Latest news with #Hemispheres
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Record
Royal Mail unveil special stamps honouring UK attraction with dual hemispheres
When you stand across the line from this UK spot, you have one foot in the east and one in the west Posting a letter might seem a thing of the past. But whether it's a birthday card, an update from abroad, or just a note of appreciation to a loved one, there are new stamps on the UK market that could fit the bill. Royal Mail has unveiled 10 stamps being issued to celebrate the history and scientific developments achieved at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, since its foundation in 1675. And the attraction has a fascinating feature. The Observatory stands at the Prime Meridian, which divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Visitors can stand with one foot in the East and one foot in the West - literally straddling the hemispheres. The Prime Meridian is also the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the basis for all time zones. The main set of six tamps pays home to the the Airy Transit Circle Telescope, Flamsteed House, which is the Great Equatorial Telescope, the largest refracting telescope in the UK, the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope, the Prime Meridian where visitors can experience said dual hemispheres, and the Shepherd Gate Clock. A further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, honour prize-winning clockmaker John Harrison and his marine timekeepers, ahead of the 250th anniversary of his death next year. The stamps showcase each of Harrison's prototypes for measuring longitude at sea, which became known as H1, H2, H3 and H4. "We are proud to honour the Royal Observatory's 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe," said David Gold, Director of External Affairs at Royal Mail. The Royal Observatory was founded by King Charles II in 1675 and was Britain's first state-funded scientific building. The Observatory was founded to provide better star charts that would enhance navigation for global trade. Flamsteed House, the Observatory's original building, became home to ten successive Astronomers Royal who observed the stars and developed new instruments such as the Airy Transit Circle and Great Equatorial Telescope. And what's so special about the Prime Meridian? Well, from the late 19th century, astronomers took thousands of measurements to define the Prime Meridian and establish zero degrees longitude. Their work transformed how we explored our world in an age before smartphones and satellites. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was made publicly visible via the Shepherd Gate Clock and its distribution via telegraph signals became an essential part of daily life. Out at sea, Royal Navy surveyors plotted their longitude from Greenwich using chronometers based on John Harrison's revolutionary marine timekeepers. The widespread use by ships worldwide of charts based on the Greenwich Meridian contributed to the international recognition of Greenwich as Prime Meridian of the world in 1884. The stamp images narrate the story of the Royal Observatory and its pivotal role in the history of astronomy, timekeeping, and navigation. The set features specially commissioned artwork highlighting key areas such as notable buildings and significant objects from the collection. Fancy surprising a relative with a good old-fashioned letter? The stamps are available to pre-order from June 5 by clicking here and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 10 stamps is priced at £17.90. The stamps go on general sale from 12 June. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Here's How and When You Can See the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower
The night sky during the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, on May 5, 2024. Credit - Thilina Kaluthotage—Getty Images The weeks-long Eta Aquariid meteor shower is about to reach its peak, and people across both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular event, which is visible to the naked eye. Here's what people need to know in order to get the best glimpse at the Eta Aquariids. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower peaks in May of each year, per NASA. These meteors are specifically known for their speed, and Eta Aquariid meteors can travel about 40.7 miles (65.4 kilometers) per second into Earth's atmosphere, leaving trails behind them which observers can view for several seconds to minutes. The Eta Aquariids are created from space debris that originate from comet 1P/Halley—often considered the most famous comet. Each time Halley returns to the inner solar system, it sprays ice and rock, and though Halley only makes its way around the Sun every 76 years or so, its debris causes two different meteor showers each year: the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in May and the Orionids in October. While expert viewpoints differ as to the exact dates and peak times, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the Eta Aquariids have been active since April 15, and are expected to remain so until May 27. They are set to peak on the mornings of May 4, 5, and 6. These are the ideal mornings for those in the Northern Hemisphere to view the meteor shower, and under optimal conditions—meaning without city lights—observers should be able to see about 10 to 15 Eta Aquariids per in the United States that boast lower instances of light pollution—such as national parks like Big Bend in Texas or Death Valley in California—will have prime viewing opportunities. Although safety precautions should be paramount for skywatchers venturing into the great outdoors. However, those in the Southern Hemisphere will have optimal viewing opportunities, and, if lucky, could see over 50 meteors per hour. According to NASA, the best time to watch will be at 2 a.m. local time on May 6. It's recommended that viewers give their eyes some time—around 30 minutes—to adjust to the dark. 'Avoid looking at bright lights, such as your cell phone, too, as this will take your eyes off the sky and ruin your night vision,' reads the guidance from NASA. Viewers do not need telescopes or any special equipment to enjoy the event, but the darker the sky, the easier it will be to view the meteor shower, and the AMS states that even 'a gain of one magnitude in sky darkness can lead to a doubling of observed meteors.' So, it is suggested for those near city lights to travel away from the brightly-lit streets. Contact us at letters@
