Latest news with #influencers
WIRED
18 hours ago
- Health
- WIRED
What Are Exosomes, and Why Are They in Your Skincare?
By now, you've probably seen 'exosomes' wafting across your For You Page, maybe sandwiched between a promo code for snail mucin and someone rendering beef tallow. Scroll through SkinTok long enough, and you'll hit a flood of videos hyping exosome therapy, exosome serums, and exosome treatments promising the skin health of a cherub. Skincare companies have seized the term. Marketed as miraculous regenerative agents, you'll find them on $300 facial menus, in post-micro-needling procedures, and across influencers' skincare routines. TikTok content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. What Are Exosomes? An exosome is a teeny sac inside a cell, or what a scientist might call an extracellular vesicle. They act as tiny mailbags, shuttling mRNAs, lipids, and other genetic material through the cell membranes from one cell to another. Exosomes are a part of the body's internal messaging system, regulating everything from cell growth to hormone production and gene expression. They're microscopic, measuring about 40 to 100 nanometers across, so small they make a red blood cell look massive in comparison. Scientists first discovered them under a microscope back in the 1960s, but they didn't gain significant attention until the early 2000s. Why Are Exosomes Controversial? In medicine, exosomes are being studied for cancer therapies, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug delivery systems. Because they reflect the state of the cells from which they originate, cancer cells often release exosomes that contain unique molecular fingerprints. Scientists are already using these biomarkers to assist in the early diagnosis of conditions like prostate cancer. The potential for early, non-invasive detection across a range of diseases is substantial. Because exosomes can cross biological barriers and deliver cargo, researchers are also exploring them as vehicles for targeted drugs. Additionally, they hold potential for wound healing, inflammation reduction, and tissue regeneration. Naturally, the beauty industry caught wind. Now, exosomes are in moisturizers, serums, and hair injectables, promising to repair your skin barrier, boost collagen production, and reverse aging.
Washington Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
SAO PAULO — Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil , sparking both fascination and controversy. Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn' dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
SAO PAULO (AP) — Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy. Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn' dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions. In Rio de Janeiro, the city council has passed a bill honoring those who make the life-like dolls, pending Mayor Eduardo Paes' signature. Meanwhile, legislators elsewhere across the country have debated fines for those seeking medical help for such dolls, following a viral video allegedly showing a woman taking one to a hospital. Lawmakers have even brought the dolls into legislative chambers. On Tuesday, Joao Luiz, a state lawmaker from Amazonas, appeared with a doll at the State House to announce plans to ban reborn dolls from receiving care in the state's public health system. However, local media reported that health authorities had never recorded any such cases. Last week, congresswoman Talíria Petrone criticized the attention her colleagues were giving to the issue. 'Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them. I have two real children and they're more than enough work,' she said. Dozens of 'reborn mothers' gathered at Villa Lobos Park, in Sao Paulo, on Saturday for a 10th annual meet-up. Participants say criticism should be aimed at attention-seeking influencers, not the broader community. The hyper-realistic baby dolls are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice. Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and longtime collector who owns eight dolls, says they offer emotional comfort. 'I love reborns, despite the hate we see out there,' she said. 'I want the right to go out with them … go to the mall, go to the park.' Daniela Baccan, co-owner of a reborn doll shop in Campinas, Sao Paulo, said dolls sell from 700 reais ($124) to nearly 10,000 reais (nearly $1,800). With the rising controversy, safety concerns are increasing. 'We're locking up the store more, adding cameras,' Baccan said. 'But at the same time, online demand has increased, and the store is seeing a much higher flow of people.' ___ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil, sparking both fascination and controversy. Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn" dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions. In Rio de Janeiro, the city council has passed a bill honoring those who make the life-like dolls, pending Mayor Eduardo Paes' signature. Meanwhile, legislators elsewhere across the country have debated fines for those seeking medical help for such dolls, following a viral video allegedly showing a woman taking one to a hospital. Lawmakers have even brought the dolls into legislative chambers. On Tuesday, Joao Luiz, a state lawmaker from Amazonas, appeared with a doll at the State House to announce plans to ban reborn dolls from receiving care in the state's public health system. However, local media reported that health authorities had never recorded any such cases. Last week, congresswoman Talíria Petrone criticized the attention her colleagues were giving to the issue. 'Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them. I have two real children and they're more than enough work,' she said. Dozens of 'reborn mothers' gathered at Villa Lobos Park, in Sao Paulo, on Saturday for a 10th annual meet-up. Participants say criticism should be aimed at attention-seeking influencers, not the broader community. The hyper-realistic baby dolls are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice. Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and longtime collector who owns eight dolls, says they offer emotional comfort. 'I love reborns, despite the hate we see out there,' she said. 'I want the right to go out with them … go to the mall, go to the park.' Daniela Baccan, co-owner of a reborn doll shop in Campinas, Sao Paulo, said dolls sell from 700 reais ($124) to nearly 10,000 reais (nearly $1,800). With the rising controversy, safety concerns are increasing. 'We're locking up the store more, adding cameras,' Baccan said. 'But at the same time, online demand has increased, and the store is seeing a much higher flow of people.' ___
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Travel influencers reveal most overrated Insta-famous holiday destinations & the dupes that could save you thousands
MILLIONS of Brits are inspired by social media when it comes to booking their next holiday - then left dismayed when they get there, and it doesn't look like what they saw on screen. To avoid disappointment, we've spoken to ten top travel influencers to find their least-favourite destinations and the underrated locations to head to instead. 27 27 Travel writer, Helen Wright, from passportstampsuk says short and snappy video content online can show someone everything a destination has to offer in less than a minute. She told Sun Travel: "In less time than it takes to make a cup of tea, you might discover somewhere you have never heard of and get a look at the sights, food and feel of the place before the kettle has even boiled. "I was planning a short break to a Spanish city I'd visited before when I saw influencers Twin Perspectives post about Gdansk in Poland. "It looked relaxed, easy to navigate and with lots to see and do, so I ended up going there instead. "Not only did I get to experience somewhere I've never been before, it was half the price - flights to Gdansk on Ryanair start from £11 each way, so it's a real bargain." Influencers who travel the world full-time often stumble across less popular places, seeing how they compare to common holiday spots for Brits. The Sun asked a range of travel experts for their most overrated destination and the French capital Paris was the most unpopular destination, with many frequent travellers saying the same thing. "It doesn't live up to the hype," says travel blogger Cora Harrison. "It's expensive, dirty, often overcrowded and not easily walkable." So what overrated destinations do some of the top UK travel influencers think you should avoid this year? And where should you swap them for instead? Ryanair launches new flights to cheap holiday hotspot Miami for Panama City Beach, Florida 27 27 Helen told Sun Travel: " Miami is iconic, which is why it's a bucket list destination for a lot of people, but it's also very expensive and can be difficult to navigate. "Often, people, especially families, discover that there isn't actually that much to do in Miami Beach itself and after a few days, find it disappointing. "The beach is beautiful, but it doesn't have the laid-back Florida beach life that some coastal towns have. "Instead, go to Panama City Beach on the Gulf Coast. It's just as lively as Miami, but the beach bars here are laid back and family-friendly. "There are lots of sleek apartments