upi--2020-10-22--Famous birthdays for Oct. 22: Catherine Deneuve, Jeff Goldblum

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Libra .
-- Comic @ @ @ @ @ Three Stooges in 1903 -- English author Doris Lessing , winner of the 2007 Nobel @ @ @ @ @ 1919

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Catherine Deneuve attends the premiere of "The Truth" at the 76th Venice Film Festival on August 28, 2019. The actor turns 77 on October 22. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Libra. They include: Advertisement
-- Hungarian composer Franz Liszt in 1811
-- Actor Sarah Bernhardt in 1844
-- Comic actor Curly Howard of The Three Stooges in 1903
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Jimmie Foxx in 1907
-- Actor Joan Fontaine in 1917
-- English author Doris Lessing, winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for literature, in 1919
-- Psychologist/LSD advocate Timothy Leary in 1920
-- Artist Robert Rauschenberg in 1925
-- Civil rights activist Bobby Seale in 1936 (age 84)
-- Actor Derek Jacobi in 1938 (age 82)
File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI
-- Actor Christopher Lloyd in 1938 (age 82)
-- Actor Tony Roberts in 1939 (age 81)
-- Actor Annette Funicello in 1942
-- Actor Catherine Deneuve in 1943 (age 77)
-- Writer Deepak Chopra in 1946 (age 74)
-- Actor Jeff Goldblum in 1952 (age 68)
File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
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-- Champion skater Brian Boitano in 1963 (age 57)
-- Rapper Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell CD, in 1968 (age 52)
-- Film producer Spike Jonze in 1969 (age 51)
-- Japanese baseball player Ichiro Suzuki in 1973 (age 47)
-- Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson 1975 (age 45)
-- Musician Zac Hanson in 1985 (age 35)
-- Actor Jonathan Lipnicki in 1990 (age 30)
-- Rapper 21 Savage, born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, in 1992 (age 28)
-- Rapper Roddy Ricch, born Rodrick Wayne Moore Jr., in 1998 (age 22)


upi--2020-10-22--Netflix: What's coming and going in November 2020

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Netflix subscribers can watch Hillbilly Elegy , a family drama starring Amy Adams and @ @ @ @ @ Crown Season 4 in November .
The streaming service released a list of the movies @ @ @ @ @ specials and documentaries coming and going next month .
Here 's the full list of @ @ @ @ @ Netflix in November : M'entends-tu ?
( Can You Hear Me ? )
Season 2 @ @ @ @ @ Indian in the Cupboard We Are the Champions ( Netflix Original ) If Anything Happens @ @ @ @ @ Original ) Here 's the full list of what 's leaving Netflix in November : @ @ @ @ @ the Dark The Nutcracker and the Four Realms The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl Diana @ @ @ @ @ You Do n't Mess with the Zohan

