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Julian McMahon's cause of death revealed

<p>Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his charismatic roles in <em>Nip/Tuck</em>, <em>Charmed</em> and <em>Home and Away</em>, has died aged 56.</p> <p>McMahon passed away peacefully on Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer, his wife Kelly confirmed in a heartfelt statement.</p> <p>“With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer,” she said.</p> <p>“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy. And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”</p> <p>Born into one of Australia’s most prominent families, McMahon was the son of former Prime Minister Sir William McMahon and philanthropist Lady Sonia McMahon. Despite his political pedigree, he chose a life in the arts – one that would take him from Australian soap operas to global television success.</p> <p>McMahon first appeared on Australian screens in <em>The Power</em>, <em>The Passion</em> in 1989 before finding broader fame on <em>Home and Away</em>. He later moved to the United States, landing a role on <em>Another World</em> and later recurring parts in <em>Profiler</em> and the hit supernatural series <em>Charmed</em>.</p> <p>His breakout role came as the magnetic and morally complex Dr Christian Troy in <em>Nip/Tuck</em>, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and international acclaim during the show's six-season run.</p> <p>More recently, McMahon starred in the Stan Original Film <em>The Surfer</em> alongside Nicolas Cage, and earlier this year appeared in Netflix’s political mystery drama <em>The Residence</em>, portraying fictional Australian Prime Minister Stephen Roos – a role that echoed his real-life connection to Australian politics.</p> <p>McMahon’s personal life was also in the public eye. He was married to singer and actress Dannii Minogue in the 1990s, and later to <em>Baywatch</em> star Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter, Madison Elizabeth, now 25. He married his wife Kelly in 2014.</p> <p>Julian McMahon is remembered not only for his talent and commanding screen presence but for the warmth, generosity and spirit that endeared him to family, friends and fans alike.</p> <p>He leaves behind a remarkable legacy in television and film – and in the hearts of those who loved him.</p> <p>A private service will be held in the coming days.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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What causes the 'winter blues' and why is it more common in women?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit “off”. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels. Maybe you’re less motivated to do things you previously enjoyed in the warmer months.</p> <p>The “winter blues” can feel like an inevitable part of life. You might feel sluggish or less social, but you can still get on with your day.</p> <p>However, if your winter blues are making everyday life difficult and interfering with your work and relationships, it could be the sign of something more serious.</p> <p>Seasonal affective disorder is more than a seasonal slump – it’s a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/">recognised psychiatric condition</a>. Here’s what to look for and how to get help.</p> <h2>What is seasonal affective disorder?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395623001899?via%3Dihub">The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</a> officially recognises seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent major depressive disorder “with seasonal pattern”.</p> <p>In other words, the condition shares many symptoms with major depressive disorder, but it also follows a seasonal rhythm. While this might be most common in winter, the disorder can also occur in <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder">summer</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/">Symptoms include</a>:</p> <ul> <li> <p>persistent low mood or feelings of sadness</p> </li> <li> <p>loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed</p> </li> <li> <p>low energy and fatigue, even after lots of sleep</p> </li> <li> <p>changes in appetite</p> </li> <li> <p>weight gain or weight loss</p> </li> <li> <p>difficulty concentrating</p> </li> <li> <p>sleeping more or less than usual</p> </li> <li> <p>feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness</p> </li> <li> <p>in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Research suggests seasonal affective disorder affects up to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/PRBM.S114906">10% of the global population</a>.</p> <p>Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4673349/">women</a>, people aged between <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4673349/">18 and 30 years</a>, and those living <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08039480902799040">far from the equator</a>, where winter daylight hours are especially limited.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395623001899?via%3Dihub">review</a> of the Australian research on seasonal affective disorder showed the highest proportion of Australians with seasonal affective disorder was found in the most southern state, Tasmania (9% of the population).</p> <h2>What causes it?</h2> <p>Unfortunately, the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is still poorly understood.</p> <p>Some theories propose it is primarily caused by a lack of light in the environment, although we are not exactly sure how this leads to depression.</p> <p>As sunlight is responsible for the production of vitamin D, some have suggested a lack of vitamin D is what causes depression. However, the evidence for such a link is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2530312022000431">inconclusive</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.3/alewy">Others</a> suggest a lack of light in winter delays the circadian rhythms which regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Poor sleep is related to many mental health difficulties, <a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-a-strong-link-between-anxiety-and-depression-and-sleep-problems-and-it-goes-both-ways-76145">including depression</a>.</p> <h2>Seasonal affective disorder can be treated</h2> <p>Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments for seasonal affective disorder. Relief may be found through a combination of approaches.</p> <p><strong>Bright light therapy</strong> is usually the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2017/6867957">first treatment recommended</a> for seasonal affective disorder. It involves sitting near a specially designed lightbox (with a strength of 10,000 lux) for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the body’s internal clock.</p> <p><strong>Cognitive behavioural therapy</strong> aims to help people develop some flexibility around <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">the negative thoughts</a> that might maintain seasonal affective disorder symptoms (for example, “I am worthless because I never get up to anything meaningful in winter”).</p> <p><strong>Lifestyle changes</strong> such as regular exercise, time spent outdoors (even on gloomy days), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">can all support recovery</a>.</p> <p><strong>Antidepressants</strong> – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">may be prescribed</a> when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when other treatments have not worked.</p> <h2>What else helps?</h2> <p>Even those without seasonal affective disorder might need to fight the winter blues. So, what works?</p> <p><strong>Prioritise social connection</strong></p> <p>Schedule regular, achievable and pleasant <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-024-02722-1">activities with friends</a>, such as trivia at the pub or a brisk walk.</p> <p><strong>Reframe winter</strong></p> <p>Rather than dreading the cold, see if you can embrace what is special about this time of year. The mindset of “<a href="https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge">hygge</a>” (a Danish and Norwegian term for cosiness and contentment) may help.</p> <p>Let winter be your excuse for snuggling on your couch with a thick blanket and hot chocolate while catching up on books and TV shows. Or see if there are any winter-specific activities (such as night markets) where you live.</p> <p><strong>Maximise daylight</strong></p> <p>Taking a walk during lunchtime <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/">when the sun is out</a>, even briefly, can make a difference.</p> <h2>The bottom line</h2> <p>If your “winter blues” last more than two weeks, start interfering with your daily life or feel overwhelming, then it might be time to seek professional help.</p> <p>Speaking to your GP or mental health professional can help you get support early and prevent symptoms getting worse.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/259375/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kelvin-shiu-fung-wong-1468053">Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong</a>, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trouble-getting-out-of-bed-signs-the-winter-blues-may-be-something-more-serious-259375">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em></p> </div>

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"Mona Lisa moan": Mass tourism causes shutdown of The Louvre

