SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas explodes, but no injuries reported
A SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas exploded on Wednesday night, sending a dramatic fireball high into the sky.
The company said the Starship 'experienced a major anomaly' at about 11pm while on the test stand preparing for the 10th flight test at Starbase, SpaceX's launch site at the southern tip of the US state.
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'A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,' SpaceX said in a statement on X.
Chief executive Elon Musk's SpaceX said there were no hazards to nearby communities. It asked people not to try to approach the site.
The company said it was working with local officials to respond to the explosion.
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Medical News Today
an hour ago
- Medical News Today
Anti-aging supplements: Vitamin C, collagen, and more
Vitamin C Curcumin Vitamin E Collagen Resveratrol Omega-3 fatty acids Summary Aging is a part of life, and there are many different ways in which a person may experience the aging process, from skin aging to age-related diseases. Many different vitamins, proteins, and compounds can support the aging process, protecting the body from damage caused by age-related diseases, and C, or 'L-ascorbic acid,' is a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. This means it helps protect the body's cells from free radical damage. As the National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains, free radicals are unstable molecules that may play a role in certain diseases of aging, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Some studies have suggested that vitamin C's antioxidant effects may also influence markers of cellular aging. For example, it may affect the length of structures called telomeres, which sit at and protect the ends of chromosomes. As a 2022 review explains, telomeres shorten with each cell division, increasing the risk of cell damage and age-related diseases. A 2023 study of more than 7,000 participants found that higher dietary intake of vitamin C links to an increase in telomere length. Specifically, each increase in vitamin C intake correlated with a modest increase in telomere length, suggesting a potential slowing of cellular aging. However, further research is necessary to confirm this effect. » Learn more about vitamin C Curcumin belongs to a group of natural compounds called 'curcuminoids', which primarily derive from the underground stems or 'rhizomes' of the turmeric plant. According to the NCI , curcumin may interfere with cell-signalling pathways to disrupt certain hallmarks of cellular aging and cancer development. Some of these pathways concern: inflammation cell proliferation cell death or 'apoptosis' According to a 2024 review, evidence suggests that curcumin may alter levels of proteins involved in the natural aging process, thereby helping to slow age-related cellular changes. Specifically, curcumin may change levels of the proteins 'sirtuins' and 'AMPK', while inhibiting pro-aging proteins, such as 'NF-κB' and 'mTOR'. According to the review, curcumin also has other aging support effects, including: reducing oxidative stress reducing inflammation increasing telomere length However, the 2024 review notes that while curcumin shows promise as an aging support supplement, further clinical trials are necessary to investigate the long-term effects of curcumin supplementation on age-related pathology. Moreover, scientists must work to improve the bioavailability of curcumin without also increasing its risk of side effects. As the NIH explains, vitamin E is the collective term for a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant properties. Some recent studies suggest that vitamin E may be particularly beneficial for reducing the signs of skin aging, especially when used in combination with other antioxidant supplements. In addition, a 2024 review notes that some studies have linked vitamin E to reduced oxidative stress and increased telomere length. » Learn more about vitamin E Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to various body tissues, including the skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Collagen production declines with age, leading to visible signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles or sagging skin. A 2024 study investigated the effects of combined collagen and vitamin C supplementation on skin aging among females ages 40 to 65 years. The study found that a 16-week course of daily supplementation with 5 grams (g) of hydrolysed collagen and 80 mg of vitamin C led to significant improvements in the following parameters, when compared with placebo: skin thickness skin texture wrinkle severity » Learn more about wrinkles Resveratrol is a type of plant compound called a 'polyphenol'. It is primarily found in red grapes, red wine, and certain berries. According to a 2021 review, resveratrol may be a safe and effective compound for the prevention and treatment of aging and age-related diseases. Resveratrol may achieve this via the following mechanisms of action: reducing oxidative stress reducing inflammatory reactions improving cell function regulating apoptosis » Learn more about resveratrol Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that the body does not produce naturally. As such, humans must get these fatty acids from dietary sources, such as flaxseeds or fish, or from supplements. Examples of omega-3 fatty acids include : A 2021 study investigated the aging support effects of a 4-month course of omega-3 supplementation in sedentary, middle-aged adults with excess weight. The researchers