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First Post
26-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Fungi that could ‘eat you from inside out' likely to spread amid warming planet
Scientists from Manchester University have projected that Aspergillus, a common group of fungi present globally, could spread to new regions as the world heats up. These moulds can cause aspergillosis, a lung disease that could spread to other organs, including the brain read more Aspergillus, a type of fungi, is seen in this handout image from the Centres for Disease Control, October 13, 2012. File Photo/Reuters A deadly fungus that causes millions of deaths annually will spread globally as temperatures soar, as per new research. The Aspergillus family will proliferate to new regions, risking infections to millions of people. Scientists from Manchester University published these findings in a study this month. The report puts focus on the deadly moulds living among us that could trigger the next disease outbreak. Let's take a closer look. What is Aspergillus? Aspergillus is a group of fungi present globally that can cause aspergillosis, a lung disease that could spread to other organs including the brain. As Financial Times (FT) noted, some species of Aspergillus can be used for industrial chemistry and the fermentation of soy and sake. However, the group of fungi can also be dangerous to health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aspergillus releases a huge amount of tiny spores into the air. Humans inhale these spores, however, most do not get health issues. Although those with a compromised immune system are at an increased risk. The immune system of people who have asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer or had severe flu or Covid-19 is unable to clear the spores. If the body fails to get rid of these spores, the fungus 'starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,' Norman van Rijn, one of the study's authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester, told CNN. He pointed out that the mortality rates of Aspergillosis are around 20 per cent to 40 per cent. Its detection is also not easy, as patients usually have symptoms like fevers and coughs, which are common to many illnesses. The video game-turned-TV show The Last of Us portrays a fictional brain-altering fungus that wipes out much of humanity. However, the real danger caused by fungal pathogens is still not well-known. Fungi is believed to be behind five per cent of all deaths globally. ALSO READ: Explained: Candida auris, the deadly fungus spreading across the US STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What did the study find? Researchers found that some Aspergillus species can spread to new parts of North America, Europe, China, Russia, and Asia as the climate becomes warmer. The study, funded by the charitable foundation the Wellcome Trust, used computer simulations and forecasts to map the potential future proliferation of Aspergillus strains – A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger. 'Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,' van Rijn told CNN. Aspergillus fumigatus could spread northwards toward the North Pole as global temperatures rise, CNN reported, citing the study. It could spread to an additional 77.5 per cent by 2100, the study found, potentially risking nine million (90 lakh) people in Europe. Aspergillus fumigatus could spread to the North Pole. Wikimedia Commons The fungi species can increase 'astonishingly quickly' at high temperatures in compost where it lives, Professor Elaine Bignell, co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at Exeter university, told FT. 'Its lifestyle in the natural environment may have provided A. fumigatus with the fitness advantage needed to colonise human lungs,' Bignell said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aspergillus flavus, which lives on many crops, could spread to an additional 16 per cent of territory by 2100, the researchers forecast. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) included Aspergillus flavus in its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its impact on public health and risk of antifungal resistance. As fungal pathogens become more resistant to treatment, climate change could further drive the spread of Aspergillus to new areas. Underlining the importance of the research, Bignell told CNN that the new Aspergillus study 'rightfully shines a light on the threat of fungi that dwell in our natural environment and how under-prepared we are to cope with shifts in their prevalence.' However, she said that there are still many uncertainties and more research needs to be done. With inputs from agencies
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Taiwan reportedly sees 66pc surge in Covid-19 cases, nearly 10,000 medical visits in a week
TAIPEI, May 13 — Covid-19 infections are reportedly continuing to rise in Taiwan, with the country's Centres for Disease Control (CDC) stating that there were 9,978 outpatient and emergency visits related to the disease between May 4 and 10. According to a report in Focus Taiwan, the CDC said this figure represents a 66 per cent increase compared to the previous week. Deputy director Lee Chia-lin reportedly said that although this was the fifth consecutive weekly increase in Covid-19 cases, the number remained far below the 23,324 outpatient and emergency visits recorded during the same period last year. Between May 6 and 11, six Covid-19-related deaths and 34 severe cases were reported, including an 11-month-old boy from southern Taiwan who was hospitalised with low oxygen levels and later tested positive, according to the CDC. The child had reportedly shown asthma-like symptoms before being admitted to the intensive care unit and was discharged after about a week of treatment, CDC physician Lin Yung-ching was quoted as saying. CDC deputy director-general Lo Yi-chun reportedly said that current case numbers amount to around 40 per cent of those seen during the same time last year, but warned that this year's outbreak is likely to peak in June. Lo also reportedly noted that last year's peak occurred in early July, when weekly clinic visits reached 134,000.