along the seafront, perfect for families, that start from £90 a night. Compared to the hotels in South Beach, which are usually between £150-£250 per night, it's a real bargain. "The beach itself is stunning. It's one of the nicest I have seen in the USA, outside of Hawaii. "The water is pure blue and it's not uncommon to spot dolphins, manatees and turtles swimming off the shore. "It doesn't have the architecture and culture that Miami offers, but if you want lively nightlife and a white sand beach, Panama City Beach is perfect." Paris for Lyon 27 27 Cora Harrison, from told Sun Travel: " Paris might be known as the City of Love, but reality says otherwise. "It's crowded, overpriced, and honestly, a bit dirty, meaning any charm the city might have is quickly lost. "Instead, I suggest heading to Lyon, France's culinary capital. "It offers riverside strolls, cobbled old towns, and a more relaxed, authentic vibe. "During the same week in September, when 3-star hotels in Paris were £400, you could book an equivilent stay in the centre of Lyon for £250. "Plus, Lyon is well connected, with affordable direct flights from airports across the UK, making it an easy, budget-friendly swap." Mykonos for Kimolos, Greece 27 27 Jackie Rezk from said: "Did you know Greece doesn't have to break the bank? On average, the daily cost to visit touristy places like Mykonos can be over £180 a night. "Mykonos is expensive and so crowded that you lose all the beauty and charm it became famous for. "Instead, why not try Kimolos, which you can get to on the ferry from Athens? "You will find hardly any tourists there and it's absolutely stunning. "This hidden gem is also more affordable to visit, with an average daily spend of £80. "This small volcanic island has the same gorgeous white-washed buildings as Mykonos but with few crowds. "You will find stunning views of the sea, great food, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. "It has easily become my favorite island in Greece." Santorini for Dorset 27 27 Emily Luxton from told Sun Travel: " Santorini always looks perfect on Instagram, but for me, the reality on the ground is less inviting. "You dream of cute cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and sapphire seas. "Instead, you get elbow-to-elbow crowds and overpriced everything! "I do like Santorini and the volcanic rock beaches are impressive, but are usually too heaving to enjoy. "There are far nicer islands in Greece, in my opinion. "In fact, you don't even have to leave the UK to find pretty seaside villages, dramatic coves, and quality seafood. " Dorset has all of that and more, with no additional airport stress. "You can get a two-night stay on the Juarassic Coast, close to key areas like Durdle Door for under £200. In Santorini, you can expect to pay £300 or more. "If you don't mind a bit of a ramble, you can often find a remote beach all to yourself too." Ksmail for Dhermi, Albania 27 Abena Kusi from TravellingTuesdays told Sun Travel: "Ksamil in Albania is very overrated. "People often say this is a hidden gem that not many people know about, but in summer it's rammed. "The beaches are packed and sun loungers and parasols are wildly overpriced. "I've even heard people calling it the Maldives of Europe, but in reality it is a small village, overrun with construction and loud music. "Instead, choose to go further up the Albanian coast to places such as Dhermi or Himare, which are more authentic and less congested. "To be honest, even a simple trip to Corfu would be better and more beautiful than going to Ksami, in my opinion." Nice for Cassis, France 27 27 Instagrammer Nikita Bathia told Sun Travel: Nice is… nice, but it didn't leave much of an impression. "The buildings are pastel, the coastline is pretty, and it looks good in photographs - but beyond that, it felt a bit flat. "The beaches aren't particularly comfortable, the old town is packed, and the energy leans more generic than charming. "It's easy to see why people go, but harder to feel connected to it. "I found myself wishing for somewhere slower, more authentic and less polished. "If, like me, you're after something with more character and less crowds, Èze or Cassis feel far more personal. "They are both beautiful with a stunning coastline and quietly a lot more memorable." Nassau, Bahamas for private island 27 27 Marcus Adam from said: "Going to the Bahamas invokes a vision of azure waters, white sandy beaches, and a blissful island vibe. "But some ports end up a very different experience to what you might expect. "For me, Nassau, one of the Bahamas' main cruise ports, is over busy and overpriced. " Frequent cruisers I meet will often opt to