October 30, 2024 – Page 12

Stephanie Manson Brown, MD, MBBS, MRCS: Allergan Aesthetics’ Science of Aging and the Future of Aesthetic Medicine

Science and HealthBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Stephanie Manson Brown, MD, MBBS, MRCS, vice president of R&D and head of Clinical Development and Scientific Innovation at Allergan Aesthetics, recently delved into the Science of Aging program. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between aging science and aesthetic medicine, shifting the conversation from “anti-aging” to “pro-longevity.” By focusing on the underlying biological processes that contribute to aging, such as cellular senescence and oxidative stress, the program explores treatments that not only enhance appearance but also promote overall skin health and longevity.Manson Brown also shared insights on how the Science of Aging program provides a platform for collaboration between researchers, dermatologists, and aesthetic physicians.Stephanie Manson Brown, MD, MBBS, MRCS | Image Credit: © Rejuvenation ResourceQ&AQ: Can you explain how the Science of Aging program integrates with the broader scope of aesthetic medicine? How has it contributed to shifting the mindset from “anti-aging” to “pro-longevity” in clinical practice?A: Scientific developments in the field of aging can translate into meaningful action in the future of aesthetic medicine. The Science of Aging platform, initiated by Allergan Aesthetics, brings discoveries from aging and longevity science to aesthetic medicine. The program is an educational forum for conversations that break new ground for the field, open a runway to explore novel targets for unmet patient needs, and drive the future blueprint for aesthetics medicine. By continuing to facilitate discussion among top researchers, physicians, and other innovators, we can explore cutting edge science and evolve the collective approach to aging, shifting focus from lifespan to health span (e.g., the number of years lived in good health). We are still in the early days, but the opportunity to harness science and change perceptions around aging is immense, and moving away from a mindset of ‘anti-aging’ is the future.Q: What recent discoveries in aging mechanisms do you find most promising for future aesthetic treatments?A: Longevity science is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding the biological processes and underlying causes of aging and potentially how to slow them down to improve health span. Across the field, research continues to advance rapidly, particularly in the last few years. Research on longevity addresses skin-related changes by exploring the fundamental biological processes that contribute to skin aging, such as cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and oxidative stress. By understanding and working to mitigate these processes, as well as leveraging the power of AI and advanced digital technology, we have the potential to improve skin aging and overall health. I’m a strong believer that investing in skin health is an important part of a holistic approach to pursuing good health. Evolving approaches are fueling future aesthetic interventions that address the root causes of aging – not just the signs and symptoms.Q: How can these insights shape the daily practices of dermatologists and aesthetic physicians?A: Trends and innovations affecting how we age have great impact on practitioners and their patients. Treatment strategies such as promoting cellular rejuvenation, enhancing skin barrier function, and protecting against oxidative damage through antioxidants, are integral to addressing aging processes. A targeted aesthetic treatment can do more than improve appearance – it can also help optimize skin function, identify aging factors, target cell regeneration, repair collagen, or enrich structural elements beyond the treatment itself. Improving the skin’s health with the right aesthetic treatments can increase overall longevity while keeping the skin healthier longer.Q: How does the Science of Aging program contribute to educating dermatologists and aesthetic physicians on the latest research findings?A: Science of Aging provides a forum for researchers to share their latest innovations in aging and longevity with dermatologists, aesthetic physicians, and others who are on the frontlines of treating patients. Since 2019, Science of Aging has conducted nearly 10 global events, involving dozens of speakers, start-ups, and passionate professionals. We believe that Science of Aging is an integral part of the continuing medical education ecosystem that exists today, offering comprehensive, patient-centric scientific exchange, and educational outreach, all of which can drive awareness and collaboration to help practitioners grow – and patient outcomes improve.Q: How do you envision the future of aesthetics education evolving, particularly in terms of physician training on pro-longevity strategies? What role do programs like Science of Aging play in preparing physicians for the next generation of aesthetic treatments?A: Given the rapidly evolving nature of the field of aesthetics, I believe programs like Science of Aging are going play a big role in bringing the latest research and innovation to practicing physicians. At our most recent symposia, for example, discussion topics ranged from exosome innovation, glycobiology, cellular aging mechanisms and genetic medicine to cellular rejuvenation, AI-driven longevity medicine, regenerative immunology, and mRNA therapy. The early science supporting these ideas is promising – and we’re educating physicians to keep them informed as the science continues to evolve.

