Wednesday, July 27, 2022

CHINA ADDS SECOND SCIENCE LABORATORY TO ORBITING SPACE STATION

28 countries applied to join the China space station, why is only the US rejected?

The China space station is about to be completed. The United States claims to be censoring the China space station. What secrets are hidden behind this? The United States stated: To review China's space station, China can cooperate with the United States only if it meets American standards. This remark really shocked everyone. Why should the space station developed by China be reviewed by others? What's more, should this be the other way around? What's more, shouldn't the United States hope to reach cooperation with the Chinese space station, rather than China begging the United States to participate in cooperation? So, how does China respond to the U.S. rhetoric?

Before the end of this year, China will complete the construction of the space station. The Chinese Space Administration has announced that the Chinese space station will be open to countries around the world. Now 17 countries have become the first partners of the Chinese space station (including India), and they will board the Chinese space station for scientific research and exploration. Of course, the US is the only exception.

The United States has been clamoring for fierce competition with China, and China is now showing the United States what true competition is in all areas.

Shenzhou-14 crew enters Wentian lab module, as China's space station is near completion

The Shenzhou-14 crew members, Chen Dong (center), Liu Yang (right) and Cai Xuzhe salute from the Wentian (Quest to The Heavens) lab module on July 25, 2022 from some 400 kilometers above the Earth. The three taikonauts checked in to their office and home unit in space at 10:03 am. Photo: cnsphoto

The Shenzhou-14 crew of three taikonauts, who watched live the epic launch of the Wentian [Quest to The Heavens] lab module from some 400 kilometers above the Earth and cheered it on with applause on Sunday, did not wait long to check into their office and home unit in space, as they opened the gate of the freshly docked new module and entered the Wentian at 10:03 am on Monday, the Global Times learned from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

It was a historic first that the taikonauts entered the scientific lab module in orbit, the CMSA noted in a statement it provided to the Global Times on Monday morning, while disclosing that the crew shall execute missions including space station combination attitude control, verification of robotic arms, and use of the Wentian airlock and its small robotic arm to perform spacewalks under the plan.

The Wentian lab module conducted a smooth rendezvous and docking with the China Space Station's Tianhe core module at the front port at 3:13 am on Monday, some 13 hours after it was launched via a giant Long March-5B carrier rocket from South China's tropical island province of Hainan.

It was a first for two pieces of 20-ton level spacecraft to execute the "heavenly kiss" in the country's history, and it also marked an unprecedented milestone event that took place while the China Space Station combination was carrying taikonauts onboard, the CMSA announced.

Before China, only the former Soviet Union and the US were capable of assembling ultra-large spacecraft in orbit.

Designed mainly to support space science and biology experiments, the 23-ton Wentian lab module is heavier than any other single-module spacecraft currently in space, including those with the International Space Station (ISS), the Global Times learned from the mission contractor, the state-owned space giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC).

The Wentian also hosts eight experimental cabinets onboard. It will mainly focus on the study of space life sciences, which can support the growth, development, genetics and aging of multiple species of plants, animals and microorganisms under space conditions, Lü Congmin, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and deputy chief designer of the space utilization system of China Manned Space programs, told the Global Times.

More than 10 research directions have been planned and more than 40 scientific projects have been established for the Wentian, Lü said.

To meet the high energy requirements for the large number of scientific experiments in space, the Wentian is equipped with a pair of the largest flexible solar panels that the country has ever developed.

The full wingspan of the solar panels on the Wentian is more than 55 meters, longer than half a soccer field, and each panel has an unfolded area of about 110 square meters. Photo: Courtesy of CASC

The full wingspan of the solar panels on the Wentian is more than 55 meters, longer than half a soccer field, setting a new record for solar panels used for China's spacecraft. Each panel has an unfolded area of about 110 square meters, the Global Times learned from the developers.

The two solar panels will effectively collect more solar energy, generating an average of more than 430 kilowatt hours per day and providing sufficient power for space station operations. If placed on Earth, the daily power generation of the solar panels would be enough to support the power demand of an average Beijing household for a month and a half.

During the "heavenly kiss," the enormous wings of the Wentian unfolded in two stages by plan, where the solar panels were only partially unfolded to sustain the power supply needed during the docking and became fully unfolded afterwards, which was done to avoid any damage from the impact of two giant modules with fully unfolded wings.

Explaining to the Global Times, the solar panel system developer, the Shanghai Academy of Spacecraft Technology, said that if the Wentian's wings were unfolded all at once, it would be approaching the Tianhe core module with one giant sail on each side. In that case, even trivial shaking of the sail would affect the control precision of the velocity, relative location and attitude control of the Wentian, so that it would add difficulties to its safe rendezvous and docking with the Tianhe module.

The Global Times learned from the Second Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC) that microwave radar developed by the academy's 25th institute also played a guiding role in the rendezvous and docking process.

Also, the Wentian is equipped with a urine recycling system developed by the CASIC's second academy Institute 206, the second of its kind onboard the China Space Station combination. The first was installed on the Tianhe core module and successfully supported the space stays of the Shenzhou-12 and -13 crews. The urine recycling system on the Wentian will serve as a backup for the Tianhe, the CASIC told the Global Times.

According to the official plan, the Mengtian, another space lab, will be launched in October.

And before that, the Wentian will move to the right side of the Tianhe core cabin, forming an L-shaped structure, China Space News, the official joint news outlet of the China Aerospace Science and the Technology Corp and the China Academy of Space Technology, reported. For this to happen, the Shenzhou-14 taikonauts will perform three complex steering maneuvers to adjust the Wentian to a vertical position with the help of the robotic arm.

In the coming months, people on Earth will be able to witness the construction of the China Space Station, which will be completed at a speed that has no precedent in mankind's history.

The first ever space station in history, the Salyut 1, launched by the former Soviet Union, had its core module delivered into orbit in 1986. In 10 years' time, the station completed the assembly of six modules with a total weight of 130 tons.

Construction began on the ISS in 1998 and took 12 years, with the coordination of 15 countries, to build its 15-module structure.

The China Space Station is planned to become fully operational before the end of 2022, aiming to accomplish the in-orbit assembly of the country's most ambitious program in less than one year and a half since the launch of the Tianhe core module in April 2021.

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Science

China's space program eyes peaceful cooperation, contribution to human progress despite US smears of militarization

A recent report by US magazine The National Interest demonized China's achievements in space by interpreting China's space exploration missions, including the lunar program and manned spaceflight, as "threats to US leadership in space" and a "detriment to US national security." This report is just the tip of iceberg in the US' sustained attempts to suppress and discredit China's space program. The US has also published military reports that incorrectly describe China's military capabilities in space, with the new NASA chief personally slandering China's space achievements, to promote the mindset of a new Cold War in space and the "China threat" theory. But facts show that the US is the biggest threat in space with its space hegemony based on its technological advantages. Meanwhile, China sees space as a new field to expand international cooperation while sharing its achievements with other countries by providing them with opportunities to make use of space resources.

Shenzhou-14 crew moves into Tianhe, kicking off ‘most complicated’ manned space mission to date

China’s Tianhe space station core module and Tianzhou-3, -4 cargo spacecraft combination has received a new crew of ...

Shenzhou-14 crew receives 1st lab module Wentian at China Space Station, verifying country’s ability to assemble ultra-large spacecraft in orbit

Some 13 hours after the launch from the tropical island of South China's Hainan Province, China's Wentian lab ...

Shenzhou-14 crew enter Wentian lab module

The Shenzhou-14 crew successfully entered the Wentian lab module at 10:03 a.m. BJT on Monday, the China Manned ..

BEIJING (AP) — China has added a laboratory to its permanent orbiting space station as it moves toward completing the structure in coming months. The Wentian laboratory was launched Sunday, and after 13 hours of flight, successfully docked at the station early Monday

Second space station module launched | The Star

Western media shows 'sour grapes' mentality to keep hyping Chinese rocket re-entry, despite flawless safety record

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Saturday, July 23, 2022

'SAY YES TO ANTI-SMOKING LAW'

NGOS call for serious support to curb addiction, save lives

The lines have been drawn over the proposed Tobacco and Smoking Bill, the ‘Generational End Game’ law. Health NGOS and civil society are urging MPS to not let this opportunity slip away. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has his work cut out but is prepared to go the distance to get the naysayers and fence-sitters on board.

Malaysia’s plan to ban smoking and vaping among future generations is a bold move, but the challenge lies in getting all parliamentarians to support the proposed Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.

With the bill scheduled to be tabled in the current Parliament sitting, health experts as well as advocacy groups have banded together to urge MPs to support the proposed law, dubbed the Generational End Game.

Leading the call to end the smoking and vaping habit is Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, who posted a clarion call on Facebook.

“Act now before it’s too late. Smoking or vaping is an immoral habit and should not be emulated. Stop your addiction and save the next generation,” he wrote.

Heeding the call was a group of 43 health and consumer rights non-government organisations (NGOs), who urged MPs not to let slip the once-in-a-lifetime chance to produce a smoke-free generation.

“If we had had the same evidence on the hazards of smoking in the 1960s... tobacco wouldn’t have become a substance widely available to everyone,” said National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) president Datuk Dr Saunthari Somsundaram.

“There would have been curtailments, with rules and regulations in place to make sure smoking was not widespread.

“We have the opportunity now. Let’s be brave and support this generational end game. We are talking about supporting and protecting generations to come.

“If the MPs do not pass this law now, they must ask themselves again in 20 years’ time. Realise that it was your legacy that you were not brave enough to do something that you know is right and is evidence-based,” Dr Saunthari told a press conference here yesterday.

The NCSM is one of the 43 NGOs who are calling on MPs to support the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill.

Others include the Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Health (MyWatch), Drug Prevention Association of Malaysia (Pemadam), Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), National Kidney Foundation, the Malaysian Association of Adolescent Health, and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Participating in the military conflict in the Taiwan Straits will only mean suicide for US troops, Don’t say we didn’t warn you

Tension escalates hours ahead of Pelosi's potential Taiwan visit as PLA remains ...

The intensity of the situation across the Taiwan Straits has drastically escalated as the military deployment from the Chinese mainland, ...

China sternly warns Biden admin not to arrange Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, ... The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) are keeping up the pressure on the US over House .

Washington will not send troops if there is a military conflict in the Taiwan Straits, because it knows that the US military cannot beat the PLA there, and participating in the war will only mean suicide for the US troops.

Trump’s defense chief visits Taiwan for further arms lobbying, with prospect of fat ‘welcoming fees’

Mark Esper Photo: Xinhua

Mark Esper, the former US defense secretary under the Trump administration, landed on the island of Taiwan on Monday, three days after the US government approved a proposed $108 million arms sales of technical and equipment support to the Taiwan authorities, the fifth of its kind under the Biden administration.

Chinese mainland experts said despite having been out of the US government for about two years, Esper, who has close ties to the US military-industrial complex, will push for the arms package that Republicans want to see on the island of Taiwan. Esper could also further expand his political clout and obtain generous financial support from the Taiwan authorities.

Heading a three-member Atlantic Council delegation, Trump's defense chief is joined by Barry Pavel, senior vice president and director of the US-based think tank Atlantic Council, and Stefano Stefanini, former permanent representative of Italy to NATO, Taiwan-based media reported.

During his visit from Monday through Thursday, Esper is scheduled to meet with Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday, local media said. The delegation will reportedly interact with think tanks and businesses on the island and exchange views on the security and economic situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan media said it's the fourth Taiwan visit by the Atlantic Council since Tsai took office in 2016, following previous trips in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Analysts said given that the Washington-based think tank is traditionally more about policy research on US-Europe collaboration, China should be wary of the US efforts to push its allies in Europe or NATO to focus on defense and security in the Taiwan Straits.

Dubbed "Taiwan's loyal friend" by the island's external affairs authority, Esper has intensified his anti-China stance since leaving office. At a think tank event in June, he hyped the "China threat" and questioned the efficacy of the US' "one-China policy."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed strong opposition to the latest US arms sales to Taiwan island.

The US arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué of 1982. The sales gravely undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, and severely harm China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Wang said on Monday.

We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, revoke the above-mentioned arms sales plan, stop arms sales to and military contact with Taiwan and stop creating factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Straits. China will continue to take resolute and strong measures to firmly defend its sovereignty and security interests, Wang said.

Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Monday also issued a stern warining to the US over the provocative move, saying that the People's Liberation Army will take resolute and strong measures to firmly defend China's sovereignty and security interests.

Diao Daming, an associate professor at the Renmin University of China in Beijing, told the Global Times on Monday that Esper has close ties to US military-industrial interests and to Republican elites, so his Taiwan trip could be seen as an attempt to make further arms sales.

Before becoming US defense secretary, Esper served as US secretary of the army from 2017 to 2019. A West Point graduate and a top lobbyist, Esper served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for negotiations policy in George W. Bush's administration from 2002 to 2004. In July 2010, he was hired as vice president of government relations at defense contractor Raytheon.

Analysts speculated that Esper's visit may reflect, to some extent, the divisions between US military interests and the Biden administration over arms sales to the island of Taiwan, given that sales to the region during the Trump administration were more about "heavy and large" weapons, while the Biden administration's sales have so far focused more on system maintenance and around the concept of building up asymmetric capacity.

Esper is not a member of the Biden administration, and his remarks will be a more direct representation of the ideas of the US military-industrial complex and, to some extent, of the Republican Party, Diao said. "These ideas may be different from the White House's, as selling the big stuff is always more profitable for arms dealers," he noted.

The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed an annual defense policy bill for fiscal 2023, approving a $37 billion boost to the budget proposed by President Joe Biden in March. US lawmakers cited "threats" posed by Russia and China for the budget increase, which also contained several Taiwan-related bills with the aim of reinforcing relations.

"The communications Esper makes on his trip could then be reflected at the legislative level by Republicans… It is possible that Republicans will add new amendments about arms sales to Taiwan to the bill, given it still has to be passed in the Senate," Diao said.

Another analyst who requested not to be named, told the Global Times on Monday that despite Esper's distance from the core of US politics, visiting Taiwan is a sure bet for him.

Esper could retain his personal influence through contacts with top officials from the Taiwan authorities, the analyst said.

In addition to enjoying a high-level tour reception, Esper could also earn tens of thousands of dollars, based on the appearance fee that his ex-colleague and former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo earned in Taiwan in March, they said.

According to Taiwan media, Pompeo's appearance fee was $150,000, while other fees including flight tickets and reception came to about $184,000.

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Biden admin’s 5th arms sale to Taiwan slammed for double dealing

A line of vehicle-mounted howitzers attached to a combined-arms brigade with the army under PLA Eastern Theatre Command open fire during a live-fire exercise on June 16, 2022. Photo:China Military

The US on Friday (US time) announced the fourth arms sale to the island of Taiwan in 2022 - the fifth total under the Joe Biden administration - despite the Taiwan question has been repeatedly mentioned in several recent China-US high-level meetings which showed consensus for avoiding escalating tension.

Chinese mainland experts on Saturday slammed the latest US deal featuring a package involving spare parts for tanks and combat vehicles plus technical assistance worth $108 million, saying it exposed the US' two-faced nature and its failure to honor its own words.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of military technical assistance to Taiwan for an estimated cost $108 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release on Friday.

The proposed sale will contribute to the recipient's goal of maintaining its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the US and other allies, according to the press release.

The figure of $108 million is an unreasonably high price for just spare parts and intangible technical assistance, and it is obvious that the US arms firms are again leeching on Taiwan for its money, a Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Saturday.

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority is only paying protection money for things that cannot help them gaining a chance standing up to the Chinese mainland's People's Liberation Army (PLA), the expert said.

The approval of the arms sale came after a sequence of frequent interactions between senior officials from China and the US since June, including those between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as well as Chief of the Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department General Li Zuocheng and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Mark Milley.

Both sides underscored consensus on avoiding escalating confrontations, and the Taiwan question was repeatedly mentioned especially during meetings between military officials, observers said.

But the latest US arms sale to Taiwan, as well as a US warship's recent trespassing into Chinese territorial waters in the South China Sea, exposed that the double-faced US is only offering lip services to China, analysts said.

The US' strategic goal is very clear now, which is to contain China's development. This means the promises that the US made during high-level talks are not trustworthy, and it will bound to continue provoke China on China's core interests including the Taiwan question, Song Zhongping, a Chinese mainland military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Saturday.

China no longer has unrealistic illusions over the US, and the PLA is preparing for the worst-case scenario in which a cross-Straits conflict would take place in order to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, analysts said.

Some 10 PLA warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, entered the island of Taiwan's self-proclaimed southwest air defense identification zone on Friday, the island's defense authority said in a press release on the same day.

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Don’t say we didn’t warn you – Symposium of China’s top think tank sends classic, pre-war warning to provocative Pelosi

Don't say we didn't warn you – Symposium of China's top think ...

'Don't say we didn't warn you!' - a phrase that was used by the People's Daily in 1962 before China ...

US better clear the 'mine' of Pelosi's Taiwan trip beforehand: Global Times editorial “Those who play with fire will perish by it.” This was said to Pelosi and the Taiwan secessionist forces that support he

If Pelosi goes to Taiwan, it will be a huge historic mistake for Washington: Global Times editorial

Unlike Washington's opportunistic probing, all options are clearly on the table for the Chinese mainland. The noose around the neck of the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces is tightening, and Pelosi has one foot on the stool of the gallows. If Pelosi, who has always been fond of playing tough on China, wants to insist on this way, we will definitely prepare sufficient "consequences" for her.

Pelosi could spark 'more serious' Taiwan Straits crisis; China-US ties would fall off cliff if Washington intended to crash 'guardrails'

Once again, media has reported that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to visit Taiwan in August after an aborted April visit to Asia that might include a trip to China's island due to testing positive for COVID-19, with analysts saying that if she intends to make a blatant provocation against China, she would spark a much more dangerous incident than the Taiwan Straits Crisis in 1996, and it would cause a huge setback for China-US ties.

China warns forceful countermeasures if US arranges Pelosi to visit Taiwan

China urges the US to not arrange US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit the Taiwan ...

If Pelosi goes to Taiwan, it will be a huge historic mistake for Washington: Global Times editorial

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US ‘escalates provocation’ in South China Sea with carrier operation

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Willing to be a US plug-in? Canberra plays a very dangerous game: Global Times editorial

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles Photo: AFP

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

KEEPING ACTIVE FOR BETTER COGNITION: Sharpening the mind, Feeling better with ginkgo biloba

Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris

“Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function.”

ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 70% of the global burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions affect lowand middle-income countries. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the world with nine million deaths annually.

Stroke, migraine, dementia, meningitis and epilepsy are the top five contributors of neurological disabilities globally, with an increase in ageing populations, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease becoming more significant.

MSU Medical Centre’s medical director and consultant neurosurgeon Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris explains, “The brain is a unique organ with three important functions that affect our lives which are, (i) sensory interpretation and movement control; (ii) cognitive, mental and emotional integrity; and (iii) behaviour and social execution.”

Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris

Brain health is becoming an important concept in healthy living which encompasses the ability of the brain to rewire during the life in response to changes in experience and environment. A healthy brain is capable of slowing down cognitive decline and combating any injury or diseases of the brain. There are a number of things that we can make a habit of to maintain our brain health.

Regular physical activity can benefit the brain by optimising brain blood flow and reducing loss of brain cells during ageing. Those who exercise regularly can enjoy healthy cognitive abilities and have a lower risk of developing dementia. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risks of getting a stroke.

Some studies have found that regular exercise increases the level of protein that promotes growth and maintenance of brain cells. Having an active lifestyle such as taking the stairs and participating in sports or physical activities such as brisk walking or aerobic training can have a positive impact on brain health.

Quality sleep is important for brain healing and restoration of mental function. Sleep makes our thinking processes sharp and focused with better decision-making. Seven to eight hours of sleep gives the brain adequate time to clear abnormal proteins that accelerate dementia. Several lifestyle measures can be adopted to ensure no alteration in sleep patterns such as increasing time in the sunlight, consistent sleep routines and gaining knowledge about the effects of medications.

Even though the brain is only 2% of the body weight, it consumes 20% of energy requirements. Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function. Food which is rich with antioxidants (compounds that have a protective effect on the brain), fibre, unsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), B vitamins and an adequate amount of complex carbohydrates are important to maintain a healthy brain. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and refined sugars can increase inflammation and free radicals in our body that can have negative impacts on brain health.

Cognitive stimulation by learning new skills or knowledge maintain good brain health with the formation of new circuits between brain cells. Challenging the brain increases its cognitive reserve by creating an adequate backup system. With more reserves, the brain can become more resistant to changes that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Education and learning enhance the cognitive reserve which makes the brain less susceptible to the effects of age and brain-related changes.

Depression and anxiety can be detrimental to brain health with their effects on mood and emotion. These conditions lead to slow thinking, memory and concentration difficulties. Social connectivity helps get rid of depression and anxiety. Socialising helps the brain to expand its cognitive reserve. Engaging in conversation trains the brain to increase attention and concentration and helps social judgement. It is important to stay connected with friends and family to maintain healthy brain function. - Star2

Sharpening the mind

Various nutrients and vitamins are known to boost brainpower and help people reach their full potential.

LIVING in a fast-paced environment, you may find yourself juggling multiple tasks at the same time and having a constant drive to maintain momentum. The ever-increasing demands can really take a toll on you, both physically and mentally, leaving you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or emotionally drained. If you find yourself having moments of spacey or fuzzy thoughts, you are most likely experiencing brain fog.

Brain fog has become more common than ever before as a result of hectic lifestyles. Also known as mental fatigue, it is not a medical condition but rather a cognitive dysfunction involving an inability to focus, poor concentration, forgetfulness, confusion, irritability, headaches, etc.

Brain fog can come and go over a period of time, commonly triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, or medications. More than just a nuisance, these challenges can damper your mental clarity and interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks at varying degrees. If left unaddressed, it can snowball into chronic fatigue which ultimately leads to burnout.

Nootropics are known to help boost brainpower so you can perform at your fullest potential, whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams, a working professional striving to excel at your duties or a senior looking to preserve your grey matter.

Acetyl-l-carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally in your body. It supports cellular energy production to fuel your brain for better focus and concentration. As an antioxidant, it helps protect brain cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. It supports the formation of myelin sheath which protects* the nerve cells, ensuring fast and effective transmission of nerve impulses. It is also required to produce mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin.

Phosphatidylserine is an essential building block of cell membranes, with high concentrations in the nerve cells of the brain. It increases the production of acetylcholine, an abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays an important role in alertness, learning and memory.

Together, these nutrients work synergistically to give you an extra boost to get you through the busy day.

This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth.

■ For more information, call 1800 183 288.

Gear up

Feeling better with ginkgo biloba

THE ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China that has been historically associated to have traditional medicinal properties that help reduce memory loss, aid respiratory difficulties and improve circulation. Sometimes known as the maidenhair tree, it is often described as a ‘living fossil tree’ due to its ancient taxonomic origins dating to prehistoric times.

In more recent years, ginkgo extract has been discussed as a prescription to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety as well as to improve cognitive function related to mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. According to Herbs and Botanical Supplements: Principles and Concepts by Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease, the extract has been approved as a treatment for dementia in countries such as Germany.

According to Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders published by Neurotherapeutics, ginkgo is linked with improved cerebral blood flow which may be beneficial in reducing fatigue and absent-mindedness. In addition, ginkgo biloba was also shown to have neuroprotective effects through several in-depth clinical studies.

In a research titled Ginkgo biloba special extract EGB 761® in generalised anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by Journal of Psychiatric Research, individuals with a generalised anxiety disorder who had participated in the study were found to experience improved anxiety relief when compared to the group who had taken a placebo.

Ginkgo biloba has also been linked with improving several cognitive functions that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, as reported by The Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on Cognitive Function in Alzheimer Disease published in Neurological Review reports.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia by the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests further evidence for the soothing effects of ginkgo biloba in cases of dementia. Within its intent-to-treat analysis, researchers found that the participants who were given ginkgo biloba extract scored substantially lower on the commonly used Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale.

Overall, ginkgo biloba extracts can be a strong consideration when faced with issues pertaining to certain brain conditions and blood flow.

■ For more information, call 03-7490 2138.

Nature's Way, Ginkgo, 120 Vegan Capsules

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Rush for fourth shot as Covid-19 cases rise

Staying protected: Leow Pui Ling, 28, getting her second booster shot at iHEAL Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: There has been a 51% increase in the number of people being vaccinated over the last two weeks, as new Omicron sub-variants create fears of another Covid-19 wave.

According to figures from ProtectHealth, vaccination went up from 38,822 during the week of June 27-July 3 to 50,774 during the week of July 4-July 10, a 31% increase.

ALSO READ:Better safe than sorry, say those getting second booster

From the week of July 11-July 17, there was a 51% increase to 76,433.

As infections and hospitalisations rise across the country, health experts are also calling for Malaysians, especially those over 60 as well as the medically vulnerable, to get their second booster shot.

This is because the Omicron sub-variants are highly contagious and can bypass immunity from a past infection or vaccination.

Public health expert Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya said the Omicron sub-variant BA.5 could evade antibody responses in people with previous Covid-19 infection and those who had been fully vaccinated and boosted.

“Reinfections may be inevitable but boosters will help provide protection against severe symptoms, hospitalisation and even death.

“Even though the BA.5 does not seem to cause more severe symptoms compared to BA.1 and BA.2, the elderly and vulnerable groups will likely experience severe symptoms,” Prof Moy said.

She cautioned that if the total caseload increases tremendously, even with a low percentage of hospitalisation, the number will be a huge burden on the healthcare system.

“We don’t want to lose precious lives if it can be prevented,” she said.

For those below 60, it may not be necessary to take the second booster at this moment.

“If this group of individuals had received their third dose, they should be well protected from severe symptoms,” said Prof Moy.

“When new vaccines are able to bring a stronger immune response against all new variants, then a second booster may be offered to all.”

Prof Moy also said Malaysians should consider taking a flu shot if they were in the high-risk group, especially those aged 65 and above, and with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and weakened immune system.

Public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 were known to evade immunity, hence breakthrough infections could occur.

“The risk will be reduced if you obtain another booster,” she said.

“The elderly, immunocompromised, as well as people with morbidities and frontliners should be prioritised for a second booster. But now, even those who are young and have received only two doses should get a third jab,” she said.

Prof Sharifa Ezat also reminded the public to get tested for Covid-19 and influenza if symptomatic, as these can mimic each other and it is possible to get infected with both.

“This impedes recovery. If possible, get vaccinated against both,” she said.

“The government should work on obtaining supply for flu tests and pushing the flu vaccine price down.”

Volunteers For Community Engagement and Empowerment For Covid-19 chairman Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar reminded Malaysians to continue with good personal health practices such as wearing a face mask, avoiding crowded places, self-testing and quarantining if positive with Covid-19, as well as observing a good diet.

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Sunday, July 17, 2022

CoVarScan, new Covid-19 test can identify all variants

Researchers noted that the CoVarScan test detects small mutations to measure the length of repetitive genetic regions that tend to grow and shrink as the virus evolves. — Photo: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/dpa

CoVarScan can identify all current variants of SARS-COV-2 within hours by finding the signatures of eight hotpots on the deadly virus.

The University of Texas (UT) Southwestern researchers have created a rapid Covid-19 test that can identify different variants of the coronavirus in as little as four hours.

The researchers hope doctors can use their test, called CoVarScan, to tailor Covid-19 treatments to patients based on which variant the patients have.

CoVarScan could also be used to track which variants are cropping up in different communities, and even identify new ones.

“It was such a pleasure and, really, an honour to be able to take this skillset, what we have, and build something that has public health utility,” said Andrew Clark, an assistant professor of pathology at UT Southwestern and an author of the study.

The research was published in the journal Clinical Chemistry recently.

Scanning for a specific variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a bit different from a typical rapid test.

Dr Jeff SoRelle, an assistant professor of pathology at UT Southwestern, said a normal rapid Covid-19 test is a bit like going into a library and asking if they have a specific book.

You get a “yes” or “no” answer.

Looking for variants is like reading specific paragraphs in two similar books to figure out whether the books are in their second or third edition.

Between editions, words may be added, deleted or changed altogether.

Finding out which edition of SARS-CoV-2 someone has is usually done by a process called “whole genome sequencing,” where scientists look at the entire viral sequence – or, read the entire book – to figure out where the differences are.

That process can be expensive and takes one to four weeks to produce results.

CoVarScan works by looking at just eight regions, or hotspots, of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequence instead.

Each variant looks a little bit different at these hotspots.

Dr SoRelle’s team can analyse each of the regions to identify a unique pattern of mutation that’s specific to each variant.

They’ve also used CoVarScan to identify different subvariants of Omicron.

“They create unique signatures, or fingerprints, of mutations,” Dr SoRelle said. “We can really tell the difference between each of them.”

To make sure CoVarScan was getting it right, the team ran just under 4,000 samples from positive Covid-19 nasal swabs through the test. They checked CoVarScan’s results against results from whole genome sequencing.

Dr SoRelle and his team found that CoVarScan was highly effective at identifying variants correctly.

What makes CoVarScan unique is its ability to not only detect existing variants, but also detect new variants that have yet to develop.

The team began this research in January 2021, before the Delta and Omicron variants existed.

Once they know the genetic sequence of a new variant, CoVarScan can look for the variant’s unique fingerprint of mutations along with the existing ones.

“We wouldn’t necessarily need to change what we do in the testing,” he said. “Just change what we’re looking for.”

Padmapriya Banada, a research assistant professor at Rutgers University who was not involved with the study said CoVarScan’s ability to detect future variants as well as current ones is critically important.

However, one challenge in making CoVarScan more widespread is that it identifies hotspots using scientific equipment that every lab might not have.

She said more work will be necessary to implement CoVarScan at places like schools or doctors’ offices that might not have such technical equipment on hand.

“It does need some technical expertise,” Banada said. “But considering what it offers, it probably overcomes those limitations.”

CoVarScan is already provided to anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Dr SoRelle is working with Dallas County to see if CoVarScan can help hospitals track what variants are most common in their area. – TNS

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New features on MySejahtera

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PETALING JAYA: MySejahtera has rolled out new features that allow users to check their health records, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“Health screenings record and our children’s vaccination record can also be seen on MySejahtera.

“Update your app starting from today to have these new features,” he said on his Twitter account yesterday.

In the two pictures alongside his tweet, the health record of a seven-year-old boy, including his latest health report at a clinic, was shown.

In the health report, the boy’s last updated height, weight, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, blood glucose level and blood pressure reading were shown, complete with a health screening summary below.

The app also listed the boy’s vaccines and his next vaccine appointment date and time.

A list of upcoming vaccines yet to be administered was also shown.

MySejahtera users can access the features after updating the app on their mobile phones.

Meanwhile, in IPOH, Khairy said users’ data in the MySejahtera app would continue to be secured amid its recent upgrade.

“The app has never been hacked and since we are adding more features, we have done several things to secure it and will continue to do so to ensure the safety of the data.

“The ministry is keeping the data, not others,” he told reporters after launching the Health National Malaysia Agenda road tour at Meru Raya.

“The information can only be shared if the users give their permission,” he added.

Khairy said no data of MySejahtera users were leaked after investigating complaints and reports of unsolicited one-time password (OTP) text messages and spam email from the Covid-19 app’s helpdesk.

Separately, Khairy said more beds would be prepared in hospitals for influenza patients if needed.

“Like during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have prepared beds, so if the influenza cases continue to spike, we can supply more beds.

“Apart from preparing the beds, we will also ensure that there is sufficient stock of medicine in the market so the public need not be admitted into hospitals to recover at home,” he added.

On Friday, Khairy said the ministry had agreed to release the federal stockpile to private hospitals and clinics facing medicine shortages such as for flu and fever, and medication for children.

He also advised the public not to overbuy medicines.

Khairy also said that the ministry focuses on getting at least 1.5 million Malaysians aged 40 and above to get a health screening.

“We believe that’s the figure of those who have not done any health screening before.

“They will go for screening from July to December,” he said, adding that more than 50% of the adult population in the country has never done any health screening.

“The screening is important to prevent and cure any health problems.

“We realised that many might not have the accessibility to go for a health screening, so we will conduct more outreach programmes,” he added. Join our Telegram channel to get our Evening Alerts and breaking news highlights

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Masks are still required indoors and on public transportation
Those who are at high risk of getting Covid-19 (elderly, with comorbidities, unvaccinated children) may choose to continue wearing masks outdoors

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Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Shenzhou-14 crew enters Wentian lab module, as China's space station is near completion

BEIJING (AP) — China has added a laboratory to its permanent orbiting space station as it moves toward completing the structure in coming months. The Wentian laboratory was launched Sunday, and after 13 hours of flight, successfully docked at the station early Monday

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