Latest news with #TheConversation
San Francisco Chronicle
a day ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Trump's West Point speech brought partisanship to the home of the US military − 3 essential reads
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Jeff Inglis, The Conversation (THE CONVERSATION) President Donald Trump's speech at the graduation of the class of 2025 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point included segments that were clearly scripted and portions that were obviously not. During the unscripted portions, Trump, who wore a bright red 'Make America Great Again' campaign hat during his entire appearance on May 24, 2025, delivered remarks that hit many of his frequent partisan political talking points. That included attacking presidential predecessors Barack Obama and Joe Biden, describing immigrants to the U.S. as 'criminals' and trumpeting other policy accomplishments in his first and second terms. That level of partisanship in a military setting – on the campus of the nation's first military academy, and before an audience of cadets and their families, many of whom are veterans – is unusual in the United States. The Conversation U.S. has published several articles discussing the importance to democracy of keeping the military and partisan politics separate. Here are three highlights from that coverage. 1. Cadets focus on the Constitution During the West Point ceremony, the graduates themselves took an oath to 'support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' And all of them had studied the significance of that oath, including in classes like those taught by Joseph G. Amoroso and Lee Robinson, active-duty Army officers who graduated from West Point and later served as professors there. As Amoroso and Robinson wrote, those classes teach cadets that, like all military personnel, they serve the Constitution and the American people, not a particular person or political party: ' (O)ur oath forms the basis of a nonpartisan ethic. In the U.S., unlike in many other countries, the oath implies military leaders should be trusted for their expertise and judgment, not for their loyalty to an individual or political party. We emphasize to cadets the rules and professional expectations associated with this profound responsibility.' 2. A tradition of nonpartisanship Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Samuel C. Mahaney, who teaches history, national security and constitutional law at Missouri University of Science and Technology, observed: ' (S)ince the days of George Washington, the military has been dedicated to serving the nation, not a specific person or political agenda. … (N)onpartisanship is central to the military's primary mission of defending the country.' Mahaney wrote that if Trump's actions during his second term meant a change from the centuries of precedent, 'military personnel at all levels would face a crucial question: Would they stand up for the military's independent role in maintaining the integrity and stability of American democracy or follow the president's orders – even if those orders crossed a line that made them illegal or unconstitutional?' 3. Dating back to the founding of the nation Marcus Hedahl and Bradley Jay Strawser, professors of philosophy who teach military ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School, respectively, explain the reason for this long-standing focus on keeping politicians and politics separate from military action. ' To minimize the chance of the kind of military occupation they suffered during the Revolutionary War, the country's founders wrote the Constitution requiring that the president, an elected civilian, would be the commander in chief of the military. In the wake of World War II, Congress went even further, restructuring the military and requiring that the secretary of defense be a civilian as well.' As they observed, '… the framers always intended it to be the people's military – not the president's.'
