Pelican Press

Philippine ‘Angels’ aim to de-escalate South China Sea encounters Philippine ‘Angels’ aim to de-escalate South China Sea encounters Seawoman Second Class Stephane Villalon’s voice reverberated on the bridge of her Philippine ship as she issued a radio challenge to a much larger ******** Coast Guard vessel in a disputed area of the South China Sea. The five-foot-tall (152-centimetre) radio operator is one of the Philippine Coast Guard’s 81 “Angels of the Sea”, graduates of an all-women training programme aimed at defusing encounters in the critical waterway. “China Coast Guard vessel 5303, this is Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Bagacay MRRV-4410. You are advised that you are currently sailing within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone,” she said during an encounter videotaped last month. “You are directed to depart immediately and notify us of your intention.” Villalon’s action during the incident was precisely what the coast guard envisioned when it launched the Angels programme four years ago. Beijing claims most of the South China Sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and its coast guard has clashed repeatedly with that of the Philippines, sparking fears of an armed conflict. “(The programme) helps with our engagement with the China Coast Guard because we are utilising women, who are naturally not aggressive, not confrontational,” Coast Guard Spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente told AFP. That framing of women’s nature drew charges of sexism when the programme first launched in 2021. Congresswoman Arlene Brosas argued at the time it trivialised the South China Sea dispute by suggesting “maternal” voices might calm situations. But while Philippine geopolitics analyst Andrea Wong agreed overemphasising “female characteristics” was problematic, she told AFP the programme was a “positive effort” capable of utilising women’s strengths in a real way. “The most important thing is harnessing their full potential, whether it be their language skills (or) communication skills.” For Villalon, the radio operator, the programme’s central premise needs no defending. “A woman’s patience, composure and the ability to respond or to communicate with empathy makes us unique, makes us more fit for this role,” the 28-year-old told AFP. While the Philippine Coast Guard has hundreds of operators, it is the Angels who are routinely dispatched for missions in tense areas of the South China Sea, Ricafrente said. “Angels of the Sea is a testament that there are things that women can do more effectively than men, especially in our thrust of communicating with our maritime law enforcement counterparts,” he said. “They don’t feel threatened when they talk to women.” – ‘Words instead of weapons’ – Villalon said she felt proud to represent Filipinas in spaces typically dominated by men, especially with regional tensions rising. “I focus on my job… (and) just deliver my speech,” she said of her approach during encounters with ******** vessels, adding she drew inspiration from her mother, a housewife who taught her to always stand her ground. Villalon told AFP her ******** counterpart’s tone went from aggressive to calm as she addressed him during last month’s episode near the contested Scarborough Shoal. Spokesman Ricafrente said the coast guard was committed to exhausting every means of de-escalating tensions in the South China Sea. “Nobody wants war, nobody wants conflict… the business of the coast guard is peace,” Ricafrente said, quoting Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, who dreamt up the Angels programme while still a district commander. Ricafrente said the coast guard hopes to train another batch of Angels this year to coincide with the arrival of new ships from Japan and France that will be used for patrols in the South China Sea. While some question the programme’s effectiveness, Villalon — who will soon start Mandarin classes to improve her communication skills — said she believes in the importance of using “words instead of weapons”. “I have come to realise that I am the kind of woman who is brave,” Villalon said. “Not just because I am willing to fight, but because I want to make fighting unnecessary.” pam/cwl/stu Source link #Philippine #Angels #aim #deescalate #South #China #Sea #encounters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

