ScienceAssociated PressUnderwater and on fire: US climate change magnifies extremes
America's worsening climate change problem is as polarized as its politics. The already parched West is getting drier and suffering deadly wildfires because of it, while the much wetter East keeps getting drenched in mega-rainfall events, some hurricane related and others not. Climate change is magnifying both extremes, but it may not be the only factor, several scientists told The Associated Press.
NewsReutersPolluted stretch of Manila Bay gets fake white sand makeover
Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day. Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines. Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea.
NewsReutersChina's economy remains resilient despite external risks, says Xi
China's economy remains resilient and there are ample policy tools at Beijing's disposal despite rising external risks, President Xi Jinping said in remarks published on Saturday. The world's second-largest economy has steadily recovered from a virus-induced slump, but analysts say policymakers face a tough job to maintain stable expansion over the next several years to turn China into a high-income nation. "The basic characteristics of China's economy with sufficient potential, great resilience, strong vitality, large space for manoeuvre and many policy instruments have not changed," Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying.
NewsAssociated PressIran vows 'hit' on all involved in US killing of top general
The chief of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened Saturday to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a U.S. drone strike in Iraq. U.S. President Donald Trump warned this week that Washington would harshly respond to any Iranian attempts to take revenge for the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, tweeting that “if they hit us in any way, any form, written instructions already done we’re going to hit them 1000 times harder.” The president's warning came in response to a report that Iran was plotting to assassinate the U.S. ambassador to South Africa in retaliation for Soleimani's killing at Baghdad's airport at the beginning of the year.
NewsYahoo NewsThe CIA sent a team of 4 operators on a spy mission targeting China. None came back.
In 2008, CIA operative Stephen Stanek faced a decision: cancel the operation he was running or go forward with it — as a hurricane barreled through the Philippines with a projection to veer north and miss his team's area of operation.
SportsYahoo SportsLeBron James’ reaction to MVP voting: ‘It pissed me off’
The Lakers superstar wasn’t upset about Giannis Antetokounmpo winning, but at the disparity in the voting.
SportsStats Perform NewsGiannis: Don't call me MVP until I'm an NBA champion
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SportsStats Perform NewsGiannis Antetokounmpo's NBA MVP-winning season by the STATS numbers
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PoliticsYahoo NewsTrump says he was 'saddened' to hear news of Ginsburg's death
In an extraordinary moment following his rally in Minnesota on Friday night, the president appeared to be caught off guard when a reporter informed him of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
SportsLA TimesThe Clippers' playoff collapse was historic. Will it hurt their 2021 title chances?
There have been several instances in NBA playoff history of teams blowing 3-1 series leads, twice by the Clippers. A look at what happened to those teams in the ensuing seasons.
CelebrityPeopleJessica Alba Nearly Steps on a Massive Rattlesnake While Posing for Photos: 'Ooh S—!'
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ScienceYahoo News CanadaKiller whales confirm their title as ocean's apex predator
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SportsAFP NewsBucks' Antetokounmpo named NBA MVP for second straight year
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SciencePopular MechanicsVenus Is a Russian Planet ... Says Russia
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NewsAssociated PressUS carrier transits Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran
The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier safely transited on Friday through the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important chokepoint for oil shipments, the U.S. Navy said, as tensions with Iran continue to simmer. In a “scheduled” maneuver, the U.S. sent the carrier and several other warships through the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, according to the U.S. Navy’s Bahrain-based 5th fleet. The Nimitz, America’s oldest carrier in active service, carries some 5,000 sailors and Marines.
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HealthReutersFear and resolve at Philippine maternity hospital amid pandemic
As the Philippines grapples with rising coronavirus infections, new mothers and medical staff at one of the world's busiest maternity hospitals face heightened anxiety during the pandemic. In the Dr Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila overcrowding has been a problem for years, with new mothers often having to share beds due to high admissions. At present, the hospital is caring for 589 patients, 181 more than its 408-bed capacity, with an average of 50 deliveries a day.