Asia Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Asia Times
African pro soccer footballers have improved the sport in China
Relations between China and Africa are increasingly important in understanding the dynamics that shape our world. But until now, the role of sport was overlooked. A new book, Global China and the Global Game in Africa , explores the role of football in relations between China and Africa – culturally, politically and economically. Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu chatted with The Conversation about his chapter in the book. It's a study of African football migration, how players fare in the popular China Super League and what their experiences of the country are. A growing number of African male football players moved abroad to play professionally after the Bosman ruling in 1995. This European Court of Justice decision related to freedom of movement for workers. It triggered sports migration around the globe, and African players were major beneficiaries. Historically, aspiring African professional footballers mostly looked for opportunities in Europe. Leagues in France, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal were popular because of their colonial ties to Africa. They offered established footballing structures and higher wages. The Middle East, the US and south-east Asia also became options. However, China's sustained economic growth over the last three decades has contributed to an intense and multifaceted global engagement that includes the game of football. The Chinese Super League (CSL) began to invest heavily in attracting international talent. It became a viable and often lucrative alternative for African players. This coincided with China's growing economic influence in Africa. African players are sought after for their athleticism and speed. And often they make lower transfer fee and wage demands than players from Europe or South America. Between 2006 and 2023, over 141 African players played in the Chinese Super League. They came from west Africa (59.57%), central Africa (19.5 %), southern Africa (10.64%), north Africa (8.51%) and east Africa (2.13%). Research shows that these players have generally performed well, often making significant contributions to their teams. Match statistics indicate that many African strikers and attacking midfielders have been key playmakers. Many have emerged as top scorers in the league. Their physical attributes often give African footballers an edge, and many have quickly adapted to the playing style in China. Chinese players, often lacking international exposure, and constrained athletically, tend to rely on technical finesse. Migrant players bring athleticism, cosmopolitan technical-tactical awareness and levels of intensity that make the league more exciting. African players are enriching the Chinese game significantly, just as they have done to the European game. They've increased the number of tactical choices and game plans for Chinese teams and, in the process, upped the quality of the league. Of course, performance can vary greatly depending on individual players, team tactics, and the overall level of competition in the league at different periods. Players' experiences in the CSL vary. Many report positive experiences when it comes to the financial rewards and the opportunity to play professional football at a high level. But cultural and linguistic barriers can present challenges. African players must adapt to Chinese food and social customs. Language and communication within the team can take time and effort. Some players have also reported issues of racism or feeling isolated because of these cultural differences and the transient nature of their contracts. Some feel lonely. Research on African football migration generally highlights that the social and cultural integration process is crucial for the overall well-being and success of African players abroad. Sport, particularly football with its global appeal and professional structures, is a significant avenue for transnational movement. FIFA, as the global governing body of football, facilitates this movement through regulations and transfer systems. It's the mission of FIFA to establish and grow the game of football into a truly global sport. This, however, continues to be undermined by the enduring global inequalities and disparities that shape the world. For many African men, professional football represents a pathway to economic advancement and social mobility. These opportunities are often limited in their home countries due to economic constraints or lack of well-developed professional leagues. So, migration to leagues like the Chinese Super League is driven by both push factors (limited opportunities at home) and pull factors (better financial rewards and professional experiences abroad). The presence and performance of African players in the Chinese Super League can contribute to China's soft power and image in Africa. Seeing African athletes succeed in China can foster a sense of connection and goodwill between the two regions. It showcases China as a global player in the world of football and can be interpreted as a sign of growing ties and mutual engagement beyond economic and political spheres. Apart from being players, African footballers act as cultural ambassadors for their respective countries and the African continent. At the level of people-to-people exchange, African players interact with their Chinese teammates, fans and communities. This enhances and sustains cultural exchange and understanding. However, it's my considered opinion that, unlike the western countries where many former players settle and raise families, many Africans in China seem not to see it as being a friendly place to settle down. Even so, the presence of African players in China is helping to develop a greater familiarity and affinity between the people of China and Africa, with the promise of lasting influence socially, economically and culturally. Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu is a professor and the chair of kinesiology and health science at Stephen F. Austin State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Doctors shocked at extreme new aesthetics craze that sends cancer risk soaring