7 Films (and 1 TV Series) We Can’t Wait to See at SXSW 2025 – Rotten Tomatoes 7 Films (and 1 TV Series) We Can’t Wait to See at SXSW 2025 – Rotten Tomatoes 7 Films (and 1 TV Series) We Can’t Wait to See at SXSW 2025 Rotten Tomatoes21 Buzzy SXSW Premieres: ‘Another Simple Favor,’ ‘The Threesome,’ ‘F–––toys,’ ‘The Age of Disclosure’ and More VarietyThe Best Pop-Ups and Parties at SXSW 2025 Austin MonthlyBrand Events and Immersive Experiences, No Badge Required Austin ChronicleFree music! Chocolate! Shrimp? Over 35 SXSW 2025 events you can experience without a badge Austin American-Statesman Source link #Films #Series #Wait #SXSW #Rotten #Tomatoes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Creator of AI Gaza video shared by Trump on how it was made Creator of AI Gaza video shared by Trump on how it was made When President Donald Trump’s announced a proposal to “take over” the Gaza Strip last month, Solo Avital and his partner created an AI video intended as satire. It was briefly posted on social media but than removed. Weeks later, the president himself shared the video on Truth Social platform. In an interview with BBC News, Avital said the clip highlighted the dangers of AI’s ability to create highly convincing fake content. Source link #Creator #Gaza #video #shared #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Paris Gare du Nord train traffic disrupted after WW2 bomb found Paris Gare du Nord train traffic disrupted after WW2 bomb found French police closed traffic to and from Paris Gare du Nord train station on Friday after an unexploded World War II bomb was found on tracks leading to the terminal, train companies reported. The bomb was found during overnight works on the tracks, train line RER B posted on X. Media said the discovery was made in the area of Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris. The Eurostar and all other trains were halted as police worked to disable the device. Eurostar’s website shows three trains scheduled to depart on Friday morning were cancelled. Traffic was postponed until at least 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT), RER B posted in its latest update. Eurostar said on its update that “due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning”. Passengers could exchange their ticket for free to travel at another date or time in the same class, subject to availability, the train company said. Source link #Paris #Gare #Nord #train #traffic #disrupted #WW2 #bomb Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Phillip Dixon, man shot in hand by police in Craigie a no-show in Joondalup Magistrates Court Phillip Dixon, man shot in hand by police in Craigie a no-show in Joondalup Magistrates Court Yet another sitting at a Perth court was left baffled on Friday when Phillip Geoffrey Dixon failed to appear again in relation to the Craigie shooting. Source link #Phillip #Dixon #man #shot #hand #police #Craigie #noshow #Joondalup #Magistrates #Court Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know – CNN Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know – CNN Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know CNNFriday Briefing The New York TimesKey takeaways from Europe’s emergency summit on Ukraine Al Jazeera EnglishEU tiptoes around Trump as it scales up its homegrown defence Financial Times Source link #Europe #scrambles #rearm #Trump #threatens #security #guarantees #Russian #threat #looms #Heres #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

European leaders commit to working together on defence European leaders commit to working together on defence A sea change in geopolitics spurred by US President Donald Trump has prompted European Union leaders to commit to strengthening defences by working together. Source link #European #leaders #commit #working #defence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone – The New York Times Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone – The New York Times Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone The New York Times’Scary’ tropical Cyclone Alfred nears Queensland BBC.comBrisbane and Eastern Australia Braces for Powerful Cyclone Alfred The New York Times‘IGNORING WARNINGS’: Disgraceful Cyclone Alfred scenes emerge news.com.au Source link #Brisbane #Australia #Braces #Powerful #Cyclone #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Six Nations 2025: Gibson-Park v Dupont could take centre stage in Ireland-France showdown Six Nations 2025: Gibson-Park v Dupont could take centre stage in Ireland-France showdown Peruse Ireland and France’s line-ups for Saturday’s potential title decider and you’ll find no shortage of instantly compelling head-to-head battles. Caelan Doris v Gregory Alldritt pits two of the world’s best number eights against one another, Andrew Porter v Uini Atonio will be an engrossing scrum-time tussle, while powerhouse Irish centre Bundee Aki will meet his match in Yoram Moefana. But naturally, most eyes are drawn to the battle of the scrum-halves. In Antoine Dupont, France have a generational talent. A world player of the year in both the 15s and sevens codes, an Olympic gold medallist and a poster boy for his sport, Dupont has gleefully exhausted superlatives in recent years. His otherworldly gifts even moved his Toulouse