Latest news with #Fu
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hong Kong activist challenges China's Tiananmen taboo from Taiwan
STORY: This year, Hong Kong activist Fu Tong will be in Taiwan to mark the 36th anniversary of Beijing's Tiananmen Square crackdown. :: July 3, 2020 He and his wife Elaine To were among the first demonstrators in Hong Kong to be charged with rioting in 2020 after pro-democracy and anti-China protests started the year before. They started a new life in Taipei in 2022, but continue to fight for freedom and democracy while running a Muay Thai studio. Although Fu told Reuters that his income and quality of life was better in Hong Kong, he values having the freedom to express himself: 'When Hong Kong can no longer hold the June 4 vigil, and can no longer even mention it, Taiwan's existence becomes very important. It's one of the very few places in Asia where people can openly commemorate the incident from June the 4th, discuss it, and even condemn the Chinese Communist Party. The existence of such a space is already hugely significant.' :: File On June 4, 1989, Chinese tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, crushing weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations by students and workers. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into thousands. :: File Public discussion of what happened is taboo in China, which blamed the protests on counter-revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the ruling Communist Party. :: File In Hong Kong, a national security law has outlawed commemorative events, which previously drew tens of thousands of people. Fu now co-hosts a Hong Kong human rights exhibition in Taipei, showcasing artwork and photos from the protest movement. He leads guided tours of the displays, while also sharing some of his experiences from the frontlines of the Hong Kong protests. Fu hopes his story will resonate with Taiwanese visitors who fear for their island as tensions with China continue to escalate. 'We have witnessed how our relatively free city can be completely silenced in just five years. Saying something anti-China or expressing views the government doesn't like can get you arrested and detained, with no idea when your trial will happen or how long you might lose your freedom for. This is something we deeply fear, and it's also something the people of Taiwan fear could potentially happen to them as well. This is where our shared values align. We truly hope that one day, Hong Kong can be like Taiwan, where there is universal suffrage. At the same time, people in Taiwan fear that one day their elections and freedoms, could all be lost one day, like in Hong Kong. The values we are all striving for and protecting are the same.' One exhibition-goer said he was deeply moved by Fu's tour: 'Freedom and democracy do not come easily. While listening to the tour just now, the guide choked up several times. I just think it's incredibly suffocating to see a once free and democratic place turn into what it is now. I really hope this will never happen to Taiwan.' Fu told Reuters that he remains committed to advocating Hong Kong issues and the values of freedom.
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Hong Kong activist challenges China's Tiananmen taboo from exile in Taiwan, Asia News
TAIPEI - Fu Tong and his wife Elaine To were among the first demonstrators in Hong Kong to be charged with rioting in 2020 after pro-democracy and anti-China protests started in 2019 in the former British colony. After leaving for Taiwan, Fu continued his activism and is now preparing to mark this year's anniversary of Beijing's bloody June 4, 1989, crackdown on protesters in and around Tiananmen Square. Fu has co-hosted a Hong Kong human rights exhibition in Taipei, showcasing artwork from the protest movement, and leads guided tours of the displays. "When Hong Kong can no longer hold the June 4 vigils, and can no longer even mention it, Taiwan's existence becomes very important," Fu, 43, told Reuters in Taipei. "It's one of the very few places in Asia, where people can openly commemorate the accident on June 4, discuss it, and even condemn the Chinese Communist Party. The existence of such a space is already hugely significant," he said. Taiwan is the only part of the Chinese-speaking world where June 4 can be remembered openly, though Chinese communities in the United States, Britain, Australia and other Western countries will also mark it. In Hong Kong, a national security law has outlawed such events, which previously drew tens of thousands of people. Fu says he remains committed to advocating for Hong Kong issues and the values of freedom. "I really feel like I've been chosen to be in this era. If I don't step up to do things that seem foolish and unrewarding, then who will? As long as I can, I'm willing to keep going," he said. Before dawn on June 4, 1989, Chinese tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, crushing weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations by students and workers. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into thousands. Public discussion of what happened is taboo in China, which blamed the protests on counter-revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the ruling Communist Party. [[nid:717396]]
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Hong Kong activist challenges China's Tiananmen taboo from exile in Taiwan