stay on board to enjoy ship amenities instead. "You can go shopping and enjoy the local bars in the brand new port area, but if you prefer a more exclusive experience in the Bahamas, time is better spent at one of the cruise lines' private islands. "However, they are exclusive to the cruise line you sail with, so choose wisely and check the itinerary you book includes a stop there. "My favourites are Bimini with Virgin Voyages, Perfect Day CocoCay with Royal Caribbean, or Castaway Cay with Disney Cruise Line. "As the only ship in port, it feels like your own private island." Cornwall for Llyn Peninsula 27 27 27 Monica Stott from told Sun Travel: "I love Cornwall but unfortunately, so does everyone else looking for a staycation in the UK! "The crowds, the traffic, the lack of parking and the need to book restaurants so far in advance is a real hassle. Plus, the cost of decent accommodation that isn't a caravan is outrageous. "If you can even find somewhere near the beach in summer, expect to pay over £1,000 for the week. "I've started swapping Cornwall for Wales' Llyn Peninsula. You can book accomodation steps from the beach for less than £100 a night. Try Victoria Hotel, a lovely pub with rooms on the coast. "People often say the Llyn Peninsula is how Cornwall was 50 years ago. It's all golden beaches, pretty villages, white-washed cottages, weather-beaten pubs, dramatic cliffs and views for days. "The Llyn Peninsula is also blessed with a beautiful micro-climate and often tops the charts for the hottest days during the UK summer." Mirajima for Kyoto 27 27 Calum McSwiggan told Sun Travel: "While Kyoto is undoubtedly beautiful, over-tourism has made this popular hot spot almost impossible to enjoy, with huge crowds swarming over the whole city and cultural areas. "To really experience the peaceful serenity that Japan is famous for, I recommend travelling just that little bit further. "From the island of Mirajima, the mountains of Kusatsu, or the hot spring town of Shibu Onsen, the country has so much more to offer. "Get out there and explore, enjoy the scenery from the windows of the country's exceptional public rail network, and remember to put your phone away and enjoy the quiet moments in between." Dubai for Oman 27 27 Chloe Gunning from told Sun Travel: " Dubai is famed for its luxury lifestyle and five-star hotels, but I find it artificial and lacking in character. "Warm temperatures are guaranteed throughout the year, but you'll spend most of your time sitting in traffic, or hopping from air-conditioned hotel to shopping mall, to overpriced restaurant. "For a more cultural and adventurous holiday, I'd recommend swapping the UAE for Oman. "This neighbouring country is home to rugged mountains, emerald-hued pools, vast deserts and incredible history. "Spend your days hiking through dramatic gorges, swimming in waterfalls and sleeping under the stars in desert yurts. " Oman has more soul, and you'll feel all the better once you experience it!" The Algarve for Comporta, Portugal 27 27 Chloe from @theholidaymum told Sun Travel: "The Algarve has many strong points, not least the guaranteed sunshine and sandy beaches, but it's very commercial with a lot of concrete and high rise buildings spoiling the idyllic beach views. "I recommend making a swap to its chic older sister, Comporta. "The beaches in Comporta are paradise found: more expansive, quieter and cleaner than the Algarve and lined with effortlessly cool beach clubs. "The resort style hotels, such as Sublime Comporta and Quinta da Comporta, are design-led and stylish and there's a smattering of homestays in the area with the same design credentials. "The sunny peninsula is just under a two-hour drive from Lisbon but it's more affordable to you can stay longer to compensate for the drive." Cancun for Belize 27 27 Macca Sherifi from told Sun Travel: "Cancun is full of American college kids looking to party and it has zero Mexican culture. "Throw in all the high-rise all-inclusive hotels and over-developed beaches, and you've got yourself one of the most overrated tourist hotspots in the world. "My advice - head over the border to Caye Caulker in Belize. This place is a tropical paradise with a really fun Caribbean vibe and some of the bluest waters you'll ever see. "In fact, it is home to the Blue Hole, the giant sinkhole that is on every divers and snorkeller's bucket list. "Instead of paying £1,800 for the week in Cancun, get an apartment with beach views for only under the half the price. It may not be all-inclusive, but the local food is better and very affordable. It really is an amazing destination to visit and so undiscovered compared to somewhere like Cancun."