China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival set to illuminate Xiamen

Arts & Culture, Film & TVBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Deng Guanghui, Vice President of the China Film Association, outlines the thematic activities planned for the upcoming China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival during a conference in Beijing on October 27 (WEI YAO)
From November 13 to 16, the prestigious China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, along with the 37th China Film Golden Rooster Awards ceremony, will be held in Xiamen, Fujian Province in southeast China. Anticipation for this cinematic extravaganza was set in motion at a press conference held in Beijing on October 27.
During the conference, Deng Guanghui, Vice President of the China Film Association, unveiled the thematic activities planned for the festival. The festival will feature an array of engaging events such as academic forums, film industry symposiums, and the esteemed Golden Rooster Film Venture Conference. From November 9 to 23, a selection of 75 films will be showcased across cinemas in Xiamen.
This year’s Golden Rooster Awards will consider films released between July 1, 2023 and June 30 this year that have obtained a public screening license from the National Film Bureau. An impressive roster of 251 films have registered to compete for the coveted awards in 20 categories. The nomination list for this year’s awards was also announced at the press conference.
Box office hits including Article 20, Endless Journey, One and Only, and Johnny Keep Walking have been nominated for Best Feature Film. Mother’s Instinct, Dune 2, Kim’s Video, Challenge, Oppenheimer have been nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
The press conference also revealed the main and secondary promotional posters for the 2024 festival and the 37th Golden Rooster Awards. In recent years, the main posters of the Golden Rooster Awards have become a hot topic of interest. Each year, designers ingeniously blend traditional Chinese folk art and Western artistic forms with cinematic elements to craft a visually striking rooster.

The primary poster for the 37th Golden Rooster Awards, which was released on October 27 (COURTESY PHOTO)
The primary poster for this year’s Golden Rooster Awards features the image of a rooster intensely alert just before dawn. The technique of Ebru, a traditional Turkish art of painting on water and transferring to paper, was adopted, and the rooster was painted in the vibrant orange-red hues of the phoenix flowers native to Xiamen. The secondary poster creatively utilizes the number 37 as its visual foundation, incorporating elements of a rooster’s comb to form the focal point of the poster’s design.
Since its inception in 1981, the Golden Rooster Awards have been a hallmark of national pride, sponsored by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Film Association. Named after the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster, in which year they were first held, the awards have been hosted in Xiamen for a decade and evolved from a biennial to an annual event in 2019.
Copyedited by G.P. Wilson
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The Crossing Releases ‘Cloud Anthem’ Film

Arts & Culture, Film & TVBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

With the General Election in the United States underway, The Crossing has released a short film to go along with its recently released single as part of its “The Crossing Votes: 2024.”
The piece in question, “Cloud Anthem” by Michael Gilbertson, was released on Oct. 18, 2024 and draws inspiration from a poem by Michael Gilbertson. The film was created by LA artist Brett Snodgrass and was timed to release at 5:38 a.m. to represent the 538 electoral college votes in play for the presidency.
“Our new single is a work of anticipation and possibilities. A work, we hope, says, ‘Vote.’ In it, we do not attempt to solve our country’s manyproblems; instead, we intentionally leave behind cynicism to live in a world of voices, textures, and words that some may hear as an invitation,” said Conductor Donald McNally regarding thee new piece.
Check out the film below:
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Chime: how to watch one of 2024’s scariest horror films this Halloween – is it an NFT?

Arts & Culture, Film & TVBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowIt is frighteningly hard to watch 🎃Japanese horror master Kiyoshi Kurosawa has released one of the most acclaimed horror films of 2024. Chime has been likened to his most famous works – Cure and Pulse. But it is weirdly hard to find and watch this Halloween. It is almost time for Halloween and you might be looking for a scary film to watch this SpookTober. Yet, one of the most acclaimed horror movies of the year is weirdly hard to find. Chime, a film by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, has been hailed among the scariest films released in 2024. But it is not easily available in the usual places – and instead has quite a unique distribution method. So how can you watch it this Halloween – and what is it about? Here’s all you need to know: What is Chime and who directed it? Chime director Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