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
What Goes Into Making Our Seasonal Flu Jab? – Expert Q+A
Press Release – Science Media Centre As most seasonal influenza vaccines are made using chicken eggs, the SMC asked experts for background on seasonal flu vaccine manufacture and alternatives to the standard jab. How are the eggs to make traditional seasonal flu vaccines procured and kept safe from other pathogens, like avian influenza? Why do seasonal flu vaccines work better some years than others? And what other kinds of flu jabs are there? Most seasonal influenza vaccines are made using chicken eggs. The SMC asked experts for background on seasonal flu vaccine manufacture and alternatives to the standard jab. Dr Mary Nowlan, Senior Advisor, Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC), comments: Where do the eggs come from to make the seasonal influenza vaccine? 'Egg-based influenza vaccine manufacture is a well-established process, with chicken eggs being the preferred medium to grow viruses since the 1950s. 'Large quantities of eggs are produced in specific pathogen-free chicken colonies. These are controlled environments in which the hens and the eggs are closely monitored, which means that every step is taken to ensure that these animals are not at risk of being infected by bird influenza strains (including H5N1).' Why do influenza vaccines work better some years than others? 'Predicting and matching exact influenza strains is an imperfect science, and vaccines that are developed are not always a perfect match for the circulating virus. 'Growing enough virus for millions of doses of vaccine is a slow process, particularly in eggs. As the virus grows in eggs, small changes occur in the virus – known as 'egg-adaption'. This can mean that the virus produced does not completely match the circulating virus, thereby potentially reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine. 'Another reason that the vaccine effectiveness can alter each year is that the wild virus strains have also mutated over the six months since they were selected for the vaccine and a mismatch can also occur. Advances in technology to analyse the circulating strains may have mitigated that risk to some degree, but the unpredictability of influenza virus evolution means mismatches still occur.' How is it decided which strains are covered by the flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season? 'As the influenza virus continually mutates, vaccine production must take this into account and adjust the virus strains for the following influenza season. 'The Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System collates data from the WHO Collaborating Centres, who in turn receive data from the National Influenza Centres (ESR in New Zealand). 'This provides data for both the Southern and the Northern Hemispheres to help to predict which influenza strains are likely to circulate during their respective flu seasons each year. 'At around six months before the next influenza season, the WHO holds a meeting (in October and April – one for each hemisphere) to decide on the composition of upcoming influenza virus vaccines. Once this has happened, production of the next year's vaccine begins. 'The reason that influenza vaccine is recommended annually is due the constant changes in the influenza virus strains, and therefore the vaccine needs to alter in response. Protection only lasts for a short time.' What are the alternatives to the standard flu vaccine? 'All the current seasonal influenza vaccines rely on recommendation from the WHO as to which influenza strains are included. Vaccines available in New Zealand include a cell-based vaccine, in which the virus is grown in cell culture rather than eggs, and an 'adjuvanted' vaccine, in which a naturally occurring compound (squalene) is added to induce a stronger immune response in older people who may have a weaker immune response than young adults. 'Further vaccines available internationally but not New Zealand include recombinant influenza vaccines, in which the surface proteins of the virus are produced artificially rather than being isolated from whole viruses. Also available in the Northern Hemisphere is a live attenuated influenza vaccine that is given through a nasal spray, usually to children.' Why should we be concerned about bird flu in New Zealand? 'Birds, particularly wading birds, carry influenza virus in their guts. Usually this does not make the birds sick. However, some forms of avian flu have become deadly. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is of significant concern, not only for the risk of spread to humans but for wild and domestic birds and other animals such as livestock. H5N1 is just one strain of avian influenza that can mutate to make animals sick. It has also infected humans who were exposed to sick animals. 