Haley Bennett, Gabriel Basso and Amy Adams, from left to right, star in "Hillbilly Elegy," a new film based on the J.D. Vance memoir. Photo courtesy of Netflix
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Netflix subscribers can watch Hillbilly Elegy, a family drama starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close, and The Crown Season 4 in November. The streaming service released a list of the movies, TV shows, comedy specials and documentaries coming and going next month. Advertisement
Here's the full list of what's being added to Netflix in November:
Nov. 1
M'entends-tu? (Can You Hear Me?) Season 2 (Netflix Original)
60 Days In Season 5
A Clockwork Orange
Boyz in the Hood
Casper
Christmas Break-In
Dawson's Creek Seasons 1-6
Easy A
Elf Pets: A Fox Cub's Christmas Tale
Elf Pets: Santa's Reindeer Rescue
Elliot the Littlest Reindeer
Forged in Fire Season 6
Jumping the Broom
Knock Knock
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath Seasons 1-3
Little Monsters (1989)
Mile 22
Ocean's Eleven
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Piercing
Platoon
School Daze
Snowden
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The Garfield Show Season 3
The Impossible
The Indian in the Cupboard
The Next Karate Kid
Wheels of Fortune
Yes Man
Nov. 2
Prospect
Nov. 3
Felix Lobrecht: Hype (Netflix Original)
Mother (Netflix Original)
Nov. 4
A Christmas Catch
Christmas with a Prince
Love and Anarchy (Netflix Original)
Nov. 5
A New York Christmas Wedding
Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta? (Netflix Original)
Midnight at the Magnolia
Operation Christmas Drop (Netflix Original)
Paranormal (Netflix Original)
Nov. 6
Citation (Netflix Original)
Country Ever After (Netflix Original)
La trinchera infinita (The Endless Trench) (Netflix Original)
The Late Bloomer
Nov. 9
Undercover Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Nov. 10
Dash & Lily (Netflix Original)
Trash Truck (Netflix Original)
Nov. 11
Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun (Netflix Original)
The Liberator (Netflix Original)
Nasce uma Rainha (A Queen is Born) (Netflix Original)
What We Wanted (Netflix Original)
Nov. 12
Fruitvale Station
Graceful Friends
Ludo (Netflix Original)
Prom Night
Nov. 13
American Horror Story: 1984
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix Original)
The Life Ahead (Netflix Original)
The Minions of Midas (Netflix Original)
Nov. 15
A Very Country Christmas
America's Next Top Model Seasons 19-20
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
The Crown Season 4 (Netflix Original)
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Hometown Holiday
Survivor Seasons 20, 28
V for Vendetta
Nov. 16
Loving
Whose Streets?
Nov. 17
The Boss Baby: Back in Business Season 4 (Netflix Original)
We Are the Champions (Netflix Original)
Nov. 18
El sabor de las margaritas (Bitter Daisies) Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas (Netflix Original)
Nov. 19
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (Netflix Original)
Nov. 20
Alien Xmas (Netflix Original)
Flavorful Origins: Gansu Cuisine (Netflix Original)
If Anything Happens I Love You (Netflix Original)
Voices of Fire (Netflix Original)
Nov. 22
Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (Netflix Original)
Machete Kills
Nov. 23
Hard Kill
Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (Netflix Original)
Nov. 24
Dragons: Rescue Riders: Huttsgalor Holiday (Netflix Original)
El Cuaderno de Tomy (Notes for My Son) (Netflix Original)
Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix Original)
Wonderoos (Netflix Original)
Nov. 25
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (Netflix Original)
Great Pretender Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Nov. 26
Larry the Cable Guy: Remain Seated
Mosul (Netflix Original)
Nov. 27
A Go! Go! Cory Carson Christmas (Netflix Original)
The Call (Netflix Original)
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (Netflix Original)
Don't Listen (Netflix Original)
Sugar Rush Christmas Season 2 (Netflix Original)
Überweihnachten (Over Christmas) (Netflix Original)
Virgin River Season 2 (Netflix Original)
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La Belva (The Beast) (Netflix Original)
Nov. 28
The Uncanny Counter (Netflix Original)
Nov. 29
Wonderoos: Holiday Holiday! (Netflix Original)
Nov. 30
The 2nd
A Love So Beautiful (Netflix Original)
Finding Agnes (Netflix Original)
Rust Creek
Spookley and the Christmas Kittens
Coming soon:
Arashi's Diary - Voyage Episodes 15-17 (Netflix Original)
Mismatched (Netflix Original)
Supernatural Season 15
Trial 4 (Netflix Original)
Here's the full list of what's leaving Netflix in November:
Nov. 1
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil
Olympus Has Fallen
Shark Night
Nov. 4
Death House
Nov. 6
Into the Run
Krisha
Nov. 7
Hit & Run
Hope Springs Eternal
The Sea of Trees
Sleepless
Nov. 8
Bathtubs Over Broadway
Nov. 11
Green Room
Nov. 14
Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States Season 1
Nov. 15
9
Abominable Christmas
The Addams Family
Drive
Nov. 16
Santa Claws
Soul Surfer
Nov. 17
Sour Grapes
Nov. 22
End of Watch
Nov. 23
Bushwick
Shot Caller
Nov. 26
The Lincoln Lawyer
Nov. 27
Jeopardy!: Champion Run I: Gilbert Collins
Jeopardy!: Champion Run II: Rachel Lindgren
Jeopardy!: Champion Run III: Ryan Fenster
Jeopardy!: Champion Run IV: Josh Hill
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Jeopardy!: College Championship III
Jeopardy! Producer's Pick
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Nov. 30
Anaconda
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
The Bachelor Season 13
Bad News Bears
Diana: In Her Own Words
Gridiron Gang
Hostage
National Security
Lakeview Terrace
Moneyball
Ocean's Eleven
Ocean's Twelve
Ocean's Thirteen
Priest
Stand and Deliver
The Tribes of Palos Verdes
West Side Story
Y Tu Mamá También
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
Zodiac


upi--2020-10-22--On This Day, Oct. 22: Congress expands hate-crime law to protect LGBTQ communities