HealthEat This, Not That!Here's What Happens to Your Brain When You Drink Alcohol
Popping back a few beers—or a few bourbons—is as American as football and apple pie. But did you ever stop to think how weird it is, that we're purposefully drinking something that impairs our mental faculties? (Some would say that's the point.) Whether you like a glass of bold cabernet, a Sunday morning mimosa, or a shot of whiskey, here are some things that can happen to your brain when you catch a buzz. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Your Dopamine Levels SpikeIf you're like most people, you enjoy a few drinks in social situations because it makes you happy and allows you to let your guard down. You're more likely to engage in lively conversations, make friends with strangers, or even dance the night away when you're sipping on adult beverages.It may seem harmless to enjoy the moment, but alcohol can actually begin to trick your brain into thinking you have to continue drinking to stay happy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse calculated that over 23% of the admissions to public treatment centers are people who have alcohol use disorders. According to Dr. Stephen Holt, MD, a Yale Medicine expert who specializes in addiction medicine, "alcohol directly leads to the release of endorphins, your body's natural opioids, and dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for the reward pathway in our brain, both of which lead to the pleasurable, reinforcing effects of alcohol. It's the repeated episodes of binge-drinking and associated release of endorphins and dopamine that ultimately lead to maladaptive neurological changes that underlie addiction." 2 Your Neurotransmitters Go Haywire Your brain's neurotransmitters are responsible for running chemicals throughout the brain so vital signals are properly transmitted and delivered. According to a study conducted by C. Fernando Valenzuela, M.D., Ph.D., "Evidence suggests that alcohol affects brain function by interacting with multiple neurotransmitter systems, thereby disrupting the delicate balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters." When you have alcohol in your system, your neurotransmitters can't do their job correctly. With malfunctioning neurotransmitters, you may find it tough to process your thoughts and emotions. Dr. Holt warns about these "disinhibiting effects of alcohol that cause transient impairments in coordination, executive functioning, and memory consolidation." Stumbles and wobbles when you're under the influence are directly related to this disruption in your brain's neurotransmitters.RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Have a Hangover 3 Disruption in Your Hippocampus Causes Memory LossAlcohol blackouts are usually associated with a night of heavy binge drinking. If you've consumed a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, it's likely you'll wake up the next day not remembering everything that happened the night before.However, even if you only had a few glasses of wine the night before, you still might forget about the conversation you had with a co-worker or the cheeseburger you ate at 2 a.m. According to a study published in Alcohol Research&Health, "Blackouts are much more common among social drinkers than previously assumed and should be viewed as a potential consequence of acute intoxication regardless of age or whether one is clinically dependent upon alcohol."But your brain should still hold on to your long-term memories. The study concludes, "Alcohol primarily interferes with the ability to form new long–term memories, leaving intact previously established long–term memories and the ability to keep new information active in memory for brief periods." This memory loss occurs due to a disruption in your hippocampus, which is a "brain region that plays a central role in the formation of new autobiographical memories." The hippocampus receives its information from a variety of brain regions, so when alcohol begins to affect your neurotransmitters and other areas, this communication of information is also thrown off. If you're planning on having a few drinks, be prepared for some gaps in your memory the next day. 4 Your GABA Receptors Prevent You From Effective SleepEver notice how you usually wake up tired on the morning after you had some drinks? You could be getting poor sleep when you have alcohol in your system due to its effects on your brain's gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. According to Dr. Kansagra, "Alcohol acts on receptors in our brains known as GABA receptors which help induce sleep. The initial effects of helping us fall asleep is followed later in the night by a withdrawal from alcohol. This causes frequent arousals and lighter sleep in the second half of the night and may result in an early morning without sufficient rest."In addition to messing with your GABA receptors, alcohol may also make it impossible to get a good night's sleep simply because it causes dehydration. This dehydration can also cause your body to feel the effects of alcohol withdrawal during the night, making it hard to continue sleeping restfully. RELATED: I'm a Doctor and This Vitamin May Reduce Your COVID