Latest news with #AmericanTeam
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Scottie Scheffler Gives A+ Review of Keegan Bradley's Captaincy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The PGA Tour is in Maryland to play the BMW Championship, but all fans already have one eye on the Ryder Cup, as it is only four weeks away. The work of both team captains has never been more under public scrutiny, a reality that becomes more palpable every day. Even world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has already had the opportunity to give his assessment of Keegan Bradley's work leading the American team. This happened during the press conference prior to the BMW Championship, and Scheffler described Bradley as passing the captaincy test in flying colors. "The intensity that he's brought as a captain -- I mean, he has definitely exceeded my expectations as far as a captain," Scheffler told the reporters. "He's done a great job. He's passionate about the Ryder Cup. He cares a lot about us as players. It's been a lot of fun kind of watching him develop in this role, and we're excited to get the Ryder Cup started." Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. Team speak to the media following Thursday's Four-ball matches on day one of the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club on September 26, 2024... Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. Team speak to the media following Thursday's Four-ball matches on day one of the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club on September 26, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. MoreOne of the most talked-about storylines right now is whether Bradley will take on the role of player-captain. Scheffler initially avoided weighing in, but ultimately left no doubt about which option he supports. "I guess you're going to have to ask the captain that question," he said. "I think, looking at our squad, I think we have a really good group of guys. I think Keegan can only help that. I think if it's something that Keegan wants to be part of the team and wants to play, I think he's a guy we'd all love to have on the team." The BMW Championship will mark the end of the eligibility period for the American Team. After the names of the six direct qualifiers are announced, Bradley will decide and announce the six free picks, a process that could take several additional days or weeks. Each team already has three players secured: Scheffler himself, J.J. Spaun, and Xander Schauffele for the Americans, and Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Tommy Fleetwood for the Europeans. More Golf: Rory McIlroy Discloses Real Reason for Sitting Out Playoff Opener
The Sun
12-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Cancer could be diagnosed from the sound of your VOICE ‘within years'
THE early signs of cancer could be detected by listening to a patient's voice, scientists say. Using AI, subtle changes in the acoustics of a person's voice helped pick up lesions in people diagnosed with voice box cancer. Researchers believe AI could be trained to hear these changes within a "couple of years'. There are around 2,000 new cases of voice box (laryngeal) cancer in the UK each year. A hoarse voice for more than three weeks can be a key symptom, and should be investigated by a GP. Using AI for diagnosis could spell the end of uncomfortable tests currently used, such as a biopsy or nasendoscopy, in which a thin tube with a video camera is passed through the nose down the back of the throat. The American team, part of the 'Bridge2AI-Voice' project, gathered voice recordings of 300 patients, some of whom had voice box cancer. They studied at least six features of voice acoustics: the mean fundamental frequency (pitch); jitter, variation in pitch within speech; shimmer, variation of the amplitude; and the harmonic-to-noise ratio. There were "marked" differences between men with and without cancer or a voice box disorder, such as nodules or polyps, specifically the harmonic-to-noise ratio, according to the findings published in the journal Frontiers in Digital Health. It's possible the same will be found for women with a larger dataset. One of the study's authors, Dr Phillip Jenkins, of Oregon Health & Science University, said: "To move from this study to an AI tool that recognises vocal fold lesions, we would train models using an even larger dataset of voice recordings, labelled by professionals. "We then need to test the system to make sure it works equally well for women and men. BBC Gardeners world fans in tears as star reveals terminal cancer diagnosis during show "Voice-based health tools are already being piloted. "I estimate that with larger datasets and clinical validation, similar tools to detect vocal fold lesions might enter pilot testing in the next couple of years." 2 The symptoms of voice box cancer Cancer Research UK have said there are four key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for: 1. Hoarseness or a change in your voice If you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal cancer, says Cancer Research UK. It's worth seeing a doctor for a full check up and diagnosis, as inflammation of the larynx can also be caused by a cold, a chest infection and overuse of the voice, like singing. 2. Pain or difficulty swallowing If you're experiencing pain or having difficulty swallowing, it might be an indicator something is wrong. Visit your GP if for three weeks or more, you feel: that there is something small stuck in your throat you are struggling to swallow food some pain or a burning sensation when swallowing food that your food is sticking in your throat 3. Shortness of breath Experiencing shortness of breath is a symptom that should trigger an urgent response. Call 999 if you suddenly experience shortness of breath or are struggling to breathe. Some people may also find they have a cough that doesn't go away, they find it difficult to breath or when they inhale it's become noisy (stridor). 4. Weight loss Sudden or dramatic weight loss is a key sign of cancer, including laryngeal. Usually it will happen alongside other symptoms and the body's way of communicating that there is a problem. It may also happen because you're eating less due to pain or because you're having difficulty swallowing. You should see your doctor if you have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Two NHS drugs slows and could REVERSE devastating Alzheimer's, ‘exciting' study finds