Experts have sounded the alarm over a dangerous new cosmetic trend that involves altering the skin and hair using a freezing cold iron. The bizarre craze, which permanently marks the body and hair colour using liquid nitrogen, can raise the risk of skin cancer, according to British experts. This is because the extreme cold kills cells in the skin that are vital for protecting against the deadliest form of the disease, melanoma. Other risks include infection, frostbite and the loss of fingers or limbs, warned Professor Adam Taylor, an expert in anatomy from Lancaster University. 'It can take as little as 20 seconds for liquid nitrogen to cause second, third and even fourth degree burns,' he wrote for The Conversation. This technique, which is also thought to turn the hair white due to the effect of freezing temperatures on pigmentation, was initially invented by farmers to mark animals for identification. However, horses and cattle have skin between two to four times thicker than humans making them less vulnerable to damage, according to Prof Taylor. 'There are strict safety protocols for branding animals. There are zero for humans. And in the UK, it's illegal to brand people—whether with heat or cold,' he added. Worryingly, comments shared on Reddit reveal that some are attracted to the technique in order to change their hair colour. 'Will freeze branding turn my hair white?' wrote one user. 'This is a technique used on farm mammals such as horses, cows, and goats. On pigmented areas the hair grows back white. 'I have found no research or examples of freeze branding on human scalp though I believe that it would have the same effect. 'Does anyone have more insight on this?' Prof Taylor explained exactly how so-called 'freeze branding' could increase the risk of cancer. The extreme cold causes ice crystals to form inside skin cells and as the water inside the cells freezes, it expands and breaks the cells' walls. This kills the melanocyte cells, stopping them from producing melanin that gives your skin hair and colour. These melanocyte cells play an integral role in protecting the body against skin cancer. When you are exposed to sunlight or UV rays, the cells produce more melanin to protect your skin. This helps form a protective shield around your DNA to help prevent damage from harmful rays. In the UK, there are around 2,300 melanoma skin cancer deaths and 17,500 new cases recorded every year. There could be other serious implications from losing melanocytes as we don't know all the long-term risks, the expert said. He also flagged the risk of dehydration, which happens because your body loses fluid while trying to heal from trauma. Skin branding is regularly featured in the hit Paramount western show, Yellowstone, which centres around a family-owned cattle ranch in Montana, and follows the dramas that ensue. In the show, characters can be seen being 'branded' by the ranch with a permanent burn—achieved by pressing a red-hot iron pressed into their flesh. This is a mark of their loyalty to the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Body modification is an increasingly popular trend in the UK and US. The cosmetic craze involves changing the appearence of the face and body using extreme techniques such as multiple piercings and tattoos.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 3 simple at-home tests to check how well YOUR brain is really ageing
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE it's impossible to predict your exact lifespan, experts have developed simple tests over the years to gauge how well (or how badly) a person is ageing. The sit-to-stand test has gained popularity in recent years, with the aim to measure how many times a person can rise from a seated position to a standing position and back within 30 seconds. 3 Cognitive fitness is a good measure of how well a person is ageing Credit: Getty The test can be a predictor of frailty and mortality - lower scores may indicate a higher risk of falls and reduced mobility. But if you want to really understand how well you're ageing, it's important to look beyond physical health. Mental sharpness, emotional resilience and social connection matter just as much, says Marco Arkesteijn, a lecturer in sport and exercise biomechanics at Aberystwyth University. Writing for The Conversation, he advises a better way to test how well you're ageing is to assess your cognitive fitness, which includes skills like attention, memory and flexibility. Three tests he recommends are the Trail Making Test, the Stroop Task, and Dual-task Challenge. He says: "These kinds of tasks test how well your brain handles competing demands – a key ability that becomes even more important as we age. "This skill is known as cognitive flexibility, and it helps you adapt to changing situations, switch between tasks and manage distractions." Trail Making Test 3 The Trail Making Test involves connecting dots in a specific order Credit: Getty The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a neuropsychological test used to assess visual attention, task switching, and executive function. It involves connecting dots in a specific order. A subject is given a sheet containing the dots (numbers and letters) and a pencil. 