divided the participants into three groups: a placebo group, a low dose omega-3 group, and a high dose omega-3 group. The findings suggest that the omega-3 supplementation had the following effects: blocking stress-related decreases in the enzyme 'telomerase', which helps to repair the telomeres on chromosomes reducing levels of the 'stress hormone', cortisol reducing levels of the protein 'interleukin-6' (IL-6), which links with inflammation, aging, and age-related diseases. Moreover, higher doses of omega-3 link to more significant effects, suggesting a possible causal relationship between omega-3 supplementation and aging support. Similarly, a 2025 study showed that omega-3 supplementation helped to slow biological aging over the course of 3 years. These effects were small, but significant. » Learn more about omega-3 fatty acids Aging is an inevitable process that may affect people in different ways. However, certain supplements may help to slow aging or target specific aspects of the aging process. For example, research suggests that vitamin C, vitamin E, and curcumin may all help increase telomere length—a process that appears to protect against aging and age-related diseases. In addition, vitamins C and E are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body's cells against free radical damage. Other substances like curcumin and Omega-3 fatty acids help protect against inflammatory processes that could otherwise contribute to aging. Anyone who is considering starting a supplement should first talk with a doctor. Some supplements can interfere with other supplements or medications a person is taking, so it is important to establish whether a particular supplement or dosage is safe to take. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Aaseth J, et al. (2021). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation–In ageing and disease. Antioxidant. (n.d.). Bischoff-Ferrari H A, et al. (2025). Individual and additive effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise on DNA methylation clocks of biological aging in older adults from the DO-HEALTH trial. Cai Y, et al. (2023). Association between dietary vitamin C and telomere length: A cross-sectional study. Curcumin (curcuma, turmeric) and cancer (PDQ®) – Health professional version. (2024). Izadi M, et al. (2024). Longevity and anti-aging effects of curcumin supplementation. Lee J, et al. (2022). Biochemistry, telomere And telomerase. Madison A A, et al. (2021). Omega-3 supplementation and stress reactivity of cellular aging biomarkers: an ancillary substudy of a randomized, controlled trial in midlife adults. Omega-3 fatty acids. (2024). Schellnegger M, et al. (2024). Unlocking longevity: the role of telomeres and its targeting interventions. Sood B, et al. (2024). Coenzyme Q10. Takuathung N, (2023). Efficacy and safety of the genistein nutraceutical product containing Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, and ceramide on skin health in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Razgonova M P, et al. (2020). Telomerase and telomeres in aging theory and chronographic aging theory. Vitamin E. (2021). Yang T, et al. (2020). Vitamin D supplementation improves cognitive function through reducing oxidative stress regulated by telomere length in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A 12-month randomized controlled trial. Zhou D D, et al. (2021). Effects and mechanisms of resveratrol on aging and age-related diseases. Žmitek K, et al. (2024). The effects of dietary supplementation with collagen and vitamin C and their combination with hyaluronic acid on skin density, texture and other parameters: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
How your ear wax could tell you if you have Parkinson's disease, according to experts
Some 90,000 people are diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition in the U.S. each year, and annual deaths have surged in recent decades to tens of thousands. Now, researchers at the American Chemical Society claim they have developed a new system that could help catch the disease at an early stage. The identifier is in the odor of ear wax's main ingredient, known as sebum. The oily substance is produced by the body to lubricate and protect the skin. Sebum from people with Parkinson's may have a characteristic and musky smell because the volatile organic compounds released by sebum are altered by disease progression. This association has been identified in previous research. To identify the compounds released by sebum in people with the disease, the researchers swabbed the ear canals of 209 participants, more than half of which were diagnosed with the condition. Then, they analyzed what was collected using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Four of the volatile organic compounds they found in people with Parkinson's were different than people without it. Those include ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. The researchers said they are potential biomarkers for Parkinson's. Using these findings, published this week in the journal Analytical Chemistry, they were able to develop a system that inexpensively screens for Parkinson's. They trained an artificial intelligence olfactory system - a robotic model that can mimic how we smell - with their ear wax compound data. Using the model, they found it was able to categorize samples with and without Parkinson's with 94 percent accuracy. Some 1.1 million Americans are living with Parkinson's right now. Because most treatments for Parkinson's only slow the progression of disease, catching it early is critical. Current testing is also costly, and can be subjective. This AI system, the researchers say, could be used as a first-line screening tool for early detection. 'This method is a small-scale single-center experiment in China,' explained author Hao Dong. 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Elon Musk's drug test in doubt as hidden clues raise more questions for doctors