How to get better faster when you have the flu, according to science

Science and HealthBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

When flu season is in full swing, many of us will end up coughing, aching and hiding under the covers as we fight off the seasonal infection. Fortunately, most people with the flu feel better within about a week of their symptoms beginning.Nonetheless, the average influenza infection can disrupt daily life and also pose the risk of spreading the flu. That raises a question: Are there any scientifically proven ways to shorten a flu infection?Live Science spoke with two experts to find out.Related: How do people die of the flu?Can antiviral drugs shorten a flu infection? The main way to reduce the duration of a flu infection is to take antiviral medications, meaning drugs specifically designed to combat viral infections, Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, told Live Science. Four antivirals are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat influenza: Tamiflu (generic name oseltamivir), Relenza (zanamivir), Rapivab (peramivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir).Tamiflu is likely the best known example of a flu antiviral. This prescription drug, taken by mouth, is approved for use by people who are at least 2 weeks old and who have had flu symptoms for no more than two days. The drug works by blocking the activity of an enzyme that typically enables flu viruses to replicate inside the body. This enzyme is relevant to influenza A and B viruses, the two main types of seasonal flu that sicken people. Thus, Tamiflu helps the immune system thwart infections.There’s good evidence that, if you start taking Tamiflu within the first two days of your symptoms starting, the drug will shorten the duration of your illness, Brewer said. Flu symptoms typically last for around a week, and clinical trials have shown that Tamiflu can accelerate recovery by about a day, compared with a placebo.Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter nowGet the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that patients who are hospitalized for an influenza infection be given an antiviral like Tamiflu as soon as they are admitted. Research suggests that taking Tamiflu upon admission can slash death rates by 40%, compared with delaying the treatment by just a few days.Relenza, Rapivab and Xofluza differ from Tamiflu in the way they are administered. For example, Relenza is inhaled, while Rapivab is injected. The drugs are also approved for different groups than Tamiflu; Xofluza is only available for patients who are at least 5 years old, for instance. There’s also evidence that these drugs can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by about a day.Related: Flu shot lowers hospitalization risk by 35% in vulnerable groups, data hintAntiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, pictured above, are scientifically proven to reduce the duration of flu infection. (Image credit: HOANG DINH NAM / Staff via Getty Images)Are there any other ways to shorten a flu infection? Some people may take non-pharmaceutical products — such as vitamin C, zinc or echinacea — in the hope of alleviating their flu symptoms and getting better faster. However, there’s currently not enough clinical evidence to suggest that these strategies accomplish either of those goals.A lot of research has focused on how these products specifically target symptoms of the common cold, rather than the flu. Colds are also respiratory illnesses, but they can be caused by a number of different viruses, whereas the flu is only caused by influenza viruses.”If people want to take vitamin C, that’s certainly a fine thing to do, but there’s no evidence that I’m aware of that it has any benefit [for the flu],” Brewer said. “Zinc is another thing that people have tried — again with no clear evidence that it impacts the duration of flu infection.”There are a few drugs on the market that can treat flu symptoms, but they don’t target the root cause of the infection to shorten its duration. For example, pain relievers and fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen can help alleviate flu symptoms, Dr. Richard Zimmerman, a professor of family medicine and clinical epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, told Live Science.However, there is a very small risk that children and teenagers who take aspirin while they have a viral illness can develop a deadly disease called Reye’s syndrome, which can cause brain swelling and liver damage. While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, because of this connection between the drug and viral infections, aspirin should not be given to people younger than 19 unless a doctor advises it.Honey has a pretty good track record for treating coughs, Zimmerman noted. However, it should never be given to children younger than 1 year old because there is a risk that they could develop infant botulism. That’s because honey can be contaminated with the spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium behind botulism, and babies’ immune systems are not mature enough to subdue the infection.Getting a flu shot won’t necessarily make your infection any shorter if you do end up catching influenza. However, the vaccine can reduce the severity of your symptoms if you get infected. This puts you at lower risk of developing serious complications of the illness that can lead to hospitalization or death, such as severe pneumonia.Vaccination is a preventive measure for flu, not a treatment, in part because it takes about 14 days after vaccination for an immune response to fully develop. By that time, your body would have likely already fought off the infection if you caught the flu within the same time window, Zimmerman said. That’s why experts recommend you get your flu shot in September or October, before flu season starts ramping up in earnest.At baseline, everything you can do to maintain a healthy immune system — such as eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and staying hydrated — will also likely reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from influenza infection, Brewer said. But antivirals are your best bet for shortening the illness.This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun? Send us your questions about how the human body works to [email protected] with the subject line “Health Desk Q,” and you may see your question answered on the website!