<p>The Louvre Museum, global icon of art and culture, stood eerily silent on Monday as striking staff forced its sudden closure, leaving thousands of bewildered tourists stranded beneath its iconic glass pyramid.</p> <p>In a dramatic scene rarely witnessed at the world’s most-visited museum, the very people entrusted with preserving and presenting humanity’s greatest artistic treasures – from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo – walked off the job in protest at what they describe as dangerous overcrowding, chronic understaffing, and decaying infrastructure.</p> <p>“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” quipped Kevin Ward, 62, a visitor from Milwaukee, as he waited in an unmoving queue. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”</p> <p>The walkout came without warning during a routine internal meeting, as gallery attendants, security staff and ticket agents jointly refused to take their posts. While the Louvre has closed its doors in the past – during wars, the pandemic, or in isolated strikes — rarely has it done so so abruptly, leaving crowds with tickets in hand and nowhere to go.</p> <p>Monday’s strike follows a wave of anti-tourism protests across southern Europe just a day earlier, where thousands in cities like Venice, Lisbon and Barcelona rallied against what they say is the destructive impact of mass tourism.</p> <p>Inside the Louvre, workers say they’ve reached a breaking point. “We can’t wait six years for help,” said gallery attendant Sarah Sefian, referring to President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” rescue plan announced earlier this year. “Our teams are under pressure now. It’s not just about the art – it’s about the people protecting it.”</p> <p>The Mona Lisa lies at the heart of the storm. Around 20,000 visitors daily cram into the Salle des États to glimpse da Vinci’s masterpiece – a scene more akin to a rock concert than a contemplative art experience. “You don’t see a painting,” lamented Ji-Hyun Park, 28, visiting from Seoul. “You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out.”</p> <p>Macron’s ambitious plan promises a dedicated Mona Lisa room, a new Seine-side entrance, and a modernised visitor experience by 2031. Yet staff argue that these promises mask a deeper crisis, with state funding for the Louvre’s operations shrinking by more than 20% over the past decade even as visitor numbers have soared.</p> <p>“We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here,” said Sefian. “Scratch the surface and the financial support gets worse every year.”</p> <p>Louvre president Laurence des Cars, in a leaked memo, described parts of the building as “no longer watertight” and warned of dangerous temperature fluctuations that could threaten priceless artworks. She characterised the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal,” citing limited bathrooms, poor signage and few rest areas, exacerbated by the pyramid’s greenhouse effect in summer heat.</p> <p>By late Monday, workers said they might briefly reopen a limited “masterpiece route” – offering access to the Mona Lisa and other highlights – but the full museum is expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday.</p> <p>As the Louvre teeters between record-breaking crowds and crumbling infrastructure, staff and visitors alike are left grappling with an unsettling reality: France’s most cherished cultural treasure is struggling to cope with the very popularity that makes it world-famous.</p> <p>Images: Instagram / Pexels / Mahmut</p>

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Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

<p>The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, according to an official statement released by the Vatican press office. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, with underlying health conditions also contributing to his death.</p> <p>In a statement signed by Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a previous episode of acute respiratory failure, along with arterial hypertension and type II diabetes.</p> <p>Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief Easter blessing to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. Unable to finish reading his address, the ailing pope sat as an aide delivered the rest of the speech, which called for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.</p> <p>Following his death, the Vatican also made public the burial wishes outlined in the pope’s will. Francis requested a simple burial in the ground at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – marked only with the Latin inscription <em>Franciscus</em>. This will be the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican.</p> <p>According to the will, an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the costs of his burial.</p> <p>With the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church now enters a traditional period of mourning known as the Novendiales, lasting nine days. During this time, Pope Francis will lie in state as preparations for his funeral are made.</p> <p>The conclave – the sacred process to elect a new pope – is expected to begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following his death.</p> <p>Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, progressive stances and a deep focus on global humanitarian issues.</p> <p><em>Images: Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

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Does technology cause ‘digital dementia’ in older people?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1181712/full">how we learn</a> and creating considerable <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240197">philosophical and legal challenges</a> regarding what it means to “outsource thinking”.</p> <p>But the emergence of technology that changes the way we live is not a new issue. The change from analogue to digital technology began around the 1960s and this “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/digital-revolution#:%7E:text=Explained%20by%20the%20online%20encyclopedia,and%20proliferation%20of%20digital%20computers">digital revolution</a>” is what brought us the internet. An entire generation of people who lived and worked through this evolution are now entering their early 80s.</p> <p>So what can we learn from them about the impact of technology on the ageing brain? A comprehensive <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02159-9">new study</a> from researchers at the University of Texas and Baylor University in the United States provides important answers.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=818&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=818&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=818&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1028&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1028&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/661531/original/file-20250414-62-3gqh9i.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1028&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A man wearing a suit speaking into a microphone." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Manfred Spitzer first introduced the ‘digital dementia’ hypothesis in 2012.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MJK62574_Marc_Reichwein_und_Manfred_Spitzer_(Frankfurter_Buchmesse_2018)-A.jpg">Marc Reichwein/Wikipedia</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Published today in Nature Human Behaviour, it found no supporting evidence for the “digital dementia” hypothesis. In fact, it found the use of computers, smartphones and the internet among people over 50 might actually be associated with lower rates of cognitive decline.</p> <h2>What is ‘digital dementia’?</h2> <p>Much has been written about the potential <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/memory-mind-and-media/article/media-technology-and-the-sins-of-memory/4F169E671DFA95639E971B43B5E4D57A">negative impact from technology on the human brain</a>.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.imrpress.com/journal/jin/21/1/10.31083/j.jin2101028">“digital dementia” hypothesis</a> introduced by German neuroscientist and psychiatrist <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/3426276038?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au">Manfred Spitzer</a> in 2012, increased use of digital devices has resulted in an over-reliance on technology. In turn, this has weakened our overall cognitive ability.</p> <p>Three areas of concern regarding the use of technology have previously been noted:</p> <ol> <li> <p>An increase in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2021.600687/full">passive screen time</a>. This refers to technology use which does not require significant thought or participation, such as watching TV or scrolling social media.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17470218211008060">Offloading cognitive abilities</a> to technology, such as no longer memorising phone numbers because they are kept in our contact list.</p> </li> <li> <p>Increased <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36256-4">susceptibility to distraction</a>.</p> </li> </ol> <h2>Why is this new study important?</h2> <p>We know technology can impact how our brain <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hbm.24286?casa_token=982zQ5d6qNoAAAAA%3ALwtDMOIwyaXWJVj-NuiT9_JVhXbWtytWOu5saKJE9xsbPzlisGxdE7-gLnWcvQthoHQvXZX_NbINyE8">develops</a>. But the effect of technology on how our brain <em>ages</em> is less understood.</p> <p>This new study by <a href="https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/clinical-neuropsychologists">neuropsychologists</a> Jared Benge and Michael Scullin is important because it examines the impact of technology on older people who have experienced significant changes in the way they use technology across their life.</p> <p>The new study performed what is known as a <a href="https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current/chapter-10">meta-analysis</a> where the results of many previous studies are combined. The authors searched for studies examining technology use in people aged over 50 and examined the association with cognitive decline or dementia. They found 57 studies which included data from more than 411,000 adults. The included studies measured cognitive decline based on lower performance on cognitive tests or a diagnosis of dementia.</p> <h2>A reduced risk of cognitive decline</h2> <p>Overall, the study found greater use of technology was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431098/">Statistical tests</a> were used to determine the “odds” of having cognitive decline based on exposure to technology. An odds ratio under 1 indicates a reduced risk from exposure and the combined odds ratio in this study was 0.42. This means higher use of technology was associated with a 58% risk reduction for cognitive decline.</p> <p>This benefit was found even when the effect of <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">other things</a> known to contribute to cognitive decline, such as socioeconomic status and other health factors, were accounted for.</p> <p>Interestingly, the magnitude of the effect of technology use on brain function found in this study was similar or stronger than other known protective factors, such as physical activity (approximately a 35% risk reduction), or maintaining a healthy blood pressure (approximately a 13% risk reduction).</p> <p>However, it is important to understand that there are <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">far more studies</a> conducted over many years examining the benefits of managing <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.821135/full">blood pressure</a> and increasing <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10828294/">physical activty</a>, and the mechanisms through which they help protect our brains are far more understood.</p> <p>It is also a lot easier to measure blood pressure than it is use of technology. A strength of this study is that it considered these difficulties by focusing on certain aspects of technology use but excluded others such as brain training games.</p> <p>These findings are encouraging. But we still can’t say technology use <em>causes</em> better cognitive function. More research is needed to see if these findings are replicated in different groups of people (especially those from <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(20)30062-0/fulltext">low and middle income countries</a>) who were underrepresented in this study, and to understand why this relationship might occur.</p> <h2>A question of ‘how’ we use technology</h2> <p>In reality, it’s simply not feasible to live in the world today without using some form of technology. Everything from paying bills to booking our next holiday is now almost completely done online. Maybe we should instead be thinking about <em>how</em> we use technology.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30284-X/fulltext">Cognitively stimulating activities</a> such as reading, learning a new language and playing music – particularly in early adulthood – can help protect our brains as we age.</p> <p>Greater engagement with technology across our lifespan may be a form of stimulating our memory and thinking, as we adapt to new software updates or learn how to use a new smartphone. It has been suggested this “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494322002643?casa_token=-z-X7mF4Ar0AAAAA:X2UXk92rbfa8uXdJFltbUhBonZqRl4b2dTaJyZdKogQiPXR9b6maghPnZll5VQwoVVL6_3uW#bib0032">technological reserve</a>” may be good for our brains.</p> <p>Technology may also help us to stay <a href="https://aging.jmir.org/2022/4/e40125/">socially connected</a>, and help us stay <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40985-020-00143-4">independent for longer</a>.</p> <h2>A rapidly changing digital world</h2> <p>While findings from this study show it’s unlikely all digital technology is bad for us, the way we interact and rely on it is rapidly changing</p> <p>The impact of AI on the ageing brain will only become evident in future decades. However, our ability to adapt to historical technological innovations, and the potential for this to support cognitive function, suggests the future may not be all bad.</p> <p>For example, advances in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/1/43">brain-computer interfaces</a> offer new hope for those experiencing the impact of neurological disease or disability.</p> <p>However, the potential downsides of technology are real, particularly for younger people, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44159-024-00307-y">poor mental health</a>. Future research will help determine how we can capture the benefits of technology while limiting the potential for harm.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/254392/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nikki-anne-wilson-342631">Nikki-Anne Wilson</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-study-finds-no-evidence-technology-causes-digital-dementia-in-older-people-254392">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> </div>