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- On this date in history : In 1797 , the first silk parachute jump from a high altitude was made by Andre-Jacques Garnerin , who dropped in a basket released from a balloon at 3,300 feet over a Paris park .
In 1836 , Gen. Sam Houston was sworn in as the first president of the Republic of Texas .
In 1929 , Professor Irving T. Fisher , head of the Yale department of economics , said that the recent bearish stock market had about reached its bottom and an upward movement was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Wall Street Crash of 1929 would begin just two days later .
In 1934 , federal authorities fatally shot Charles `` Pretty Boy '' Floyd , a fugitive suspected in the so-called Kansas City massacre in which four officers were killed .
In 1938 , inventor Charles Carlson produced the first dry , or xerographic , copy .
He had trouble attracting investors .
In 1962 , U.S. President John Kennedy announced that Soviet missiles had been deployed in Cuba and ordered a blockade of the island .
In 1966 , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score a No .
1 album , with Supremes a Go-Go .
In 1978 , Pope John Paul II was installed as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church .
The new pope startled his aides on his first day when he entered a crowd of reporters and freely answered questions , forgoing more conventional and controlled interactions with journalists .
In 1983 , Ten U.S. warships sailed toward the violence-wracked Caribbean island of Grenada , prompting its new Marxist leaders to mobilize their forces for a possible invasion .
In 2001 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taliban and al-Qaida facilities in western Afghanistan and disputed Taliban claims that 100 civilians died when a bomb hit a hospital .
In 2009 , the U.S. Congress expanded a hate-crime law to make it a federal crime to assault someone because of sexual orientation or gender identity .
In 2010 , nearly 400,000 previously secret U.S. documents on the war in Iraq were posted on the WikiLeaks Internet website .
Three months earlier , more than 75,000 undisclosed Afghan conflict documents appeared .
In 2012 , the International Cycling Federation stripped Lance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titles amid a doping scandal .
In 2018 , a device similar to a pipe bomb was discovered in the mailbox of billionaire philanthropist George Soros , the first of several attempts to send what appeared to be explosive devices to Democratic politicians such as former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton .
Authorities arrested Cesar Sayoc for the mailings , and he pleaded guilty to 65 counts .
In 2019 , Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaimed his enthronement during a ceremony in Tokyo that was attended by dignitaries @ @ @ @ @

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President Barack Obama signs the National Defense Authorization Act for 2010 in the East Room of the White House in Washington on October 28, 2009. The bill included the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act which expands upon 1969 U.S. federal hate-crime law by extending its scope to protect crimes motivated by a victim's gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. Congress passed the expansion on October 22, 2009. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1797, the first silk parachute jump from a high altitude was made by Andre-Jacques Garnerin, who dropped in a basket released from a balloon at 3,300 feet over a Paris park. Advertisement
In 1836, Gen. Sam Houston was sworn in as the first president of the Republic of Texas.
In 1929, Professor Irving T. Fisher, head of the Yale department of economics, said that the recent bearish stock market had about reached its bottom and an upward movement was in sight, increasing throughout next year. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 would begin just two days later.
In 1934, federal authorities fatally shot Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd, a fugitive suspected in the so-called Kansas City massacre in which four officers were killed.
In 1938, inventor Charles Carlson produced the first dry, or xerographic, copy. He had trouble attracting investors.
In 1962, U.S. President John Kennedy announced that Soviet missiles had been deployed in Cuba and ordered a blockade of the island.
UPI File Photo
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In 1966, The Supremes became the first all-female group to score a No. 1 album, with Supremes a Go-Go.
In 1978, Pope John Paul II was installed as pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. The new pope startled his aides on his first day when he entered a crowd of reporters and freely answered questions, forgoing more conventional and controlled interactions with journalists.
In 1983, Ten U.S. warships sailed toward the violence-wracked Caribbean island of Grenada, prompting its new Marxist leaders to mobilize their forces for a possible invasion.
In 1992, pioneer sportscaster Red Barber died at age 84.
In 2001, the Pentagon announced nearly 200 U.S. jets struck Taliban and al-Qaida facilities in western Afghanistan and disputed Taliban claims that 100 civilians died when a bomb hit a hospital.
In 2009, the U.S. Congress expanded a hate-crime law to make it a federal crime to assault someone because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In 2010, nearly 400,000 previously secret U.S. documents on the war in Iraq were posted on the WikiLeaks Internet website. Three months earlier, more than 75,000 undisclosed Afghan conflict documents appeared.
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UPI File Photo
In 2012, the International Cycling Federation stripped Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles amid a doping scandal.
In 2018, a device similar to a pipe bomb was discovered in the mailbox of billionaire philanthropist George Soros, the first of several attempts to send what appeared to be explosive devices to Democratic politicians such as former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Authorities arrested Cesar Sayoc for the mailings, and he pleaded guilty to 65 counts.
In 2019, Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaimed his enthronement during a ceremony in Tokyo that was attended by dignitaries from around the world.