Police launch CCTV appeal after burglary at Chesterfield business

Business NewsBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowOfficers are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man in connection with a burglary in Chesterfield.The incident occurred at a business on Bridge Way between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on September 8 when items were stolen from a container on the site.Police released two CCTV images this week in connection with the incident and are keen to speak to the man pictured as he may have information which could help with the investigation.Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who saw the car pictured in the area at the time of the offence.Police released two CCTV images yesterday (October 29) in connection with the incident and are keen to speak to the man pictured. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who saw the car pictured.Anyone who can recognise the man, or has any information on the incident, is asked to contact the force using any of the below methods, quoting the reference 24*537452:Website – use the online contact form; Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page; X (Twitter) – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact or phone – call 101.You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.Continue Reading

When to Go: Discover Miami’s Best Travel Seasons

TravelBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Read on to find out the best times to visit Miami. Miami is one of the most fun and exciting cities in the US, welcoming millions of local and international visitors each year. Here are the best times to visit the city, as well as what you can expect. Summer Summer is easily the best…

Why Jeff Bezos blocked the Washington Post endorsement

TechnologyBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Good morning. If you thought Larry Ellison was going to run Paramount, think again.A month ago, Skydance Media told the FCC that the Oracle founder would have voting control of the media company formerly known as ViacomCBS when Skydance closes its $8 billion deal. It has now filed a revision saying no, it’s actually son David who calls the shots.

Why the confusion? David, 41, was always intended as CEO of the combined company, should regulators approve their merger, but companies controlled by his father, 80, are contributing the bulk of the cash necessary to get the deal done.

Fans of corporate governance (and Succession) can agree: Clarity beats screaming “I’m the eldest boy” any day of the week. —Andrew Nusca

P.S. My editor asked me to tell you that Target CEO Brian Cornell, who I interviewed at Fortune Brainstorm Tech way back in 2017, is speaking at Fortune Global Forum in NYC next month. Interested? Request an invitation here.

Want to send thoughts or suggestions to Data Sheet? Drop a line here.Why Jeff Bezos blocked the Washington Post endorsementAmazon founder Jeff Bezos at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow on November 1, 2021. (Photo: Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images)A longtime advisor to Jeff Bezos at Amazon believes the last-minute decision by leadership at the Washington Post, which Bezos has owned since 2013, to abandon presidential endorsements reflected a classic Bezos business principle about protecting your self-interest by avoiding unnecessary mistakes. Bezos has said that canceling the Post’s planned endorsement of Kamala Harris was a “principled decision” taken to improve public trust in the media. Former Amazon public relations chief Craig Berman says Bezos’ interest in space company Blue Origin, his competition with Elon Musk, and fear of the consequences should Trump win the White House are more likely his motives.“I would characterize it as a very convenient principle,” Berman told Fortune. Blue Origin still needs revenue to operate and government contracts are a major source of those for the rocket company. Blue Origin has a $3.4 billion NASA deal to build a lunar “lander” and competes with Musk’s SpaceX not only for government deals, but for talent and launch pads as well. The problem for Bezos is that Musk has recently remade himself as a staunch Trump ally. “It’s personal; it’s his baby,” Berman says of Bezos and Blue Origin. “That’s the one that matters to him right now.” —Jason Del ReyApple refreshes Mac Mini with much smaller footprintThe Mac now comes in its mini-est Mini form yet.Apple has given the Mac Mini its biggest revamp in over a decade, drastically shrinking its footprint to just 5×5 inches.Gone are the USB-A ports, but there are five USB-C ports, three of which handle Thunderbolt, plus Ethernet, HDMI, and the usual audio jack. The Mini starts at $599 and comes with up to 8TB in storage.This is part of Apple’s big week of fall announcements, which so far generally involve adding the new M4 generation of processors (this and the new iMac) or switching from the old proprietary Lightning standard to USB-C (the new Magic Mouse, Keyboard, and Trackpad.) New MacBook Pros are also rumored to be on the menu.Ensuring an even rollout of the latest Apple processors could help the company show off what its new, and so far unenthusiastically received, Apple Intelligence can do. —David MeyerMore than 25% of new Google code is generated by AIGoogle parent company Alphabet reported its quarterly results on Tuesday. Compared to the same period a year ago, total revenue was up 15% to more than $88 billion, search revenue was up 12% to more than $49 billion, and profit was up 34% to $26 billion. Cloud revenue and YouTube ad revenue were also up by double-digit percentages.But the most interesting insight came from the company’s subsequent earnings call. “More than a quarter of all new code at Google is generated by AI, then reviewed and accepted by engineers,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said. “This helps our engineers do more and move faster.” Google has understandably worked AI into what feels like every corner of its product offerings, from its core search business to its Android mobile devices to enterprise cloud services. (And yes, even Waymo robotaxis.) But how AI is changing work at the company itself, with its 180,000 employees on six continents? That’s a far more tangible case study. —ANIntel CEO ‘fumbled’ company’s revival, report saysA new Reuters report quotes an array of people in and around Intel who say that CEO Pat Gelsinger has committed unforced errors en route to reviving the Silicon Valley icon.The chief executive’s public comments about Taiwan’s precarious relationship with China reportedly led an offended TSMC, the world’s largest pure-play chipmaker, to revoke a discount with its founder calling him “discourteous.” What’s more, Gelsinger’s public projections also outpaced internal realities, according to dozens of current and former employees interviewed for the story, plus documents. (“We have made immense progress,” Intel’s response to the article reads in part, “and we’re going to finish the job.”)There’s little doubt Gelsinger inherited a challenge in 2021; rivals had already passed Intel in making leading chips for phones and AI. The question now is whether he’s “compounded those problems,” as one source in the story puts it, in his turnaround bid. Wall Street analysts expect Intel this year to record its first annual net loss since 1986. —ANElon Musk’s xAI fundraising at a $40 billion valuationWith all the chatter about Microsoft-backed OpenAI, it’s hard not to wonder what’s going on at the rival AI organization started by co-founder Elon Musk.Now we know. A new Wall Street Journal report says the not-quite-two-years-old company is talking to investors to raise money at a $40 billion valuation. To put that in perspective, that’s about a third of OpenAI’s latest valuation…but a hair short of the market capitalization of Ford Motor Co. and Kraft Heinz.Whether you believe in the valuation or not, there’s no question the company needs the cash. The pursuit of so-called “frontier AI”—considered the most advanced, cutting-edge models that push the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can achieve—requires extensive and costly computational infrastructure. Here’s some back-of-the-napkin math for context: xAI’s Memphis datacenter wants to scale from 100,000 to 200,000 Nvidia GPUs. The chipmaker’s flagship model costs about $30,000 each. Presto, change-o: $3 billion.)That xAI is younger than its more established rivals means it’s keen to spend to catch up. Its previous funding round, announced a mere five months ago, raised $6 billion at a $24 billion valuation from investors including Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Fidelity, and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. —ANMore data—Is Meta best positioned for the AI gold rush? One observer thinks so.—Electronic Arts raises its 2025 outlook. With thanks to the late John Madden.—OpenAI is building its first in-house chip, employing Broadcom and TSMC to do so.—Snap beats Wall Street expectations in latest earnings. Advertising is…back?—K-12 school ransomware attacks are rising. Under-resourced for defense.Endstop triggeredA meme of two muscled arms clasping with the captions, “Chinese hackers” and “Russia hackers” and “Targeting U.S. government officials ahead of Election Day”Andrew NuscaThis is the web version of Data Sheet, a daily newsletter on the business of tech. Sign up to get it delivered free to your inbox.