TAIPEI - Fu Tong and his wife Elaine To were among the first demonstrators in Hong Kong to be charged with rioting in 2020 after pro-democracy and anti-China protests started in 2019 in the former British colony. After leaving for Taiwan, Fu continued his activism and is now preparing to mark this year's anniversary of Beijing's bloody June 4, 1989, crackdown on protesters in and around Tiananmen Square. Fu has co-hosted a Hong Kong human rights exhibition in Taipei, showcasing artwork from the protest movement, and leads guided tours of the displays. "When Hong Kong can no longer hold the June 4 vigils, and can no longer even mention it, Taiwan's existence becomes very important," Fu, 43, told Reuters in Taipei. "It's one of the very few places in Asia, where people can openly commemorate the accident on June 4, discuss it, and even condemn the Chinese Communist Party. The existence of such a space is already hugely significant," he said. Taiwan is the only part of the Chinese-speaking world where June 4 can be remembered openly, though Chinese communities in the United States, Britain, Australia and other Western countries will also mark it. In Hong Kong, a national security law has outlawed such events, which previously drew tens of thousands of people. Fu says he remains committed to advocating for Hong Kong issues and the values of freedom. "I really feel like I've been chosen to be in this era. If I don't step up to do things that seem foolish and unrewarding, then who will? As long as I can, I'm willing to keep going," he said. Before dawn on June 4, 1989, Chinese tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, crushing weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations by students and workers. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into thousands. Public discussion of what happened is taboo in China, which blamed the protests on counter-revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the ruling Communist Party. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
3 hours of sleep and no fatigue? Scientists uncover the secret of natural short sleepers
How some people function perfectly on 3.5 hours of sleep For decades, the mantra has been the same: adults should aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night for optimal health, performance, and longevity. From doctors to wellness influencers, the message has echoed across platforms, backed by countless studies linking insufficient sleep to heart disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and early mortality. But what if this universal advice doesn't apply to everyone? Enter a rare, fascinating group of people who are redefining what it means to be well-rested. Known as natural short sleepers, these individuals thrive on just three to four hours of sleep per night — and not because they're skimping on rest. Rather, they are biologically wired to require less of it. These are not productivity-obsessed workaholics running on caffeine and willpower. They are genetically programmed to complete all the vital functions of sleep in a fraction of the time, waking up refreshed, alert, and high-functioning without any of the side effects typical of sleep deprivation. This condition, called Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS), is exceedingly rare and largely misunderstood, but recent breakthroughs in neuroscience and genetics are helping demystify it. From groundbreaking studies to the potential for revolutionizing sleep medicine, the science of short sleepers is gaining momentum — and it may just unlock answers to one of biology's greatest enigmas. How some people function perfectly on 3.5 hours of sleep Natural short sleepers are often highly energetic, productive, and resistant to common health issues associated with insufficient sleep. According to neuroscientist Dr. Ying-Hui Fu at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), these individuals don't experience the cognitive fog, irritability, or health decline that plagues typical short sleepers. Natural short sleep isn't a result of lifestyle, stress, or overcommitment. It's genetically driven and often runs in families, hence the term familial in FNSS. In most cases, these individuals sleep between 3.5 to 5 hours a night — every night — and report feeling completely rested and mentally sharp. They don't rely on naps or stimulants to compensate. Their bodies simply don't seem to need more. Though estimates vary, only about 1% of the population may possess this trait, making it an incredibly rare but fascinating subject of study in the world of sleep research. Why some people need just 4 hours of sleep: The genetic blueprint The scientific journey into FNSS began with Dr. Fu's landmark study published in Science in 2009, where her team identified a mutation in the DEC2 gene in members of a family who consistently slept for just 4 to 6 hours a night without adverse effects. Since then, Dr. Fu and colleagues have discovered five key mutations across four different genes involved in regulating sleep, including DEC2, NPSR1, ADRB1, and most recently, SIK3. Each mutation alters the sleep architecture of the brain, effectively condensing the sleep process without compromising its restorative benefits. In a 2022 study published in Neuron, researchers used genetically engineered mice to test the impact of the SIK3 mutation. The mice exhibited significantly reduced sleep times without observable physical or cognitive impairment. These findings strongly suggest that FNSS is not just a fluke — it's a biologically viable alternative to conventional sleep patterns. While each mutation alone only slightly reduces sleep needs, stacking them together may have cumulative effects, a hypothesis currently under investigation. If confirmed, this could pave the way to replicating FNSS-like effects safely in individuals with sleep disorders. Can short sleep genes treat insomnia The implications of this research extend far beyond curiosity. Sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea affect hundreds of millions globally. Understanding the biological mechanisms that allow short sleepers to thrive on less sleep could revolutionize sleep medicine. Dr. Fu's team believes that, in the future, therapies could be developed to mimic or activate these gene mutations in people suffering from insomnia or irregular sleep cycles. This would allow them to achieve restorative sleep in shorter durations, potentially improving quality of life for those who cannot sustain long sleep hours due to work schedules, health issues, or neurological conditions. Professor Clifford Saper, a renowned sleep scientist at Harvard Medical School, supports this line of inquiry, emphasizing that we are only scratching the surface of sleep genetics. 'If we can understand how to safely 'accelerate' the sleep process, we could one day provide relief to millions who struggle with poor sleep,' he notes. The dark side of sleeping less (if you're not genetically wired) Despite the allure of being able to function optimally on minimal sleep, it's crucial to underscore that Short Sleep Syndrome is not something you can train yourself into. Most people who sleep less than six hours a night accumulate sleep debt, which can lead to severe health consequences over time. A 2022 UK Biobank study involving over 7,800 participants found that individuals in their 50s who slept less than five hours per night were 20% more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions, including: Cardiovascular disease Type 2 diabetes Depression Obesity Dementia Moreover, sleep deprivation is associated with weakened immune function, poor memory, mood instability, and a higher risk of accidents. So unless you're genetically tested and confirmed to be a natural short sleeper, cutting back on sleep can be dangerous — not admirable. Why sleep matters: The body's restoration cycle To understand why most people need 7–8 hours of sleep, it's important to know what happens during that time. Sleep is not a passive state; it's a dynamic biological process governed by our circadian rhythm, the body's internal 24-hour clock. Sleep consists of multiple stages: Light Sleep (N1 and N2) – Helps the body relax and transition. Deep Sleep (N3) – Critical for physical restoration, tissue repair, and immune function. REM Sleep – Vital for learning, memory consolidation, and emotional processing. During a typical night, we cycle through these stages four to six times. For natural short sleepers, research suggests that their bodies compress these cycles, achieving full restoration in a shorter window. They may experience a more efficient distribution of deep sleep and REM stages, allowing them to complete the 'tasks' of sleep at high speed — like a compressed file that contains all the data in less space. Are you a natural short sleeper? Wondering if you might be part of this rare elite group? According to sleep researchers, natural short sleepers exhibit several consistent traits: Sleep just 3–5 hours per night and wake up feeling fully rested Never feel the need to nap or 'catch up' on weekends Show no signs of fatigue, brain fog, or irritability Maintain excellent health and cognitive function Often display high energy, optimism, and productivity Still, self-diagnosis is not recommended. If you suspect you might be a natural short sleeper, consult a sleep specialist and undergo polysomnography or genetic testing to confirm. Many people mistakenly believe they're short sleepers but are, in fact, sleep-deprived. The future of sleep: Genetic engineering or natural evolution? With genetic research accelerating, it's not far-fetched to imagine a future where gene-editing technologies like CRISPR could give people FNSS-like traits. But such advancements are years — if not decades — away, and ethical considerations abound. In the meantime, scientists are using the study of FNSS to understand how sleep works at the molecular level, which could have applications in fields ranging from neurodegenerative disease treatment to space travel, where managing sleep in constrained environments is vital. Ultimately, natural short sleepers challenge one of the most fundamental assumptions of modern medicine — that all humans have the same biological need for rest. And in doing so, they open the door to a future where sleep is not just a necessity, but a personalized experience based on genetics. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
NUS to study climate change impacts on Asean's agriculture sector to enhance food security: Grace Fu
