Latest news with #P.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Why cancer care needs to include oral health
Once viewed as peripheral to broader medical concerns, oral health is now being recognised as a critical determinant in systemic diseases including cancer. A growing body of research from India and globally highlights how chronic periodontal conditions, oral pathogens and poor access to dental care significantly influence the risk, progression and outcomes of cancers, particularly in the oral cavity, digestive tract and pancreas. Persistent burden and patchy surveillance Globally, an estimated 3.5 billion people are affected by oral diseases. While many countries have seen improved oral health indicators in recent decades, India has not kept pace. Oral disorders remain one of the leading causes of disability in the country, affecting individuals across age groups and socioeconomic strata. India's last national oral health survey was conducted in 2007–08. Since then, there has been no updated, nationwide data, leading to significant blind spots in planning and policy. The Draft National Oral Health Policy (2021) outlines the need for baseline data by 2025 and proposes a 15% reduction in mortality and morbidity due to orofacial diseases by 2030. However, without reliable surveillance systems or integration with broader public health efforts, these goals remain aspirational. Also, the World Health Organization has recognised oral health as a vital component of non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, calling for stronger integration between dental and general medical care. Cancer risk and the oral cavity A recent study titled 'Oral Health and its Expanding Role in Systemic Disease, Cancer Outcomes, and Public Health', published in The Lancet, by Abhishek Shankar, assistant professor and Vaibhav Saini, scientist from the Department of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS, Delhi, underlines how oral hygiene may serve as a modifiable risk factor in cancer. Drawing on data from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, the authors report that good oral hygiene is associated with a modest reduction in head and neck cancer risk. Observational data further suggest a possible association between periodontal disease, root canal infections, and increased risk of pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal cancers. 'The evidence certainly points towards considering oral health as an integral part of cancer care,' the study investigators note, emphasising the need to embed dental care within oncology pathways. Oral pathogens are also implicated in cancer biology. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, commonly found in chronic gum disease, are increasingly understood to influence tumour development. 'P. gingivalis evades immune surveillance, invades host tissues, and promotes cancer proliferation,' write Dr. Shankar and Dr. Saini. 'P. intermedia, on the other hand, alters the tumour microenvironment and down regulates tumour suppressors.' Syed Ismail Nawab John, clinical lead at MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, adds that bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum have been linked with colorectal cancer by altering local immune responses. 'Bacterial byproducts such as butyrate can damage DNA and disrupt cellular repair. In a large cohort study published in Gut in 2018, individuals with severe periodontal disease had a 20–50% higher risk of developing pancreatic and colorectal cancers.' Vijay Pillai, senior consultant and chief of head and neck surgical oncology at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, notes that oral dysbiosis -- an imbalance or disruption in the community of microorganisms (microbiome) that naturally inhabit the oral cavity, especially involving Fusobacterium and Bacteroides may contribute to a pro-inflammatory state that favours tumour progression. 'Early detection of potentially malignant lesions can significantly downstage disease and improve outcomes,' he says. Impact on cancer treatment Oral health also has implications for cancer therapy. Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers disrupts the oral microbiome, often suppressing protective bacteria and allowing harmful strains to thrive. 'Patients with periodontal disease who undergo radiotherapy are particularly susceptible to complications such as impaired bone healing,' say the AIIMS researchers. Retention of natural teeth and frequent dental consultations are linked to better survival in head and neck cancer patients. In contrast to Western countries, where oral health data are routinely collected through registries, India and much of Southeast Asia lack comprehensive oral health surveillance. 