How dementia could be triggered by cold sore virus: Cutting-edge research shows it can inflame your brain. But doctors say there's a free NHS jab that can slash your risk - and reveal what to ask for
Could something as simple as getting a shingles jab significantly reduce your risk of dementia?
That's the intriguing possibility raised by a growing body of scientific research, which points to common viruses as the true cause. Just last week researchers reported that people who'd had antivirals to treat another herpes virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which causes cold sores, had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
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The Guardian
22 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Leslie Dilley obituary
Leslie Dilley, who has died aged 84 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease, won the first of two Oscars as an art director for his work on the original 1977 Star Wars film. His creation, the much-loved little robotic droid R2-D2, with a silver and blue dome head and rocket boosters that enabled him to fly through space, appeared on screen for more than 40 years (1977-2019), spanning the first three movies and both the prequel and sequel trilogies. He recalled the 'head-scratching' challenge in those pre-CGI days. 'We started out with a cardboard drum, added cardboard arms and then tried to walk it,' he said. First he built different versions based on conceptual designs drawn by Ralph McQuarrie. Then Dilley, along with the director, George Lucas, and John Barry, the production designer on the first movie (which was later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope), decided to go with one that would allow a human – short in stature – to step inside, walk and operate it. 'We brought in some actors who we thought would work, but many of them just weren't strong enough,' Dilley told Star Wars Insider magazine. Eventually, Kenny Baker auditioned and fitted the role – and the prop. Dilley was also responsible for the colour and detail of Luke Skywalker's hovering landspeeder anti-gravity craft, conceived by McQuarrie and the modelmaker Colin Cantwell, and for R2-D2's humanoid robot friend C-3PO, whom McQuarrie based on the female robot from Fritz Lang's 1927 silent classic Metropolis. After working on Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Dilley won his second Oscar for the first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as the globetrotting archaeologist. For the making of one of its best known scenes – Jones fleeing from a South American cave temple with a giant boulder tumbling at his heels – Dilley's work on set even extended to physical exertion. 'I was called upon to help with another bloke to get behind the rolling boulder, pushing it as it chases after Harrison Ford,' he said. Dilley also worked as an art director on Alien (1979) with the director Ridley Scott. He built sets based on the paintings by the Swiss surrealist artist HR Giger that inspired the screenwriter Dan O'Bannon, who jointly wrote the sci-fi horror classic about an extraterrestrial creature stalking and killing the crew of the Nostromo spacecraft. On set for another scene that has gone down in cinema history, Dilley recalled: 'When John Hurt's chest breaks open and we see the baby alien for the first time and blood is spraying everywhere, the actors' reactions were real – they were caught completely off guard, with blood on their clothing and mouths open in fright and surprise.' Dilley went on to become a production designer on films that similarly featured fantasy elements. For The Abyss (1989), whose large amount of underwater filming provided special challenges, he and a construction team turned Ron Cobb's conceptual blueprints for a huge oil-drilling platform into reality – built in a tank of water – as one of the sets in an abandoned nuclear power plant in South Carolina. For The Exorcist III (1990), he created several illusions, including a large hospital set with all the rooms and areas joined together by hallways, one of them appearing to go on for ever, but actually with consecutively smaller arches and a progressively lower ceiling. 'You can create the depth with smaller people at the back,' he said, with a laugh. He also built a 'ceiling' on the floor for the filming of a possessed woman crawling along it in the supernatural horror film. Dilley was born in Pontygwaith, Mid Glamorgan, during the second world war, and grew up in Wembley Park after his parents, Leslie, a chauffeur, and Doreen (nee Willis), returned to their home in Middlesex in 1946. From the age of 15, he studied architecture and building construction at Willesden technical college while on a plastering apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation. He did plaster work on the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love and worked his way up to become assistant art director on Kelly's Heroes (1970), The Devils, Macbeth, and The Boy Friend (all 1971) and Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), and an art department draughtsman on another 007 movie, The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). His initial films as art director were The Three Musketeers (1973) and its sequel, The Four Musketeers (1974), and he also took that role on The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977), Superman (1978), An American Werewolf in London (1981), Eureka (1983), Never Say Never Again (1983) and Legend (1985). Establishing himself as a production designer, Dilley moved to Los Angeles