team-mates to refer to him as ‘the Martian’, Emmanuel Meafou revealed last year. Dupont’s worthy adversary on Saturday is Jamison Gibson-Park. ‘Jamo’ to his team-mates, he is Ireland’s unflappable metronome and the frontrunner to wear nine for the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer. “Yeah, it will be interesting,” said Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby. “Two fabulous players at the peak of their game. There a number of individual battles across the teams, but that one will be pretty special.” This will not be the first time Gibson-Park and Dupont have crossed paths, of course. They have twice met in the Champions Cup, including last year’s final when Dupont’s Toulouse beat Gibson-Park’s Leinster in extra-time. They have met three times in the Six Nations, although not since 2022 (Gibson-Park was injured in 2023 while Dupont skipped last year’s championship). This time, the stakes are suitably sky-high. Source link #Nations #GibsonPark #Dupont #centre #stage #IrelandFrance #showdown Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super Rugby Women: Western Force lock Sera Naiqama says teammates ready for blockbuster Waratahs clash Super Rugby Women: Western Force lock Sera Naiqama says teammates ready for blockbuster Waratahs clash Western Force lock Sera Naiqama says the challenge of knocking off the all-conquering Waratahs remains is one her side will relish as they look to kick-start their Super Rugby Women’s season. Source link #Super #Rugby #Women #Western #Force #lock #Sera #Naiqama #teammates #ready #blockbuster #Waratahs #clash Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Korea court cancels President Yoon's arrest warrant – Reuters South Korea court cancels President Yoon's arrest warrant – Reuters South Korea court cancels President Yoon’s arrest warrant ReutersSouth Korean court orders impeached president released from jail The Associated PressSouth Korean court orders release of President Yoon Suk Yeol as he awaits impeachment ruling CNNSouth Korean President Yoon to Be Released From Jail, YTN Says Bloomberg Source link #South #Korea #court #cancels #President #Yoon039s #arrest #warrant #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review – More Majima, Please | TNS Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review – More Majima, Please | TNS “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an Action, Adventure, RPG from the great Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. They have developed the entire Yakuza series which has recently been renamed the Like a Dragon series. Their publisher, ***** has been by their side since the very beginning and has made this series great.” Ruddy @ Thumb Culture Source link #Dragon #Pirate #Yakuza #Hawaii #Review #Majima #TNS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

European Indoor Athletics: Femke Bol leads Netherlands home in 4x400m mixed relay European Indoor Athletics: Femke Bol leads Netherlands home in 4x400m mixed relay Femke Bol leads the Netherlands team to gold in the 4x400m mixed relay on the opening night of the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Apeldoorn. Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s quartet takes the bronze behind Belgium in silver. READ MORE: Hunter Bell leads British hopes at European Indoors Available to *** users only. Source link #European #Indoor #Athletics #Femke #Bol #leads #Netherlands #home #4x400m #mixed #relay Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AFL season 2025: West Coast Eagles fans will not like Jack Darling’s resurgence at North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL season 2025: West Coast Eagles fans will not like Jack Darling’s resurgence at North Melbourne Kangaroos Former West Coast star Jack Darling could be just the tonic North Melbourne need to make their attack click in 2025, according to Channel Seven AFL expert Abbey Holmes. Holmes will again host Seven’s Friday night football coverage alongside James Brayshaw and this year will also host Sunday afternoon games, some of which will feature legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney. She said with the additions the Roos had made in the off-season, notably Luke Parker from Sydney and Darling from the Eagles, North Melbourne fans might finally have a season to cheer about. “So excited to see North Melbourne and how far they’ve come. They’ve added some real experience in Darling,” she said. “All of you West Coast people over there probably didn’t like it much seeing him in the blue and white, but I loved watching him in that community series game. “Just the presence that he was able to have in that forward half and and to, I guess, help the likes of (Nick) Larkey, who’s had to shoulder a lot of the load over the last few years.” The AFLW flag-winner said she was