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A vaccine created using artificial intelligence that could potentially provide broader protection against multiple coronaviruses and help prepare for future outbreaks has passed its first human clinical trial.Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Southampton developed a "universal vaccine" designed to protect against multiple Sarbeco coronaviruses, which the university explained in a news release is "the large group of viruses that occur in nature including SARS-CoV-2, which caused the COVID pandemic."CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESTraditional vaccines must constantly be updated as viruses mutate, and the process is "like a dog chasing its tail," said University of Southampton professor Saul Faust, the trial’s chief investigator."Viruses like Influenza, Coronaviruses and the Ebola group are evolving continuously, and by the time vaccines are rolled out, they may be poorly matched – the current ‘reactive’ vaccine system struggles to keep pace," Faust said.An antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine meant to trigger an immune-system response and fight off infection. According to the release, the university scientists logged all the available genetic sequence data for Sarbeco coronaviruses and used AI used to design a "super-antigen" that contains the antigen features "common to this whole group of viruses – including ones that haven’t emerged yet."The trial of the vaccine proved safe and triggered an immune response in 39 healthy volunteers, marking "the first time that a vaccine whose active component was designed entirely by computer simulations has been tested in humans," the release said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe trial vaccine was administered through a micro-fluid jet that delivers the immunization through the skin using a tiny, high-pressure stream of liquid and does not require a needle. The researchers said this method could make it "faster and easier to carry out in large numbers of people."TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ"This new class of universal vaccines are future-proofed," Faust said. "They not only protect against many variants simultaneously, but potentially against related viruses that haven’t yet emerged and spilt over to humans. If we can develop and clinically advance this new class of vaccines before a virus outbreak begins, millions of lives could be saved, lockdowns avoided and the economy preserved."Some experts have raised broad concerns about using AI in medicine, primarily when it comes to making clinical decisions, not developing vaccines. Certain groups of people may be underrepresented in the data AI relies on, resulting in biased outcomes,… [TheTopNews] Read More.

Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane announced he has been diagnosed with breast cancer.Known for his roles in "X-Men" and "Halloween," Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men."I have some bad news. I start chemo today," Mane stated in a video posted to his social media channels. "One in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I'm one of them."CANCER SURVIVORS SAW MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN SLEEP AND WELL-BEING WITH ONE WEEKLY PRACTICEBecause breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, many men are unaware that they are also at risk. However, according to Mayo Clinic, everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue.While women go on to develop more of this tissue during puberty, the biological foundation for the disease exists in everyone.The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple, according to experts. Other signs can include skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESMale breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases globally. Because routine screenings like mammograms are not standard practice for men, the disease is often caught much later than it is in women.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZMane highlighted this issue as a primary motivation for speaking out. "Because it's rarely talked about, it's usually found at later stages and has worse outcomes," he said. "I want to change that."Medical data supports Mane's concerns regarding late-stage detection. While male breast cancer can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in older men, according to Mayo Clinic.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERMen's treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed.Mane said he is utilizing his platform to normalize conversations about male health and encourage early detection. He concluded his video by asking his followers to spread the word and help educate others."Follow, like and share, and come along for my journey to kick this thing in the ass," Mane said. "Send this to 10 of your friends and have them follow me, because people need to hear this." [TheTopNews] Read More.

Divorcees and widows may face a higher risk of death than those who are still coupled up, a new study reveals.Researchers in Norway analyzed long-term national health data to weigh mortality risk among those who were divorced, ended situations where they lived with a partner, or became widowed.The study, published in the journal BMJ Public Health, looked at three groups of about 20,000 people each, from 1984 to 2019, who were married or living with a partner at the time.ONE TOXIC BEHAVIOR KILLS RELATIONSHIPS, LEADING HAPPINESS EXPERT WARNSDuring the next wave of the study, these individuals were categorized into three groups: still married or cohabiting, divorced or moved out, and widowed. Death records were then checked through January 2020, according to a press release.The researchers used statistical models to gauge whether this relationship loss was associated with death later.Divorces or breakups were consistently linked with higher mortality across all groups compared to couples who stayed together. This was the case even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, health habits, self-rated health and loneliness.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERBeing widowed was also linked to about a 14% higher mortality risk, though the association was strongest in the earliest period studied.During the second study period, the link between breakup and mortality was stronger, with a statistically significant association observed only among women.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESAlthough this research displays an association between living alone and mortality risk, it does not define a direct cause, the team acknowledged.The authors commented that these findings "highlight the importance of addressing social disconnection in public health and in clinical practice to reduce preventable mortality."M. David Rudd, PhD, University of Memphis professor of psychology and director of the Rudd Institute for Veteran & Military Suicide Prevention, reflected that these findings underscore what has been known for decades."Loneliness has significant and severe consequences for individual physical health and emotional well-being," said Rudd, who was not involved in the study. "We're social beings, and relationships are essential to health, happiness and survival.""These findings are particularly salient during this period of exponentially increasing isolation, secondary to the influential role of digital technologies."While limitations always exist in studies of this kind, Rudd pointed out that this longitudinal research, spanning almost four decades, offers "remarkably important contributions to understanding human behavior."TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZDivorcees and widows should understand that relationships and social engagement… [TheTopNews] Read More.

Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station's 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday's Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program."After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter said during the broadcast."It's early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, for now," he continued. "But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's."'DUCK DYNASTY' STAR PHIL ROBERTSON DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE"So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor," he added.According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.He began anchoring the station's 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station's 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER'S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMSABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families."For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most," WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement."A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike," she continued."While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer's better understand the disease and the resources available to them.""Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News," Galvez added.Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died from Alzheimer's disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years. [TheTopNews] Read More.

Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station's 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday's Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program."After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter said during the broadcast.WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER'S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS"It's early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, for now," he continued. "But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's.""So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor," he added.According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.'DUCK DYNASTY' STAR PHIL ROBERTSON DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASEHe began anchoring the station's 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station's 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families."For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most," WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER’S DRUG COULD REDUCE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL DAMAGE, RESEARCHERS SAY"A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike," she continued."While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer's better understand the disease and the resources available to them.""Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News," Galvez added.New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to Ritter's announcement by wishing the veteran broadcaster and his family "strength in the days ahead.""For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers' homes, helping… [TheTopNews] Read More.