Nightmare

An awkward family reunion: Sea monsters are our cousins

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The sea lamprey, a 500-million-year-old animal with a sharp-toothed suction cup for a mouth, is the thing of nightmares. A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that the hindbrain—the part of the brain controlling vital functions like blood pressure and heart rate—of both sea lampreys and humans is built using an extraordinarily similar molecular and genetic toolkit.

Key Points: 
  • The team unexpectedly uncovered that a crucial molecular cue is very broadly required during vertebrate hindbrain development.
  • Because most vertebrates, including humans, have jaws, this striking difference in sea lampreys makes them valuable models for understanding the evolution of vertebrate traits.
  • Surprisingly, they found that the sea lamprey core hindbrain circuit is also initiated by retinoic acid, providing evidence that these sea monsters and humans are much more closely related than anticipated.
  • "People thought that because sea lampreys lack a jaw, their hindbrain was not formed like other vertebrates," said Krumlauf.

A More Just World Is Possible with Just One Rule

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its covenants would suffice to make our world a just world for all. Yet, the global community does not respect its commitments to these international legal frameworks. It is not complicated. 

Key Points: 
  • We just need to follow one rule underpinning them, the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
  • Unjust and inhumane wars and atrocities are raging in the Middle East, in Sudan and across sub-Saharan Africa, in Ukraine and beyond.
  • These are legally binding commitments, which can be truly simplified down to a single universal rule: the Golden Rule.
  • Increasingly, armed conflicts, atrocities and human rights violations are committed daily against vulnerable, innocent children and youth in nearly every region of the world.

A More Just World Is Possible with Just One Rule

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its covenants would suffice to make our world a just world for all. Yet, the global community does not respect its commitments to these international legal frameworks. It is not complicated. 

Key Points: 
  • We just need to follow one rule underpinning them, the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
  • Unjust and inhumane wars and atrocities are raging in the Middle East, in Sudan and across sub-Saharan Africa, in Ukraine and beyond.
  • These are legally binding commitments, which can be truly simplified down to a single universal rule: the Golden Rule.
  • Increasingly, armed conflicts, atrocities and human rights violations are committed daily against vulnerable, innocent children and youth in nearly every region of the world.

Why do Israelis and the rest of the world view the Gaza conflict so differently? And can this disconnect be overcome?

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024

Once the fighting stops, the world’s attention will shift to tough “day after” negotiations, which would necessitate, among other things, painful and risky concessions from both sides.

Key Points: 
  • Once the fighting stops, the world’s attention will shift to tough “day after” negotiations, which would necessitate, among other things, painful and risky concessions from both sides.
  • Given the vast deficits of trust and favour between Israelis and Palestinians, such concessions will be extremely difficult to achieve.
  • And while learning about the tragedies of others can support healing and reconciliation processes, turning victimhood into a competition has produced polarisation and distrust.

How Israelis are viewing the war

  • More than 28,000 Palestinians have been killed so far, and many more are still under the rubble.
  • However, Israelis don’t see on their screens what the rest of the world sees.
  • Read more:
    Reflections on hope during unprecedented violence in the Israel-Hamas war

A sense of betrayal

  • In their worst nightmares, Israelis could not imagine or make sense of the support for the Hamas attack, or the widespread denial that atrocities had occurred at all.
  • Some of the victims on October 7 had for years been active members of the peace movement.
  • This has been more likely the case on the political left and in the centre, where many people have lost a sense of security and hope.
  • The only thing animating some calls for a ceasefire deal now is the ongoing risk to the hostages and the sense of national responsibility for their fate.

The international campaign for Palestine

  • For much of the world, the never-ending violations of Palestinians’ rights by Jewish settlers, the Israeli state and Israeli security forces have legitimised the struggle for a free Palestine, many times over.
  • However, anger at injustices should not lead to support – or even acquiescence – for the killing of civilians, by either side.
  • Not because this objective is more important than others, but because without it, there will be no end to the occupation.

The ‘day after’ solution

  • Hate comes easily in the face of injustices, as does empathy for the suffering on one own’s side.
  • It is much harder to empathise with the misfortunes of “others” who may or may not have brought their misery upon themselves.
  • Those who have been severely aggrieved may struggle to apply the same yardstick to others, but the rest of us could and should.


Eyal Mayroz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA PROUDLY PRESENTS THE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE OF 'COUNTY RESCUE'

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Great American Media proudly announces its first Original Series, "County Rescue," the much-anticipated faith and family action drama about EMTs and paramedics in personal and professional extremes, will make its worldwide debut on the company's streaming platform, Great American Pure Flix beginning Friday, February 23 and feature new episodes every Friday for the series' first season of five episodes. Great American Family, the company's premiere flagship linear network premieres episode one on Monday, February 26 (8 p.m. ET/PT), and will premiere a new episode every Monday for the five-week first season run. "County Rescue" tells the story of one EMT unit whose medical team saves lives while guiding themselves and each other through journeys of love, hope and faith. The series features a remarkable ensemble cast led by Julia Reilly and Riley Hough alongside co-stars Percy Bell, Kristin Wollett, Brett Varvel, Stacey Patino, Tim Ross, Keller Fornes, Angel Luis, and Curtia Torbert. Music star Colton Dixon also guest stars.

