Category Archives: News to use

Useful news for all to advance knowledge of the world and how it works

ASIA/HOLY LAND – Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: an “extremist ideology” makes the soul of the Holy City bleed – Agenzia Fides

The forced eviction of Palestinian families in Jerusalem from their homes in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah by the security forces represents an “unacceptable violation” of one of the fundamental human rights, that of being able to live in peace in one’s own home. And the violence used to prevent Palestinian Muslims from reaching the al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem “undermines their security and their right to have access to the Holy Places and to pray freely”. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem chooses vibrant and alarmed tones to express concern and discouragement in the face of the escalation of clashes and tensions that from the Holy City are already spreading throughout the Holy Land, lengthening the list of human sacrifices that accompany each new phase of the endless Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Source: ASIA/HOLY LAND – Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: an “extremist ideology” makes the soul of the Holy City bleed – Agenzia Fides

Japan’s seriously ill COVID-19 patients continue to increase

The number of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms in Japan rose to a record 1,176, the health ministry said Tuesday, amid growing concerns over an increasing number of infections caused by highly contagious variants of the virus.

Daily infections reported by prefectural and local governments also increased, with Osaka Prefecture reporting 974 cases and a record 55 deaths from the novel coronavirus on a daily basis.

Source: Japan’s seriously ill COVID-19 patients continue to increase

Alzheimer’s treatment proves effective at preventing inflammation, failure of orthopedic implants – Study Finds

Researchers tested the molecule’s impact on both bone cells and immune cells. During their experiments, the team discovered metal particles coming from the implants accelerate the progression of bone resorption. However, in animal tests, study authors found SNV could suppress this resorption. Therefore, the new drug shows great promise at preserving the hold joint implants and teeth have in the surrounding bone tissue.

“This project is a classic example of collaboration between different departments at TAU’s Faculty of Medicine,” says Prof. Yankel Gabet.

“On the one hand, together with Prof. David Kohavi, my group has for years studied the connection between the immune system, inflammatory response, and bone cells. On the other, Dr. Michal Eger is a dentist who decided to explore these processes for her doctoral thesis. She attended a course given by Prof. Gozes, in which VIP and SNV were discussed, and an in-depth conversation led to the idea of checking whether these molecules can prevent bone loss around implants and natural teeth. We quickly discovered the enormous potential of SNV for people who suffer from bone loss around teeth and implants. Currently we are working on translating this new discovery to the clinic.”

Source: Alzheimer’s treatment proves effective at preventing inflammation, failure of orthopedic implants – Study Finds

Tyson Raises Pay to Combat Turnover | Food Manufacturing (Me: Read this GOP it’s not unemployment keeping people at home – it’s poor working conditions and competition from those who will pay more!)

To combat the virus, Tyson began vaccinating workers in February through clinics at more than 100 sites. The company said Monday it has vaccinated more than 42,000 employees, or about one-third of its workforce. Tyson said it’s also offering vaccines to team members’ families when possible.

Tyson said it’s raising wages and implementing more flexible scheduling in order to keep its plants staffed. Executives did not elaborate on the percentage pay hikes workers were being given and a company spokesman was unable to provide further details.

“There’s not a magic bullet here. We’re looking at all kinds of things, trying to generate worker-driven solutions,” King said.

Source: Tyson Raises Pay to Combat Turnover | Food Manufacturing

(Me: Game changer for testing!) Is It Covid or the Flu? New Combo Tests Can Find Out. – The New York Times

This so-called quad test, now available at thousands of hospitals and clinics around the country, could detect not only the coronavirus, but two types of influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus, or R.S.V. A little more than a half-hour later, Dr. Blake Gustafson had the patient’s result: He had the flu.

To Vaccinate Younger Teens, States and Cities Look to Schools, Camps, Even Beaches – The New York Times

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Vaccine Monitor found that many parents — even some who eagerly got their own Covid shots — are reluctant to vaccinate pubescent children. Yet doing so will be critical for further reducing transmission of the virus, smoothly reopening middle and high schools and regaining some sense of national normalcy.

Vaccination for the age group is expected to begin across the country later this week. Sites are anticipating an initial surge in demand before an inevitable softening, much as happened with adults.

States, counties and school districts around the country are trying to figure out the most reassuring and expedient ways to reach younger adolescents as well as their parents, whose consent is usually required by state law. They are making plans to offer vaccines not only in schools, but also at pediatricians’ offices, day camps, parks and even beaches.

Joni Ernst Claims Liz Cheney is a Victim of Cancel Culture

In yet another sign that cancel culture isn’t real, even Republicans can’t agree on what constitutes “cancel culture.” This episode of intra-party confusion comes courtesy of Republican leaders’ push to oust Representative Liz Cheney from her leadership post in the House.  Source: Joni Ernst Claims Liz Cheney is a Victim of Cancel Culture

When One City Gave People Cash, They Went Out and Got Jobs

Besides feeling less pain and anxiety about their lives and their financial situations, a surprising percentage of the program’s recipients got jobs. By the end of the first year of the study (2019, before the pandemic began) full-time employment in the recipient group had risen from 28 percent to 40 percent — double the increase found among folks who didn’t receive the money.

This runs counter to some conventional wisdom, which says that free money disincentivizes work. Rather, the report, along with anecdotal evidence, seems to say the opposite: it is the uncertainty that low-income folks live with that makes it harder for them to find the jobs they desire. Providing this modest monetary cushion allows folks to realize their potential, which benefits the entire community.

Source: When One City Gave People Cash, They Went Out and Got Jobs