TWO NHS drugs could be combined to treat, and even reverse, the most common form of dementia, scientists claim. A pair of cancer drugs have been identified as a powerful duo that may tackle Alzheimer's disease, after scientists sifted through 1,300 approved medicines. 1 The American team used cutting-edge computer tools to match the gene changes seen in Alzheimer's patients with medicines that reverse those effects. They found that two cancer drugs, both already available on the NHS, reduced brain degeneration in mice with the disease, and even brought back their memory. The study, from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), first looked at how Alzheimer's alters the activity of individual brain cells. They then searched for existing drugs that trigger the opposite changes, with the aim of rewiring damaged neurons and brain cells called glia. And when they tested the top two candidates, letrozole and irinotecan, in lab mice, the results were impressive. One theory of how Alzheimer's comes about is that sticky proteins - like amyloid-beta - start clumping together in the brain years before symptoms appear. These toxic clumps block communication between brain cells and trigger inflammation, eventually causing the cells to die. Some scientists believe this buildup is the root cause of Alzheimer's, so clearing it could stop the disease in its tracks. When combined, the cancer drugs not only halted brain cell damage but also undid toxic clumps of proteins, restored memory and reversed the disease's genetic footprint. Prof Marina Sirota, senior author, said: 'We're excited that our computational approach led us to a potential combination therapy for Alzheimer's based on existing FDA-approved medications.' She added: 'Alzheimer's disease comes with complex changes to the brain, which has made it tough to study and treat — but our tools opened up the possibility of tackling that complexity directly.' The scientists then trawled through the anonymised medical records of 1.4million over-65s and found those already taking the cancer drugs were less likely to develop Alzheimer's. Dr Yaqiao Li, the study's lead author, said: 'Thanks to all these existing data sources, we went from 1,300 drugs, to 86, to 10, to just five. 'In particular, the rich data collected by all the UC health centres pointed us straight to the most promising drugs. It's kind of like a mock clinical trial.' Letrozole is typically used to treat breast cancer, while irinotecan is prescribed for colon and lung cancer. Both are already used in the UK. 'So exciting' Prof Yadong Huang, co-senior author, said: 'Alzheimer's is likely the result of numerous alterations in many genes and proteins that, together, disrupt brain health. 'This makes it very challenging for drug development - which traditionally produces one drug for a single gene or protein that drives disease.' He added: 'It's so exciting to see the validation of the computational data in a widely used Alzheimer's mouse model.' The breakthrough, published in the journal Cell, could fast-track trials in humans. Prof Sirota said: 'If completely independent data sources, such as single-cell expression data and clinical records, guide us to the same pathways and the same drugs and then resolve Alzheimer's in a genetic model then maybe we're onto something.' She added: 'We're hopeful this can be swiftly translated into a real solution for millions of patients with Alzheimer's.' Alzheimer's causes a relentless decline in cognition, learning, and memory. But decades of research have only produced two FDA-approved drugs, neither of which can meaningfully slow the decline. In the UK, no disease-modifying drugs are currently approved or available. Instead, the UK relies on symptom-managing drugs, such as Donepezil and Rivastigmine. Is it ageing or dementia? Dementia - the most common form of which is Alzheimer's - comes on slowly over time. As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe. But at the beginning, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal memory issues related to ageing. The US National Institute on Aging gives some examples of what is considered normal forgetfulness in old age, and dementia disease. You can refer to these above. For example, it is normal for an ageing person to forget which word to use from time-to-time, but difficulties having conversation would be more indicative of dementia. Katie Puckering, Head of Alzheimer's Research UK's Information Services team, previously told The Sun: 'We quite commonly as humans put our car keys somewhere out of the ordinary and it takes longer for us to find them. 'As you get older, it takes longer for you to recall, or you really have to think; What was I doing? Where was I? What distracted me? Was it that I had to let the dog out? And then you find the keys by the back door. 'That process of retrieving the information is just a bit slower in people as they age. 'In dementia, someone may not be able to recall that information and what they did when they came into the house. 'What may also happen is they might put it somewhere it really doesn't belong. For example, rather than putting the milk back in the fridge, they put the kettle in the fridge.'