upi--2020-10-22--Las Vegas Raiders put four starting offensive linemen on COVID-19 list

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- The Las Vegas Raiders have placed four starting offensive linemen on the reserve/COVID-19 list , the team announced Thursday .
The Raiders also put safety Johnathan Abram on the COVID-19 list .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that all five players -- center Rodney Hudson , guards Gabe Jackson and Denzelle Good , tackle Kolton Miller and Abram -- were deemed high-risk contacts .
All of the players missed their second straight day of practice Thursday while in quarantine , according to the team 's official injury report .
With starting offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , the Raiders could possibly be without their entire starting offensive line for Sunday 's matchup against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
Abram and the offensive linemen must self-isolate for five days plus their last day of contact , which was Monday , meaning they could potentially be cleared Sunday morning .
With Brown and the other four starting linemen on the COVID-19 list , the Raiders have only five remaining offensive linemen on their 53-man roster , along with two linemen on the practice squad .
Under NFL rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linemen on their 48-man rosters on game day .
If the Raiders are unable to dress at least eight linemen for Sunday 's game against the Bucs , the team would be allowed a maximum of just 47 active players .
As a result of the Raiders ' coronavirus issues , the NFL announced Thursday that Las Vegas ' game against the Buccaneers -- originally scheduled for Sunday night -- was moved to 4:05 p.m. EST `` out of an abundance of caution to ensure that a game would be available for fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle Seahawks will now play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night .
The NFL said it still expects the Buccaneers-Raiders game to take place .

Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) also was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Las Vegas Raiders have placed four starting offensive linemen on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Thursday. The Raiders also put safety Johnathan Abram on the COVID-19 list. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that all five players -- center Rodney Hudson, guards Gabe Jackson and Denzelle Good, tackle Kolton Miller and Abram -- were deemed high-risk contacts. Advertisement
All of the players missed their second straight day of practice Thursday while in quarantine, according to the team's official injury report.
With starting offensive tackle Trent Brown already on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Raiders could possibly be without their entire starting offensive line for Sunday's matchup against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Abram and the offensive linemen must self-isolate for five days plus their last day of contact, which was Monday, meaning they could potentially be cleared Sunday morning.
With Brown and the other four starting linemen on the COVID-19 list, the Raiders have only five remaining offensive linemen on their 53-man roster, along with two linemen on the practice squad.
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Under NFL rules, teams must have at least eight offensive linemen on their 48-man rosters on game day. If the Raiders are unable to dress at least eight linemen for Sunday's game against the Bucs, the team would be allowed a maximum of just 47 active players.
As a result of the Raiders' coronavirus issues, the NFL announced Thursday that Las Vegas' game against the Buccaneers -- originally scheduled for Sunday night -- was moved to 4:05 p.m. EST "out of an abundance of caution to ensure that a game would be available for fans on Sunday Night Football."
The Seattle Seahawks will now play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night. The NFL said it still expects the Buccaneers-Raiders game to take place.


upi--2020-10-22--In Photos: President Trump, Joe Biden meet for final presidential debate

`` He says , 'we 're learning to live with it . '
People are learning to die with it @ @ @ @ @ in his response to Trump 's answer about the pandemic .
Pool Photo by JIm @