'Region-specific data is essential for relevant decision-making,' stress Dr. Shankar and Dr. Saini. 'Existing registries and collaborations are underutilised unless integrated into national cancer care frameworks.' Dr. John concurs, calling the absence of surveillance a major public health downside. 'Integrating dental metrics into cancer registries would be a strategic step forward.' Towards integrated prevention Evidence suggests that community-level interventions such as school toothbrushing programmes, fluoride education and low-cost point-of-care diagnostics like aMMP-8 testing can reduce systemic inflammation and potentially lower cancer risk. A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology showed that professional periodontal treatment led to decreased levels of CRP and IL-6, both biomarkers associated with cancer progression. 'Oral health should no longer be siloed,' says Dr. John. Experts are urging the inclusion of oral health in national cancer control plans, school health programmes, and tobacco cessation curricula. Policy changes such as mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labels and bans on cartoon characters in junk food advertising are also being advocated to reduce early-life exposure to oral and systemic health risks. Community-based dental interventions, particularly for low-income communities, may help reduce the prevalence of periodontal disease and the systemic burden of oral pathogens. By reducing inflammatory markers and enhancing early detection, these efforts could play a role not only in improving oral hygiene but in reducing the broader burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Divers find ‘rare' squishy sea creatures off Indonesia. It's two new species
From the birds of paradise in the forests of Papua New Guinea to the monarch butterflies of Mexico, some creatures around the world are covered in vibrant colors. Some use their colors to entice mates, while others have them as a sign of warning against potential predators. Off the coast of Bunaken Island, Indonesia, two creatures' vibrant bodies made them stand out against their rocky reef environment as divers swam past, leading to their discovery as two species new to science. Phyllidia ovata and Phyllidia fontjei were collected by scuba divers during expeditions between 2015 and 2017 in the North Sulawesi region of Indonesia, according to a study published July 14 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys. Both were 'distinctive and can be easily recognized by their coloration,' as well as belonging to a 'rare' family of nudibranchs, or sea slugs, researchers said. Phyllidia fontjei was identified by its rings of orange, white and black, according to the study. The outer ring of the animal is orange, followed by a thick white band, then a black band, another white band and a central orange oval-shaped color, photos show. 'Minute' specks are scattered across the white section of the creature's body, researchers said. There are also 'yellow/orange rhinophores,' or protruding sensory organs near, the front end of the animal. The bottom side, or foot, of the animal is white with 'yellow-tipped' oral tentacles, according to the study. It is also partially transparent, allowing researchers to see a 'reddish gut content that perhaps comes from the dark orange sponge on which the animal was probably feeding,' according to the study. The species was named after the late Fontje Kaligis, a professor at Sam Ratulangi University who 'initiated our Indonesian co-operation,' researchers said. The second new species, Phyllidia ovata, was named for its egg-like appearance. The animal is white along its mantle, or the fringe, and black down the center, photos show. But down the center of the animal are 'large white conical' protrusions with bright yellow tips, giving the illusion of a bright white outside and yellowy interior, according to the study. Researchers said photos of the species have been posted online in various formats and on different platforms, but they were either incorrectly identified or not identified at all. Now, because genetic testing confirmed the unique species, photos can be properly attributed, including an image recorded of P. ovata more than 20 years ago, according to the study. Both animals come from a region called the 'Coral Triangle,' a span of ocean between Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The zone includes about 2.2 million square miles of sea with some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, according to NOAA. Some evidence suggests this is where coral reefs originated before spreading to the rest of the world's tropical regions. Bunaken Island is off the northern tip of North Sulawesi in north-central Indonesia. The research team includes Heike Wägele, Lina Marie Raubold, Adelfia Papu, Nani Undap and Nathalie Yonow.