Risk 5 Your Brain Cells May DieMinimal or moderate drinking may not have lasting negative effects on your brain but people with alcohol use disorders or those who binge drink frequently should be concerned about their brain cells. A study conducted by the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Medical Branch exposed adult mice to alcohol. Researchers concluded that alcohol killed the stem cells in these mice. These brain cells are essential for normal cognitive function and are used to create new nerve cells. This study found that the severity of these negative effects may vary, depending on gender, age, and the rate of alcohol consumption. Chronic alcohol users may be susceptible to brain damage and neurodegeneration due to the loss of brain cells.While an ice cold beer or a glass of wine may seem harmless, the consumption of any type of alcohol can have negative effects on your brain. Before you guzzle your next alcoholic beverage, consider all the negative reactions your brain may experience just so you can take a delicious sip.RELATED: 11 Signs You Need to Go the ER—By an ER Doctor 6 You Could Develop a Thiamine DeficiencyThe occasional drinker shouldn't have to worry about malnourishment or vitamin deficiency, but these conditions are associated with heavy and frequent alcohol use. Thiamin is a B vitamin that is essential for cerebral metabolism and according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, thiamine deficiency can lead to decreased levels of: * Alpha-keto-glutarate. * Acetate. * Citrate. * Acetylcholine.It also leads to an accumulation of lactate and pyruvate. According to Dr. Holt, "Heavy drinking is often associated with malnutrition since there are no vitamins in alcohol. This can lead to an irreversible alcohol-related dementia known as Wernike's Encephalopathy." The chemical imbalance in the brain associated with thiamine deficiency is usually what causes WE.When you develop WE, your peripheral and central nervous systems are negatively affected, leading to constant confusion and disorientation. Some patients diagnosed with this disorder lose their ability to walk. About 5% of patients die from WE and only about 10% are ever well enough to leave long-term care facilities and live on their own again. 7 How to Drink RespobnsiblyAccording to Dr. Sujay Kansagra, director of Duke University's pediatric neurology sleep medicine program, it's important to "try to drink in moderation and always avoid combining alcohol with other drugs, such as sleep aids and pain medications." If you're going to drink, stick with a glass or two of heart-healthy red wine. And to live your happiest and healthiest life, don't miss these Worst Things For Your Health—According to Doctors
HealthEat This, Not That!15 Supplements Every Man Needs
In an ideal world, you'd get all of your essential vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. But looking at the average American diet, one thing is clear: It's time to call for some backup. According to a meta-analysis of studies done by Oregon State University, 75 percent of us aren't eating the daily recommended amount of fruit, and 80 percent aren't eating enough vegetables. That means 94 percent of us don't meet the daily recommended intake of Vitamin D, half of us don't get enough magnesium (read on to find out why that mineral is crucial), and 44 percent aren't getting enough calcium.That can have serious health consequences down the road, as our bodies cope with aging. We asked experts what supplements can help fill in the gaps. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.1 A Multivitamin"This is the best way to assure that you are getting the majority of the micronutrients and minerals you need in just one pill," says Yeral Patel, MD, a board-certified physician in anti-aging regenerative and family medicine in Newport Beach, California. "Today's diets, with their various restrictions and exclusions, don't allow us to get all the minerals and nutrients we need solely from the foods we eat."The Rx: "I recommend buying from a source that sells medical-grade products to assure that they are pure, safe, and do not contain any fillers," says Patel, who likes the brands Designs for Health, Metagenics, Integrative Therapeutics and Thorne.2 Vitamin DMost of us are deficient in the "sunshine vitamin," so named because our bodies produce it naturally when skin is exposed to the sun. It is believed to guard against several types of cancer and is essential for strong bones, a particular concern as we age."Bone health is important for both women and men, although we tend to hear more about it as a woman's issue," says Nicole Avena, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University. "The reality is that men are also at risk for developing bone-related conditions, including osteoporosis. Vitamin D is important because it helps maintain bone health in a number of ways. For one, it improves your body's absorption of calcium."The Rx: The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for Vitamin D is 600 IU for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU for adults 71 or older. Some experts consider that low for adults of any age, suggesting it should be raised to at least 1,000 IU per day. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the upper limit for Vitamin D is 4,000 IU daily.RELATED: I'm a Doctor and This Vitamin May Reduce Your COVID Risk3 Vitamin B12The B vitamins are crucial to the production of energy, and Vitamin B12 is particularly important for brain function. "If you don't get enough B12, you can experience brain fog or lethargy," says Avena. "As we age, we may need to take vitamin B12 supplements to get the recommended amount. We often have more difficulty absorbing B12 that we get from food."The Rx: "Frunutta makes a sublingual vitamin B12 that is easy to ingest and dissolves right under the tongue, which helps bypass the absorption issue," says Avena. The RDA of Vitamin B12 is 2.4mcg. According to the NIH, an upper limit has not been set because Vitamin B12 has not been shown to cause harm.4 Fiber"Getting enough fiber is important for everyone, however, men need to get the most fiber," says Amanda Kostro Miller, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and advisor to Smart Healthy Living. "Fiber helps to keep things moving, can help you lower cholesterol, and may also help you control your blood sugar if you have diabetes."The Rx: Men should aim for 38 grams of fiber per day overall, says Miller. If you're not getting that much from food, you might want to look into a supplement.5 Magnesium"If there is one mineral almost everyone needs, it is magnesium," says Heidi Moretti, MS, RD, a registered dietitian in Missoula, Montana, who has worked in hospitals for two decades. "Some research suggests that 70 percent of Americans fall short. This may lead to digestive issues, poor sleep, mood swings, and increased risk of heart disease."Magnesium is especially important to men because it aids the production of testosterone, which declines with age. "Most men begin to experience a decrease in testosterone around age 30," says Anthony Kouri, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center. "With loss of testosterone comes decreased stamina, loss of muscle mass and lower energy levels. Research has shown that magnesium supplementation increases testosterone levels and lowers men's risk of developing cardiovascular disease."The Rx: The recommended daily allowance for magnesium actually increases slightly for adults over 30, to 420mg per day for men and 320mg for women. The NIH says the upper tolerable limit of magnesium is 350mg daily (that applies only to a magnesium supplement).6 CalciumBone health becomes a priority after age 40, when bone density starts to decline. A calcium supplement can help. "Calcium serves many purposes in the body, but is essential for strong bones," says Kouri. Getting adequate Vitamin D along with calcium is important, because D enables calcium absorption.The Rx: The recommended daily amount of calcium is 1,000 mg for adults up to age 50. That increases to 1,200 mg for adult women between age 51 and 70, and both sexes after age 71. The upper daily limit for adults 50 and younger is 2,500 mg; for adults over 51, it's 2,000 mg.7 CoQ10CoQ10 (Conenzyme Q10) is a powerful antioxidant generated by the body to keep cells healthy and functioning properly. Levels decline as we age, and CoQ10 deficiency has been associated with a number of diseases. A 2018 meta-analysis of studies found that taking CoQ10 may improve heart function and improve symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.The Rx: There is no established daily dose of CoQ10.RELATED: I'm an Infectious Disease Doctor and Would Never Touch This8 Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)Omega-3s fatty acids are great for our heart and may reduce inflammation throughout the body. "Omega-3 fatty acids can cause a major reduction in triglycerides, blood pressure, blood clots, plaque formation, and inflammation, which are all heart disease risk factors," says Kouri. "People who are depressed and anxious are likely to see improvement if they begin taking omega-3 supplements. In addition, omega-3s helps prevent macular degeneration, which can cause vision impairment and blindness."The Rx: The National Institutes of Health recommend women get 1,100mg and men have 1,600mg of omega-3s daily.9 Probiotics"Probiotics are beneficial to both men and women of all ages for maintaining a healthy microbiome and immune function," says Lawrence Hoberman, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist in San Antonio, Texas. "As men age, they require more urinary tract and prostate support. Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic prostatitis as well as treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, and accompanying urinary tract problems."The Rx: Choose a brand of probiotic with varying strains to start. Specific strains may be helpful to certain conditions, notes Hoberman. "Lactobacillus acidophilus combats harmful, disease-causing bacteria while acting as a natural antibiotic," he says. "Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are also beneficial to prostate health, improving immune function and reducing inflammation that could lessen the risk of developing prostate cancer."10 ZincAccording to the National Institutes of Health, zinc helps the body's immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Even more crucially to many guys, it's essential for the male sex organs because it aids in the production of testosterone and prolactin. Zinc deficiency has been linked to erectile dysfunction.The Rx: Adult men are advised to get 11mg a day. The NIH says the upper tolerable limit is 40 mg daily, although that doesn't apply to men who are taking zinc under a doctor's care.11 Iodine"This little-known nutrient plays a big role in your thyroid health," says Moretti. "Your thyroid is your central regulator of metabolism. Without enough iodine, it won't work well. Why are men low in iodine? Too many processed foods."The Rx: The RDA for iodine is 150 mcg, and the upper limit is 1,100 mcg. "Although you need enough iodine, don't take large doses without the supervision of your doctor," says Moretti. Too much can send your thyroid into overdrive.12 Plant ProteinAdequate protein intake is essential for maintaining lean muscle, which keeps the metabolism humming as we age. If you're not getting enough, you may want to look into supplementing with plant protein, which tends to be easier to digest than formulations containing whey.The Rx: The current RDA for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for adults over 18—about 66 grams for a 180-pound person. But some studies suggest that adults over 65 may need more. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you.13 Vitamin CIt's not the miracle cure-all it was touted as for much of the twentieth century, but Vitamin C is essential for immune system support and collagen production.The Rx: The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C is 90 mg for adult men, while the upper limit is 2,000 mg.RELATED: 11 Signs You Need to Go the ER—By an ER Doctor14 Vitamin B1If you're a tippler, you might be deficient in this B vitamin, also known as thiamin. "This is an essential B vitamin in which we often become depleted," says Arielle Levitan, MD, an internal medicine physician in Chicago and co-founder of Vous Vitamin. Thiamin is key to optimal functioning of the brain and nerves. Additionally, "Alcohol competes with thiamin, and replacing it helps in the prevention of toxic effects."The Rx: The RDA of thiamin is 1.2 mg. According to the NIH, an upper limit has not been set.15 Collagen"Over time, our bodies' natural ability to produce collagen wears down, so it's a good idea to consider a supplement," says Avena. "Collagen supplements can bring relief from pain by combating aging tissue and arthritis, aiding normal repair of ligaments, tendons, joints and bones while improving connective tissue. It can also help improve skin elasticity, which can delay the appearance of wrinkles."The Rx: You can add collagen supplements to a daily smoothie or mix them with water. "Further Food makes a flavorless collagen supplement powder, as well as a chocolate one," says Avena. These essential vitamins and minerals will keep your health in check. And to live your happiest and healthiest life, don't miss these Worst Things For Your Health—According to Doctors
NewsAssociated PressPope seeks to 'liberate' Virgin Mary from the Mafia
Pope Francis is giving his blessing to a new Vatican think tank that is seeking to prevent the Mafia and organized crime groups from exploiting the image of the Virgin Mary for their own illicit ends. The Vatican’s Pontifical Marian Academy launched the think tank Friday at a conference titled “Liberating Mary from the Mafia.” It was a reference to the historic relationship between the Italian mob and the Catholic Church, and the popular displays of Marian devotion by mobsters in Italy and beyond.
EntertainmentYahoo Lifestyle SEAArashi drops first English single Whenever You Call, written and produced by Bruno Mars
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NewsCoconuts ManilaMalacañang orders closure of all cemeteries, columbariums from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4
The Duterte government today ordered the closure of all cemeteries and columbariums in the entire country from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque encouraged the public to visit the tombs of their families before or after the closure. He said the decision ...This article, Malacañang orders closure of all cemeteries, columbariums from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company.
SportsStats Perform NewsWe tell each other when it's BS – Butler explains Miami turnaround
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler discussed just how his team managed another turnaround against the Boston Celtics.
NewsCoconuts ManilaAt least 40 Filipino girls below 15 years old give birth weekly, says gov’t agency
About 40 to 50 Filipino girls aged 10 to 14 years old are giving birth every week, the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) today said. PopCom Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo that this brings up the number of teen pregnancies to double what it was a decade back. He expressed ...This article, At least 40 Filipino girls below 15 years old give birth weekly, says gov't agency, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company.
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