From left to right, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand onstage as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Joe Biden gets a hug from his wife, Jill Biden, after the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville on Thursday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI


upi--2020-10-22--FBI: Russian hackers targeting government networks

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Russian hackers have targeted dozens of government computer networks in recent weeks , the FBI warned Thursday , adding that there 's no indication the efforts have disrupted the U.S. elections process .
The joint advisory from the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said that a Russian state-sponsored hacking effort targeted dozens of state , local , territorial and/or tribal government , and aviation networks , successfully compromising at least two as of Oct. 1 .
The hackers accessed information related to network passwords , vendors and access badges .
The advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the cyberattacks .
`` As this recent malicious activity has been directed at SLTT government networks , there may be some risk to elections information housed on SLTT government networks , '' the advisory said .
`` However , the FBI and CISA have no evidence to date that integrity of elections data has been compromised . ''
The advisory came one day after Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said both Russia and Iran obtained voter information ahead of the U.S. presidential election .
He declined to offer details on Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear if the FBI and CISA advisory is related .
The FBI and CISA advisory said the Russian state-sponsored actor involved in the cyberattacks is known variously as Berserk Bear , Energetic Bear , TeamSpy , Dragonfly , Havex , Crouching Yeti and Koala .
Last month , the FBI and CISA warned that foreign agents had been ramping up inaccurate allegations that U.S. voter databases have been hacked `` in an attempt to manipulate public opinion , discredit the electoral process and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions . ''

FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a press conference on a national security matter at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on October 7. The FBI said Thursday that Russia compromised two local or state government networks. Pool Photo by Jim Watson/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Russian hackers have targeted dozens of government computer networks in recent weeks, the FBI warned Thursday, adding that there's no indication the efforts have disrupted the U.S. elections process. The joint advisory from the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said that a Russian state-sponsored hacking effort targeted dozens of state, local, territorial and/or tribal government, and aviation networks, successfully compromising at least two as of Oct. 1. Advertisement
The hackers accessed information related to network passwords, vendors and access badges. The advisory didn't reveal the specific jurisdictions targeted by the cyberattacks.
"As this recent malicious activity has been directed at SLTT government networks, there may be some risk to elections information housed on SLTT government networks," the advisory said. "However, the FBI and CISA have no evidence to date that integrity of elections data has been compromised."
The advisory came one day after Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said both Russia and Iran obtained voter information ahead of the U.S. presidential election. He declined to offer details on Russia's efforts Wednesday, and it's unclear if the FBI and CISA advisory is related.
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The FBI and CISA advisory said the Russian state-sponsored actor involved in the cyberattacks is known variously as Berserk Bear, Energetic Bear, TeamSpy, Dragonfly, Havex, Crouching Yeti and Koala.
Last month, the FBI and CISA warned that foreign agents had been ramping up inaccurate allegations that U.S. voter databases have been hacked "in an attempt to manipulate public opinion, discredit the electoral process and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions."


upi--2020-10-22--Patriot Express flights to begin random COVID-19 testing for passengers

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Passengers boarding Patriot Express flights departing from the Seattle-Tacoma and Baltimore-Washington airports will be subject to random COVID-19 testing starting next week .
According to an Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center advisory , the rapid onsite tests are intended to stop the spread of the virus .
`` The Department of Defense is aggressively working to keep passengers safe and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on Patriot Express flights by developing a plan for rapid , on-site testing , '' Air Mobility Command spokeswoman Capt .
Nikki Ferrara said Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriot Express , which is the Department of Defense 's contracted commercial charter flight system .
It 's used by service members and their families for official international travel .
The system also provides seats on a space-available basis to certain qualifying veterans , retirees and federal employees , though restrictions were placed on that part of the program in March .
Those who test positive will not be allowed to board their flight .
The United States has had more than 8 million confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 221,000 deaths since @ @ @ @ @ @

Crew members prepare an aircraft for the first flight of the Patriot Express service from here since 2016 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 4, 2019. Photo by Rebeccah Woodrow/U.S. Air Force
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Passengers boarding Patriot Express flights departing from the Seattle-Tacoma and Baltimore-Washington airports will be subject to random COVID-19 testing starting next week. According to an Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center advisory, the rapid onsite tests are intended to stop the spread of the virus. Advertisement
"The Department of Defense is aggressively working to keep passengers safe and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on Patriot Express flights by developing a plan for rapid, on-site testing," Air Mobility Command spokeswoman Capt. Nikki Ferrara said Thursday.
AMC oversees the charter flights for the Patriot Express, which is the Department of Defense's contracted commercial charter flight system. It's used by service members and their families for official international travel. The system also provides seats on a space-available basis to certain qualifying veterans, retirees and federal employees, though restrictions were placed on that part of the program in March.
Those who test positive will not be allowed to board their flight.
The United States has had more than 8 million confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 221,000 deaths since the pandemic began this spring.


upi--2020-10-22--About 200 soldiers relocated after mold found in Fort Bragg barracks