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Cause of fatal Sea World chopper crash finally revealed

<p>A catastrophic combination of radio failure and limited visibility led to the tragic mid-air collision of two Sea World helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023, a final investigation report has revealed.</p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its long-awaited findings on Wednesday, more than two years after the accident that claimed four lives and left nine others injured at the height of the summer holiday season.</p> <p>According to the report, a critical inbound taxiing call from one helicopter, which was carrying five passengers, failed to transmit to a second helicopter preparing for takeoff with six people aboard. Investigators determined that a fault in the antenna of the first helicopter, VH-XKQ, prevented the transmission, despite the pilot having made the call. The faulty antenna had been an issue for several days prior to the crash.</p> <p>While the ground crew had earlier advised that the airspace was clear, by the time the second helicopter lifted off, that advice was no longer valid. The first helicopter had been waiting for a taxi call from the second chopper to ensure safe separation, but the call never came.</p> <p>“Neither pilot was aware of the existence of faults in the radio of VH-XKQ that likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call,” the ATSB report stated. Without functioning radio communications, neither pilot could pinpoint the location of the other aircraft, contributing to the fatal collision.</p> <p>The investigation also identified limited visibility from both helicopters and the pilots’ divided attention – focused partly on boat traffic and other aircraft in the area – as additional contributing factors. Sea World Helicopters’ safety systems, including radio calls, hand signals, and visual warning devices, were found to be inadequate. These shortcomings led both pilots to incorrectly assess the position of the other helicopter.</p> <p>Further compounding the tragedy, the ATSB found evidence that some passengers were improperly restrained, although it could not determine how this affected the severity of their injuries.</p> <p>The report also highlighted operational changes leading up to the crash. A week before the incident, the helicopters were swapped, and a year earlier, the helipads had been relocated – both changes that contributed to a breakdown in safety protocols and increased collision risk. The new aircraft lacked internal company radios, had no live traffic displays, and the pilots were unfamiliar with the systems, the report noted.</p> <p>The collision claimed the lives of pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36. Tadros’ 10-year-old son Nicholas survived but required extensive surgeries. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son Leon were also hospitalised with serious injuries.</p> <p>Michael James, the pilot of the second helicopter, managed to execute an emergency landing despite suffering injuries from shattered glass. He passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer.</p> <p>The findings come as Shine Lawyers, representing several victims and families affected by the crash, prepare for civil proceedings. Claims of up to $925,000 per person have been lodged against Sea World Helicopters, and the release of the ATSB report is expected to inform further legal action.</p> <p>“This was such a profoundly unnecessary loss of life which must be prosecuted fully to ensure it never happens again,” said litigation specialist Roger Singh. “We will examine the findings of this report with a view to identifying other potential defendants and further damages which may be sought.”</p> <p><em>Images: ATSB</em></p>

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Tragic cause of death of 6-year-old Airlie Montgomery revealed

<p>The tragic cause of death of six-year-old Airlie Montgomery, who went missing on Sunday afternoon, has been revealed, with authorities believing she likely died from "misadventure" after a desperate search ended in heartbreak.</p> <p>Airlie, who was autistic and non-verbal, was found in the Shoalhaven River at the base of a nature reserve near The Grotto, a popular cliff-top hiking trail on the New South Wales south coast in North Nowra. She had wandered away from her family home earlier that afternoon, prompting an urgent search effort that concluded when her body was discovered just after 6pm.</p> <p>NSW Police have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Airlie’s death, and it is being treated as an unfortunate accident. Her tragic loss has left the local community devastated, with Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White describing Nowra as a “town in mourning”.</p> <p>“Words cannot describe how horrible this is,” Mayor White told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>. “It’s an absolute tragedy.”</p> <p>Neighbours and community members, many of whom participated in the frantic search for Airlie, are struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking outcome. Cathy, a neighbour of the grieving family and the last person to see Airlie alive, recalled her as a joyful child who often played near her parents’ home. “She was a lovely little thing, non-verbal, but a happy girl always smiling and blowing kisses when she saw you,” Cathy shared with <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>.</p> <p>“Except yesterday she was crying, no one knows why… and then I didn’t see her. She must have gone over the edge above The Grotto.”</p> <p>Airlie’s father, Corey Montgomery, visited North Nowra Public School on Monday to collect his daughter’s belongings, leaving with a bunch of pink flowers in her memory. Her mother, Katie Amess, was too distraught to speak, receiving support from neighbours in the wake of the tragedy.</p> <p>The NSW Department of Education expressed its condolences in a statement, saying it was “deeply saddened” by Airlie’s death. “Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected,” the statement read. “We are providing support to students and staff and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed.”</p> <p>Authorities have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the exact circumstances of Airlie’s death.</p> <p>As the community mourns, tributes continue to flow for the young girl whose life was tragically cut short.</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police</em></p>

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Gene Hackman's cause of death revealed

<p>The cause of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, has finally been confirmed, more than a week after they were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sad-new-details-emerge-in-gene-hackman-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discovered in their Santa Fe home</a>.</p> <p>The couple was found deceased in their residence on February 26, prompting an investigation by authorities. </p> <p>Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, disclosed at a press conference that Hackman succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died around seven days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease contracted through exposure to rodents and their excrement. Authorities found evidence of rodent intrusion in the couple’s home, believed to be the source of Arakawa’s infection.</p> <p>Based on her movements and email communications, Dr Jarrell determined that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman was likely at home with his deceased wife for seven days before his own death.</p> <p>Dr Jarrell noted that Hackman was in "very poor health", and it was unclear how he managed in his final days without his wife's assistance. Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, Jarrell suggested that it was possible he was unaware that his wife had passed away.</p> <p>“There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had no evidence of dehydration,” she stated.</p> <p>Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe and often fatal respiratory disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, it begins with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progresses to serious lung and heart complications. The best prevention is avoiding contact with rodents and properly managing rodent-prone areas.</p> <p>Dr Jarrell’s findings confirmed that Hackman had severe heart disease, with evidence of multiple prior heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure. A full-body post-mortem examination showed no signs of trauma. He tested negative for COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as well as hantavirus and carbon monoxide poisoning.</p> <p>Similarly, Arakawa’s autopsy revealed no external or internal trauma. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of hantavirus, ruling it as the cause of her death. Other tests for respiratory viruses and toxins returned negative results.</p> <p>Dr Jarrell said that there were “no other significant natural disease findings” in either case, and that all medications found in the home were taken as prescribed and did not contribute to their deaths.</p> <p>The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marks the end of an era for Hollywood, with fans mourning the loss of the two-time Academy Award-winning actor. Hackman, known for his roles in <em>The French Connection</em>, <em>Unforgiven </em>and <em>The Royal Tenenbaums</em>, retired from acting in 2004. The couple had been residing in Santa Fe for many years, enjoying a quiet life away from the public eye.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Hollywood legend's cause of death revealed

