Humpback Whale Sets Record for Longest Migration Ever: Is This Journey a Warning Sign for Ocean Chaos?

December 16, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

A male humpback whale has just shattered migration records, traveling over 13,000 miles across oceans. Scientists are baffled by the whale’s extraordinary journey, but some are raising questions about what’s driving this unprecedented migration.

Humpback Whale Sets Record for Longest Migration Ever: Is This Journey a Warning Sign for Ocean Chaos? – © The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel

A male humpback whale recently completed one of the longest migrations ever recorded for this species, traveling over 8,000 miles (around 13,000 km) across multiple oceans. This extraordinary journey, documented by scientists, has captivated experts and may signal the impact of climate change on these marine giants.

An Extraordinary Migration

The journey of this humpback whale began in 2017, when it was first sighted off the coast of Colombia in the Pacific Ocean. After being observed several times in the same waters over the years, its trajectory took an astonishing turn in 2022. The whale was spotted more than 13,000 kilometers away, near Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. This transoceanic voyage, crossing vast marine expanses, set a new record for the humpback whale.

A Mystery in the Sea: What Drives This Migration?

Scientists, including Ekaterina Kalashnikova, a researcher at the Tanzanian Cetacean Program, have expressed astonishment at this unusual behavior. According to Kalashnikova, this migration is “really impressive and unusual, even for this highly migratory species.” It appears the whale embarked on this journey in response to changes in its environment, particularly related to its food sources.

Humpback whales primarily feed on krill, small shrimp-like creatures. However, recent studies have shown that krill populations are being disrupted by rising ocean temperatures. As a result, this extended migration could be a response to the scarcity of their food in areas increasingly affected by climate change.

Theories Behind the Migration:

The search for new feeding grounds due to the depletion of krill.
Exploration of new breeding habitats due to changes in the whale population’s recovery.
A shift in migratory patterns due to increased male competition, linked to a growing whale population.

The Consequences of a Warming Planet

Changes in the migratory patterns of humpback whales are a direct response to rapidly evolving climatic conditions. These animals, known for their annual long-distance migrations between tropical breeding grounds and colder feeding waters, are now forced to adapt their routes. The impact of climate change on krill availability is a major factor in this behavioral shift.

This migration could also signal a deeper change in marine ecosystems. As ocean temperatures rise, certain feeding areas for whales are becoming less productive, forcing them to travel further to find resources.

Climate Change-Related Factors:

Altered natural habitats due to rising water temperatures.
Changes in migratory patterns to follow food sources, such as krill.
The impact of extreme climate events on traditional migratory routes.

A Response to a Changing Planet

Humpback whales are not the only species adjusting their behavior due to environmental changes. Cetaceans, especially whales and dolphins, are increasingly being observed exploring new territories. However, these behaviors could also mean increasing pressure on populations, forcing them to adapt to increasingly hostile conditions.

As Dr. Kalashnikova points out, “the exact reasons remain unclear, but among the possible factors are global changes in climate, extreme environmental events (which are becoming more frequent), and evolutionary mechanisms specific to the species.” Therefore, the movements of this humpback whale are likely influenced by a combination of factors, with climate change playing a significant role.

News / Science

Scientists Discover Mysterious Life Forms Beneath Antarctica’s Ice That ‘Shouldn’t Be There’

December 16, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Deep beneath Antarctica’s frozen expanse, scientists have uncovered a mysterious form of life thriving in extreme conditions. This discovery could challenge everything we know about life’s resilience. How is this possible in such an inhospitable environment? Could it hold the answers to life on other planets? The implications for extraterrestrial research are nothing short of mind-blowing.

An Ia Generated Image Of A Dark Underwater Scene With Strange Bioluminescent Life Forms Under A Thick Layer Of Ice — Scientists Discover Mysterious Life Forms Beneath Antarctica’s Ice That ‘Shouldn’t Be There’ – © The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel

An exciting breakthrough under the Antarctic ice is changing our understanding of life on Earth. What was once thought to be a frozen, lifeless environment is now revealed to be home to thriving microorganisms. This startling revelation raises one of the most profound questions of modern science: If life can exist in these extreme conditions, where exactly do the boundaries of the impossible lie?