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- About 200 soldiers at North Carolina 's Fort Bragg were moved from their barracks this month after mold was found in two buildings on the installation .
According to Army officials , Fort Bragg 's Department of Public Works inspected the barracks buildings on Oct. 8 after a soldier reported mold onsite .
According to Maj. Dan Lessard , a spokesman for the command that oversees the 528th Special Operations Sustainment Brigade , the original complaint was filed anonymously online in mid-September .
After the inspection , soldiers were moved out of two buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that brigade , none of the soldiers had displayed illnesses or other issues related to the mold .
Officials are continuing to monitor the soldiers ' health , Lessard said .
`` Our soldiers are our most valuable asset , and it is our responsibility to protect their health and welfare , '' Maj. Gen. John Brennan , the commander of 1st Special Forces Command , said in a prepared statement .
`` This issue has the full attention of our entire command team , and we are continuing to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible . ''
The affected soldiers were moved to other units ' barracks on the base or to hotels in the area , according to Lessard .
Lessard also extensive work would need to be conducted on the heating , ventilation and air conditioning systems to prevent further mold growth .

Marines conducts a Marine Corps Martial Arts Course on Fort Bragg, N.C., March 10, 2015. Photo by Stephanie Cervantes//U.S. Army
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- About 200 soldiers at North Carolina's Fort Bragg were moved from their barracks this month after mold was found in two buildings on the installation. According to Army officials, Fort Bragg's Department of Public Works inspected the barracks buildings on Oct. 8 after a soldier reported mold onsite. Advertisement
According to Maj. Dan Lessard, a spokesman for the command that oversees the 528th Special Operations Sustainment Brigade, the original complaint was filed anonymously online in mid-September.
After the inspection, soldiers were moved out of two buildings housing troops with t, but according to that brigade, none of the soldiers had displayed illnesses or other issues related to the mold.
Officials are continuing to monitor the soldiers' health, Lessard said.
"Our soldiers are our most valuable asset, and it is our responsibility to protect their health and welfare," Maj. Gen. John Brennan, the commander of 1st Special Forces Command, said in a prepared statement. "This issue has the full attention of our entire command team, and we are continuing to work with DPW to resolve these issues as soon as possible."
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The affected soldiers were moved to other units' barracks on the base or to hotels in the area, according to Lessard.
Lessard also extensive work would need to be conducted on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to prevent further mold growth.


upi--2020-10-22--Vikings' Danielle Hunter to undergo season-ending neck surgery

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Minnesota Vikings star defensive end Danielle Hunter will have neck surgery and miss the remainder of the 2020 season .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that Hunter will undergo the procedure to repair a herniated disc in his neck .
The operation will force the Pro Bowl defensive lineman -- who has yet to appear in a game in 2020 -- to miss all of the season .
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer initially described Hunter 's injury as a `` tweak . ''
According to ESPN , the pass-rusher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eight weeks .
Hunter last practiced on Aug. 14 , the Vikings ' first day of practice during training camp .
The Vikings have yet to publicly acknowledge Hunter 's season-ending surgery .
According to ESPN , the defensive lineman traveled to New York to receive a second opinion on his neck ailment .
Zimmer said that visit did n't reveal any further clarity about the injury .
`` [ He 's ] still kind of mulling his options , I think , '' Zimmer said Oct. 14 .
Hunter has notched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl honors .
He was the fastest player in league history to reach 50 career sacks .
News of Hunter 's procedure came shortly after the Vikings traded former Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens , leaving Minnesota without two of its top pass-rushers .

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) will have surgery to repair a herniated disc. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings star defensive end Danielle Hunter will have neck surgery and miss the remainder of the 2020 season. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Thursday that Hunter will undergo the procedure to repair a herniated disc in his neck. The operation will force the Pro Bowl defensive lineman -- who has yet to appear in a game in 2020 -- to miss all of the season. Advertisement
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer initially described Hunter's injury as a "tweak." According to ESPN, the pass-rusher was expected to miss only about six to eight weeks. Hunter last practiced on Aug. 14, the Vikings' first day of practice during training camp.
The Vikings have yet to publicly acknowledge Hunter's season-ending surgery. According to ESPN, the defensive lineman traveled to New York to receive a second opinion on his neck ailment. Zimmer said that visit didn't reveal any further clarity about the injury.
"[He's] still kind of mulling his options, I think," Zimmer said Oct. 14.
Hunter has notched 54.5 sacks through five NFL seasons and has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl honors. He was the fastest player in league history to reach 50 career sacks.
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News of Hunter's procedure came shortly after the Vikings traded former Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens, leaving Minnesota without two of its top pass-rushers.