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu speaking at the Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources on May 28. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN SINGAPORE - Researchers from Singapore are working with Asean countries to study the impact of climate change on the region's agriculture sector, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on May 28. The study, done by the NUS Tropical Marine Science Institute, will help countries better manage climate risks, so that the region can plan their responses to climate change impacts on crop production at national and local levels, she added. The study is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, and will help to boost the region's food security, she said. NUS declined to provide further details on the study. Ms Fu was speaking at the Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources, organised by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. The event at One Farrer Hotel gathered policymakers, industry experts and thought leaders to discuss how Asean's agricultural commodities industries can help to tackle emerging sustainability and economic challenges. In her keynote address, Ms Fu also said that the rules-based multilateral system is under pressure, with protectionism rising and trade barriers and supply chain disruptions becoming more frequent. Asean countries can collaborate more to advance the bloc's interest. 'As climate change intensifies amidst these uncertain times, the need for greater Asean cooperation to address the challenges faced by our region is more salient than ever,' she said. The production of agricultural commodities in Asean, which is a large economic driver for the region, is one area of such cooperation. Asean countries are among the world's largest producers of agricultural commodities such as palm oil and rubber, said Ms Fu, who is also Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations. The agriculture, forestry and fishing industries collectively contribute to about 10 per cent of Asean's GDP and remain a primary source of jobs for many people across the region, she added. Singapore is working closely with regional partners to develop climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices, Ms Fu said. For example, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory has developed climate-resilient rice varieties that are more resistant to droughts and floods. Extreme weather events such as floods, storms and heatwaves have damaged crops in the region. El Nino events - which bring drought and warmer temperatures to South-east Asia - have led to drought and increased wildfire risk in countries like Indonesia. In 2023, rice output in Indonesia was reduced due to severe drought, leading to the rising prices, requiring increased imports of rice and threatening food security. Meanwhile, more than 250,000ha of crops, including rice, vegetables and fruit trees, were destroyed across typhoon-hit northern Vietnam when Typhoon Yagi made landfall along Vietnam's east coast in September 2024. The agricultural sector is affected by climate change impacts, but it is also a contributor of planet-warming emissions. Citing a UN study, Ms Fu said the various steps of farming, transportation, consumption and disposal of agriculture emit a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions . Sustainable agribusiness and forestry practices are pivotal in climate action and conserving resources, Ms Fu said. For example, the risk of deforestation and transboundary haze can be reduced by avoiding unsustainable farming practices, such as burning stubbles and slash-and-burn techniques, she added. Such farming practices also contribute to the release of greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change. Transboundary haze has been a recurring issue in the region. Ms Fu said countries in the region have taken step to curb emissions from this sector. Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, for example, have a joint Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030, which was launched in October 2024 to address cross-border haze and air pollution affecting South-east Asia. She noted that Indonesia has also made efforts to reduce deforestation through legislation and continued monitoring while Malaysia has the Sustainable Palm Oil Certification Scheme to raise sustainability standards in its palm oil industry. There are also business advantages when it comes to practising sustainable agriculture, Ms Fu said, citing various compliance measures imposed by countries to ensure that agricultural commodities are grown in a sustainable way. For example, the Singapore Government has since 2016 been buying paper that carry the Singapore Green Label, which assures that suppliers practise sustainable forestry management. The European Union (EU) has also announced its plans to introduce regulations on deforestation-free Products, requiring firms that want to export to the EU to comply with them, she said. The regulations help ensure that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide. Ms Fu added that sourcing from suppliers that practise sustainable agriculture reduces the risk of supply disruptions caused by environmental events or regulatory changes. It also helps companies reduce reputational risk by ensuring that operations are environmentally responsible, she added. 'Singapore remains committed to supporting sustainable agribusinesses despite not having a significant traditional agriculture industry,' said Ms Fu, adding that the Republic is a finance hub for many agribusinesses and commodity trades in the region and that it is growing its local agri-tech sector. 'Climate change waits for no one. We need to maintain the momentum of climate action in spite of the global headwinds and keep a steady course in achieving the green transition,' said Ms Fu. Chin Hui Shan is a journalist covering the environment beat at The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