The Enigma Lake: A Frozen Mystery Finally Unraveled

Buried under the thick, impenetrable ice of Antarctica, Enigma Lake was long considered a lifeless, frozen body of water. However, recent research has shattered this assumption, revealing a surprising truth: the water remains liquid beneath layers of ice, even at depths of up to 12 meters. Temperatures in this region of the world can plummet to a shocking -40.7°C, and yet, this subglacial lake is home to an entire ecosystem that thrives under the surface. The international team of researchers involved in this breakthrough has raised an important question—how can life endure in such an extreme environment?

The researchers, from institutions in Italy, Australia, and the United States, used state-of-the-art ground-penetrating radar to explore the lake, mapping the water that remained liquid beneath a thick sheet of ice. Their findings defy everything we once believed about the frozen South Pole.

Investigation Area, The Lake Enigma Ice Thickness And Positioning Of Drilling Points Performed. — Investigation area, the Lake Enigma ice thickness and positioning of drilling points performed.

A Global Research Effort: Scientists Break New Ground

This astonishing discovery didn’t happen in isolation. It’s the product of an international collaboration that saw scientists from the National Institute of Polar Research in Italy, the University of Tasmania in Australia, and the University of Alaska working together. Drilling operations conducted in 2019 and 2020 allowed the team to extract water samples from the lake and analyze its chemical composition and microbial life.

Among the key figures leading the investigation are David Pearce, an environmental biology expert from the University of Tasmania, and Michael McClung, a glaciologist at the University of Alaska. Their team’s rigorous exploration of the lake has provided answers to questions no one thought to ask.

Bacteria in a Frozen World: The Surprising Resilience of Life

The greatest revelation of this research isn’t just the water itself—it’s what lives in it. Microorganisms, especially a previously under-studied group known as Patescibacteria, have been found flourishing in this harsh environment. These bacteria have reduced genomes and are known to be highly adapted to extreme conditions, such as the cold, high-pressure environment of Enigma Lake.

As the study describes, “Patescibacteria often need to interact with other organisms to survive, either symbiotically or parasitically.” Their presence in such a remote, seemingly inhospitable location raises profound questions about the boundaries of life. How are these organisms able to sustain themselves in an ecosystem that was once considered void of life?

Underwater And Surface Photography Of Lake Enigma And Its Surroundings. — A. Underwater survey at drilling point DP#2 (depth 9.3 m).
B. Additional view at drilling point DP#2 (depth 9.3 m).
C. Underwater survey at drilling point DP#4 (depth 22.5 m).
D. Additional view at drilling point DP#4 (depth 22.5 m).
E. Underwater survey at DP#C22 (sampling depth 22.0 m).
F. Complementary view at drilling point DP#C22 (sampling depth 22.0 m).
G. Inflow of supraglacial meltwater from the Amorphous Glacier towards the surface of Enigma Lake observed on 3 January 2020.
H. Visual evidence of supraglacial meltwater influx during the XXXV Italian Antarctic Expedition.

The Glacial Secret: How Water Remains Liquid Beneath Ice

Another fascinating aspect of this discovery is the possibility that the nearby Amorphous Glacier plays a role in maintaining liquid water beneath Enigma Lake. Some scientists speculate that the glacier continuously releases meltwater that feeds into the lake, keeping it liquid despite the freezing temperatures. This theory, while still under investigation, adds yet another layer to the mystery of how life survives in such an extreme environment.

In January 2020, researchers observed a surge of supraglacial meltwater from the Amorphous Glacier toward Enigma Lake, sparking fresh debate about the dynamics of the region’s water cycle. How does this water, coming from a glacier that has been largely isolated for millions of years, remain chemically stable? This question is at the forefront of ongoing investigations.