also hotly anticipating tonight’s match between “two of the most exciting clubs to watch in 2024” and said there was more pressure on the Hawks despite Sydney having to rebound from their nightmare grand final loss. “Last year, the Hawks probably over delivered in terms of what was expected from them,” she told The Nightly. “My biggest question on the Hawks this year, is now there is that pressure and that expectation of them to perform each and every week, can they back it up? “They didn’t have that last year, everybody watched in awe of what these young players like Calsher Dear and Nick “Wizard” Watson were able to do. We all just applauded that.” Camera IconAbbey Holmes says Jack Darling has been a great addition to North Melbourne’s squad. Credit: Seven Network/Seven Network Holmes said she lived and breathed footy but it didn’t mean she was a great tipster. The face of The Game tipping competition, along with Richmond legend and fellow Channel Seven colleague Matthew Richardson, joked picking the winners each week was “high stakes” within Seven’s AFL team. “As long as I beat Matty Richardson, I’m a very happy girl. Being considered experts in the game is hard to live up. It’s high pressure, high stakes, but bring it on. We’re really looking forward to fans taking us on in The Game, so jump on and be a part of the competition,” she said. Holmes said everybody at Seven was “just raring to go” with the first bounce just hours away. “We got together a couple of weeks ago for our Seven AFL promo day, and it was the first time that we’ve all been together in the same room. And there’s just a real buzz,” she said. “We’ve got some new faces on Seven AFL this year, which is very, very exciting. So I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it and to working alongside some new people this year as well. “There’s nothing like prime time footy under lights, the fanfare and being there at boundary level amongst the players and the coaches. “I’m a die-hard footy fan. I love the game. I know the game; I played the game. It really is a dream and a real privilege to be in the position to watch the action up close.” Collingwood have the backing of most of The Nightly expert tipsters, including Holmes, in Sunday’s game against Greater Western Sydney. To get involved and tip against Holmes and Richardson as well as your friends just click here. Watch Sydney v Hawthorn live and free on 7 and 7plus from 7.30pm AEDT Source link #AFL #season #West #Coast #Eagles #fans #Jack #Darlings #resurgence #North #Melbourne #Kangaroos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'Major powers should not bully the weak', China foreign minister says – Reuters 'Major powers should not bully the weak', China foreign minister says – Reuters ‘Major powers should not bully the weak’, China foreign minister says Reuters‘Two sessions’ 2025: China hits out at US Pacific policy ‘failure’, tariffs war – as it happened South China Morning PostWorld must listen to Africa, heed its concerns, and support it, Wang says China DailyChinese FM responds to Global Times about some who question UN’s role and authority being weakened Global TimesLive Updates: ******** FM meets press on foreign policy, relations CGTN Source link #039Major #powers #bully #weak039 #China #foreign #minister #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Red Bull: What is at stake in 2024 and could Max Verstappen leave? Red Bull: What is at stake in 2024 and could Max Verstappen leave? Verstappen’s fourth title was founded on the points advantage he built in a brief ******* of dominance at the start of the year, and an outstanding performance from the Dutchman for the remainder of the season. From the sixth race of the season in Miami, the car no longer retained the massive advantage over the rest of the field it had enjoyed in the first five races, or the two preceding years. Yes, it ended the year as on average the fastest car in qualifying – by 0.052 seconds over the McLaren. But take the numbers from Miami onwards and the McLaren was faster by 0.053secs. Over the second half the season, the McLaren was faster by 0.142secs and Red Bull were also slower than Ferrari – by 0.008secs. Had McLaren started the season in a stronger position, therefore, Verstappen’s championship would have been a lot harder to win. Red Bull’s issue was that a fundamental balance disconnect became more apparent as they tried to add performance to their car. They struggled to solve their mid-corner, slow-speed understeer without creating oversteer in the fast corners. Newey said: “Already through the very last stages of ’23, the car was starting to become more difficult to drive,” Newey said. “Max could handle it. Checo (Sergio Perez) couldn’t. “That carried into the first part of ’24, but the car was still quick enough to be able to cope with it. “It’s