10 second one leg stand test For part A, the subject is instructed to connect the numbers in numerical order as quickly as possible. For part B, the subject is instructed to connect the alternating numbers and letters in the correct sequence. The time taken to complete each part is recorded. Part A measures psychomotor speed and visual search. Part B measures executive function, including set-shifting and inhibition. Time difference between part A and part B can indicate difficulties with task switching and executive function. As well as being a test for ageing you can do at home, the TMT is used in various clinical settings, including evaluating brain injury, identifying early signs of dementia, and tracking progress after brain injuries and other neurological conditions. Stroop Task The Stroop task is a psychological experiment designed to measure cognitive interference, specifically the interference between reading a word and naming the colour it's written in. Participants are presented with colour words, and the task is to name the colour of the ink the word is printed in, even when the word itself contradicts that colour. The word "RED" might be printed in blue ink, creating a conflict between the word's meaning and the ink colour. Signs of difficulty with the Stroop task include slower reaction times, increased errors, and finding it hard to override the automatic tendency to read the word rather than identify the colour. In clinical settings, the Stroop task can be used to assess attention deficits and cognitive flexibility, such as evaluating individuals with ADHD or other neurological conditions. Dual-task Challenge 3 The Dual-task Challenge involves performing two tasks simultaneously, such as walking and talking Credit: Getty A Dual-task Challenge involves simultaneously performing two tasks, often a motor task and a cognitive task, to assess the impact of one task on the performance of the other. This approach is used to study how attention and cognitive resources are allocated and how multitasking can affect performance, particularly in areas like gait and balance. Common dual-task scenarios include walking while talking, counting while performing a physical exercise, or paying attention to a conversation while walking. Struggling with dual-task challenges can manifest in various ways. You might experience decreased performance in either or both tasks, increased reaction times, or changes in physical movement like reduced walking speed or balance issues. Specifically, you could notice difficulties with tasks requiring cognitive flexibility, executive function, memory, attention, and processing speed. In some cases, people may also report increased falls or a fear of falling due to the challenges of dual-tasking, especially when combined with occupational demands. Dual-task training is used in rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with neurological conditions or injuries, to improve balance and gait, and it's also used in research to understand how cognitive abilities influence physical performance. But the most important thing to do when doing these tests is to complete them a few times at the start, then retest yourself once a month. That way you can track improvements or deterioration. Arkesteijn says: "Cognitive changes may be slower to notice than physical ones, so regular checks can help reveal progress over time." But he adds: "There's no single test or score that can capture how well you're ageing. Think of it more like a jigsaw puzzle. "Physical health, mental agility, emotional balance, social connection - they all matter, and they all interact. "And of course, even if you perform well now, some changes inthe future may be beyond your control. "No test can fully predict what lies ahead."
CNN
2 days ago
- Health
- CNN
Women face medical gaslighting for chronic pain, experts say
EDITOR'S NOTE: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. CNN is showcasing the work of The Conversation, a collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation. For people with chronic gynecological pain conditions, pain can be constant, making everyday activities like sitting, riding a bicycle and even wearing underwear extremely uncomfortable. For many of these people — most of whom identify as women — sexual intercourse and routine pelvic exams are unbearable. Endometriosis and vulvodynia, or chronic genital pain, are common gynecological conditions that can cause severe pain. They each affect about 1 in 10 American women. Yet many women face skepticism and gaslighting in health care settings when they seek care for this type of pain. READ MORE: Ovarian cysts can be painful when they burst. When do you need to see a doctor? We know this well through our research on social cognition and on how people with misunderstood health conditions manage difficult conversations with their doctors and family, as well as through volunteer work alongside people living with these conditions. We've consistently found that medical gaslighting around chronic gynecological pain is a complex societal problem, fueled by holes in medical research and training. A 2024 study of patients who went to a clinic for vulvovaginal pain — pain experienced in the external female genitals and vagina –- found that 45% of these patients had been told that they 'just needed to relax more' and 39% were made to feel that they were 'crazy.' A staggering 55% had considered giving up on seeking care. These results echo what one of us — Elizabeth Hintz — found in her 2023 meta-synthesis: Female patients with chronic pain conditions frequently hear this 'it's all in your head' response from doctors. Another study followed patients in two different major US cities who were seeking care for vulvovaginal pain. The researchers found that most patients saw multiple clinicians but never received a diagnosis. Given the challenges of seeking medical care, many patients turn to social media sources like Reddit for support and information. These studies, among others, illustrate how people with these conditions often spend years going to clinician after clinician seeking care and being told their pain is psychological or perhaps not even real. Given these experiences, why do patients keep seeking care? 