Water That Defies Chemistry: A Glimpse into Extraterrestrial Life?

Perhaps the most puzzling finding of all is the chemically stable water beneath the ice. The water in Enigma Lake remains remarkably stable, despite the total isolation of the lake for countless millennia. This raises intriguing possibilities not just for Earth’s ecosystems, but also for extraterrestrial research.

Scientists have long speculated that there could be similar bodies of water on other planets, such as Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, where subsurface oceans might harbor life. The chemical stability of Enigma Lake’s water could serve as a model for understanding how life might survive in similarly extreme environments on distant worlds.

Rethinking Life: What Does This Mean for Extraterrestrial Research?

This discovery challenges our conventional understanding of extremophiles—organisms that thrive in environments previously thought to be hostile to life. If life can thrive in subglacial lakes under the Antarctic ice, it’s not a stretch to think that similar ecosystems could exist on other icy planets or moons in the solar system. Enigma Lake could be a window into understanding how life might survive on planets with extreme climates, like Mars or Europa.

Astrobiologists are already considering the implications of this research for future missions to these distant worlds. Could the microbial life discovered in Enigma Lake be a model for the kinds of organisms that might be found in subglacial lakes on Mars? Or even deeper, in the frozen ocean beneath Europa’s icy shell? This discovery could hold the key to understanding the broader question of whether life exists beyond Earth.

News / Space

Worthy of a Science Fiction Movie: NASA’s Juno Probe Captures an Image of a Dolphin on Jupiter’s Surface

December 16, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, continues to astound scientists and space enthusiasts alike. NASA’s Juno probe, launched in 2011 and orbiting Jupiter since 2016, has captured a remarkable image that seems straight out of a science fiction film. This captivating photograph reveals a dolphin-shaped cloud formation swimming across Jupiter’s turbulent surface, showcasing the planet’s dynamic atmosphere and the incredible capabilities of modern space exploration technology.

The Juno mission, spearheaded by NASA, aims to unravel the secrets hidden beneath Jupiter’s dense cloud cover. Since its arrival in 2016, Juno has provided scientists with unprecedented views of the gas giant’s interior, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. Marissa Vogt, a researcher involved in the mission, emphasized the importance of these observations in understanding Jupiter’s formation and evolution.

Juno’s advanced instruments have allowed researchers to :

Study Jupiter’s gravitational field
Analyze the planet’s atmospheric composition
Investigate its powerful magnetic field
Observe its intense auroras

These scientific endeavors have not only expanded our knowledge of Jupiter but have also contributed to our understanding of gas giants in general. The mission’s success has paved the way for future exploration of our solar system’s outer planets, much like how the Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our view of distant galaxies.

The celestial dolphin : a cosmic illusion

Among the plethora of stunning images captured by Juno, one particular photograph has captured the imagination of both scientists and the public. This image, taken of Jupiter’s south temperate belt, reveals a cloud formation resembling a dolphin gracefully swimming through the planet’s tumultuous atmosphere.

This fascinating phenomenon is an example of pareidolia, a psychological tendency to perceive familiar patterns or shapes in random stimuli. While common in cloud-watching on Earth, observing such formations on distant planets adds an extra layer of wonder to our exploration of space.

The “cosmic dolphin” is formed by a group of clouds representing Jupiter’s massive storms. However, due to the planet’s highly dynamic atmosphere, this formation may have been fleeting, possibly dissipating moments after the image was captured. This transient nature highlights the ever-changing face of Jupiter and the importance of continuous observation.

Jupiter’s atmospheric dynamics : a celestial canvas

Jupiter’s atmosphere is a complex system of swirling gases and intense storms. With a diameter of 142,984 kilometers, this gas giant is primarily composed of :

Element	Percentage
Hydrogen	~90%
Helium	~10%
Other (methane, water, ammonia, “rock”)	Trace amounts

This composition results in an extremely turbulent atmosphere, characterized by massive storms and powerful winds. The most famous of these storms is the Great Red Spot, a gigantic anticyclonic storm that has been raging for centuries.

The interplay of these atmospheric elements creates a constantly shifting canvas of clouds and storms. This dynamic nature not only produces stunning visuals but also presents challenges for scientists studying the planet. The ephemeral nature of formations like the “dolphin” underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and the value of missions like Juno.

Advancing our understanding of gas giants

The Juno mission’s findings have significantly enhanced our comprehension of gas giants. By studying Jupiter, scientists can gain insights into the formation and evolution of similar planets both within our solar system and beyond. The wealth of data collected by Juno has led to several groundbreaking discoveries :

Jupiter’s magnetic field is stronger and more complex than previously thought
The planet’s core may be larger and more diffuse than expected
Atmospheric dynamics extend much deeper into the planet than initially believed
The auroras on Jupiter are more powerful and diverse than those on Earth

These revelations not only reshape our understanding of Jupiter but also provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems. As we continue to explore the cosmos, missions like Juno serve as crucial stepping stones in our quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

The image of the dolphin-shaped cloud formation on Jupiter serves as a poignant reminder of the wonders that await us in space exploration. It showcases the incredible capabilities of modern space technology and the endless possibilities for discovery that lie beyond our planet. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, who knows what other awe-inspiring sights and scientific revelations await us in the vast expanse of our cosmic neighborhood ?

News / Space

Are you really seeing drones in the sky? There are other possibilities

December 16, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

A crescent Moon and aircraft contrail make for a striking sight in the sunset sky.(Courtesy Greg Redfern)

Look, up in the sky. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s — who knows what…

WTOP has been reporting on the sky sightings that have been taking place in New Jersey and now the DMV. The story has made national news. Even a local politician posted a video which I can tell you with 100% certainty is the constellation of Orion, the planet Jupiter and the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius.

People who are not familiar with the night sky and start looking up because of the ongoing “Drone Flap” — my term for what is going on — will see objects in the sky, some quite bright, that they aren’t familiar with. To them it is unidentified.

Whatever we see in the sky comes down to most likely being from one or more of the following categories:

Astronomical — stars, bright planets, aurora, noctilucent clouds; meteors, fireballs, satellites (especially strings of Starlink satellites moving silently across the sky), comets, rocket launches, de-orbiting space junk or reentering spacecraft;
Aeronautical — aircraft of any type, contrails, drones;
Meteorological — weather phenomena;
Wildlife — Birds or other flying wildlife, including insects;
Geological — volcanic events, gaseous emissions;
Unknown — It cannot be identified.

Orion rising over Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park. (Courtesy Greg Redfern)

When I was growing up in Southern California in the 1960s, the Nation had “UFO Flaps” which are a concentrated sighting of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in a particular area over a period of time.

D.C. had a very famous UFO Flap that took place in the nation’s capital in the 1950s.

In the 21st century, UFOs have now morphed into UAPs — Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena — which NASA and the DoD are actively investigating.

With this current “Drone Flap,” we have been conditioned by the Chinese balloon overflights of our airspace and social media sprouting associated conspiracy theories and/or misinformation.

Personally, from the footage I have seen broadcast, there is little doubt these are, in fact, drones. As to their purpose, I have no idea. But one point I would like to share with you is that the drones imaged have been clearly illuminated so that they are plainly visible.

Bright Venus at sunset. (Courtesy Greg Redfern)

I have had friends contact me for my input as they have been concerned by these drones and, in one case, actually seeing them in their New Jersey neighborhood.

We are conditioned to want answers in an instant and get those answers on the internet. I would suggest that our collective patience and careful checking of our sources of information will ultimately lead to answers.

News

Simple way to reduce your risk of hard to spot cancer that has cases rising amongst young people

December 15, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Simple way to reduce your risk of hard to spot cancer that has cases rising amongst young people

Your diet could factor into your risk of developing it

There are some simple lifestyle habits which can help reduce your risk of developing a form of cancer which is hard to spot and is rising in prominence among young people.