Irish Examiner
13-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Colman Noctor: Pressure to be perfect undermines mental health of teen girls
A Shona Project survey suggests that teenage girls are struggling. This will likely come as no surprise to parents. In today's fast-paced, high-pressure world, raising adolescent girls can feel like walking a tightrope. One moment they're laughing with friends, and, the next, they're overwhelmed by anxiety, tears, or are withdrawn. As a parent of a pre-teen daughter, I can confirm that this emotional rollercoaster can be worrying and confusing. For the girls, the stress of navigating a world consumed by performance while undergoing dramatic hormonal changes is challenging. The Shona Project, a non-profit organisation that mentors girls, spoke to more than 1,000 of them aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland. It revealed widespread anxiety, pressure, and safety concerns. The key findings present a bleak picture of how girls and young women perceive themselves and their life experiences: 67% said their school environment is not a safe or welcoming space; 89% reported carrying anxiety or worry that no one knows about; 79% said they sometimes feel 'no good at all'; 70% feel social media is negatively impacting their mental health. These findings reflect similar studies across the globe, which show a marked increase in anxiety disorders, depression, and related issues among teenage girls. According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, the percentage of teenage girls reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness rose from 36% in 2011 to 57% in 2021. A 2023 UNICEF report highlighted that adolescent girls globally report higher levels of psychological distress than boys, with anxiety, self-harm, and body image issues dominating. Complex issues lie behind these statistics, the most obvious being the rise of social media and the subsequent social-comparison trap. American sociologist Jonathan Haidt suggests that girls, more than boys, engage in social media in ways that increase their emotional vulnerability. According to a 2019 Lancet study, more frequent use of social media was linked to worse mental health outcomes in girls than in boys. Girls are more likely to internalise appearance-based comparisons, cyberbullying, and social exclusion. The curated perfection of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat creates a toxic comparison loop. Adolescent girls are at a developmentally sensitive stage where peer approval, appearance, and belonging matter deeply. Seeing idealised versions of others' lives and bodies can erode self-esteem and increase anxiety. One 14-year-old girl interviewed as part of the Shona Project study described the challenges of social comparison well when she said: 'My life revolves around school and tech, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Apps like TikTok have made it so hard to be a woman: You can never look good enough or say the right thing or speak the right way.' Study expectations Social media pressures are not the only factors causing young girls to struggle; academic and societal issues are also involved. Girls often feel intense pressure to perform well academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and meet high expectations from parents, teachers, and themselves. A 2020 study published in Developmental Psychology found that girls were more likely to internalise stress related to school performance than boys, which can lead to increased anxiety. While there is an argument to be made that school systems are more suited to girls than to boys, the flip side is the increased expectations placed on girls to perform academically. I have worked with teenagers for more han 25 years, and, every year, the 'acceptable' level of academic achievement seems to get higher. The recent messaging about increasing the number of girls in STEM subjects and careers, which males typically dominate, is commendable, but does it add more pressure on teenage girls to excel? Young girls receive mixed messages. They are told to be confident, but not arrogant; ambitious but also likeable; thin, but not obsessed with their bodies. Undoubtedly, this ongoing tightrope walk contributes to their anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. Hormonal changes play a role, too. Puberty hits girls earlier than boys, and this brings with it not just physical changes, but a host of emotional and neurological shifts. The adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and emotion regulation, continues to develop and remains highly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Developing good decision-making skills in a world of information overload and constant comparison is bound to be challenging. Meanwhile, the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for our responses to fear and emotion, becomes hyperactive during adolescence. As girls tend to mature earlier than boys, they feel the brunt of these changes sooner. Pandemic isolation While anxiety and depression were already rising before covid, the pandemic acted as an accelerant. Lockdowns, school closures, and social isolation disrupted support systems, adding uncertainty. The impact was all the more significant for teenage girls, who rely on peer interaction and structured environments. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that adolescent girls were among the hardest-hit demographically, reporting the highest levels of pandemic-related emotional stress. But there's good news: Parents can play a decisive role in protecting and nurturing their daughters' mental health, just as they can their sons'. Girls need to know that their feelings are valid and important, no matter how irrational they may seem. As parents, we need to create an open-door policy where emotional expression is welcome, not judged or minimised. Instead of rushing to offer solutions, try listening with empathy. American psychologist and bestselling author Mel Robbins says one of the most critical interventions when conversing with a teenager is to preface what you say with the sentence, 'Are you looking for my advice or do you just want me to listen and support you?' This simple intervention can go a long way toward a more productive and helpful conversation. Dr Lisa Damour, psychologist and author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood, emphasises that teen girls need a 'secure emotional base'. Just being present and consistent gives them a sense of stability in a chaotic world. Help your daughter understand