POLL | What do you think of home affairs cancelling the travel documents and IDs of Adetshina and her mother?

TravelBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

As revelations about the identity theft case involving the mother of beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina unfold, it is clear committing crime is never worth it.This comes after the home affairs department revealed it would charge Adetshina and her mother for alleged identity fraud after they failed to justify their documents.Her identity came into question after she entered the Miss South Africa beauty contest. After a public backlash she withdrew from the pageant.Briefing parliament on Tuesday on its work to deal with corruption in the department, deputy home affairs minister Njabulo Nzuza said the department is acting after it was ignored by Adetshina and her mother. It has referred the matter to the Hawks.“We’ve done our investigations, we went through due process, we gave her an opportunity to make representation [and this] was not done,” Nzuza said.The department wrote to Adetshina and her mom asking why their identity and travel documents should not be withdrawn, home affairs director-general Livhuwani Tommy Makhode confirmed. The deadline was Monday. Their documents will be withdrawn.Adetshina is set to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe finale in Mexico City next month after she won the Miss Universe Nigeria title.

Animated Film ‘Halloween vs Day of the Dead’ to Be Directed by Celso Garcia With Studio 100 Intl. and Lunch Films Producing (EXCLUSIVE)

Arts & Culture, Film & TVBy beatriceco October 30, 2024

Munich-based Studio 100 Intl. has teamed up with Mexican animation studio Lunch Films to develop animated family feature “Halloween vs Day of the Dead.”
The film, which will blend 2D and 3D animation, will be directed by Celso Garcia, founder of Lunch Films and repped by the Gotham Group. Garcia’s credits include “The Thin Yellow Line,” produced by Guillermo del Toro, “Origins: The Journey of Humankind” for National Geographic and Legendary Pictures, the Mexican remake of “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” for Sony Pictures International, and “The Great Seduction,” a comedy produced for Netflix.

Joining the project is animation film producer and production director Gerry Cardoso, renowned for “El Americano: The Movie,” the first animated film co-produced between Mexico and the U.S.

Daily Archives: October 30, 2024