Refinery29
04-07-2025
- Business
- Refinery29
A Week In Houston, TX On A $170,000 Joint Income
Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We're asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar. Today: a business analyst who has a $170,000 joint income and who spends some of her money this week on Kurtis Conner comedy show tickets. I f you'd like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we're not able to reply to every email. Occupation: Business analyst Industry: Oil and gas Age: 28 Location: Houston, TX Salary: $90,000 Joint Income & Finances Setup: $170,000 ($90,000 from me and $80,000 from my husband, P.). I just started my job about a month ago. Prior to that, I was on a break for about three years to work on my mental health. During that time, P. supported the family solely on his income. However, now that I have a job again, we split the finances 50/50 (if it seems like P. pays more monthly that's only because I pick up the tab on other occasions like when we eat out or get coffee, which is a lot). Currently, this is what works for us, but if that ever changes, then we will adjust our finances. Assets: We purchased our home in 2020 when the interest rate was incredibly low because of COVID-19 (they practically gave us the house). The current value of the home is $400,000, and we purchased it at $330,000. We put 5% down and have an interest rate of 2.5%. Currently, we own approximately 20% of the home while the bank owns the rest. We each own our own cars which in total value about $8,000; they are both old cars that have a lot of mileage on them, but at the very least, we don't have to make any car payments. My car itself is only worth $1,000 in the market. I've had it since I was in high school at 17, so I have a lot of sentimental attachment to the car. I do want to purchase a new car in 2026 or 2027 depending on how we are financially. Neither of us have any savings or retirement savings (we're really living on the edge here). Debt: $7,000 owed to parents (saved me from racking up that much in credit card debt). My parents saved me from going into further credit card debit while I was on my personal health break. During this time, I depleted all my savings and retirement accounts and went into credit card debt. However, I was fortunate enough to have parents that were willing to bail me out. Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $2,800 Pronouns: She/her Monthly Expenses Housing Costs: Our mortgage is $2,000 per month which we split evenly between the two of us. Currently, my younger brother lives with us while he is attending university, but we do not charge him rent. We would only charge him rent if he had a full-time job, but he plans to move back in with my parents once he does find a job. Additionally, there is a high property tax that we pay annually, approximately 5% of our home's value. This is lumped into our escrow, but will be moved out soon due to the fact that we own 20% of our home. So in the upcoming year, 2026, I expect to pay a high property tax bill with a lowered overall mortgage. Loan Payments: $1,000 to my parents. HOA: $142 Car Insurance: $42 Electricity: P. pays approximately $200 (depending on the month). Water: $0 (lumped in with our HOA). Internet: P. pays $150. Gas: $35 Phone: On my family's plan still (very blessed). Costco: P. pays $14. Amazon Prime: Mooch off a friend (again, very blessed). iCloud Storage: $0.90 All Other Subscriptions: $0 (purged these once I started to clean up my debt). Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Yes, coming from a traditional Asian household, there was always an expectation that I would pursue higher education. My parents did not pressure me to pursue medical school, but there were definitely expectations from my extended family. However, contrary to everyone's expectations, I chose construction management as my major. During my construction management courses, I was required to take accounting classes and I instantly fell in love. I genuinely enjoyed accounting in school and graduated with an accounting degree. I spent three and a half years in school while also doing summer internships, so I was able to pay for a semester of school; my parents paid for the other three years. I went to the local university and commuted from home in order to save money, but nonetheless, I am fortunate enough to have parents who invested in my education, and I am extremely grateful. I spent about three years working in accounting in many different environments, but none of them made me happy. At my last accounting job, I succumbed to burn out and was incredibly depressed that my career wasn't 'working out'. I decided to quit and take a break. That break ended up lasting three years, but it was well worth it. Now, I've pivoted my career to business analytics, and I am enjoying it so far. Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? Growing up, we were always a low-income family. We never took vacations, only ate at home, and the biggest expense was probably the general cost of living. So I was always keenly aware that we had no money. From that, my parents never taught me anything about finances other than 'don't spend money'. I didn't learn about finances until I had my first office job and was making adult money. I watched a million YouTube videos to learn about personal finance. I would say I have decent knowledge on personal finance, but overall, have nothing to show for it because I blew through my savings during my three-year break, lol. What was your first job and why did you get it? I got my first job at 17, against my parents' will, as a bagger at the local grocery store. My parents were concerned I would lose focus from school if I had a job, but I desperately wanted autonomy from my parents and wanted to make spending decisions on my own that I wouldn't regret, like treating myself to Starbucks. Granted, I did treat myself out a lot, so I can't say it wasn't all regretful. However, working retail from a young age taught me a lot about money and how hard it is to actually make money. I learned that I did not like retail and needed a cushy office job to function. So, by the time I was in college, I spent a lot of time pursuing internships. Luckily, I was able to complete three internships while I was in college which helped me pay for a semester of schooling. Did you worry about money growing up? Yes, very much so. I was always aware of how little money we had as a family because my parents always complained about it to us. I don't believe that's the best way to raise kids because it puts a lot of pressure on them to essentially find a way to survive at an early age. You start to think as a kid well if I do this, then we can get money or if I don't do this, then we can save money. It's a lot to think about at an early age and definitely impacts the way you are once you are older. Do you worry about money now? Yes, very much so. I wasn't worried about it when I was on my three-year break because I was so focused on my mental health and basically surviving that I had to just forgo the thought of money. Of course, that meant I depleted my savings and dove right into credit card debt, but once the anti depressants started working, I was back to my 'old' self. I was able to function again and was then concerned about my pressing finances. Luckily, I had nice parents to bail me out, but I am aware that not everyone has that. At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I became financially responsible for myself once I moved out of my parents home at 23. At that age, my relationship with my now husband was pretty steady and we both agreed that we needed a space of our own. So without telling my parents, I packed up all my things and left. They were heartbroken and had this expectation that I would essentially live with them forever. But I set that boundary and told them that I needed space to grow. This led to many improvements in my relationship with my parents, and I don't regret that decision at all. I know there's always a place I can go back to, but I am also strong enough to stand on my own two feet. Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. No, however, my parents own their home and plan on leaving it to my brother and I once they pass. This will amount to approximately $100,000, which is the closest thing I have to an inheritance. I plan to use most of that money for their funeral expenses and potentially save any remaining. My grandparents on my dad's side have already passed and they did not leave anything behind. My grandparents on my mother's side plan to leave everything to my uncle. I am appreciative of anything that I will receive from my parents upon their passing. I don't expect anything from them because they have helped me so much thus far in life. Day One: Monday 8 a.m. — I get up and record my daily vlog. (This is something I edit every night and put together to upload onto all my social medias. I realized after a friend moved away that they didn't really know what was going on in my life on a day-to-day basis, so I started the vlogs as a way to share that. Now, I just enjoy documenting my life. It's been a joy sharing aspects of my life with my friends and family.) I pop my antidepressants on the way to work. I feel invigorated because it's the beginning of the week, and the antidepressants are working overtime as I make the 20-minute commute to the office. I'm officially ready to start my week! 8:30 a.m. — I buy some yogurt, pretzels, and hummus as a morning snack from the office cafeteria. This is starting to become a routine thing. $8.10 12 p.m. — I buy lunch at the office cafeteria; Thai curry chicken. It is not very good and I don't even finish it. Sadness. $14.06 5:30 p.m. — I clock out for the day, record a snip for my vlog, and take the 20-minute drive back home. 6 p.m. — I go to Costco to get my mom a Mother's Day gift. She said she wanted a gift card to a restaurant from Costco because it was a good value. She's not wrong: Girl Math is saving $20 from spending $80 to get a $100 gift card. $79.99 6:30 p.m. — Once I'm home, I help my husband P. out by feeding our cat, O. He feeds our dogs, C. and A. I give P. my leftovers from today's lunch, but he, too, doesn't like them. We spend the night eating Trader Joe's frozen foods. 7 p.m. — One of our friends set up a server in a game called Palworld. We spend the rest of the night grinding out some hours in Palworld and just having some fun. I could spend hours talking about games that I play, but for the sake of this activity, I will spare the readers from the boredom and lack of relevance. 11 p.m. — I crawl into bed and unwind with some light reading on my phone. I'm currently reading a Korean novel called Trash of the Count's Family. It's in a genre called Izekai, where the main protagonist gets transported into a different world. It's a fun read, but I quickly knock out. Daily Total: $102.15 Day Two: Tuesday 8 a.m — I start the day in a similar fashion. I get up, record my daily vlog, and pop my antidepressants on the way to work. 8:30 a.m. — Another day, another morning snack. I grab two kolaches and a muffin from the office cafeteria. I wished they expensed the food here! $7.12 12 p.m. — I plow through my morning meetings and decide that I don't need lunch today since I had a big breakfast. Grind through lunch. 4:30 p.m. — Finally ready to leave the office; snap a quick video for the vlog, then head out. 5 p.m. — Drive through Raising Canes to pick up food for P., my younger brother, and myself. Not the healthiest, but definitely the weakest hitting on my wallet. $37.31 7 p.m. — We go to the movie theater to watch Sinners with a friend. It's a great movie with an amazing message on race. I'm in awe of the fun that I had watching the film. Would definitely recommend it to others. P. pays for the movie and movie snacks. 9 p.m. — We go to the local pub right by the movie theater to discuss the film. We chat about life and generally have a good time. P. pays for his drink and our friend's drink. I don't drink, so I just opt for some water. 11 p.m. — Wind down with some more Trash then promptly knock out to dream about Sinners. Daily Total: $44.43 Day Three: Wednesday 9 a.m. — Hurray for hybrid schedules: I get to work from home today, so I wake up and immediately jump into my meetings. They last about two hours. 12 p.m. — I grind through lunch and just power through the rest of the work day. It feels not too bad because I get to hang out with my dogs while I work. 6 p.m. — I drive to the local crane game arcade that just opened up by my place! I'm really excited about this place and have been visiting it weekly for some relaxation. Get some cute trinkets! I'm going to put them on my work desk tomorrow to show off my prized possessions! $34.62 7 p.m. — P. orders dinner for the family — boba and snacks. We really enjoy boba in our household. 11 p.m. — Wind down from the day. Daily Total: $34.62 Day Four: Thursday 8 a.m. — Back to the office, so back to my regular routine. Wake up, record the vlog, pop the antidepressants, and head out for work. 8:30 a.m. — More yogurt, pretzels, and hummus. As I am filling this out, I am wondering if this is a necessary expense or if I should just wholesale purchase yogurt, pretzels, and hummus. But there is something so nice about not having to think in the mornings. $8.10 12 p.m. — I buy the cheapest thing in the office cafeteria, which is also probably the best thing that they have: chicken tenders and fries. Totally worth it. Had enough to bring home leftovers for P. $9.73 4 p.m. — I leave the office a little early today because I have plans for the night and want to make sure I'm ready to go. 7 p.m. — Go out to eat with a friend at a local sushi spot. My cousin works at the sushi restaurant, so he discounts our meal and gives us extra helpings! So kind of him. I added a high tip, but he refused it :($41.60 8:30 p.m. — Take my friend to the local crane game arcade! Have to let another person know about my obsession with the place. Win some more cute trinkets and a bag charm to put on my work bag. My desk is probably one of the cutest in the office :) $36.23 10 p.m. — Get home and am tired from spending the long day out. Immediately knock out once I get ready for bed. Daily Total: $95.66 Day Five: Friday 9 a.m. — Wake up and jump straight into my morning meetings. They end up lasting a little longer than usual, but I don't mind it because I'm still learning the processes. 11:30 a.m. — Convinced P. to go get a drink and snack with me at our local coffee shop (P. works from home full time, so we get to spend Wednesdays and Fridays working together). We buy two drinks and four pastries. $33.98 5 p.m. — Finish all the remaining work items that I have left and promptly clock out! It feels like a productive week and that I accomplished a lot. 7 p.m. — I do a painting activity called Fluid Bear where you mix paint and pour it onto a plastic bear to create a fluid pattern on it (I booked two classes for P. and me, and paid for them last week). We make the bears as gifts for my niece and nephew and are proud of the results — I would include a photo if I could, they turned out cuter than expected! 