<p>Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, best known for directing <em>Dune</em>, <em>Blue Velvet</em>, <em>Mulholland Drive </em>and the unforgettable <em>Twin Peaks</em> series passed away on January 16 at the age of 78. Now, his cause of death has been officially confirmed.</p> <p>According to TMZ, which obtained Lynch’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the legendary director died from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dehydration was also listed as a significant contributing factor.</p> <p>Lynch’s family shared the news of his passing on social media last month: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the family’s statement on Facebook read. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole.’”</p> <p>In the days leading up to his death, Lynch had been affected by the deadly wildfires near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. However, his longtime producer, Sabrina Sutherland, confirmed that he had safely evacuated his home at the time.</p> <p>Lynch had been battling health issues for years, having been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020. In a November 2024 interview with <em>People</em>, the filmmaker admitted that he relied on supplemental oxygen for daily activities. He also reflected on his decades-long smoking habit, which began at the age of eight and ended in 2022.</p> <p>“What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch said at the time. “You’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.”</p> <p>His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars, including actor Kyle MacLachlan, who worked with Lynch on <em>Dune, Blue Velvet </em>and <em>Twin Peaks</em>.</p> <p>“Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie,” MacLachlan wrote on Instagram. “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.”</p> <p>Naomi Watts, who starred in <em>Mulholland Drive</em>, also paid tribute, sharing her heartbreak over Lynch’s passing: “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” she wrote on Instagram. She praised his “exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.”</p> <p>While Lynch will be dearly missed, his legacy as an innovative and visionary filmmaker will continue to influence the world of cinema for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Coroner makes bombshell ruling over Jock Zonfrillo's death

<p>A 16-month investigation into Jock Zonfrillo's death has come to an end, with the coroner making a shocking decision about the celebrity chef's cause of death. </p> <p>The coroner has decided not to publicly reveal the MasterChef judge's cause of death, which will now likely remain secret unless his family wish to disclose the information. </p> <p>Zonfrillo's body was found in a hotel room in Melbourne at about 2am on May 1st 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old.</p> <p>There was widespread speculation about the cause of Zonfrillo's sudden death due to his well-publicised history of drug abuse and mental health struggles.</p> <p>A spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14357311/jock-zonfrillo-masterchef-coronial-investigation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a></em> the investigation into Zonfrillo's death was completed on August 27th last year. </p> <p>"At the close of the investigation, the coroner determined that the finding would not be published," the spokeswoman said.</p> <p>In the days following Zonfrillo's death,<em> Daily Mail Australia</em> revealed that it was Jock's wife Lauren who made the frantic phone call to police which led them to find her husband's body. </p> <p>She was travelling abroad and had reportedly became concerned about her husband's welfare when Zonfrillo failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls.  </p> <p>At the time, a senior Victoria Police source said that officers who attended the hotel found Zonfrillo unresponsive in his bed and saw no obvious signs of anything suspicious or unusual.</p> <p>There was no drug paraphernalia located and no one else in his room, with police at the scene forming the initial view Zonfrillo had died of natural causes.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Is it important to read the explanatory labels next to artworks? We asked 5 experts

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team#noor-gillani">Noor Gillani</a>, <em><a href="http://www.theconversation.com/">The Conversation</a></em></p> <p>You’re standing at the centre of an expansive art gallery, overwhelmed by what’s in front of you: panel after panel of stupendous works – densely-written labels affixed next to each piece. These labels may offer a window into the artist’s intention, or the social and historical context of the work.</p> <p>Without any background information, how do you make the most of your visit? Do you turn to the curatorial wisdom in the accompanying text? Or can the art be experienced just as profoundly, if not more so, without any external guidance?</p> <p>We asked five experts – and their answers suggest art may be witnessed in as many wide and varied ways as it is created.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="tc-infographic-1126" class="tc-infographic" style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/1126/55d9482b08757aee48101ba96e8574992a377705/site/index.html" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243694/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/au/team#noor-gillani"><em>Noor Gillani</em></a><em>, Digital Culture Editor, <a href="http://www.theconversation.com/">The Conversation</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-it-important-to-read-the-explanatory-labels-next-to-artworks-we-asked-5-experts-243694">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Pilot explains why airplane mode on phones is so important

<p>A seasoned pilot has explained the real reason why your phone needs to be on airplane mode for the duration of your next flight. </p> <p>The pilot broke down the precaution in a video he posted to TikTok, with the explanation racking up over 2 million views. </p> <p>“The plane mode button on your phone is not a conspiracy,” declared the pilot, before reassuring passengers that using your phone onboard won't cause the plane to “fall out of the sky” or even really “mess with the systems on board”.</p> <p>However, if too many flyers choose to use their phones all at once, it can inadvertently mess with the pilots’ radio communications with the control tower.</p> <p>“If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, 150 people on board, and even three or four people’s phones start to try to make a connection to a radio tower for an incoming phone call, it sends out radio waves,” the captain explained. </p> <p>“There’s the potential that those radio waves can interfere with the radio waves of the headset that the pilots are using.”</p> <p>He recalled a recent flight where he was using his headset to get “clearance on which way to go” and the message interference made it feel like there was a “mosquito” in his ear.</p> <p>“It’s definitely not the end of the world but it’s pretty annoying when you’re trying to copy down instructions and it sounds like there’s a wasp or something flying around,” the pilot declared. </p> <p>“So if you’re ever curious why you’ve got to put on plane mode, that’s why.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Aussie grandmother found guilty of importing drugs into Japan

<p>Australian grandmother Donna Nelson has been found guilty of importing two kilograms of methamphetamine into Japan, despite her claims that she was the victim of an online scam.</p> <p>The 58-year-old was convicted of the crime by a panel of three professional judges and six members of the public in a decision delivered in Chiba, Tokyo on Wednesday. </p> <p>She has been sentenced to six years in jail, with the 430 days she has already served to be deducted from her time behind bars and she was also fined $10,400.</p> <p>Nelson and her team have two weeks to launch their likely appeal. </p> <p>“I believe this is a very unreasonable decision. We need to talk with Donna but we will fight until the end, until she gets freedom,” her lawyer Rie Nishida said outside the court.</p> <p>“She’s devastated but she’s a strong woman so we will discuss and prepare for the next fight.”</p> <p>Nelson, a prominent Indigenous leader, has maintained her innocence and told the court last month she had no idea the drugs had been hidden in her luggage by a man she thought was her boyfriend. </p> <p>She picked up the travel bag during a three-stop in Laos and claimed she had been tricked into believing it was a sample case he needed for his fashion business in Japan. </p> <p>Nelson started her online romance in 2020, and after several failed attempts to meet in person, her love interest bought her a flight ticket to Japan, which included the Laos stop where an acquaintance of his delivered the bag. </p> <p>She was supposed to meet up with the man in Japan but he never showed, according to prosecutors.</p> <p>Nelson was arrested at Tokyo's Narita Airport in January 2023, and later charged with violating the stimulants control and customs laws.</p> <p>Prosecutors acknowledged the case is linked to a romance scam but accused Nelson of smuggling the drugs, claiming she knew the contents of the suitcase. </p> <p>Nelson's daughters hoped the years of messages between Nelson and the romance scammer would show the court she had no idea about the meth, but the court ruled that she ignored too many red flags about the man she had met online and she should've been suspicious enough to not carry the suitcase for him. </p> <p>The judges said they accepted she was deceived and sympathised with her, so she received a lighter sentence than others given for the same offence. </p> <p>Prosecutors in Japan had initially asked for her to be thrown in jail for 20 years and fined $31,000 if found guilty. </p> <p>Outside court, Nelson's daughter Kristal Hilaire said six years in a Japanese prison away from home and family was in no way a “lenient” sentence.</p> <p>Her loved ones have also launched a GoFundMe to “free our mum and bring her home, where (she) belongs”.</p> <p>They stated that their “beloved” mother “was duped by her partner into carrying a bag into Japan which contained drugs”.</p> <p>“Our Mum had no knowledge of this, and we maintain that she is a victim of a crime and not a criminal,” they continued.</p> <p><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