in 1985. On the Disney comedy sequel Honey, I Blew up the Kid (1992), he was responsible for building two replicas of the family home chosen for filming in California, one of them scaled down 43 per cent for scenes in which the toddler, Adam, appears to be 7ft tall. On that movie and several others, he was also the second unit director. His last feature film as a production designer was Little Man (2006), although he returned to Britain to work on the BBC children's television series Teacup Travels (2015-17), starring Gemma Jones as Great Aunt Lizzie telling her two grandchildren stories from ancient times. He received further Oscar nominations, for his art direction on Alien, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back and The Abyss, and Bafta Cymru's 2020 outstanding contribution to film and television award. Dilley is survived by his second wife, Leslie Lykes, whom he married in 1987, and their daughters, Sophia, Ivory and EmmaJane, and son, Leslie; by Georgia, the daughter of his first marriage, to Amanda Parish, which ended in divorce; and by four grandchildren. Ivor Leslie Dilley, art director and production designer, born 11 January 1941; died 20 May 2025
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
The easy cotton wool hack that keeps wasps out of your home this summer & it takes seconds to do
AS the summer months approach, more and more insects make their way into our homes. While most of them are totally harmless, there's one we'd all rather avoid - wasps. 2 Thankfully, a pest control expert has shared a simple way to keep them out for good without using harsh chemicals. And all you will need to keep them deterred from entering your home is some peppermint oil and some cotton wool. Wasps and hornets are known to have a hatred for mint - and so sprinkling mint around your property might be just the repellent you need. Clancy Bros Pest Control also suggests using peppermint oil as an alternative. To complete the hack all you need to do is put a few drops of the oil into the cotton wool, reports the Express. In addition, cleaning sensation Chantel Mila has shared her tactic of placing peppermint oil-infused cotton balls under bin liners to ward off insects while also keeping odours at bay. She also suggested vacuuming the cotton wool dabbed in oil up so the scent permeates the house to keep wasps out. Mila, who shared the advice with her 1.6 million followers, also noted that she places a mint in jars full of water near windows to block fly entry. The cleaning whizz also combats spider invasion by wiping down walls and floors with orange oil as spiders detest its smell. Chantel also revealed that doorways are a critical point of entry for insects. Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free "Dirty door tracks can be a breeding ground for bugs, so wrap a cloth around a blunt knife to clean them easily," she said. Wasps also detest the smell of cayenne pepper, according to Eliminate Solutions. To create a repellent, mix one teaspoon of pepper with one cup of water and spray it around your home to keep these pests at bay. Citronella, a citrus scent commonly found in perfumes and soaps, is renowned for its insect-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitos, but it's also effective in warding off wasps. The pest control firm suggests "burning citronella candles to infuse the outdoor area" as a deterrent. In addition, keeping homes free of exposed food and drinks is crucial to prevent these insects from venturing indoors. Timothy Wong, a director at MandM Pest Control, shared with the Martha Stewart website that wasps are attracted to carbohydrates found in fruits, sugary drinks, and sweets, which explains their presence near picnic areas, rubbish bins, and inside homes. IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Garmin Forerunner 970: The Definitive Guide
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a high-performance smartwatch designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize precision, functionality, and versatility. With advanced health monitoring, fitness tracking, and navigation tools, it serves as a reliable companion for a variety of activities, whether you're training for a marathon, exploring new trails, or optimizing your daily wellness. The video below from DC Rainmaker provides more insights into its standout features, showcasing why it remains a top choice in the competitive smartwatch market. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and User Interface The Forerunner 970 seamlessly blends sleek aesthetics with practical functionality. Its AMOLED touchscreen provides vibrant visuals and customizable watch faces, allowing users to tailor their experience. The always-on display ensures that key metrics are visible at a glance, while the red shift mode reduces eye strain during nighttime use, making it suitable for both day and night activities. For enhanced usability, the watch features a five-button navigation system. This tactile control is particularly beneficial in challenging conditions, such as during rain or when wearing gloves, making sure uninterrupted operation regardless of the environment. The combination of a responsive touchscreen and physical buttons offers a versatile interface that adapts to various scenarios. Health and Wellness Tracking The Forerunner 970 is equipped with Garmin's Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor, delivering precise and actionable health insights. It monitors a wide range of metrics, including: Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) for cardiovascular