8:30 p.m. — We visit the in-laws and have dinner with them. We catch up on our week, how we've been since we last saw each other, and anything fun that we have done recently. It's always nice to see my in-laws; they're good people and have always been extremely welcoming. We are fortunate enough that both our families currently live in Houston, so we try to visit them on a biweekly basis. 10 p.m. — Go home and wind down from the day. I do a bit of light reading before I fall asleep. Daily Total: $33.98 Day Six: Saturday 12 p.m. — It's finally the weekend, so I get to sleep in! I don't leave the house until noon, when I need to go out to get gas. It kills me, but there's no way to get around the city other than with a car. It could honestly be worse, so I shouldn't complain too much. $31.52 1 p.m. — P. and I stop in at a local coffee shop to get some afternoon coffees (he pays). We visit a few boutiques searching for a Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law, but we don't find anything that stands out to us. We stop at a wine bar that's near one of the boutiques and settle for a bottle of wine as a gift. It's not an original idea, but it was one of the only things we could agree on. Overall, a pretty successful afternoon. 4 p.m. — I drop P. off at home and get ready for my Bumble BFF date. It's hard to make friends as an adult, so I joined Bumble BFF to make some friends. Every now and then, this will manifest into an actual meetup, so I get to leave the house and meet with someone and just hang and talk. From the app, I have made at least five friends, so I would say it's not so bad. It's definitely still difficult and requires a lot of time and effort, but with enough dedication, you can certainly make friends off the app (this is not a sponsored ad). I will also say, it's not for everyone. 5 p.m. — I meet my new friend at a ramen shop and we get two bowls of ramen, two appetizers, and two drinks (we split the bill evenly). We chat about ourselves and life in general. My new friend is nice and reminds me greatly of another friend, so much so that I start to miss her, so after dinner, I call said friend and ask, 'Are you currently doing anything; can I come over?', to which she replies with, 'Of course!' I am extremely grateful for the people in my life. $35.02 7 p.m. — I meet up with my friend and we yap and yap and yap for about three hours straight. We catch up on life, spill some tea, discuss baby things (she recently gave birth), and share excitement over an upcoming concert that we are going to see. It's a wonderful night, and I'm glad I'm able to see her. 11 p.m. — Drive through In-N-Out on the way home to grab my brother and me some burgers and animal-style fries (you can never go wrong with animal-style fries). I make it home and instantly knock out after eating. $26.30 Daily Total: $92.84 Day Seven: Sunday 12 p.m. — Sundays are fundays. I get up and buy seven breakfast tacos for myself, P., my friend W., and W.'s sister. Overall, to feed four people with $28 is a steal in this economy. I visit W. first thing in the afternoon and stay with her and her sister just chatting for hours on end. It may seem like I do this a lot, and I would say that I have started to go out more, but I'm making a big effort to keep in touch with my friends, especially since two of my friends moved away to NYC last year. Sometimes, I just feel a little lonely, and other times, it feels like my life is full of social interactions; it's a balance that I'm learning to make. $28.04 4 p.m. — After we chat for a while, I head home. I have a bit of down time before our dinner plans, so I'm scrolling on the gram when I come across Kurtis Conner's comedy tour. I buy front-row seats to the show for P. and me. A splurge for sure, but we don't get to go to shows often, so I feel that it's pretty worth it. $185.82 5 p.m. — P. and I meet up with some friends for dim sum. He pays for the bill and everyone zelles him for their portion. Everyone is disappointed with how the dim sum tastes, so we decide to grab another bite. We go to a pizza parlor that stays open a little later. We get pizza, root beer, and wings. It's a wonderful time filled with chatter. 11 p.m. — We don't get home until late, but it's well worth it. Afterwards, I sleep off my week of activities. Daily Total: $213.86 The Breakdown Conclusion 'It was fun to track my spending during this diary! It also helped that I had recorded daily vlogs, so I could easily remember how certain days went. I have a tendency to forget what I do on a day-to-day basis — this happens because the day seems to go by so fast! There's so much to do and so much that I am learning, whether it be about work or social life. I think it's the antidepressants talking, but when I look back on my week, I feel a sense of contentment like I really did enjoy my time. I'm figuring out how to strike a balance between work and life as I navigate working full time again. Overall, I don't have any regrets with how much I spent over the week. Although, I will be cutting back from eating at the office cafeteria because I have this itching suspicion that the food there is making my skin break out.'