'As well as concerns about infection in birds, livestock, and marine mammals in New Zealand, a big concern in humans would be if a HPAI infected someone who is also infected with the seasonal influenza virus. The risk is that the influenza viruses would combine into a strain that is transmissible between humans. This has the potential to cause a pandemic. People who work with animals are encouraged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine each year to reduce this risk.' No conflicts declared. Dr Lisa Connor, Programme Leader, Infection and Vaccinology Group, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, comments: Could the ongoing impact of the H5N1 avian flu pandemic on raised chickens overseas have flow-on effects on influenza vaccine availability in NZ? 'One widely used influenza vaccine in New Zealand is the Tetra Fluvac, which provides protection against four different flu virus variants. This vaccine is produced using eggs and is available for free to eligible New Zealanders, making it an accessible and effective option. 'However, it is important to note that there are also other flu vaccines available on the market that do not rely on egg-based production. These vaccines are made using cell cultures and, while not currently funded by the NZ government, they are an alternative for those who require or prefer them. These non-egg-based vaccines are available in New Zealand but are typically more expensive, as they are not covered by the public funding system. 'H5N1, the avian influenza strain, is a significant concern, especially for our bird population, including chickens. Thus, there is the potential to disrupt egg production and, consequently, vaccine production. Fortunately, the availability of cell culture-based vaccines ensures that there are safe, effective, and approved alternatives on the market that do not depend on eggs. This flexibility is reassuring, as it means that if egg production were to be impacted by H5N1 or other factors, we have viable options to ensure continued vaccine supply. 'Overall, the current flu vaccines, including the egg-based Tetra Fluvac can lower the risk of infection and reduce severity of disease from influenza, and many New Zealanders are eligible for free vaccination. Should the situation evolve and potential shortages arise, the availability of mammalian cell culture-based vaccines offers a solid backup. We are fortunate that there are multiple, effective vaccine options in New Zealand, ensuring that the public remains well-prepared to limit infection from influenza, regardless of future challenges.' No conflicts of interest. Natalie Netzler PhD, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, comments: 'The current egg-based vaccines are produced in a manufacturing system that is over 70 years old. However, there is a lengthy lead time needed to secure the eggs required to make the egg-based flu vaccine. 'Following the 2009 influenza pandemic we had a shortage of egg-based vaccines due to a number of issues including slow virus growth of the pandemic strain in eggs and a very high demand coupled with the slow manufacturing process. 'Given that our Indigenous populations all over the world face higher rates of severe influenza compared to non-indigenous groups in the same regions, it is important that we have sufficient vaccine supplies to protect our unique Māori and Pacific communities here in Aotearoa NZ. 'The development of cell-based influenza vaccines is gaining traction. While there are some challenges posed by these newer flu vaccines including higher costs of production, and limited global availability, there are several advantages of cell-based vaccines over egg-based flu shots. These include faster and more predictable rates of production and being able to offer an egg-free option. 'Although our current influenza vaccines are not perfect in that they don't always stop you getting the flu altogether, they do offer protection against severe flu and are highly recommended for those at risk of severe disease, no matter which type of flu vaccine you get.' Conflict of interest statement: 'I work with several Pacific and Māori organisations and health providers to support our communities to make informed decisions on immunisation.' Sue Huang, Director, WHO National Influenza Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), comments: What strains are covered in this year's flu vaccines? 'The southern hemisphere influenza vaccines to be used in NZ in 2025: Egg-based vaccines: • an A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; • an A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus; and • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus. Cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines • an A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; • an A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like virus; and • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus. The recommendation for the B/Yamagata lineage component of quadrivalent influenza vaccines remains unchanged from previous recommendations: • a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus. 'Interestingly, the influenza vaccine strains recommended by WHO in February 2025 for the use for northern hemisphere countries in 2025-2026 are the same as the NZ's vaccine strains to be used in 2025. This suggests that our vaccine strains match well with the current circulating viruses which would give us optimal protection. Influenza vaccination is the primary tool to protection us against influenza, particularly for those vulnerable groups (elderly, and individuals with underlying conditions). 'At the moment, influenza activity is still at a low level. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is the predominant strain followed by influenza B and A(H3N2). For details, see here.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
After canceling meeting of independent advisers, FDA issues 2025-26 flu vaccine recommendations