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A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback – and now scientists know what caused it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matej-lipar-1372667">Matej Lipar</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a></em></p> <p>Earlier this year, a caver was poring over satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain when he came across something unexpected: an enormous, mysterious scar etched into the barren landscape.</p> <p>The find intrigued scientists, including my colleagues and I. Upon closer investigation, we realised the scar was created by a ferocious tornado that no-one knew had occurred. We outline the findings in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/ES24023">new research</a> published today.</p> <p>Tornadoes are a known threat in the United States and elsewhere. But they also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2016.03.011">happen in Australia</a>.</p> <p>Without the power of technology, this remarkable example of nature’s ferocity would have gone unnoticed. It’s important to study the tornado’s aftermath to help us predict and prepare for the next big twister.</p> <h2>Australia’s tornado history</h2> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05381-8">Tornadoes</a> are violent, spinning columns of air that drop from thunderstorms to the ground, bringing wind speeds often exceeding 200 kilometres an hour. They can cause massive destruction – uprooting trees, tearing apart buildings and throwing debris over large distances.</p> <p>Tornadoes have been reported on every continent except Antarctica. They most commonly occur in the Great Plains region of the United States, and in the north-east region of India–Bangladesh.</p> <p>The earliest tornado observed by settlers in Australia occurred in 1795 in the suburbs of Sydney. But a tornado was not confirmed here by Western scientists until the late 1800s.</p> <p>In recent decades, documented instances in Australia include a <a href="https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/tornado-murray-river-townships-victoria-2013/#:%7E:text=Tornado%20%2D%20Murray%20River%20townships%2C%202013&text=At%20approximately%208.00pm%20on,border%20of%20New%20South%20Wales.">2013 tornado</a> that crossed north-east Victoria and travelled up to the New South Wales border. It brought winds between 250–300 kilometres an hour and damaged Murray River townships.</p> <p>And in 2016, a severe storm produced <a href="https://theconversation.com/severe-thunderstorms-are-sweeping-through-southern-australia-but-what-makes-a-thunderstorm-severe-241555#:%7E:text=In%202016%2C%20huge%20rotating%20supercell,after%20taking%20down%20six%20towers.">at least seven tornadoes</a> in central and eastern parts of South Australia.</p> <p>It’s important for scientists to accurately predict tornadoes, so we can issue warnings to communities. That’s why the Nullarbor tornado scar was useful to study.</p> <h2>A whirlwind mystery</h2> <p>The Nullarbor Plain is a remote, dry, treeless stretch of land in southern Australia. The man who discovered the scar had been using Google Earth satellite imagery to search the Nullabor for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24267-0_11">caves</a> or other karst features.</p> <p>Karst is a landscape underlain by limestone featuring distinctive landforms. The discovery of the scar came to the attention of my colleagues and I through the collaborative network of researchers and explorers who study the Nullarbor karst.</p> <p>The scar stretches from Western Australia over the border to South Australia. It lies 20 kilometres north of the <a href="https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/trans-australian-railway">Trans-Australian Railway</a> and 90 kilometres east-north-east of Forrest, a former railway settlement.</p> <p>We compared satellite imagery of the site over several years to determine that the tornado occurred between November 16 and 18, 2022. Blue circular patterns appeared alongside the scar, indicating pools of water associated with heavy rain.</p> <p>My colleagues and I then travelled to the site in May this year to examine and photograph the scar and the neighbouring landscape.</p> <p>Our results have been <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/ES24023">published today</a> in the Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=315&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=315&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=315&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=395&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=395&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=395&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="map of Australia's southwest coast with dots showing recorded tornadoes" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Map showing tornado events in Western Australia and South Australia between 1795 and 2014. The location of the tornado scar in the study is shown with a red dot.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Source: Severe Thunderstorm Archive/Australian Bureau of Meteorology</span></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>What we found</h2> <p>The scar is 11 kilometres long and between 160 and 250 metres wide. It bears striking patterns called “cycloidal marks”, formed by tornado suction vortexes. This suggests the tornado was no ordinary storm but in the strong <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19720008829">F2 or F3</a> category, spinning with destructive winds of more than 200 kilometres an hour.</p> <p>The tornado probably lasted between seven and 13 minutes. Features of the scar suggest the whirling wind within the tornado was moving in a clockwise direction. We also think the tornado moved from west to east – which is consistent with the direction of a strong cold front in the region at the time.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="spiralling masks in dry earth" /><figcaption><span class="caption">‘Cycloidal marks’ in the tornado scar, caused by multiple vortexes.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Google Earth satellite imagery</span></span></figcaption></figure> <p>Local weather observations also recorded intensive cloud cover and rainfall during that period in November 2022.</p> <p>Unlike tornadoes that hit populated areas, this one did not damage homes or towns. But it left its mark nonetheless, eroding soil and vegetation and reshaping the Earth’s surface.</p> <p>Remarkably, the scar was still clearly visible 18 months after the event, both in satellite images and on the ground. This is probably because vegetation grows slowly in this dry landscape, so hadn’t yet covered the erosion.</p> <h2>Predict and prepare</h2> <p>This fascinating discovery on the Nullarbor Plain shows how powerful and unpredictable nature can be – sometimes without us knowing.</p> <p>Only three tornadoes have previously been documented on the Nullarbor Plain. This is likely because the area is remote with few eye-witnesses, and because the events do not damage properties and infrastructure. Interestingly, those three tornadoes occurred in November, just like this one.</p> <p>Our research provides valuable insights into the tornadoes in this remote and little-studied region. It helps us understand when, and in what conditions, these types of tornadoes occur.</p> <p>It also emphasises the importance of satellite imagery in identifying and analysing weather phenomena in remote locations, and in helping us predict and prepare for the next big event.</p> <p>And finally, the results are a stark reminder that extreme weather can strike anywhere, anytime.</p> <hr /> <p><em>Hero Image: Author supplied/Google Earth</em></p> <p><em>This article has been amended to clarify that a reference to early tornado observations relates only to the period after British colonisation.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239867/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matej-lipar-1372667">Matej Lipar</a>, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-man-scouring-google-earth-found-a-mysterious-scar-in-the-australian-outback-and-now-scientists-know-what-caused-it-239867">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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What is methanol? How does it get into drinks and cause harm?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-musgrave-1808">Ian Musgrave</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p>Melbourne teenager Bianca Jones <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-21/bianca-jones-dead-laos-methanol-poisoning/104630384">has died</a> and her friend Holly Bowles remains severely ill in hospital in Thailand, after experiencing suspected methanol poisoning while they were travelling in Laos.</p> <p>The pair are reportedly among <a href="https://x.com/Smartraveller/status/1858850858227954118">several foreign nationals</a> who became ill after unknowingly consuming alcoholic drinks containing methanol in the south-east Asian country.</p> <p>So what is methanol, and how does it make people sick?</p> <h2>Methanol versus ethanol</h2> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol">Methanol</a> is an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_(chemistry)">alcohol</a>, like the familiar <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol">ethanol</a> we consume in alcoholic beverages.</p> <p>Like ethanol, methanol is a colourless, flammable liquid. It has a smell similar to ethanol as well.</p> <p>But the two have different chemical structures. Methanol is composed of only one carbon atom, while ethanol has two.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=300&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=300&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=300&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=377&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=377&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633188/original/file-20241120-15-i7wr12.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=377&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Models of methanol and ethanol depicted with balls and sticks." /><figcaption><span class="caption">Methanol (left) and ethanol (right) have differing chemical structures.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Wikimedia Commons</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>That one carbon atom makes all the difference. It means methanol is processed differently in our bodies and is much more toxic than ethanol.</p> <p>Methanol is used in a <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methanol">variety of industrial and household products</a>, such as windshield cleaning fluids, antifreeze and fuel. It’s not safe for human consumption.</p> <h2>What makes methanol toxic?</h2> <p>The difference is in how methanol is metabolised, or broken down in our bodies.</p> <p>Ethanol is metabolised into a chemical compound called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic, but is rapidly converted to acetate (also known as acetic acid, found in vinegar). Generating an acid may sound bad, but acetate actually <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6699882/">produces energy and makes important molecules</a> in the body.</p> <p>By contrast, methanol is metabolised into <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde">formaldehyde</a> (a chemical used in <a href="https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/hazardous-chemical/priority-chemicals/formaldehyde">industrial glues</a> and for embalming corpses, for example) and then to <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Formic-Acid">formic acid</a> (the chemical in some ant bites that makes them hurt so much).</p> <p>Unlike acetate, which the body uses, formic acid <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1665561/">poisons the mitochondria</a>, the powerhouses of the cells.</p> <p>As a result, a person exposed to methanol can go into severe <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/">metabolic acidosis</a>, which is when too much acid builds up in the body.</p> <p>Methanol poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The acidosis then causes depression of the central nervous system which can cause people with methanol poisoning to fall unconscious and go into a coma, as well as retinal damage leading to vision loss. This is because the retinas are full of active mitochondria and sensitive to them being damaged.</p> <p>Death is not inevitable if only a small amount of methanol has been consumed, and rapid treatment will greatly reduce damage.</p> <p>However, permanent vision damage can occur even at <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/">non-lethal doses</a> if treatment is not administered quickly.</p> <h2>What does treatment involve?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482121/">Treatment</a> is mainly supportive care, such as intubation and mechanical ventilation to help the patient to breathe.</p> <p>But it can also involve drugs such as <a href="https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01213">fomepizole</a> (which inhibits the generation of toxic formic acid) and dialysis to remove methanol and its metabolites from the body.</p> <h2>How does methanol get into alcoholic drinks?</h2> <p>Methanol can turn up in any alcoholic beverage, but it’s most likely in beverages with higher alcohol content, such as spirits, and traditionally brewed drinks, such as fruit wines.</p> <p>Methanol can get into alcoholic beverages in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s added <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8303512/">deliberately and illegally</a> during or after manufacturing as a cheaper way to increase the alcohol content in a drink.</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5028366/">Traditional brewing methods</a> can also inadvertently generate methanol as well as ethanol and produce toxic levels of methanol depending on the microbes and the types of plant materials used in the fermentation process.</p> <p>We don’t yet know how the Australian teenagers came to be poisoned in this tragedy. But it is a good idea when travelling (particularly in areas with traditionally fremented drinks, such as south-east Asia, the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa) to always be careful.</p> <p>The Australian government’s <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/safety/partying#methanol">Smartraveller website</a> advises that to avoid methanol poisoning you should be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits, drink only at reputable licensed premises and avoid home-made alcoholic drinks.</p> <p>Drinking only mass-produced commercial brews can be safer, though understandably people often want to try locally made drinks as part of their adventure.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244151/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-musgrave-1808">Ian Musgrave</a>, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-methanol-how-does-it-get-into-drinks-and-cause-harm-244151">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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What causes the itch in mozzie bites? And why do some people get such a bad reaction?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Are you one of these people who loathes spending time outdoors at dusk as the weather warms and mosquitoes start biting?</p> <p>Female mosquitoes <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153618">need blood</a> to develop their eggs. Even though they take a tiny amount of our blood, they can leave us with itchy red lumps that can last days. And sometimes something worse.</p> <p>So why does our body react and itch after being bitten by a mosquito? And why are some people more affected than others?</p> <h2>What happens when a mosquito bites?</h2> <p>Mosquitoes are attracted to warm blooded animals, including us. They’re attracted to the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/abs/role-of-carbon-dioxide-in-hostfinding-by-mosquitoes-diptera-culicidae-a-review/2506B86EF63852B2D02EC3FCEE1E3B8B">carbon dioxide</a> we exhale, our body temperatures and, most importantly, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-08/mosquitoes-climate-change-skin/104548122">the smell of our skin</a>.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/abstract/S1471-4922(21)00237-3">chemical cocktail</a> of odours from bacteria and sweat on our skin <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00532-8">sends out a signal</a> to hungry mosquitoes.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522">Some people’s</a> skin smells more appealing to mosquitoes, and they’re more likely to be bitten than others.</p> <p>Once the mosquito has made its way to your skin, things get a little gross.</p> <p>The mosquito pierces your skin with their “proboscis”, their feeding mouth part. But the proboscis isn’t a single, straight, needle-like tube. There are multiple tubes, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/07/480653821/watch-mosquitoes-use-6-needles-to-suck-your-blood">some designed</a> for sucking and some for spitting.</p> <p>Once their mouth parts have been inserted into your skin, the mosquito will inject some saliva. This contains a mix of chemicals that gets the blood flowing better.</p> <p>There has even been a suggestion that future medicines could be inspired by the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2018/03/29/mosquito-saliva-vital-to-the-discovery-of-future-drugs.html">anti-blood clotting properties</a> of mosquito saliva.</p> <p>It’s not the stabbing of our skin by the mosquito’s mouth parts that hurts, it’s the mozzie spit our bodies don’t like.</p> <h2>Are some people allergic to mosquito spit?</h2> <p>Once a mosquito has injected their saliva into our skin, a variety of reactions can follow. For the lucky few, nothing much happens at all.</p> <p>For most people, and irrespective of the type of mosquito biting, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024559/full">there is some kind of reaction</a>. Typically there is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161589023002304?via%3Dihub">redness and swelling of the skin</a> that appears within a few hours, but often more quickly, after just a few minutes.</p> <p>Occasionally, the reaction can cause pain or discomfort. Then comes the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2023-01-20/mosquito-bites-itchy-calamine-heat-ice-antihistamine-toothpaste/101652608">itchiness</a>.</p> <p>Some people do suffer severe reactions to mosquito bites. It’s a condition often referred to as “<a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-is-skeeter-syndrome">skeeter syndrome</a>” and is an allergic reaction caused by the protein in the mosquito’s saliva. This can cause large areas of swelling, blistering and fever.</p> <p>The chemistry of mosquito spit hasn’t really been well studied. But it has been shown that, for those who do suffer allergic reactions to their bites, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091674904022183">reactions may differ</a> depending on the type of mosquito biting.</p> <p>We all probably get more tolerant of mosquito bites as we get older. Young children are certainly more likely to suffer more following mosquito bites. But as we get older, the reactions are less severe and may pass quickly without too much notice.</p> <h2>How best to treat the bites?</h2> <p>Research into treating bites <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0161589023002304">has yet to provide</a> a single easy solution.</p> <p>There are many <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites">myths and home remedies</a> about what works. But there is little scientific evidence supporting their use.</p> <p>The best way to treat mosquito bites is by applying a cold pack to reduce swelling and to keep the skin clean to avoid any secondary infections. Antiseptic creams and lotions may also help.</p> <p>There is some evidence that <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309056/">heat may alleviate</a> some of the discomfort.</p> <p>It’s particularly tough to keep young children from scratching at the bite and breaking the skin. This can form a nasty scab that may end up being worse than the bite itself.</p> <p>Applying an anti-itch cream may help. If the reactions are severe, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings">antihistamine medications</a> may be required.</p> <h2>To save the scratching, stop the bites</h2> <p>Of course, it’s better not to be bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Topical <a href="https://theconversation.com/insect-repellents-work-but-there-are-other-ways-to-beat-mosquitoes-without-getting-sticky-171805">insect repellents</a> are a safe, effective and affordable way to reduce mosquito bites.</p> <p>Covering up with loose fitted long sleeved shirts, long pants and covered shoes also provides a physical barrier.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/are-mosquito-coils-good-or-bad-for-our-health-88548">Mosquito coils and other devices</a> can also assist, but should not be entirely relied on to stop bites.</p> <p>There’s another important reason to avoid mosquito bites: millions of people around the world suffer from mosquito-borne diseases. More than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria">half a million people die</a> from malaria each year.</p> <p>In Australia, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1005070">Ross River virus</a> infects more than 5,000 people every year. And in recent years, there have been cases of serious illnesses caused by <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/how-rains-pigs-and-waterbirds-fueled-shocking-disease-outbreak-australia">Japanese encephalitis</a> and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256149/full">Murray Valley encephalitis</a> viruses.<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-causes-the-itch-in-mozzie-bites-and-why-do-some-people-get-such-a-bad-reaction-243044">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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"Disgraceful": Government red tape causes funeral to be cancelled

<p>A local council has cancelled a funeral just 24 hours before it was set to take place due to government red tape. </p> <p>Ever since Shellharbour local Judy passed away, her brother Ron had been working hard to give her a decent send off. </p> <p>However, less than one day before her planned funeral, the Shellharbour Council cancelled the service over an unpaid burial fee. </p> <p>Ron had been liaising with two government agencies to get payment to council for the burial, which <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/sydney-council-cancels-funeral-after-government-fails-to-pay-burial-fee-on-time/60cfa883-6a45-4ff7-badd-1a2e4c52b6aa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a> said was a matter of one government organisation waiting for a simple sign off from another government agency.</p> <p>Confirmation of the payment came through just one day after the funeral should have gone ahead.</p> <p>Ron was left heartbroken over the cancellation and said the council was "very disrespectful" in their dealings, and said he is owed an apology. </p> <p>"Disgraceful in fact. Low-life mongrels to do that to any family in this sort of situation," Ron told <em>ACA</em>.</p> <p>He says the most devastating part was calling family one by one, including Judy's intellectually disabled son, to deliver the news, as he recalled, "He was in tears. I had to get his support worker over just to calm him down."</p> <p>Shellharbour City Council told <em>A Current Affair</em> via email it was "unable to grant interment rights which are legally required before a burial because the fee hadn't been paid".</p> <p>They went on to say in a statement, "Shellharbour City Council acknowledges the complexity of the burial process and apologises for the hurt the family has experienced."</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