something I was starting to become concerned about, but not many other people in the organisation seemed to be very concerned about it. “And from what I can see from the outside, but I don’t know… the guys at Red Bull, this is no criticism, but I think they just – perhaps through lack of experience – kept going in that same (development) direction. And the problem became more and more acute, to the point that even Max found it difficult to drive.” Red Bull believe they lost ground because they did not exploit aero-elasticity of front wings as much as McLaren, Mercedes and later Ferrari. This method of construction enables teams to build the carbon-fibre in their front-wing in such a way as to have the elements flex downwards at high speed, reducing downforce and therefore oversteer, but have them move back into optimum downforce mode at slower speeds. New rules for this season limit the flexibility of wings – at the rear from the first race, and at the front from the Spanish Grand Prix in June. The question is whether this was the sole issue Red Bull faced, and whether they can catch up the ground McLaren and Ferrari made last year, and whatever development progress their rivals have made over the winter. Source link #Red #Bull #stake #Max #Verstappen #leave Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth traffic: Peak-hour chaos starts early with ****** on Mitchell Freeway Perth traffic: Peak-hour chaos starts early with ****** on Mitchell Freeway Friday peak-hour chaos has started early with a ****** on Mitchell Freeway northbound causing major traffic delays. The accident northbound just before Warwick Road in Carine has blocked the emergency lane. Tow truck services are onsite and Main Roads WA advises caution on approach. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. A breakdown at the Graham Farmer Freeway eastbound exit to East Parade in East Perth is also slowing traffic. Motorists are urged to drive with care, with traffic building. Debris on Kwinana Freeway northbound before Roe Highway in South lake has been cleared. The centre lanes were affected but traffic is flowing smoothly. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Source link #Perth #traffic #Peakhour #chaos #starts #early #****** #Mitchell #Freeway Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

More on Gov. Newsom's podcast comments coming under scrutiny – CBS Sacramento More on Gov. Newsom's podcast comments coming under scrutiny – CBS Sacramento More on Gov. Newsom’s podcast comments coming under scrutiny CBS SacramentoGavin Newsom Splits With Democrats on Transgender Athletes: ‘It’s Deeply Unfair’ The New York Times Source link #Gov #Newsom039s #podcast #comments #coming #scrutiny #CBS #Sacramento Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Drug binges land psychiatrist's killer back behind bars Drug binges land psychiatrist's killer back behind bars A mentally ill man who killed his psychiatrist more than 30 years ago has again had his freedom revoked over repeated drug breaches. Source link #Drug #binges #land #psychiatrist039s #killer #bars Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Common Condition May Lead to Alzheimer’s—and Nearly 67% of People Have It This Common Condition May Lead to Alzheimer’s—and Nearly 67% of People Have It In case you needed more bad news lately, yet another new study revealed that a common health condition may be linked with Alzheimer’s and dementia—and it’s a condition so common that literally two-thirds of the world’s population has it. What is it and how can you protect yourself and your brain health? SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week The Common Condition Linked to Alzheimer’s in New Study In a new Cleveland Clinic study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, researchers found links between human herpes viruses and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Dr. Feixiong Cheng, Ph.D., director of Cleveland Clinic’s Genome Center, told Cleveland Clinic, “Our analysis provides associations linking molecular, clinical and neuropathological features of Alzheimer’s with human herpesvirus infection, which warrants future clinical validation.” Related: The Surprising Symptom That May Be an Early Sign of Dementia, According to New Study What Are Human Herpes Viruses (HHVs)? As of now, 66.6% (yikes) of people have some form of human herpes virus (HHV), and many have more than one type. In fact, Cleveland Clinic estimates that by adulthood, nearly every human being will have contracted at least three types. Some HHVs come in the form of relatively mild illnesses like chicken pox, while other forms include shingles, Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex viruses (HSV) 1 and 2 (which can manifest as oral cold sores or ******** herpes) or roseola (usually in infants and young