health ECG and skin temperature for deeper physiological insights Stress levels and recovery status to guide daily activity Sleep tracking is another standout feature, offering detailed data on sleep stages, breathing patterns, and even naps. The watch provides morning and evening readiness reports, combining sleep, recovery, and stress metrics to help you plan your day effectively. These insights empower users to make informed decisions about their health and fitness routines. Advanced Training and Performance Metrics Designed with athletes in mind, the Forerunner 970 offers a suite of tools to optimize training and track progress. Key features include: Training readiness scores that assess recovery, sleep, and stress to recommend workout intensity Metrics such as VO2 max, HRV balance, and acute load for a comprehensive view of fitness progress Advanced running data, including running economy, step speed loss, and running tolerance When paired with the HRM-Pro 600 strap, runners gain access to even more detailed insights, such as ground contact time and stride length. The watch also offers adaptive training plans and race-specific tools, including projected finish times and course alignment, making sure you're well-prepared for any event. These features make it an invaluable tool for both casual runners and competitive athletes. Navigation and Mapping Capabilities The Forerunner 970 excels in navigation, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Its robust features include: Preloaded global maps with turn-by-turn directions for seamless navigation ClimbPro for detailed ascent tracking during hikes or rides Off-course alerts and rerouting to keep you on track Customizable course creation tools for tailored route planning These tools enable users to confidently explore new routes, whether running, cycling, or hiking. The watch's multi-band GPS technology ensures precise tracking even in challenging environments, such as dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings. Activity Profiles and Customization The Forerunner 970 supports a wide range of sport-specific activity profiles, making it adaptable to diverse fitness routines. Whether you're swimming, skiing, or cycling, the watch tracks unique metrics like stroke rate or ski run data. Customizable data screens allow users to prioritize the information most relevant to their activity, enhancing the overall training experience. This level of personalization ensures that the watch meets the unique needs of every athlete. Smart Features and Connectivity Seamless smartphone integration is a key highlight of the Forerunner 970, offering a range of smart features to keep users connected. These include: Notifications with limited response options, depending on iOS or Android compatibility Voice assistant support for Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for external sensors like heart rate monitors and power meters LiveTrack, which shares your real-time location with friends and family for added safety These features ensure that users remain informed and connected, even during intense workouts or outdoor adventures. The watch's ability to integrate with external devices further enhances its versatility, making it a valuable tool for both fitness and daily life. Music and Contactless Payments The Forerunner 970 enhances convenience with built-in music storage and contactless payment capabilities. Users can: Store offline playlists from popular services like Spotify and Amazon Music Pair Bluetooth headphones for a phone-free audio experience Use Garmin Pay for contactless payments, provided their bank supports it These features allow users to stay entertained and manage daily tasks without the need for additional devices, making the watch a practical choice for on-the-go lifestyles. Battery Life and GPS Modes Battery optimization is a core strength of the Forerunner 970, with multiple GPS modes designed to balance accuracy and power consumption. These include: UltraTrac mode for extended battery life during long adventures Multi-Band GPS for precise tracking in challenging environments With these options, the watch remains reliable whether you're on a short run or a multi-day expedition. The long-lasting battery life ensures that users can focus on their activities without worrying about frequent recharging. Additional Features The Forerunner 970 includes several practical extras to enhance the user experience: A built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness and a strobe mode for emergencies Body battery and stress tracking to monitor energy levels throughout the day Customizable widgets and glanceable data summaries for quick access to essential information These features add convenience and safety, making the watch a versatile tool for both fitness and daily use. Its ability to adapt to various scenarios ensures that it meets the needs of a wide range of users. Why the Garmin Forerunner 970 Stands Out The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a feature-rich smartwatch tailored to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its advanced training metrics, robust navigation tools, and seamless integration with Garmin's ecosystem make it a valuable companion for both casual users and performance-driven individuals. Whether optimizing workouts, exploring new trails, or managing daily tasks, the Forerunner 970 offers the precision, versatility, and reliability to support your fitness journey. Source & Image Credit: DC Rainmaker Filed Under: Gadgets News, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
