Latest news with #ScientificAdvisoryCouncil
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Biden's Cancer Diagnosis Means — A Doctor Breaks It Down With Katie
When I saw my phone blowing up on Sunday afternoon with word that former President Biden had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, I immediately reached out to my friend Bill Nelson, MD, PhD, DSc, the chair of Stand Up To Cancer's Scientific Advisory Council and an expert on prostate cancer. He's the director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, where he's also a professor of urology, medicine, pathology, and radiation oncology and molecular radiation sciences. In other words, Bill knows what he's talking about. We agreed there's much we don't know about the situation, but here are his initial insights about the former president's diagnosis and prognosis. Dr. Nelson: I feel for anyone who hears the three terrible words 'you have cancer.' Their world, and all of their plans, are turned upside down as they worry instead about what may be in store for them, wondering how the cancer can be treated, how well treatment might work, and what side effects they might confront. The reports do suggest that he has metastatic prostate cancer, which is a life-threatening condition capable of causing significant bone pain. His doctors may make use of several treatment approaches, particularly lowering the male hormone testosterone and interfering with its propensity to fuel cancer growth and progression, and radiation therapy aimed at sites of disease. Several other treatments can also be used if necessary. Screening for prostate cancer using blood tests for prostate-specific antigen can save lives, allowing prostate cancer to be diagnosed at an early stage when surgery or radiation therapy are most effective. Most recommendations are that PSA screening be considered only after consultation with a physician about risks and benefits, and if elected, start at age 50 years (or earlier for Black men or men with a family history of prostate cancer). When to stop screening can be a vexing question. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening of men after age 70 years, but many men and their doctors continue to pursue PSA screening through the 70s and beyond, taking into consideration other health problems, life expectancy, etc. Finally, even despite a routine screening regimen, particularly aggressive cancers can arise in between planned screening tests. The Gleason score is assigned by a pathologist who diagnoses prostate cancer by examining prostate biopsy specimens under a microscope. The score (named for a pathologist named Donald Gleason, who worked at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in the 1960s) ranges from 6 to 10 and reflects the pattern of growth seen by the pathologist, with higher scores indicative of more aggressive cancer behavior. The side effects associated with antagonizing the actions of the male hormone testosterone include hot flashes, loss of libido, fatigue, diminished muscle mass and strength, osteoporosis, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The major side effects associated with prostate radiation therapy are a result of damage to nerves that run along the prostate and are responsible for erections, and of damage to the rectum. Prostate surgery, when appropriate, also risks damage to nerves needed for erections, along with risks of urinary incontinence. From what has been reported, President Biden's prostate cancer can definitely be treated, with the promise of keeping his prostate cancer under control for many months, or hopefully even longer. Autopsy studies conducted on men dying from other causes suggest that more than half of men harbor cancers in their prostates by the time they get into their 80s. These days, 1 in 8 men receive a diagnosis at some point in their lives, while about 1 in 44 die of the disease. One of my old mentors, the late Donald Coffey, used to argue that the key screening and diagnosis challenge is to find the aggressively behaving disease, which he called the 'tigers,' early enough to allow treatment for cure, while leaving what he called the 'pussycats' alone. This has been slowly improving: Prostate MRI is now more frequently used to ensure that prostate biopsies are aimed at the more aggressive lesions in the prostate so that they aren't missed. The post What Biden's Cancer Diagnosis Means — A Doctor Breaks It Down With Katie appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Observer
20-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site
Scientific Advisory Council to Help Preserve Wadi Dawkah The frankincense trees have flourished in Wadi Dawkah, located in Dhofar, southern Oman, for thousands of years, with their relationship to humanity tracing back to antiquity. However, many secrets remain to be uncovered to truly understand, nurture, and preserve these remarkable trees. For Amouage, this translates into taking concrete, purposeful actions grounded in scientific research conducted by highly specialised partners. In this context, the Wadi Dawkah Scientific Advisory Council has been established as a key mechanism to support Amouage's ambition of transforming the site into a global reference for the sustainable, ethical, and transparent sourcing of natural ingredients for perfumery. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site The Scientific Advisory Council brings together a distinguished group of international specialists alongside leading Omani experts. The council is composed of Dr. Khalid Al Farsi, a Horticulture Expert from the Oman Botanic Garden; Suaad Al Harthi, Executive Director at the Environment Society of Oman; Dr. Laila Al Harthy, a Botany Expert; and Thomas Andro, Vice-President of Responsible Sourcing at DSM-Firmenich. The role of the Council is to ensure scientific rigor, involving a series of meticulous baseline studies not only related to the frankincense tree itself but also to the environment in which it thrives. The results of these analyses will enable the establishment of guidelines for day-to-day practices: understanding the current environment in all its aspects is essential for determining the best course of action for the preservation and future development of Wadi Dawkah. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site Since becoming custodians of the site, Amouage has demonstrated continuous efforts towards the ethical and transparent development of Wadi Dawkah. This includes ongoing monitoring, data collection through a dedicated database and application, the employment of a growing local workforce, external inspections conducted through a network of partnerships, and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Environment Society of Oman in 2024. The establishment of the Wadi Dawkah Scientific Advisory Council brings scientific rigour and a structured framework to these efforts through comprehensive documentation and research. It enables a deeper understanding of the Wadi Dawkah environment and the identification of strategies that can be effectively implemented in daily operations. For Amouage, this provides an external challenge to enhance stewardship of the site significantly and demonstrates a firm commitment to the sustainable development of the Wadi Dawkah UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site Historic Sanctuary Wadi Dawkah is home to the world's largest protected Boswellia