The US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued recommendations for the composition of influenza shots for the upcoming respiratory virus season, but without input from its independent vaccine advisers. The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee had been scheduled to meet Thursday to weigh in on the composition of the flu shots, but that session was canceled without explanation in late February. Instead, experts from within the FDA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Defense gathered Thursday to go over surveillance data from the US and around the world about flu viruses that are currently circulating. The FDA is recommending that flu vaccines for the 2025-26 season be trivalent, protecting against two strains of influenza A and one of influenza B. 'The FDA anticipates that there will be an adequate and diverse supply of approved trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines' for the upcoming virus season, it said in a statement. There are several ways to make flu vaccines, but the most common is to grow the selected candidate viruses in chicken eggs, a painstaking operation that takes months to finish. For that reason, selection of the strains that will be included in flu vaccines is carefully orchestrated to be sure manufacturers can deliver the shots to doctors' offices and pharmacies in time. In order for flu vaccines to be sold in the US, they must contain strains that are officially selected by the FDA. That decision typically comes after a meeting of the World Health Organization's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, a network of seven collaborating centers and four essential regulatory labs, which are based in the US, UK, Japan, China, Russia and Australia. Both the CDC and the FDA are members. These experts meet twice a year — in the fall and spring — to choose strains for countries in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. WHO's own vaccine recommendations for 2025-26 generally parallel those of the FDA. Typically, the 17-member FDA vaccine committee would meet next and publicly discuss the recommendation and make its own endorsement, and then the agency would make its final decision. The cancellation of the committee meeting had prompted concerns about the timing of and access to flu shots for this fall. 'I'm glad that they've come out with the influenza recommendation in a timely manner,' Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the independent advisory committee and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital, said Thursday. The 2024-25 flu season – the worst in the US in more than a decade – is believed to have peaked in early February. The CDC estimated in early March that there had been at least 40 million illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths caused by flu this season. CNN's Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.
CNN
14-03-2025
- Health
- CNN
After canceling meeting of independent advisers, FDA issues 2025-26 flu vaccine recommendations
The US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued recommendations for the composition of influenza shots for the upcoming respiratory virus season, but without input from its independent vaccine advisers. The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee had been scheduled to meet Thursday to weigh in on the composition of the flu shots, but that session was canceled without explanation in late February. Instead, experts from within the FDA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Department of Defense gathered Thursday to go over surveillance data from the US and around the world about flu viruses that are currently circulating. The FDA is recommending that flu vaccines for the 2025-26 season be trivalent, protecting against two strains of influenza A and one of influenza B. 'The FDA anticipates that there will be an adequate and diverse supply of approved trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines' for the upcoming virus season, it said in a statement. There are several ways to make flu vaccines, but the most common is to grow the selected candidate viruses in chicken eggs, a painstaking operation that takes months to finish. For that reason, selection of the strains that will be included in flu vaccines is carefully orchestrated to be sure manufacturers can deliver the shots to doctors' offices and pharmacies in time. In order for flu vaccines to be sold in the US, they must contain strains that are officially selected by the FDA. That decision typically comes after a meeting of the World Health Organization's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, a network of seven collaborating centers and four essential regulatory labs, which are based in the US, UK, Japan, China, Russia and Australia. Both the CDC and the FDA are members. These experts meet twice a year — in the fall and spring — to choose strains for countries in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. WHO's own vaccine recommendations for 2025-26 generally parallel those of the FDA. Typically, the 17-member FDA vaccine committee would meet next and publicly discuss the recommendation and make its own endorsement, and then the agency would make its final decision. The cancellation of the committee meeting had prompted concerns about the timing of and access to flu shots for this fall. 'I'm glad that they've come out with the influenza recommendation in a timely manner,' Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the independent advisory committee and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital, said Thursday. The 2024-25 flu season – the worst in the US in more than a decade – is believed to have peaked in early February. The CDC estimated in early March that there had been at least 40 million illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths caused by flu this season. CNN's Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.