'Let me describe the pain that would drive me to try so many different doctors, tests and treatments,' a patient with vulvovaginal pain said to her doctor. For her, sex 'is like taking your most sensitive area and trying to rip it apart.' 'I can now wear any pants or underwear that I want with no pain,' said another patient after successful treatment. 'I never realized how much of a toll the pain took on my body every day until it was gone.' Many patients worldwide experience medical gaslighting — a social phenomenon where a patient's health concerns are not given appropriate medical evaluation and are instead downplayed, misattributed or dismissed outright. Medical gaslighting is rooted in centuries of gender bias in medicine. Women's reproductive health issues have long been dismissed as psychological or 'hysterical.' Genital and pelvic pain especially has been misattributed to psychological rather than biological causes: A century ago, Freudian psychoanalysts incorrectly believed that female sexual pain came from psychological complexes like penis envy. These historical views help shed light on why these symptoms are still not taken seriously today. In addition to the physical toll of untreated pain, medical gaslighting can take a psychological toll. Women may become isolated when other people do not believe their pain. Some internalize this disbelief and can begin to doubt their own perceptions of pain and even their sanity. This cycle of gaslighting compounds the burden of the pain and might lead to long-term psychological effects like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. For some, the repeated experience of being dismissed by clinicians erodes their sense of trust in the health care system. They might hesitate to seek medical attention in the future, fearing they will once again be dismissed. Although some chronic gynecological pain conditions like endometriosis are gaining public attention and becoming better understood, these dynamics persist. Part of the reason for the misunderstanding surrounding chronic gynecological pain conditions is the lack of research on them. A January report from the National Academies found that research on diseases disproportionately affecting women were underfunded compared with diseases disproportionately affecting men. This problem has gotten worse over time. The proportion of funding from the National Institutes of Health spent on women's health has actually declined over the past decade. Despite these known disparities, in April the Trump administration threatened to end funding for the Women's Health Initiative, a long-running women's health research program, further worsening the problem. READ MORE: The Women's Health Initiative has shaped women's health for over 30 years, but its future is uncertain Without sustained federal funding for women's health research, conditions like endometriosis and vulvodynia will remain poorly understood, leaving clinicians in the dark and patients stranded. As hard as it is for any female patient to have their pain believed and treated, gaining recognition for chronic pain is even harder for those who face discrimination based on class or race. One 2016 study found that half of the white medical students surveyed endorsed at least one false belief about biological differences between Black and white patients, such as that Black people have physically thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings than white people. The medical students and residents who endorsed these false beliefs also underestimated Black patients' pain and offered them less accurate treatment recommendations. Studies show that women are more likely to develop chronic pain conditions and report more frequent and severe pain than men. But women are perceived as more emotional and thus less reliable in describing their pain than men. Consequently, female patients who describe the same symptoms as male patients are judged to be in less pain and are less likely to be offered pain relief, even in emergency settings and with female clinicians. Compared to male patients, female patients are more likely to be prescribed psychological care instead of pain medicine. These lingering erroneous beliefs about gender and race are key reasons patients' pain is dismissed, misunderstood and ignored. The very real-life consequences for patients include delayed diagnosis, treatment and even death. Correcting these problems will require a shift in clinical training, so as to challenge biased views about pain in women and racial minorities and to educate clinicians about common pain conditions like vulvodynia. Research suggests that medical training needs to teach students to better listen to patients' lived experiences and admit when an answer isn't known. In the meantime, people navigating the health care system can take practical steps when encountering dismissive care. They can educate themselves about chronic gynecological pain conditions by reading books like 'When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain' or educational information from trusted sources like the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, the International Pelvic Pain Society and the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease. Although these steps do not address the roots of medical gaslighting, they can empower patients to better understand the medical conditions that could cause their symptoms, helping to counteract the effects of gaslighting. READ MORE: Endometriosis pain leads to missed school and work in two-thirds of women with the condition, new study finds If someone you know has experienced medical gaslighting and would like support, there are resources available. Organizations like The Endometriosis Association and the National Vulvodynia Association offer support networks and information — like how to find knowledgeable providers. Additionally, connecting with patient advocacy groups like Tight Lipped can provide opportunities for patients to engage in changing the health care system.