A recent study from the Lancet into this kind of cancer which kills 17,000 people in the UK each year has indicated that it’s rising in England more than anywhere else in the world.

A study has warned about rising rates of early-onset bowel cancer. (Getty Stock Photo)

This is bowel cancer, which is becoming an increasing health issue among younger generations as the study found that there were more people getting early-onset cancer.

The study called for ‘intensified efforts to identify factors driving these trends’ as well as greater awareness ‘to help facilitate early detection’, since it can go without being spotted for a worryingly long time.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer is through your diet.

What you eat can have a massive impact on your health, and the basic principles of a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is always going to put you in good stead.

For bowel cancer, there are certain foods you’re best off avoiding or trying to eat less of when you can.

Bowel Cancer UK have said that ideally you wouldn’t eat more than 70g of red meat a day, and if you eat beyond that in a day then you should avoid it at another time to even things out.

They highlighted how you could be eating more than you expected without realising it, as a typical portion of spaghetti bolognese can contain about 140g of red meat, so you might want to try swapping out some of the mince for something else.

They said: “Research shows that eating processed meats is linked to an increase in the risk of developing bowel cancer. These are meats that have been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives.

Cutting down on red meat in your diet could help reduce your risk of bowel cancer. (Getty Stock Photo)

“This includes bacon, ham, salami and sausages. It’s best to avoid eating processed meats as much as possible.”

Of course, this is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle and even then it’s no guarantee that the cancer won’t develop.

The sad fact is that you can do everything right in terms of your lifestyle and still get it, it’s just that there are some things which you can do to really boost your chances of avoiding it.

While bowel cancer might be hard to spot, the NHS said that potential symptoms might be changes in your poo such as it becoming softer or you getting constipation.

Having blood in your poo is another bad sign, as is feeling like you need to go to the toilet even though you’ve just been.

Losing weight without a clear reason or feeling very tired and not knowing why is another cause for concern, if you’ve been having these symptoms for three weeks or more you should go and see a doctor.

News

Dolly Parton reveals ‘uncomfortable’ reason her husband won’t attend public events with her

December 15, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean have been married for 58 years

Dolly Parton has revealed why her husband of 58 years refuses to attend public events with her.

Long-lasting Hollywood love stories are hard to come by. However, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that the ‘Jolene’ singer has been married to her husband Carl Dean since 1966.

Parton is one of the most iconic musicians of all time and is often pictured at A-list events and on red carpets, but Dean is seldom seen with her.

The 11-time Grammy winner rented a tuxedo and begged her husband to attend the BMI Awards when she was nominated for Song of the Year in 1967.

She won that award, however Dean made it clear the glitz and glam of red carpets made him feel ‘so uncomfortable’.

Dolly Parton and her husband have been together for 58 years (Instagram/@dollyparton)

During a chat on the Dumb Blonde podcast, the 78-year-old musician recalled: “He said, ‘Look, now I want you to do everything you want to do, and I wish you the best, but don’t ever ask me to go to another one of these damn things because I ain’t going,’ and he never did.”

Parton wasn’t surprised by her newlywed husband’s decision at the time, because he was never interested in having the spotlight on him.

“He loves music, but he’s not the least bit interested in being in it,” she said. “And he told me that right up front.”

Their marriage has stood the test of time and the couple renewed their vows in 2016 at their Nashville home.

It sounds like Parton and Dean are complete opposites and not just because of their feelings about fame. “He’s quiet and I’m loud, and we’re funny… we have a lot of fun,” she added.

The couple tied the knot in 1966 (Instagram/@dollyparton)

“Anytime [there is] too much tension going on, either one of us can like, find a joke about it to really break the tension, where we don’t let it go so far,” she explained.

“We never fought back and forth.”

The pair met back in 1964 outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. Parton was 18 and Dean was 21. Sparks flew as Dean drove past in his pickup truck when he saw Parton outside and ‘hollered’ at her, she told The New York Times in 1976.