children). Some HHVs are asymptomatic. Related: Eating This Daily May Reduce Dementia Risk, According to Doctors How Are HHVs Linked to Alzheimer’s and Dementia? Most HHVs, when suppressed by our immune systems and considered “latent,” are relatively harmless. However, the Cleveland Clinic study found that in aging patients, the body’s ability to suppress HHVs may be reduced. If and when these viruses become activated, that’s when problems may arise. HSV-1, specifically, may activate “jumping genes,” or transposable parts of the human genome. When this happens, these “jumping genes” can cause disruptions in the brain, which may in turn impact accumulation of tau protein, which is linked with inflammation in the brain and neurodegeneration, potentially contributing to Alzheimer’s. Related: New Study Reveals Surprising Factor That May Increase Dementia Risk How Can You Protect Yourself From HHVs, Alzheimer’s and Dementia? By now, you probably know that a brain-healthy and anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise are good ways to protect yourself against dementia and Alzheimer’s (or to at least slow their progress). While the HHV link may make you feel almost hopeless, there’s good news: The study found that anti-virals may actually remedy the link between herpes viruses and dementia by forcing the HHVs to go back to being latent. “These results further suggest potential relationships between HSV-1 infection and Alzheimer’s disease and provide two potential drug candidates that may provide treatment for a disease that currently has no cure,” Dr. Cheng explained. “We hope our findings, if broadly applied, can also provide new strategies for treating other neurological diseases associated with herpesviruses or other viruses.” Up Next: Related: The Crucial Brain-Boosting Tips Maria Shriver Lives By—And Why She’s Hopeful About Alzheimer’s Research Sources Source link #Common #Condition #Lead #Alzheimersand #People Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kennedy touts unconventional therapies for measles linked to disciplined Texas doctor – CNN Kennedy touts unconventional therapies for measles linked to disciplined Texas doctor – CNN Kennedy touts unconventional therapies for measles linked to disciplined Texas doctor CNNInside the perfect storm of the deadly measles outbreak in Texas CNNA Skeptical G.O.P. Senator Makes His Peace With Kennedy The New York TimesRFK Jr. says vitamin A could help treat measles. Here’s what doctors think. Business Insider Source link #Kennedy #touts #unconventional #therapies #measles #linked #disciplined #Texas #doctor #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Order: 1886 Honoured in Today’s New Astro Bot PS5 Level The Order: 1886 Honoured in Today’s New Astro Bot PS5 Level Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is the most-nominated game at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards, with 11 nominations. However, the Cambridge-based studio’s action-adventure game has missed out on a Best Game nomination; instead the nominees are ****** Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, Thank Goodness You’re Here!, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Astro Bot, and Balatro. Source link #Order #Honoured #Todays #Astro #Bot #PS5 #Level Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Corruption watchdog NACC warns of exacerbated “corruption risks and vulnerabilities” ahead of election Corruption watchdog NACC warns of exacerbated “corruption risks and vulnerabilities” ahead of election The corruption watchdog has given a stern warning ahead of the federal election, saying it will call out any attempts to weaponise the body. Source link #Corruption #watchdog #NACC #warns #exacerbated #corruption #risks #vulnerabilities #ahead #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3 in 10 Americans May Be Increasing Dementia Risk With This Daily Habit 3 in 10 Americans May Be Increasing Dementia Risk With This Daily Habit Dementia is a debilitating and heartbreaking condition, both for those who have it and for those who love and care for dementia patients. While there are genetic factors for cognitive illnesses and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, there are ways to at least hedge your bets to prevent it or stave it off. As scary as that is, some people are actually increasing their risk of dementia, as well as a host of other medical problems, with a daily (and destructive) habit. SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week Nearly 30% of Americans May Be Increasing Their Dementia Risk With This Daily Habit Three in 10 American adults vape, and that’s bad news bears for their brain health. According to new research from Manchester Metropolitan University, vaping may be directly linked to dementia, heart disease and organ failure. Researchers