that anxiety, or worry, is a natural human emotion designed to protect us, and is not a flaw or weakness. Teach her the difference between everyday stress and chronic anxiety. Normalising emotional responses helps young girls to realise that maybe they are not the problem, but the situation is. If a girl is working hard to maintain a high academic standard, attending training multiple times a week to keep her place in the county camogie squad, and struggling to find time to maintain her friendships, remind her that she is not finding it difficult to keep up with the demands because she is a poor time manager, but because the expectations being placed on her are unrealistic. While mood swings and withdrawal are part of adolescence, persistent changes in behaviour may indicate something more profound. Watch for ongoing sleep problems, a sudden drop in academic performance, avoidance of social activities or changes in eating habits, as these symptoms can indicate that she may be struggling with an emerging mental health condition and needs support. While many suggest a total ban on social media, in my experience, this rarely works in isolation and can encourage secretive use. The global social media crisis requires collective action, so attempting to resolve it in isolation is unlikely to be effective. Parents should try to co-create boundaries around smartphone use, especially at night. Encourage phone-free periods and discuss what she is watching online. Is she following uplifting accounts? Or ones that fuel body insecurity? One of the most critical parental interventions is celebrating effort, not perfection. Young girls often feel they must 'have it all together'. Reinforce the message that it's OK to make mistakes and that a person's worth is not tied to achievements. Praise her for effort, resilience, and kindness, not just grades, trophies, or appearances. Be aware, also, of any inadvertent pressure you may be applying to her. While parents have little to no control over many aspects of the adolescent experience, parental pressure is one area where we can act. If, despite these interventions, your daughter's anxiety continues to interfere with her daily life, school attendance, friendships, or sleep, you may need to reach out to a professional for help. A strong emotional connection with your daughter, grounded in trust and empathy, is one of the best buffers against anxiety. Collectively, we need to meet our young girls where they are, not where we want them to be, and offer the support they need, so their world becomes less threatening and pressurised. Communicating with teenage daughters may be harder because they spend so much time online. But if we listen to the evidence of the Shona Project report, it seems they need our support now more than ever. Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist Read More Colman Noctor: Rise in therapy talk can make teens see everyday stress as a sign of mental illness
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: shingles
What is shingles? Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus responsible for chickenpox. Varicella-zoster (VZV) is among the group of viruses called the herpes viruses, according to information on the Mayo Clinic's website. The virus that causes chickenpox and shingles however, are not the same as the one that cause cold sores or genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention says one in every three people in the United States of America will have shingles in their lifetime. Also Read:Global survey shows many over 50 in India are unaware of shingles disease despite being at risk Who is at risk for shingles? A person who has had chickenpox will harbour the virus for life. The virus remains inactive for years and sometimes is reactivated and travels along the nervous system when the immune system weakens. Typically, people over the age of 50, pregnant women, newborns and older persons are at risk. People who are under radiation or chemotherapy for cancer will have a lowered immune system also putting them at risk. Those who are on immunosuppressants following transplantation or on steroids for a long time are also at higher risk. Shingles can appear as a single stripe of blisters anywhere on the body, including the face. The infection can spread to a person who has never had chickenpox earlier and cause chickenpox in them. What are the symptoms? The infection is not life-threatening, but it can be extremely painful. The symptoms include pain, a burning and tingling sensation and itching followed by red rashes. The rashes develop into blisters filled with fluid which break, and scabs form. Shingles is contagious until the blisters break. Doctors advise people with shingles to isolate themselves and to take plenty of rest. The clothes and towels they use should be washed separately. A person with shingles may have fever, headache, fatigue and experience sensitivity to light. If the rashes appear near the eye, it is important to see the doctor and seek treatment to avoid permanent damage to the eye. To prevent spreading the infection, the CDC advises covering the rash. Avoid scratching it and wash hands often for 20 seconds at a time, besides practicing self-isolation. The pain and the rash will settle in three to five weeks and the blisters do not leave scars. What are the complications shingles could cause? The CDC says shingles can sometime lead to serious complications such as long-term nerve pain and loss of sight. In some people, the pain may persist even after the blisters have cleared. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia. This could be due to pain signals being sent from the skin to the brain by damaged nerve fibers, according to Mayo Clinic. If shingles occur in or around the eye, known as ophthalmic shingles, it can cause painful eye infections, resulting in loss of sight. Some people could also experience neurological problems such as encephalitis (inflammation in the brain), facial paralysis or have hearing and balance issues. When the blisters are not treated properly, they could lead to bacterial infections. What are the treatment modalities? People at risk could get vaccinated. Two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV Shingrix) are recommended by the CDC for those aged over 50. The vaccination would reduce the virulence of the infection even if it were to occur. Vaccination is recommended for anyone over 19 years with a weakened immune system. According to the National Institute on Ageing the shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing the disease.