During Parton’s historic rise to fame, her husband supported her behind the scenes while maintaining a road-paving business.

They still manage to keep their spark burning decades later, as Parton revealed in 2022 that she still dresses up for her man at home.

“Every day, I put on some makeup and fix my hair because I think, ‘Well, the whole world, I’m out here and everybody else sees me all dressed up, and I’m not going to just kind of go home and just flop on him,’” she told E! News.

There you have it folks, romance isn’t dead!

News

Mom’s horrifying discovery at the end of son’s bed leaves people’s ‘skin crawling’

December 15, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

A mom took to Facebook to seek advice but social media users were left ‘freaked’ out

It’s always a risk asking for opinions online and this mom’s questioning certainly caused quite the fright.

The internet is a great source of information and who doesn’t love taking to a social media group for some advice?

Alas, don’t ask questions if you’re not prepared for the suggestions, which may result. Indeed, one mom who took to Facebook to question what she’d found at the foot of her seven-year-old’s bed probably wished she hadn’t.

One mother took to asking social media users for their thoughts on an odd discovery (Facebook/Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas)

Speaking in the Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas Facebook group, the mom shared several images alongside the caption: “Does anybody have any idea what this could be? It’s at the end of my son’s bed on the floor.”

The pictures show tiny dark objects that look like small eggs sprawled across the floor near her seven-year-old son’s bed.

“Not anywhere else in his room, not in his ottoman bed base or under his bed. Just at the end in one spot (I’ve spread it out a bit to look). Any ideas, please?”

As can be expected, users began suggesting the most horrifying possibilities imaginable.

“OMG, my skin is crawling – I hope this is cereal as I’m about to freak the freak out,” one Facebook user commented on the post.

Users began suggesting the most horrifying possibilities. (Facebook/Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas)

“Nope … new fear unlocked,” another user wrote.

Another user offered up the most uncomfortable possibility. They said: “Definitely tarantula black widow scorpion eggs. Extremely bitey, and they bide their time before they attack.”

Thankfully the mother explained the nature of what she had found in an update.

She noted that the debris had originated from a microwavable heat pack that had burst unexpectedly.

She said that she had vacuumed the area a few days prior and there were no signs of the objects and upon returning to vacuum again, they had appeared.

Thankfully the mother explained the nature of what she had found in an update (Facebook/Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas)

She concluded the objects were from a heat teddy that had burst and popped at the end of her son’s bed.

“I hoovered it a couple of days ago, and it wasn’t there. I went back to hoover again, and it was,” she explained.

“I have now found out it’s from a heat teddy that’s popped at the end of his bed.”

Well, thankfully, we can all rest easy not having to worry about sneaky creepy crawlies covertly laying their eggs in our bedrooms tonight.

News

Experts suggest main reasons why certain cancer type is rising in young people worldwide

December 15, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Experts suggest main reasons why certain cancer type is rising in young people worldwide

The cancer kills 17,000 people in the UK alone each year

A specific type of cancer is rising in numbers when it comes to younger people in the UK and experts have weighed in as to why it’s happening.

It’s incredibly important to get yourself checked if you believe that your health is failing, but what happens when you have a hard-to-spot cancer?

With a new study by Lancet sharing the latest data on the cancer type, it’s essential that we change some things to lessen our risk.

The Lancet study found a sharp rise across the world (Getty Stock Images)

The findings, which used population data until 2017, noted that early onset colorectal cancer is rising in young people.

Killing 17,000 people in the UK alone each year, it’s a major issue in the under 50s category.

What did the study find about colorectal cancer?

According to the study, the ‘cancer incidence rates are rising in 27 of 50 countries and territories examined, with the rise either exclusive to early-onset disease or faster than the increase in older adults in 20 of the 27 countries’.

The study found that the ‘steepest inclines’ in early cancer cases were found in Chile (4 percent), New Zealand (under 4 percent), Puerto Rico (3.8%) and England (3.6 percent).