Key Points: 
  • Great American Family, the company's premiere flagship linear network premieres episode one on Monday, February 26 (8 p.m. ET/PT), and will premiere a new episode every Monday for the five-week first season run.
  • These are the everyday heroes who make communities across America great," said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media.
  • "The series is about discovering oneself and who we are each meant to be while working alongside those who care about us.
  • As Duke tells the team he is going on leave to get help, Chief Scotty also has news.

Santé's Expert Commentary on the Danger of Tianeptine or "Gas Station Heroin"

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

ARGYLE, Texas, Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a new and urgent warning about using any products, such as Neptune's Fix, that contain tianeptine. They sent a letter on January 11, 2024 to convenience stores, gas stations, vape/smoke shops and other companies advising the retailers to stop selling any tianeptine-containing products. In November, they issued an initial warning and have continued to receive reports on the adverse effects of tianeptine, including seizures, loss of consciousness and death.

Key Points: 
  • In November, they issued an initial warning and have continued to receive reports on the adverse effects of tianeptine, including seizures, loss of consciousness and death.
  • There have been reported instances of individuals using tianeptine as an opioid substitute or to self-treat anxiety and depression.
  • In fact, tianeptine products are being touted "with claims to improve brain function and treat anxiety, depression, pain, opioid use disorder and other conditions.

  • "There have been reported instances of individuals using tianeptine as an opioid substitute or to self-treat anxiety and depression.

Empatica’s Medical-Grade EmbracePlus Wearable Selected for Critical US Department of Defense PTSD Treatment Study

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Key Points: 
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240207936228/en/
    EmbracePlus by Empatica has been selected by the US Department of Defense to monitor participants in a study on PTSD (Graphic: Business Wire)
    The Phase 2, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study will evaluate multiple potential pharmacotherapeutic interventions for PTSD in active-duty service members and veterans.
  • PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event that happens to or is witnessed by an individual.
  • The challenges posed by PTSD are substantial, both for those who serve and for all who face traumatic life events.
  • To learn more about EmbracePlus and the Empatica Health Monitoring Platform, please visit us at https://www.empatica.com/ .

Red Roof® Partners with Canine Companions® Offering Traveler Savings and Helping to Transform Lives

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

Canine Companions' expertly trained service dogs make a world of difference by empowering Canine Companions' clients to lead lives with enhanced independence.

Key Points: 
  • Canine Companions' expertly trained service dogs make a world of difference by empowering Canine Companions' clients to lead lives with enhanced independence.
  • Canine Companions believes, and Red Roof agrees, that independence shouldn't be limited to those who look or live a certain way.
  • "Over the past three years, Red Roof has donated more than $100,000 to Canine Companions."
  • Canine Companions transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing their clients with expertly trained service dogs, free of charge.

IT and Security Teams Increasingly United in Battle Against Sophisticated Cyberthreats, Research Finds

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024

TINTON FALLS, N.J., Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Commvault, a leading provider of cyber resilience and data protection solutions for hybrid cloud organizations, today released a new report that found the traditional silos between ITOps and security teams are beginning to break down, as organizations realize the importance of increased collaboration to combat the onslaught of more sophisticated cyber attacks.

Key Points: 
  • According to the report, nearly all (99%) respondents indicated that the relationship between ITOps and security has grown more connected over the past 12 months.
  • "Synergies between ITOps, security teams and the C-suite has never been more crucial as cyber criminals are deploying more sophisticated attacks powered by AI," said Javier Dominguez, Chief Information Security Officer, Commvault.
  • It's critical that ITOps and security teams jointly think about recovery as part of an end-to-end security practice tied to the NIST framework."
  • To facilitate this research, Commvault commissioned The Futurum Group to conduct an independent effort in finding answers to these important issues.

Nema Health, A Virtual PTSD Treatment Program, Raises $4.1M Seed Round And Launches In 3 States

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 10, 2023

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nema Health (Nema) , a virtual treatment program delivering evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), announced today it has closed a $4.1 million seed round.

Key Points: 
  • NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nema Health (Nema) , a virtual treatment program delivering evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), announced today it has closed a $4.1 million seed round.
  • The fundraise was co-led by Optum Ventures and .406 Ventures, with participation from GreyMatter Capital and additional angel investors.
  • Nema also announced the launch of its care program in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with a national insurance partner.
  • The company plans to expand nationwide and to partner with other commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare.