Latest news with #SouvikSen
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
2 new spider species discovered in Nagaland, Meghalaya; ZSI points to importance of biodiversity studies in Northeast
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, have recently documented four notable spider species from Northeast India. This significant finding includes the description of two species previously unknown to science and the first-ever recorded presence of two other species within the country. The newly identified species Psechrus chizami was discovered in Nagaland, while Psechrus nathanael was recorded in both Nagaland and Meghalaya. The specific epithet chizami is derived from the locality of its initial collection, Chizami. Psechrus nathanael is named in honour of Nathanael P A Newmai in recognition of his invaluable support during field investigations. With these additions, the number of Psechrus species identified in India now stands at seven. Spiders of the Psechridae family construct distinctive, slightly dome-shaped sheet webs incorporating a tubular retreat, typically situated within small crevices, rock fissures, or the root systems of trees. The research team, comprising Dr Souvik Sen, Dr Sudhin P P, and Shouvik Mali, also documented the presence of Pardosa tuberosa and Thiania abdominalis within a relatively undisturbed habitat in Meghalaya. The wolf spider, Pardosa tuberosa, exhibits high sensitivity to environmental perturbations. Its declining population indicates deteriorating ecosystem health and habitat disturbance, thereby highlighting its potential as a significant bioindicator species. The jumping spider, Thianiaabdominalis, is characterised as a medium-sized species with a light reddish-brown cephalothorax and a creamy yellow abdomen marked by prominent black bands. Unlike web-building spiders, Thiania species employ agility and acute vision for prey capture, contributing to natural pest regulation within their ecological niche. Dr Souvik Sen, the principal investigator of this study, said, 'This discovery holds considerable significance, not only due to the identification of two new species and two new national records but also because it underscores the substantial, yet largely untapped, potential for further biodiversity research within these ecosystems. Continued exploration of these diverse habitats is likely to reveal numerous additional species awaiting scientific documentation.' Dr Dhriti Banerjee, director of the ZSI, said, 'This finding represents an initial step, and further comprehensive surveys will be undertaken in the unexplored regions of the northeast, given its unparalleled biodiversity. A significant portion of the region's fauna remains undiscovered. Through sustained investigation, researchers anticipate unveiling the intricate faunal diversity concealed within the forested highlands of northeast India.'
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ZSI researchers discover 2 new spider species and 2 new national records in Northeast India
In a significant discovery, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), headquartered in Kolkata, have documented four significant spider species from the biodiversity-rich northeastern region of India. The findings include the identification of two previously unknown species and two others recorded for the first time in the country — an important step in unravelling the region's largely untapped arachnid diversity . The newly discovered species, Psechrus chizami and Psechrus nathanael, were found in the forested landscapes of Nagaland and Meghalaya. The former is named after the village of Chizami in Nagaland, where it was first collected, while the latter honours Nathanael P. A. Newmai for his support during fieldwork. These additions bring the total number of Psechrus species recorded in India to seven. Members of the Psechridae family are known for their distinctive dome-shaped sheet webs with tubular retreats, often located in crevices, rock fissures, or among tree roots. The newly described spiders also display unique genital features that set them apart from other known species in the genus. The full taxonomic details of these species have been published in the reputed journal Zootaxa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Lead researcher Souvik Sen, along with Sudhin P. P. and Shouvik Mali, also documented two additional spider species — Pardosa tuberosa and Thiania abdominalis — in relatively undisturbed habitats in Meghalaya. These are the first official records of both species in India, with their findings featured in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Pardosa tuberosa, a wolf spider, is recognized for its sensitivity to environmental changes, making it a potential bio-indicator of ecosystem health. Its presence in pristine habitats serves as a benchmark for ecological integrity. On the other hand, Thiania abdominalis, a jumping spider species with a light reddish-brown cephalothorax and creamy yellow abdomen marked by black bands, uses agility and keen vision for prey capture rather than web-building, playing a crucial role in natural pest control. 'This discovery holds considerable significance, not only due to the identification of new species and national records, but also because it highlights the immense, yet understudied, arachnid biodiversity of Northeast India,' said Souvik Sen, the principal investigator of the study. 'We believe that continued research in these rich ecosystems will unveil many more species that have yet to be described.' Dhriti Banerjee, ZSI director, emphasized the importance of the discovery, stating, 'This marks just the beginning. The Northeast is a global biodiversity hotspot, and vast areas remain unexplored. With sustained research efforts, we are confident of revealing the region's hidden faunal wealth.' These discoveries reinforce the significance of systematic biodiversity documentation in the region and stress the urgency of preserving these fragile ecosystems before more species disappear unrecorded.
The Independent
31-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
This dental hygiene habit may lower stroke risk, scientists say
Flossing teeth at least once a week is linked to a lower risk of stroke caused by blood clots and irregular heartbeats, a new study says. The research, to be presented next week at the International Stroke Conference 2025, looks at how frequently people follow oral hygiene habits like brushing and dental flossing. "A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases – such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease – affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions," study lead author Souvik Sen from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine said. "We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behaviour dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits has the greatest impact on stroke prevention." Researchers determined the extent of the home use of dental floss through a structured questionnaire for over 6,000 people. They found that among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Irregular heartbeat has been shown in previous studies to potentially lead to stroke, heart failure or other heart -related complications. The participants also shared data about health parameters such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, regular brushing and dentist visits. Over 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants were identified as having strokes, 147 from larger artery brain clots, 97 from heart-driven clots and 95 were hardening of the smaller arteries. About 1,291 of the participants were noted to have experienced an irregular heartbeat. An analysis of the data revealed that flossing was linked to a 22 per cent lower risk of ischemic stroke, a condition in which blood flow to the brain is blocked. Researchers also found that the dental hygiene habit is associated with a 44 per cent lower risk of blood clots travelling from the heart and about 12 per cent lower risk of irregular heartbeats. This link is independent of regular brushing, routine dental visits or other oral hygiene behaviours, scientists said. More frequent flossing seems to have a greater chance of stroke risk reduction, they say. "Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits," Dr Sen said. "Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.'
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This good hygiene habit could lower your risk of a stroke — but only a third of Americans do it
Mind your hygiene! About 795,000 Americans will have a stroke this year, but new research suggests that a common, healthy habit may reduce the risk of certain types of stroke. 'A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases — such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease — affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions,' said study lead author Dr. Souvik Sen. 'We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior — dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits — has the greatest impact on stroke prevention,' added Sen, chair of the neurology department at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Sen's team linked flossing teeth at least once a week to a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke and 12% lower risk of AFib. Most strokes are ischemic — they occur when there's a blockage in an artery or inadequate blood flow through that artery that causes an area of the brain to become damaged. A cardioembolic stroke happens when a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain, blocking blood flow to a part of the brain. And atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, describes a heartbeat that's too slow, too fast or irregular in some other way. It can lead to stroke, heart failure or other complications. AFib affects more than 5 million American adults — that number is expected to grow to more than 12 million by 2030, according to the American Heart Association. 'Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening,' Sen said. 'Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits.' 'Many people have expressed that dental care is costly,' he continued. 'Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.' This is good news for the 37% of Americans who claim they floss once a week. Nearly 32% of Americans admit they don't floss at all, while the same amount report that they floss daily. In Sen's study, more than 6,200 people answered a questionnaire about their flossing routine. Participants were followed for 25 years. During that time, 434 had strokes and nearly 1,300 experienced Afib. Flossing more often led to a greater chance of stroke risk reduction. Sen's team noted that the lower stroke risk was independent of tooth brushing, routine dental visits and other oral hygiene habits. The research, which has not been peer-reviewed, will be presented next week at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025. Besides potentially lowering stroke risk, flossing removes plaque and food particles from your teeth to reduce your risk of cavities and periodontal disease. But some flosses have been found to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called 'forever chemicals' that linger in the body and have been linked to a host of health problems. A 2019 study by the nonprofit research organization Silent Spring Institute found fluorine — a marker of PFAS — in several floss brands. PFAS in the coating helps floss slide between teeth. 'We're concerned about the potential for PFAS chemicals to migrate out of floss and to be ingested,' Katie Boronow, a Silent Spring research scientist, told The Post this week. 'We want to emphasize that it's important for people to floss as part of good oral hygiene,' she added. 'The good news is that some brands have been found not to contain PFAS.' Boronow recommends looking for floss made from nylon or silk that is unwaxed or coated in natural wax.
Associated Press
30-01-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Regular dental flossing may lower risk of stroke from blood clots, irregular heartbeats
Research Highlights: People who regularly floss their teeth (one or more times per week) may lower their risk of stroke caused by a blood clot traveling from the heart and a stroke associated with an irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). The benefits of regular flossing may be independent of tooth brushing and other oral hygiene behaviors. Researchers suggest that flossing is a healthy habit that is affordable, easy to adopt and accessible everywhere. Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 ( NewMediaWire) - January 30, 2025 - DALLAS — Flossing your teeth at least once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025. The meeting is in Los Angeles, Feb. 5-7, 2025, and is a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health. 'A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases — such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease — affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions,' said study lead author Souvik Sen, M.D., M. S., M.P.H, chair of the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina. 'We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior — dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits — has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.' The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, one of the first large-scale investigations of this kind in the U.S., assessed the home use of dental floss through a structured questionnaire of more than 6,000 people. Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Participants were asked about their status regarding high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, regular brushing and dentist visits. During the 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants were identified as having strokes, of which 147 were larger artery brain clots, 97 were heart-driven clots and 95 were hardening of the smaller arteries. Additionally, 1,291 participants were noted to have experienced AFib. The analysis found: Flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (blood clots traveling from the heart) and 12% lower risk of AFib. The associated lower risk was independent of regular brushing and routine dental visits or other oral hygiene behaviors. Increasing the frequency of flossing had a greater chance of stroke risk reduction. Flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease. Researchers were surprised by the reduction of irregular heartbeats, or AFib. AFib is the most common form of irregular heartbeat. It can lead to stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular complications. More than 12 million people are projected to have AFib in the United States by 2030, according to the American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. 'Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits,' Sen said. 'Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.' Study limitations include that data were based on answers to a questionnaire, and the 25-year follow-up appears to have focused on stroke and heart outcomes only. There was no follow-up concerning flossing or other oral behaviors over the years, Sen said. 'This study offers more insights into the specific dental health behaviors that may be linked to stroke risks and potential risk reduction. With further research, dental health practices could possibly be incorporated into the 'Life's Essential 8" risk factors, which include diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids,' said Daniel T. Lackland, Dr.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association EPI and Stroke Council member and professor of epidemiology and director of the Division of Translational Neurosciences and Population Studies in the department of neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Lackland was not involved in this study. Study background, and details: The study began in 1987 and is ongoing. Of the 6,258 participants, 82% were self-reported white adults and 18% Black adults. Their average age was 62 years and 55% were women. Potential participants were excluded if they had total tooth loss, dental implants, heart disease, organ transplant, artificial joints, implanted heart valve or stent or major surgery. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association's scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association's scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here. ### About the American Stroke Association The American Stroke Association is devoted to saving people from stroke — the No. 2 cause of death in the world and a leading cause of serious disability. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat stroke. The Dallas-based association officially launched in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit Facebook, X.