It’s also been found to increase in cases in Canada and Germany too.

It shared that there is a new ‘need for intensified efforts to identify factors driving these trends and increase awareness to help facilitate early detection’.

The rise could be attributed to one main thing (Getty Stock Images)

Why is there a rise in colorectal cancer?

Simply put, it’s the western diet, according to Researchers from the American Cancer Society, who led the study.

They explained that the rise is spreading to areas where companies who make junk food are expanding, such as in poorer areas.

This then expands the ultra-processed-food diet, which has been linked to a number of serious health risks.

The study shared that colorectal cancer is the ‘third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death, responsible for more than 1·9 million new cases and almost 904 000 deaths in 2022 worldwide’.

While studies are continuing to figure out why younger people are being diagnosed more, experts believe that it’s dietary.

“The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer did appear to start in Western societies and lifestyles, and I believe that what we’re seeing now around the world is a reflection of these lifestyles, which have become more prevalent worldwide,” said Dr Marios Giannakis, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Gastrointestinal Cancer Center.

But it could also be down to lifestyle factors such as not exercising or smoking.

“When the environment we live in reduces the opportunities for exercise, the physical activity levels would be lower in industrialised environments compared to pre-industrial environments where people have to work and grow their food,” said Hyuna Sung, a study author.

The added: “All of those built environments and food environments that come with economic wealth — we think part of this increase in colorectal cancer is attributable to those changes.”

It’s all in the diet (Getty Stock Images)

What you can do to minimise your risk?

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is through your diet and lifestyle changes.

Sung shared: “I don’t think there’s a reason for us to be nervous, I think it’s a good opportunity for us to learn how we can improve our overall health.

“It’s not just about cancer; if you change your behaviours to be more healthy, that will change and reduce your risk of other diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, in the future.”

There are several symptoms to look out for (Getty Stock Images)

What are the signs of colorectal cancer?

The NHS notes that potential symptoms include changes in your poo such as it becoming softer or experiencing constipation.

Having blood in your poo is also another sign or feeling like you need to go to the toilet more frequently.

Losing weight without a clear reason as to why or feeling very fatigued without having performed anything tiresome, is another cause for concern.

If you’ve been having these symptoms for three weeks or more you should book to see a doctor.

News

Gogglebox star confirms health condition diagnosis following fans’ concerns

December 15, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Gogglebox star confirms health condition diagnosis following fans’ concerns

Sue Sheehan has had to take time away from the show due to her health

A Gogglebox star has confirmed a health diagnosis after concerned fans became worried about her appearance.

Sue Sheehan, one of the favourite members of the Channel 4 TV show’s cast, has opened up following weeks of questions as the series returned to our screens.

She had been noticeably missing from the show but made an appearance on Friday’s (13 December) instalment.

Sue, who also appears alongside her husband Steve on Gogglebox, shared what was going on with her during the episode and explained how life has changed for her.

Sue and Steve Sheehan are popular faces on Gogglebox (Instagram/@sueandstevegogglebox)

According to the cast member, she had been suffering from Bell’s palsy, which causes temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the face.

This is something that Tulisa Contostavlos had been suffering with and also Helen Flanagan’s daughter, Matilda.

According to the NHS, the condition causes muscle weakness which can lead to a drooping eyelid or corner of your mouth, drooling, a dry mouth, loss of taste, and a dry or watering eye.

Thankfully, steroid treatment can help a person get back to normal within six months.

Speaking to the viewers when she returned to Gogglebox, Sue explained how she’s had to relearn to do basic things, saying: “I mean, I’ve had to relearn to do a couple of things since this Bell’s palsy.

“One is to speak through the side of my mouth, and the other one is chewing. Chewing takes a long time.”

Sue’s Bell’s palsy diagnoses meant that she had to take time away from the show (Channel 4)

That’s when hubby Steve chimed in: “I have offered to chew your food for you, but you declined.”

Sue responded: “No, it’s sharper than ever actually.”