examined participants between the ages of 18 and 45 with similar fitness levels to see how vaping impacted their health. Participants who vaped appeared to have damage to their arterial walls in the heart, The Mirror reported, leaving their arteries unable to dilate and possibly being a sign of cardiovascular problems later. Blood vessels were also found to have been irritated in vaping participants, which the study’s lead author, Dr. Maxime Boidin, Ph.D., attributed to vape ingredients nicotine, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. “When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can’t expect nothing to happen,” he said. Related: Low Levels of This Vitamin Linked With Higher Risk of Dementia, According to New Study Can Vaping Cause Dementia? More research needs to be done, but several other previous studies have linked vaping to poor brain health. A February 2020 study showed that mice exposed to both ********** smoke and electronic ********** smoke had “reduced cognitive spatial learning abilities and memory functions,” possibly because of inflammation and oxidative stress on the brain. Another study released in 2021 showed that vaping impaired short-term memory and triggered inflammation, while yet a third study, conducted in 2024, observed a link between vaping and cognitive deficits in young adults. Related: Breathing This Way Could Be an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Is Vaping Safer Than Smoking? For a while, it was commonly believed that vaping may be a safer alternative to smoking, but as research continues, experts believe that to be false: Vaping is really bad for you. “What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers. At the beginning [of the study] I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking,” Dr. Boidin admitted to The Mirror. “You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don’t think it’s too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth.” Part of what makes vaping particularly dangerous and addictive, Dr. Boidin says, is the convenience of it. “Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a ********** is finished they have to light up another to keep going. But with vapes, you just keep going, and it’s much harder to know how many puffs you’ve had,” he explained. “It’s much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable.” Up Next: Related: Why Flavored Vape Juice Is So Bad For You—No Matter How Good It Tastes Sources Source link #Americans #Increasing #Dementia #Risk #Daily #Habit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Korean Court Orders Impeached President’s Release From Jail South Korean Court Orders Impeached President’s Release From Jail A South Korean court on Friday ordered the release from jail of Yoon Suk Yeol, the country’s impeached president, who is standing trial on insurrection charges over his decision to impose martial law in December. The Seoul Central District Court ruled that prosecutors had violated procedural rules by holding Mr. Yoon in detention longer than legally allowed before indicting him last month. But Mr. Yoon was not immediately freed from the detention center south of Seoul where he is being held, said one of his lawyers, Seok *****-hyun. Prosecutors have a week to appeal the ruling, during which time Mr. Yoon will remain in custody, Mr. Seok said. Mr. Yoon was detained on Jan. 15 and formally indicted 11 days later on the insurrection charges, which stem from his short-lived imposition of martial law in December. His lawyers have fought since then to get him freed from jail, making the argument that a three-judge panel accepted on Friday: that prosecutors had held Mr. Yoon longer than the law permitted. The ruling was limited to a narrow dispute over whether prosecutors had followed all procedures correctly when they arrested and indicted Mr. Yoon. It did not address the charges that Mr. Yoon faces at his criminal trial. Mr. Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law on Dec. 3, accusing the opposition-controlled National Assembly of “paralyzing” his government. The assembly voted against his martial law decree, forcing him to rescind it after about six hours. But it has set off South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades. As protesters called for Mr. Yoon’s ouster, the Assembly impeached him on Dec. 14, suspending him from office. The country’s Constitutional Court is deliberating whether the impeachment was legitimate and if he should be formally removed from office. Separately, criminal investigators detained Mr. Yoon on the insurrection charges. He is the first president in South Korean history to face criminal charges while still in office. Source link #South #Korean #Court #Orders #Impeached #Presidents #Release #Jail Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]