upi--2020-10-22--NASA prototype can diagnose multiple illnesses by analyzing breath

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- NASA researchers have created a prototype of a technology that can diagnose a variety of illnesses and abnormalities just by analyzing compounds in a person 's breath .
NASA representatives presented the E-Nose Breathanalyzer , to members of David Grant USAF Medical Center this week , per an Air Force announcement .
The Breathanalyzer is currently under development at NASA 's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley , but researchers say it will be able to diagnose a range of illnesses and other problems , including respiratory illnesses , infectious disease and cardiovascular conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to diagnose cancer , researchers say .
`` The technology is designed to make rapid measurements , in less than 5 minutes , at the point of care , in a way that is completely non-invasive .
When fully realized , the NASA E-Nose will open a new realm of medical care to both the warfighter and potential space travelers , '' said Dr. David Loftus , NASA Ames Research Center medical officer and principal investigator of the Space Biosciences Research Branch .
Scientists have been investigating the possibilities of breath-based diagnosis since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2019 , researchers at Cancer Research UK Cambridge Center , in conjunction with Owlstone Medical , began clinical trials for a breath test that can discover multiple types of cancers .
And in 2016 scientists identified unique `` breathprints '' that correlate with certain diseases .
According to Loftus , NASA 'S Breathanalyzer is handheld , making it useful for the Air Force during aeromedical evacuation , but also to NASA as a tool for monitoring the health of astronauts .
`` Human exploration of space , to the Moon and Mars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be ruggedized for field use .
The Air Force and other branches of the military share this requirement , '' Loftus said .
Dr. Bradley Williams , 60th Medical Group clinical research administrator , also noted that the technology has big implications for civilian medicine .
`` The Air Force and NASA share the same altruistic medical research mission .
Together , we seek to develop the future medical care which will be needed by the U.S. Space Force and which will also be very useful to the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Dr. David Loftus, NASA Ames Research Center medical officer and principal investigator of the Space Biosciences Research Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Silicon Valley, Calif., meets with members of the 60th Medical Group at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., June 1, 2018. Loftus presented the first working prototype of the E-Nose Breathalyzer, a handheld device developed by NASA at a symposium at David Grant USAF Medical Center Wednesday. Travis Airmen are hosting the NASA technology and collaborative research at the DGMC clinical investigation facility. Photo by Louis Briscese/U.S. Air Force
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- NASA researchers have created a prototype of a technology that can diagnose a variety of illnesses and abnormalities just by analyzing compounds in a person's breath. NASA representatives presented the E-Nose Breathanalyzer, to members of David Grant USAF Medical Center this week, per an Air Force announcement. Advertisement
The Breathanalyzer is currently under development at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, but researchers say it will be able to diagnose a range of illnesses and other problems, including respiratory illnesses, infectious disease and cardiovascular conditions.
The technology could even be used to diagnose cancer, researchers say.
"The technology is designed to make rapid measurements, in less than 5 minutes, at the point of care, in a way that is completely non-invasive. When fully realized, the NASA E-Nose will open a new realm of medical care to both the warfighter and potential space travelers," said Dr. David Loftus, NASA Ames Research Center medical officer and principal investigator of the Space Biosciences Research Branch.
Scientists have been investigating the possibilities of breath-based diagnosis since at least 2006.
At the beginning of 2019, researchers at Cancer Research UK Cambridge Center, in conjunction with Owlstone Medical, began clinical trials for a breath test that can discover multiple types of cancers.
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And in 2016 scientists identified unique "breathprints" that correlate with certain diseases.
According to Loftus, NASA'S Breathanalyzer is handheld, making it useful for the Air Force during aeromedical evacuation, but also to NASA as a tool for monitoring the health of astronauts.
"Human exploration of space, to the Moon and Mars, will require compact medical diagnostics technologies that can be ruggedized for field use. The Air Force and other branches of the military share this requirement," Loftus said.
Dr. Bradley Williams, 60th Medical Group clinical research administrator, also noted that the technology has big implications for civilian medicine.
"The Air Force and NASA share the same altruistic medical research mission. Together, we seek to develop the future medical care which will be needed by the U.S. Space Force and which will also be very useful to the rest of the nation's hospitals," Williams said.