Her candidness about what she’s been going through was met with a wave of support from fans on social media.

One person wrote: “Best wishes to Sue on Gogglebox as she recovers from Bell’s palsy x.”

Another added: “Fair play to Sue for appearing with Bell’s palsy. Raising awareness can only be good.”

A third commented: “Poor Sue. Hope her Bell’s palsy clears up soon.”

N-Dubz star Tulisa has opened up about her secret health struggle after discovering that it was the cause of the ‘horrific’ issues that she had been battling for the last 12 years.

Speaking on the So Wrong, It’s Right podcast hosted by former Love Island star Olivia Attwood, she said she’d seen multiple doctors after feeling like her ‘cheek was on fire’ and that ants were crawling across her face.

Sue had to relearn how to speak (Instagram/@sueandstevegogglebox)

That’s when she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in 2020.

But even after the diagnosis, she continued to have health issues that caused swelling in her face, and she shared that it made her self-conscious about her appearance.

That caused her to stay inside of the house for seven months.

“I’ve never gone into it before, to be fair, I hadn’t had any surgery up until, confession, recently,” she said.

“And all the time before, there was no surgery – it was only fillers, and other issues that I had.

“When I was about 24, I had my first Bell’s palsy attack, I was sat at home and I had this massive burst inflammation.”

After her recent appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Tulisa managed to raise additional awareness for the condition.

News

McDonald’s customer shocked at ‘unaffordable’ price of his regular order

December 15, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

The TikToker was not mmm lovin’ it

Even McDonald’s hasn’t escaped the cost of living crisis but one TikToker was left particularly flabbergasted by the amount his typical order came to.

Young people no longer in with any sort of chance of getting onto the property ladder and now left unable to even buy a quick Maccies without having to go into their overdraft – what is the world coming too?

If you think I’m joking, don’t just take my word for it. A TikToker has revealed the price difference of his typical order as well as the markup in general prices at the fast food chain.

Content creator Christopher Olive is an aspiring strongman and in 2022 he presented his freshly bought fast food meal from the iconic golden arches.

It consisted of a Smoky Double Quarter Pounder BLT burger with a large fries and Sprite – a pretty tame order if we’re being honest.

So, how much do you think that amounted to?

Yeah, it’s more than a Happy Meal, and just a few years ago, you’d expect the meal to cost around $10, if not less.

But Christopher’s jaw was on the floor when he was given the receipt for his order

Even during the cost of living crisis, $16 is steep. (TikTok/@topherolive)

Looking down at the bill, he saw that he was charged a shocking $16.10 for his simple meal.

In the clip, he says: “So I get there’s a labour shortage, I get there’s wage increases and a number of other things but… sixteen dollars?

“Sixteen dollars for a burger, a large fries and a drink. It’s just crazy.”

Alongside nearly 180,000 views at the time of writing, the video has received thousands of comments from the online community, and it appears people are pretty divided.

On the one hand, $16 seems like a maddening price to pay for a burger meal. But on the other hand, every aspect of the supply chain has been hit with skyrocketing costs.

Taking to the comments section, one person wrote: “Five Guys prices at McDonald’s?!?” To which Christopher replied: “It’s crazy.”

Another said: “It’s officially not convenient or affordable anymore, might as well go to the store and buy hamburger meat.”

“I make a lot more of my own food these days because of stuff like this,” added a third, with the TikToker replying: “Exactly. I eat 90 percent from food I cook and this really shocked me.”

But not everyone agrees, with some suggesting he opted for the most expensive item on the menu.

“Bro ordered the most expensive meal they have and acted surprised,” wrote one, while another said: “Because you got DOUBLE DELUXE BACON quarter pounder, literally the most expensive option on the entire menu.”

And then there were those who suggested ways for McDonald’s lovers to save money, including this person who explained: “Download the app. You can literally eat McDonald’s for under $6 every time.”

A second chimed in: “Use the McDonald’s app, sometimes they have a 50 percent off and other offers.”