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
2025 Dynasty Rookie Draft Rankings: Jack Bech
FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 04: TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jack Bech (#18) breaks away from Houston ... More Cougars cornerback Latrelll McCutchin Sr. (#1) and safety A.J. Haulcy (#2) for a touchdown during the Big 12 college football game between the Houston Cougars and TCU Horned Frogs on October 4, 2024 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Jack Bech is a name that is starting to be very well known in 2025 dynasty rookie rankings. Despite going to a smaller school in TCU, Bech was able to turn heads at the 2025 Senior Bowl. Bech started to rise up draft boards after the event and was even named MVP of the Senior Bowl game. When you look at his stats, there's a lot to love from 2024. Below, we'll be diving into Bech's entire profile and how he should be valued in dynasty rookie drafts. Early in his career, Bech played at LSU alongside some other top talent. As a true freshman, Bech had more receiving yards than Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. While Bech would fail to have more than 400 yards again until his senior year, it's an extremely impressive accomplishment. Bech wouldn't produce much until his second year at TCU. In his senior season, Bech dominated, catching 62 passes for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. On film, Bech shows fantastic hands, strength and route running. While Bech doesn't have amazing speed, his nuanced route running makes up for it. MOBILE, AL - FEBRUARY 01: Wide Receiver Jack Bech #7 of TCU from the American Team pose with the MVP ... More trophy on the field after the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on February 1, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama. The American Team defeated the National Team, 22-19. (Photo by Don) It seems like Bech should be taken in the mid-second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. There are some athleticism concerns that will prevent Bech from going higher, but getting him in round two is a great addition. Bech doesn't have the ceiling to become an alpha WR1, but he can certainly be a very good WR2. NFL Mock Draft Database has Bech with a consensus rank of 63rd overall right now (Round two). The study for draft capital among wide receivers is quite interesting. The post linked here shows that wide receivers drafted in round two have a 20% chance to become a WR1 and a 29% chance of to become a WR2. Prior to the NFL Draft, Bech is currently the WR8 in my 2025 dynasty rookie rankings. That places him 22nd in Superflex formats and 21st for a 1QB format. While Bech has shown a ton of good traits, he has a few red flags. Bech's late breakout at a small school and the fact that he's limited athletically are both problems. Nonetheless, I feel great taking Bech in round two.
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL draft: Saints schedule top 30 visit with Nebraska tight end sleeper
2025 NFL draft: Saints schedule top 30 visit with Nebraska tight end sleeper Here's another name to add to the New Orleans Saints' list of official 30 visits: Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone II. Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline reports that Fidone has scheduled a formal visit at the Saints' headquarters in Metairie. In addition to this official visit coming up with the Saints, Pauline says Fidone has received a lot of attention from the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings, and that he'll also work out privately for the Buffalo Bills. He's projected to be picked on the third day of this year's draft. Fidone previously competed at the Senior Bowl, on the American Team with Saints associate head coach/running backs coach Joel Thomas (who worked the event as the American Team offensive coordinator), so he's someone they've had contact with before. Fidone was once seen as the top tight end on the high school recruiting circuit, and his performance at this year's NFL Scouting Combine confirmed the athleticism that made college coaches so excited. He weighed in at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds before timing the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds flat, with outstanding numbers in the jumps and agility drills. That all combined for a rare 9.41 Relative Athletic Score (on a scale of 1 to 10), a metric which closely aligns with the Saints' own in-house standards. Knee injuries kept Fidone off the field his first few years at Nebraska, but he played a key role in Matt Rhule's offense when the new head coach arrived in 2023. Fidone broke out with 25 catches for 260 yards that season and leveled up to catch 36 passes for 373 yards last year. He's got the look of someone whose best football is still ahead of him, but that's why he's a third-day pick instead of a second-day prospect.
