Microsoft also recently barred its employees from using the platform due to data security risks. These incidents highlight the broader strategic risks of embedding third-party AI tools into enterprise environments—especially those built outside of established regulatory frameworks. A Checklist For Responsible AI Adoption CIOs, CTOs and CISOs need a clear framework for evaluating AI vendors and managing AI internally. Here's a five-part checklist to guide these engagements: • Is there a data processing agreement in place? • Who owns the outputs and derivatives of your data? • What rights does the vendor retain to train their models? • How will this AI tool be integrated into existing workflows? • Who owns responsibility for the AI's decisions or outputs? • Are there human-in-the-loop controls? • Could the model generate biased, harmful or misleading results? • Are decisions explainable? • Have stakeholders from HR and legal teams been consulted? • Is personal or regulated data entering the model? • Is the model trained on proprietary or publicly scraped data? • Are there retention and deletion policies? • Has the model or its supply chain been tested for adversarial attacks? • Are prompts and outputs being logged and monitored? • Can malicious users exploit the model to extract data or alter behavior? Final Thought: Awareness And Accountability AI security doesn't start in the SOC. Instead, it should start with awareness across the business. Employees need to understand that an LLM isn't a search engine, and a prompt isn't a safe space. Meanwhile, security teams must expand visibility with tools that monitor AI use, flag suspicious behavior and inventory every AI-enabled app. You may not have built or hosted the model, but you'll still be accountable when things go wrong, whether it's a data leak or a harmful decision. Don't assume vendors have done the hard work of securing their models. Ask questions. Run tests. Demand oversight. AI will only grow more powerful and more autonomous. If you don't understand what it's doing today, you certainly won't tomorrow. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
The state of the adult industry in SA: A market under pressure
I started the Lola Montez Brand over 20 years ago. It was the first of its kind. An adult store that was more boutique than a store that made it safe for women to shop. It was a place where couples could get real advice about their relationship and purchase a range of toys to spice up the bedroom. We went from 1 to 4 stores and back again over the years and recently closed all our bricks and mortar outlets to be online. We still offer the same educated and honest advice. I have wondered for some time now whether it is just me or whether we are all suffering. Yes, there certainly are more players in the market with fierce online competition. If your algorithms aren't perfect, you are nowhere to be found. Don't even think about advertising on social media, you'll be banned faster than you can say Butt Plug. I'm assured it's the same for everyone. The South African adult industry, once dominated by a few brick-and-mortar stores offering high-end, discreet and knowledgeable service, is now navigating choppy waters. A convergence of economic, regulatory, logistical, and digital challenges is threatening the survival of longstanding adult retailers and reshaping the landscape of the industry entirely. The Decline of Physical Retail: A Perfect Storm Retail across all sectors has been under pressure, but adult retail in South Africa faces unique hurdles. High commercial rentals—especially in premium, upmarket areas—have made it nearly impossible for adult stores to compete for desirable locations. Despite a more progressive approach to sexual wellness, adult shops still face stigmas that prevent them from gaining access to malls and retail zones with high foot traffic. Zoning laws and landlord reluctance mean many are forced into industrial areas or low-traffic locations, which impacts visibility and footfall and keeps the industry feeling sleezy. Coupled with rising utilities and security costs due to persistent load shedding and crime, maintaining a physical presence has become financially untenable for many businesses. The shift to online retail, accelerated by COVID-19, has only exacerbated this decline. Regulatory Red Tape and Technical Hurdles Beyond rental issues, South African adult retailers also face harsh regulatory and logistical hurdles The South African National Standards (SANS) require that all rechargeable adult toys—those containing lithium batteries—meet strict safety compliance standards. Importers must register, test, and certify each model, even if it's a variation of an existing design. This costly and time-consuming process significantly delays product launches and adds to overheads. Moreover, lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods for air transport, leading to additional courier fees and complex logistics. These costs are passed on to the consumer, making locally-sourced products far more expensive than the same items bought from international platforms—many of which skip compliance and safety procedures entirely. The Online Competition Conundrum Online giants like Temu, Shein, and Wish have further eroded the profitability of local Players. These platforms offer cheap adult toys, shipped directly from overseas, often without duties being paid or regulatory compliance being met. These products are rarely covered by warranties and come with no after-sales service or consumer protections. Consumers, facing their own financial constraints, are increasingly opting for lower-cost alternatives, despite the risks. The result? Local adult stores can't compete on price and are losing market share rapidly. Reputable South African brands that offered education, discretion, high-quality products, and in-store expertise are being edged out by volume-based, faceless e-commerce operations. The Bigger Picture: Industry at Risk This collision of factors—regulatory barriers, high rentals, unfair import practices, and international competition—is having a significant impact on the adult industry as a whole. Once-thriving businesses are closing their doors, scaling back operations, or being forced to compromise on quality to survive. The broader implications are concerning - fewer safe, informed spaces to explore sexual health and wellness, job losses in an already struggling economy, and a decline in consumer rights and product safety standards. What Can Be Done? If the adult industry in South Africa is to survive and thrive, multi-pronged action is needed: Lobby for Fair Access: Retailers and advocacy groups must lobby municipalities and shopping centres to treat sexual wellness retail like any other health and beauty offering. Education is key to breaking down stigma. Simplify SANS Processes: Regulatory frameworks must be reviewed and streamlined for small businesses. Consideration should be given to exemption categories or partnerships for low-risk devices. Local Manufacturing Incentives: Encouraging local production of adult toys could reduce reliance on expensive imports and create jobs. Government incentives for manufacturing could drive innovation and economic inclusion. Consumer Education: Campaigns must highlight the importance of quality, safety, and after-sales support. Consumers need to understand what they lose when they buy from anonymous overseas platforms. Collective Bargaining and Bulk Shipping: Local retailers could form cooperatives to pool resources for compliance testing and shipping, reducing costs and increasing bargaining power with regulators and couriers. Our wholesalers have entered the retail market making competition even more difficult. Digital Excellence and Hybrid Models: Investing in sleek, educational online stores with excellent service, discreet delivery, and local credibility could win back customers. Hybrid models that blend online with experiential pop-ups or events could also offer a future path. Those who have the capital are trying. Temu is still winning. The adult industry in South Africa is at a crossroads. Without urgent and coordinated efforts to address the unique pressures it faces—from compliance costs to online competition—it risks becoming an underground or entirely imported market, devoid of trusted local brands and service. Preserving the industry isn't just about pleasure products—it's about access to safe, shame-free sexual wellness resources in a country that needs them more than ever.