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
'Zombie' Fungus Caught Bursting From Host Bodies 99 Million Years Ago
Scientists have caught ancient parasitic fungi in the act of bursting from insect hosts, in dramatic scenes frozen in amber. Dating back almost 100 million years, these two specimens are among the oldest evidence of 'zombie' fungus, second only to one early-Cretaceous species discovered back in 2008. Amber forms over millions of years from the sticky resin of trees, and is renowned for the many bizarre, unique, and enlightening moments it has preserved. These two pieces, now in the hands of the London Natural History Museum, include the new fungus species Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae, with its tiny spore stalks sprouting from the body of a pupating ant, and P. ironomyiae, in the form of a singular, phallic fruiting body protruding from a fly's head. Related: These newfound species appear to share traits with living relatives, Ophiocordyceps, that continue to infect insects as a means of spreading their spores. Scientists think the Paleoophiocordyceps species may have separated from Ophiocordyceps around 130 million years ago. "The fossil evidence shows that the infectious fungi were already adapted to two different insect hosts a hundred million years ago, an ant and a true fly," says paleoentomologist Edmund Jarzembowski from the Natural History Museum. "This suggests that the fungus made this jump to other insects as they diversified with the rise of flowering plants and new insect groups, especially moths and butterflies." The research is published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 100-Million-Year-Old Rock Reveals 40 Never-Before-Seen Squid Species Sea Slugs Steal Body Parts From Prey to Gain Their Powers Earth Is Pulsing Beneath Africa Where The Crust Is Being Torn Apart
Sinar Daily
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
P. Ramlee legacy concert set for Sept 20
Tanahair Films chief executive officer Khairul Anwar said this initiative is a significant step in elevating Malaysian arts through a creative and contemporary approach that still respects the authenticity of P. Ramlee's works. 27 Jun 2025 01:00pm Tickets will go on sale starting June 26 via and updates about the concert can be found on the official social media pages @konsertlegasipramlee, @TanahAirFilms and @legasipodcast on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - The timeless songs of the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee will be brought to life at 'Konsert Legasi P. Ramlee', set to take place at Mega Star Arena, Sungei Wang Plaza, here on Sept 20. Organised by Tanahair Films Sdn Bhd, the concert is a continuation of the P. Ramlee Premier Project, led by Datuk Khairul Anwar Salleh and Adlin Aman Ramlie. Tanahair Films chief executive officer Khairul Anwar said this initiative is a significant step in elevating Malaysian arts through a creative and contemporary approach that still respects the authenticity of P. Ramlee's works. - Bernama photo It is expected to feature a mix of classic, contemporary and popular performances presented in theatrical, dramatic and cinematic formats. Among the singers who will grace the stage that evening are Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Datuk Zainalabidin, Ella, MimiFly, Nadeera and Liza Hanim, as well as three personalities closely associated with the persona of P. Ramlee - P. Radhi, Danie Hasbullah and Musly Ramlee. Tanahair Films chief executive officer Khairul Anwar said this initiative is a significant step in elevating Malaysian arts through a creative and contemporary approach that still respects the authenticity of P. Ramlee's works. "When we talk about heritage, the name Tan Sri P. Ramlee is a symbol that unites us all. He was an artiste, a thinker, a cultural leader and a symbol of regional unity. In every lyric he wrote, every scene he acted in and every musical score he composed, there were values that transcended time. "The goal is to introduce Tan Sri P. Ramlee to a new generation, not just as a historical figure or as an icon displayed in museums but as the originator of a legacy that defined the identity of Malaysia's artistic and cultural heritage,' he said at a press conference. P. Ramlee, one of Malaysia's most beloved and versatile entertainers, can never be replaced or imitated, he said, adding that his unique talent and contributions are far too significant to be forgotten. The concert initiative is also supported by the National Archives of Malaysia, the Ministry of National Unity, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) under the Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Adlin, who is Tanahair Films' artistic director, said the event would be an emotional one. "It will not only be nostalgic but also refreshing and impressive, with the touch of four renowned Malaysian music maestros. "The audience will be taken back to the golden era of Malay music, reimagined through the interpretations of these four maestros,' he said. The four, Datuk Ramli MS, Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, Helen Yap and Michael Veerapen, will serve as music directors for the concert, where over 30 of P. Ramlee's songs will be performed. The songs will be presented in medley, duet or solo formats with both classic and modern arrangements, accompanied by an orchestra of about 60 musicians. Tickets will go on sale starting June 26 via and updates about the concert can be found on the official social media pages @konsertlegasipramlee, @TanahAirFilms and @legasipodcast on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. - BERNAMA More Like This