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Trying to lose weight? Here’s why your genetics could be just as important as your exercise regime

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/henry-chung-1279176">Henry Chung</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-mcmanus-2226445">Chris McManus</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-waterworth-2226444">Sally Waterworth</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a></em></p> <p>Weight loss is a complicated process. There are so many factors involved including your diet, how much sleep you get each night and the kind of exercise you do. Our recent study shows that your <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02701367.2024.2404981">specific genetic profile</a> may also have a dominant effect on how well you lose weight through exercise. This might explain why two people who do an identical workout will see very different results.</p> <p>We identified 14 genes that appeared to significantly contribute to how much weight a person lost through running. This suggests that some of us have a natural talent when it comes to burning fat and losing weight through exercise.</p> <p>To conduct our study, we recruited 38 men and women born in the UK aged between 20 and 40. None of the participants regularly exercised at the start of the study. The group was randomly divided, with one half following a strict eight-week endurance programme that consisted of three weekly runs of 20-30 minutes.</p> <p>The other group acted as a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/control-group">control</a>. They were instructed to refrain from exercise and continue their daily routines as normal over this study period, including diet and lifestyle habits.</p> <p>All participants conducted a running test to see how far they could run in 12 minutes, and were weighed before and after the study period. This was to gauge their initial fitness level and see how much they changed over the duration of the study. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/">Body mass index</a> (BMI) was also calculated.</p> <p>Additionally, a saliva sample was collected from each person with a <a href="https://muhdo.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiIOmBhDjARIsAP6YhSUB3WI81JP4Q_snYLhh-SBVNeCJNy2m63C8bKJFvO-nJ5UsHuCCdqMaAhTeEALw_wcB">DNA test kit</a> at the end of the study to assess their unique genetic profile.</p> <p>It’s important to note that everyone who participated in the study had a similar body weight, BMI and aerobic fitness level at the start of the study. This is beneficial for <a href="https://casp-uk.net/news/homogeneity-in-research/">multiple reasons</a>. It meant everyone was at the same starting point, and some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/confounding-variable">confounding variables</a> were already controlled for such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10128125/">fitness level</a>. This ultimately improves accuracy in interpreting the results.</p> <h2>Exercise genes</h2> <p>Everyone in the exercise group managed to lose weight – around 2kg on average. The control group, on the other hand, put on a little bit of weight.</p> <p>While a 2kg weight loss may not sound like a lot, it’s significant considering the exercise regime only lasted eight weeks and participants made no <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/87186">changes to their diet</a>.</p> <p>More significant, however, was the large variation in results among those that exercised – with an up to 10kg difference in weight loss between some of the participants. In fact, everyone within the exercise group improved at different rates.</p> <p>Since we controlled for factors such as the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3529283/">intensity, duration and frequency</a> of the exercises and used participants who’d had a similar body weight and fitness level at the start of the study, this suggests that some people naturally benefited more than others from endurance training.</p> <p>When we looked at the genetic profiles of our participants, we found that differences in each person’s response to the exercise was strongly associated with their specific genetics.</p> <p>We showed there was a strong linear correlation between the amount of weight participants lost and 14 genes that have previously been shown to be associated with body weight, metabolism or <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-018-0017-5">psychological conditions</a> that affect BMI. The greater number of these genes a participant had, the more weight they lost. Our results also revealed that around 63% of the variance in weight lost among participants were explained by the genes identified.</p> <p>For example, research has shown the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/10891">PPARGC1A gene</a> plays a role in metabolism and the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/S11033-020-05801-Z">use of fats for energy</a> while exercising. Our study found that all participants who lost more than 1.5kg from exercise had this gene. Those who lost less than this did not have this gene.</p> <p>Our findings align with what <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0249501&amp;s2=P875440273_1683331208925004155">previous studies</a> have shown. But while previous papers have only looked at the link between individual genes and weight loss, ours is the first to show that 14 different genes appear to work in combination to affect whether a person loses weight from endurance exercise.</p> <h2>Piece of the puzzle</h2> <p>Our study also suggests that while some people possess genes that make it easier for them to get fit and lose weight, people with these favourable genetics can only flourish if they actually exercise. In fact, our control group also had a number of these listed genes, but without exercise these genes could not activate, and so the participants did not lose any weight.</p> <p>While our study provides compelling findings, it’s not without limitations. Since we only looked at endurance-based exercise, it will be important for future studies to investigate whether there are similar links between weight loss, genetics and combinations of different types of training (such as a mixture of endurance and strength sessions into a training plan).</p> <p>It’s also worth mentioning that exercise is only <a href="https://www.who.int/activities/controlling-the-global-obesity-epidemic">one piece of the puzzle</a> when it comes to weight loss. So even if you have all 14 of these genes, you won’t lose any weight or get fit if you don’t exercise and maintain a healthy diet and sleep pattern.</p> <p>On the flip side, someone that only has a few of these favourable genes can still benefit if they exercise and are mindful of other aspects of their lifestyle.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240506/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/henry-chung-1279176">Henry Chung</a>, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-mcmanus-2226445">Chris McManus</a>, Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sally-waterworth-2226444">Sally Waterworth</a>, Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-essex-1291">University of Essex</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trying-to-lose-weight-heres-why-your-genetics-could-be-just-as-important-as-your-exercise-regime-240506">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

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Breaking the silence on prostate cancer: man’s family legacy highlights importance of early detection

<p>James Murray, 55, an architect from Melbourne, always knew he was living with a genetic "time bomb." A fifth-generation prostate cancer sufferer, his family’s battle with the disease spans over 170 years. From his great-great-grandfather, who chronicled his symptoms in 1847, to his uncles and father who also faced the disease, prostate cancer has been a grim constant in his family.</p> <p>“My family has what's been called a ‘spectacular history’ with prostate cancer,” James reflects. “But that’s not the kind of thing you want to hear. My great-great-grandfather had it, though they couldn’t test for it back then. My grandfather died from it, my father got it, and both of his brothers had it as well. It’s been a constant in our family for generations.”</p> <p>James' great-great-grandfather, Robert William Felton Lathrop Murray, a soldier and the founder of the <em>Hobart Town Gazette</em>, documented his battle with the disease long before modern medicine could provide a diagnosis. Since then, generation after generation of Murrays has grappled with the same fate. </p> <p>For James, however, early detection was key. Diagnosed in February 2022, he underwent surgery just a few months later in May, removing what doctors described as an aggressive form of the disease. But his story, unlike his ancestors, had a different ending.</p> <p>“In a way, we’ve been cursed by prostate cancer," explains James. "But it’s also been a blessing because it made us all hyper-aware of the importance of early detection. My dad was incredibly diligent, and that saved his life. He made sure I was on top of my PSA testing from my mid-40s, and that’s how we caught it early for me.” </p> <p>Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and early detection are now recognised as crucial, particularly for men with a family history of prostate cancer. Yet, dangerous myths surrounding prostate cancer testing continue to cost lives, warns Associate Professor Weranja Ranasinghe, Deputy Leader of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand’s (USANZ) GU-Oncology Special Advisory Group.</p> <p>“Many men believe that they need to have urinary symptoms to be concerned about prostate cancer,” explains Ranasinghe. “The reality is that most prostate cancers develop without any symptoms at all. Urinary symptoms are not reliable – most of these symptoms are caused by non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate but advanced cancer can also give you urinary symptoms. So it is important to get checked.”</p> <p>An even greater barrier, however, is the outdated belief that prostate cancer screening requires an invasive rectal exam. Ranasinghe stresses that this is no longer the case: “A simple PSA blood test, combined with advanced imaging like MRI, is now the standard approach. Many men are avoiding tests due to this outdated fear, but in the GP setting, a rectal exam is currently not required for detecting prostate cancer."</p> <p>With over 26,000 Australian men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) is raising awareness during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month about the importance of early testing and debunking these misconceptions.</p> <p>Ranasinghe also points out that men with a strong family history should be particularly vigilant. “Men with female relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer are also at an increased risk of prostate cancer due to the same genetic mutations. So we recommend that men with a strong family history get a PSA test at the age of 40, which is earlier than the recommended age.”</p> <p>For James Murray, the decision to undergo surgery quickly after his diagnosis proved life-saving. “When my PSA levels started rising in February 2022, I wasn’t shocked," he recalls. "I had always known this day would come. It wasn’t something I feared, but more something I was prepared for. I told myself, ‘Okay, it’s here, let’s deal with it,’ and I just focused on getting through the surgery as quickly as possible.”</p> <p>James feels fortunate compared to his uncles, whose diagnoses came much later in life, leading to more severe outcomes. His surgery went well, and he's had a quick recovery, returning to work and feeling grateful that they caught it early. That's why James is advocating for early PSA testing, particularly for men with a family history of prostate cancer. He plans to ensure his 19-year-old son is aware of the need for testing in the future.</p> <p>"We often see men wait until a friend or relative is diagnosed before thinking about getting a prostate cancer PSA test done," says Ranasinghe. "This reactive approach is dangerous. Men need to be proactive and take ownership of their prostate health and talk to their GPs about this, just like they would with cholesterol or other routine health checks."</p> <p>As prostate cancer awareness grows, James hopes his story will encourage others to get tested. It’s something no one wants to face, but the sooner you catch it, the better chance you have.</p> <p>For more information on prostate cancer screening and to find a urologist, visit the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) at <a href="https://www.usanz.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.usanz.org.au</a>.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Caring

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Offering end of life support as part of home care is important – but may face some challenges

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-tieman-378102">Jennifer Tieman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a></em></p> <p>Earlier this month, the government announced <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-government-has-a-new-plan-for-residential-aged-care-heres-whats-changing-238765">major changes</a> to aged care in Australia, including a A$4.3 billion <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-the-governments-home-care-changes-mean-for-ageing-australians-238890">investment in home care</a>.</p> <p>Alongside a shake up of home care packages, the Support at Home program will include an important addition – an <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/support-at-home-fact-sheet.pdf">end of life pathway</a> for older Australians.</p> <p>This pathway will allow access to a <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/features">higher level</a> of in-home aged care services to help Australians stay at home as they come to the end of their life. Specifically, it will provide an extra A$25,000 for palliative support when a person has three months or less left to live.</p> <p>This is a positive change. But there may be some challenges to implementing it.</p> <h2>Why is this important?</h2> <p>Older people have made clear their preference to remain in their homes as they age. For <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269216313487940">most people</a>, home is where they would like to be during their last months of life. The space is personal, familiar and comforting.</p> <p>However, data from the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/research/classifying-place-death-australian-mortality-statistics">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a> shows most people who die between the ages of 65 and 84 die in hospital, while most people aged 85 and older die in residential aged care.</p> <p>This apparent gap may reflect a lack of appropriate services. Both palliative care services and GPs have an important role in providing medical care to people living at home with a terminal illness. However, being able to <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/815-dying-well.pdf">die at home</a> relies on the availability of ongoing support including hands-on care and assistance with daily living.</p> <p>Family members and friends often provide this support, but this is not always possible. Even when it is, carers may <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38533612/">lack confidence and skills</a> to provide the necessary care, and may not have enough support for and respite from their carer role.</p> <p>The palliative care funding offered within Support at Home should help an older person to remain at home and die at home, if that is their preference.</p> <p>Unless someone dies suddenly, care needs are likely to increase at the end of a person’s life. Supports at home may involve help with showering and toileting, assessing and addressing symptoms, developing care plans, managing medications, wound dressing, domestic tasks, preparing meals, and communicating with the person’s family.</p> <p>Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can assist with equipment requirements and suggest home modifications.</p> <p>End of life supports may also involve clarifying goals of care, contacting services such as pharmacists for medications or equipment, liaising with organisations about financial matters, respite care or funeral planning, as well as acknowledging grief and offering spiritual care.</p> <p>But we don’t know yet exactly what services the $25,000 will go towards.</p> <h2>What do we know about the scheme so far?</h2> <p>The Support at Home program, including the end of life pathway, is scheduled to start from <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/support-at-home-fact-sheet.pdf">July 1 2025</a>.</p> <p>We know the funding is linked to a prognosis of three months or less to live, which will be determined <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-15/new-payment-aims-to-make-it-easier-for-people-to-die-at-home/104347984">by a doctor</a>.</p> <p>Further information has indicated that an older person can be referred to a <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/features">high-priority assessment</a> to access the end of life pathway. We don’t know yet what this means, however they don’t need to be an existing Support at Home participant to be eligible.</p> <p>The pathway will allow 16 weeks to use the funds, possibly to provide some leeway around the three-month timeline.</p> <p>Although more details are coming to light, there are still some things which remain unclear.</p> <p>Home care providers will be looking for details on what can be covered by this funding and how they will work alongside primary care providers and health-care services.</p> <p>Older people and their families will want to know the processes to apply for this funding and how long applications will take to be reviewed.</p> <p>Everyone will want to know what happens if the person doesn’t die within three months.</p> <h2>Some challenges</h2> <p>Ready availability of appropriate supports and services will be crucial for older people accessing this pathway. Home care providers will therefore need to assess how an end of life pathway fits into their operational activities and how they can build the necessary skills and capacity.</p> <p>Demand for nurses with palliative care skills and allied health professionals is likely to increase. Providing end of life care can be <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33096682/">especially taxing</a> so strategies will be needed to prevent staff burnout and encourage self-care.</p> <p>How pathways are implemented in rural and remote areas and in different cultural and community groups will need to be monitored to ensure all older people benefit.</p> <p>Effective coordination and communication between home care, primary care and specialist palliative providers care will be key. Digital health systems that connect the sectors could be helpful. Family engagement will also be very important.</p> <p>Escalation pathways and referral pathways should be established to enable appropriate responses to emergencies, unexpected deterioration, and family distress.</p> <p>Finally, <a href="https://bmcpalliatcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12904-023-01155-y">accurately determining</a> when someone will die can be difficult. Knowing when the last three months of life starts may not be easy, particularly where frailty, cognitive issues and multiple health concerns may be present.</p> <p>This might mean some people are not seen as being ready for this pathway. Others may not be willing to accept this prognosis. An older person may also be expected to live with a terminal illness for many months or years. Their palliative care needs would not be met under this pathway.</p> <p>Despite these challenges, the announcement of an end of life pathway within the home care program is timely and welcome. As a population we are living longer and dying older. More details will help us be better prepared to implement this scheme.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239296/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-tieman-378102">Jennifer Tieman</a>, Matthew Flinders Professor and Director of the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/offering-end-of-life-support-as-part-of-home-care-is-important-but-may-face-some-challenges-239296">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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