sacra forest. This historic sanctuary, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, serves not only as a reservoir of biodiversity but also as a critical line of defence in the effort to protect the revered frankincense tree. With over 5,000 frankincense trees flourishing across 3,500 acres, Wadi Dawkah is where the journey of this precious resin begins—one steeped in ancient tradition and cultural significance. Historically, the use of frankincense dates back millennia, its aromatic smoke woven into the fabric of religious rituals and funerary rites. Frankincense was believed to carry human prayers to the divine, and its resin, used in embalming practices, linked the living to the realms beyond. The Dhofar region has been instrumental in the incense trade since antiquity, as evidenced by archaeological sites such as Khor Rori, Shisr, and Al-Baleed, which dot the ancient Incense Route. Today, Wadi Dawkah stands at a crucial intersection of tradition and modernity. Under the guidance of Matthew Wright, the head of Wadi Dawkah, an international team collaborates with local Omani experts to ensure that these ancient practices are preserved and revitalised. Wright's deep connection to the region, amplified by years of experience living in Salalah and studying Arabic, positions him as an ideal steward of this remarkable site. He is committed to leading initiatives that will establish a thriving frankincense industry while simultaneously fostering respect and sustainability. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site Listening to the echoes of the past, Mohammed Istanbooli leads the team responsible for caring for and nurturing the frankincense trees. A native of Salalah, Istanbooli's bond with the land and its trees runs deep. He supervises the delicate process of resin harvesting, ensuring that each tree is treated with the utmost care, embodying a philosophy that intertwines ecological consciousness with cultural heritage. Although the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah are treasures of the land, they face environmental threats and pressures from overharvesting. It is within this context that the Wadi Dawkah project emerges as a lifeline for not only the trees but also the communities that rely on them. Ghanem Jaddad, whose family has been entwined with the region's frankincense for generations, plays a crucial role in linking Omani skills and communal knowledge to broader sustainability efforts. His life embodies the continuity of tradition, as he works alongside a dedicated team to safeguard this natural heritage for future generations. The initiative extends beyond the preservation of trees; it encompasses the local community as well. Employment opportunities for residents of Thumrait and other nearby towns are created, revitalising age-old practices and ensuring that the artisan techniques of harvesting and processing frankincense continue to thrive. This harmonious approach not only benefits the local population but also contributes significantly to the sustainable management of this unique ecosystem, helping to sustain an ancient cultural legacy in a modern world. The Scientific Advisory Council is an essential expansion of these efforts, ensuring the ongoing success of the site's preservation. By integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge, the council aims to establish best practices that will foster resilience in Wadi Dawkah's environment against climate change and other external pressures. This collaboration is paramount, as it blends the wisdom of local communities with the rigour of scientific inquiry.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MyFitnessPal Unveils Its 2025 Winter Release
New and innovative app features empower members with tools and guidance to simplify nutrition tracking and build sustainable healthy habits NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MyFitnessPal, the no. 1 global nutrition and food tracking app, today announced its 2025 Winter Release, a suite of new features and updates empowering members to build healthier habits and achieve their goals—all designed to make tracking easier and more effective for real life. With the 2025 Winter Release, MyFitnessPal members benefit from: Voice LogBuilds consistent tracking habits and supports healthier lifestyles, this Premium feature uses voice-to-text technology to simplify nutrition tracking. Members can say what they ate, and the app will suggest matches to help log meals faster and easier. Voice Log complements other Premium features like Barcode Scan and Meal Scan. Weekly HabitsHelps members build healthy routines through manageable, one-week goals like increasing their protein intake or eating more vegetables. Developed with input from registered dietitians and MyFitnessPal's Scientific Advisory Council, the feature aligns with the SMART goal framework for lasting habit formation. Members can track their progress, celebrate small wins, and stay motivated by focusing on progress over perfection. This feature is available globally for free in English-speaking territories on iOS and Android. Food SuggestionsFood Suggestions highlights recommended foods, carefully curated by registered dietitians, to help members increase their intake of essential nutrients like protein and fiber. Each suggestion comes with easy-to-follow prep tips, offering practical, actionable ways to incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into daily meals, making healthy eating more accessible and convenient. Members can filter their food suggestions by three dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, and can log them directly into their diary for seamless tracking. Food Suggestions is currently available to US English-speaking members. Food Database EnhancementsMakes tracking faster, easier, and more accurate, saving members time while improving nutritional accuracy of their logs. With a smarter search algorithm, dietitian-curated best match results, and refined data, it's easier than ever to find and log the right foods. Updated Food Group Insights brings awareness to a member's food intake by providing them with an overview of the number of foods they logged in a week categorized by food groups. "The 2025 Winter Release underscores MyFitnessPal's commitment to supporting our members as they advance the way they approach nutrition and habit development," said Tim Holley, Chief Product Officer at MyFitnessPal. "Integrating tools like Voice Log and Weekly Habits, gives members effective solutions to streamline tracking, while reinforcing the importance of progress over perfection in building lasting habits—because true success in nutrition comes from consistency, not perfection." For more information on MyFitnessPal, visit or download the app for free or upgrade to Premium via the App Store or Google Play for $79.99 per year. About MyFitnessPalMyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year, and with a community of over 250 million users in 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world's most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 19 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, more than 40 workout routines, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change. The MyFitnessPal app is available on the App Store and Google Play store. To learn more, visit or follow MyFitnessPal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE MyFitnessPal