Tech tycoon and former First Buddy Elon Musk is speaking out about the media's attention on his alleged drug use in a way some say will do nothing to refute the rumors. Rumors of Musk's supposed drug use have been circulating in the pubic eye for months, with major publications publishing that the former head of DOGE reportedly used substances like ketamine and ecstasy while on the campaign trail with President Donald Trump. Musk refuted these claims during a Q&A in the Oval Office last month and in his latest effort posted results from a urine drug test on X earlier this week. In a photo of the urinalysis, the results showed he tested negative for illegal drugs like cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana, as well as prescription drugs that are sometimes abused like opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Levels of waste products in his urine were also measured and showed normal results. But Dr Holly Schiff, a licensed clinical psychologist familiar with urinalysis as a diagnostic tool for substance use disorders, told that his latest post is not as convincing as he may think it is. While she has not treated Musk and does not know the specifics of his testing, Dr Schiff told this website: 'Many recreational drugs clear from urine in one to three days. 'The test being done when it was and shared publicly makes me think it was more a PR rebuttal to prove his critics wrong, and posting it on social media with the "lol" adds a performative layer that can invite skepticism.' And one detail in particular stood out to her. On his urinalysis, Musk's creatinine level is 47.16 milligrams per deciliter of urine (mg/dL) – nothing immediately alarming given the normal range is 20 to 300 mg/dL. A creatinine test is a measure of how well the kidneys are doing their job of filtering waste from the blood But creatinine is typically above 50 among adult men, who tend to have higher muscle mass than women, and creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Dr Schiff said: 'The low creatinine level suggests urine dilution, whether that is intentional to flush substances or unintentional, due to high fluid intake. So this is a less concentrated sample.' At the same time, she pointed out that certain drugs are cleared from the body relatively quickly. Ketamine passes from the body in around 12 hours. And, Dr Schiff added: 'This was also a one-time scheduled test that can easily be prepared for; therefore, not equivalent to randomized testing over time.' A scheduled test is one a person can prepare for by abstaining from drugs for the time necessary to fall below detectable thresholds. Another way to fall below the threshold is by diluting drug concentrations in urine by over-hydrating, a method that will also drive down urine creatinine levels. Dr Johnny Parvani, an emergency medicine physician who founded an IV therapy company - who also had not treated Musk and does not know the specifics of the testing - told 'Since every test has its detection limits, the more diluted the urine, the more likely it will fall below detectable thresholds. 'This is actually the reason for the World Anti-Doping Agency limitation on the use of IV fluids, because it can help dilute and flush out performance-enhancing drugs below detection limits.' Drug tests are typically administered at random to spot any substance use issues or to check in on someone who is meant to be cutting back or abstaining altogether. 'It doesn't rule out past drug use, prescription drug use or long-term use patterns,' Dr Schiff added. 'For meaningful clinical insight, we would need randomized, observed testing over time, ideally with behavioral and medical evaluations corroborating the results.' The person who collected Musk's sample is listed as Jennifer Taylor on the results. Her LinkedIn says she is the owner of Fastest Labs in Austin - where the results indicate the urine test was done. Collectors are typically the same sex as the person giving the urine sample as, in some cases, they will accompany the patient to ensure the sample is actually theirs and has not been tampered with. That a woman is listed as the sample collector suggested to Dr Schiff that the test itself could have been what experts call unobserved, meaning the sample was provided in private without direct visual supervision. 'So, of course, there is always the possibility of substituting or manipulating a sample,' she said. 'Lack of observation undermines the test's evidentiary strength.' Musk has been open in the past about using ketamine prescribed by a doctor to treat depression. But the recent investigation by The New York Times cited unnamed people familiar with Musk's daily habits who said his chronic use of the powerful anesthetic had begun to affect his bladder. The same report alleged that Musk traveled with a daily case of about 20 different pills, including ones marked Adderall. 'A clean test does not rule out use of substances not covered, nor non-substance causes of behavioral change,' Dr Schiff said. 'This test also does not give us any information about use weeks or months ago or current medication status, like sleep aids or prescription stimulants. 'So while the test is technically clean, a single, not random, [potentially] unobserved collection with potential sample dilution cannot definitively rule out recent or intermittent drug use. This appears more strategic than clinically necessary.'
