Europe eases COVID-19 curbs as huge India outbreak persists

Schools and stores reopened in several parts of Europe on Monday as the continent eased out of months of COVID-19 lockdowns, but India remained in the grip of a devastating outbreak. Rapid vaccination programmes have allowed a number of wealthy nations to start taking steps towards normality, but the virus is still surging in many […]

Japan extends COVID emergency in Tokyo, PM Suga says Olympics still going ahead

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan extended on Friday a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May to stem a surge in coronavirus cases, but Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host Tokyo Olympics this summer.A woman wearing a protective face mask, amid the coronavirus disease […]

Alarm grows in Africa as it watches India’s COVID-19 crisis

Africa is “watching with total disbelief” as India struggles with a devastating resurgence in COVID-19 cases, the continent’s top public health official said Thursday, as African officials worry about delays in vaccine deliveries caused by India’s crisis. The African continent, with roughly the same population as India and fragile health systems, “must be very, very […]

As mask mandates end, Oregon bucks trend with permanent rule

As states around the country lift COVID-19 restrictions, Oregon is poised to go the opposite direction—and many residents are fuming about it. A top health official is considering indefinitely extending rules requiring masks and social distancing in all businesses in the state. The proposal would keep the rules in place until they are “no longer […]

Scientists identify severe asthma species, show air pollutant as likely contributor

Asthma afflicts more than 300 million people worldwide. The most severe manifestation, known as non-Th2, or non-atopic childhood asthma, represents the majority of the cases, greater than 85%, particularly in low-income countries, according to Hyunok Choi, an associate professor at the Lehigh University College of Health. Yet, whether non-Th2 is a distinct disease (or endotype) […]

India imposes new curbs as COVID-19 cases hit record

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home region Gujarat became the latest to tighten coronavirus curbs on Wednesday as the country’s infections surged to a record of almost 116,000 new cases in 24 hours. Experts blame the country’s fresh wave on people ignoring guidelines and attending huge religious and political events, as well as weddings and […]

Using your favorite song as an alarm can help you wake up more alert

This morning after waking when the alarm went off, you may have experienced a feeling of grogginess and lack of alertness. This is a physiological phenomenon termed “sleep inertia.” If you experience this, you are not alone. Aboard the International Space Station a NASA astronaut reported: “The morning started disastrously. I slept through two alarms, […]

Could microdosing be as good as yoga for your mood? It’s not that big a stretch

Microdosing has become something of a wellness trend in recent years, gathering traction in Australia and overseas. The practice involves taking a low dose of a psychedelic drug to enhance performance, or reduce stress and anxiety. While the anecdotal accounts are compelling, significant questions remain around how microdosing works, and how much of the reported […]

LOL! Amy Schumer Uses Son Gene as a 'Bribe' in Voting PSA

The funny family! Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer have kept the laughs and love coming since tying the knot in February 2018. The comedian and chef wed in a surprise ceremony in February 2018 after dating for only a few months — and the ceremony included its share of jokes. “I’m so happy for you, that you found me,” […]