upi--2020-10-22--Ravens acquire Pro Bowl DE Yannick Ngakoue in trade with Vikings

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- The Baltimore Ravens are acquiring former Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings .
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Baltimore will send a 2021 third-round draft pick and a conditional fifth-round selection in 2022 to the Vikings in exchange for Ngakoue .
According to the outlets , the standout defensive lineman will fly to Baltimore in the next 24 hours to go through COVID-19 testing so he can join the team next week .
Baltimore announced the deal Thursday on social media , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens had attempted to acquire Ngakoue in recent months , according to ESPN .
Ngakoue , who grew up in Bowie , Md.
, and starred at the University of Maryland before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 , wanted to land in Baltimore all along .
`` We are excited to add Yannick Ngakoue to our football team , '' Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said .
`` Yannick is someone who we are very familiar with going back to the draft process years ago .
He is an exciting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us better .
`` Yannick grew up here .
He 's the type of person we welcome in our building .
Finally , we are not finished building this team , as we continue to chase our ultimate goals . ''
The Vikings initially acquired Ngakoue on Aug. 30 after trading a 2021 second-round pick and a 2022 conditional fifth-round choice to the Jaguars .
He recorded 12 total tackles , five sacks , two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hits in six games with Minnesota .

Former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) was traded to the Minnesota Vikings at the end of August. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens are acquiring former Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Baltimore will send a 2021 third-round draft pick and a conditional fifth-round selection in 2022 to the Vikings in exchange for Ngakoue. According to the outlets, the standout defensive lineman will fly to Baltimore in the next 24 hours to go through COVID-19 testing so he can join the team next week. Advertisement
Baltimore announced the deal Thursday on social media, saying the agreement is pending a physical.
Ravens Flock— Yannick Ngakoue (@YannickNgakoue) October 22, 2020
The Ravens had attempted to acquire Ngakoue in recent months, according to ESPN. Ngakoue, who grew up in Bowie, Md., and starred at the University of Maryland before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, wanted to land in Baltimore all along.
"We are excited to add Yannick Ngakoue to our football team," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. "Yannick is someone who we are very familiar with going back to the draft process years ago. He is an exciting player and a dangerous pass-rusher who makes us better.
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"Yannick grew up here. He's the type of person we welcome in our building. Finally, we are not finished building this team, as we continue to chase our ultimate goals."
The Vikings initially acquired Ngakoue on Aug. 30 after trading a 2021 second-round pick and a 2022 conditional fifth-round choice to the Jaguars. He recorded 12 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hits in six games with Minnesota.


upi--2020-10-22--FDA approves remdesivir to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19 , drugmaker Gilead Sciences announced .
Gilead , which sells remdesivir under the brand name Veklury , issued a statement saying it was the first drug to be approved to treat COVID-19 patients that require hospitalization after previously being authorized by the FDA for emergency use .
`` As an antiviral drug , Veklury works to stop replication of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 , '' the company said .
Veklury was approved for treatment of adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and weighing at least 88 pounds and `` should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care , '' Gilead said .
The company added that the approval was based on three randomized controlled trials including final results of a double-blind , placebo-controlled trial by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases which showed treatment with Velkury resulted in `` clinically meaningful improvements across multiple outcome assessments '' compared with patients who received the placebo .
President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this month .
A study by the World Health Organization last week found that remdesivir along with hydroxychloroquine , lopinavir and interferon regimens `` appeared to have little or no effect on hospitalized COVID-19 , as indicated by overall mortality , initiation of ventilation and duration of hospital stay . ''

Gilead Sciences' antiviral COVID-19 drug remdesivir, sold under the brand name Veklury, was approved by the FDA Thursday to treat patients who have been hospitalized with the virus. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19, drugmaker Gilead Sciences announced. Gilead, which sells remdesivir under the brand name Veklury, issued a statement saying it was the first drug to be approved to treat COVID-19 patients that require hospitalization after previously being authorized by the FDA for emergency use. Advertisement
"As an antiviral drug, Veklury works to stop replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19," the company said.
Veklury was approved for treatment of adults and pediatric patients aged 12 or older and weighing at least 88 pounds and "should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care," Gilead said.
The company added that the approval was based on three randomized controlled trials including final results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases which showed treatment with Velkury resulted in "clinically meaningful improvements across multiple outcome assessments" compared with patients who received the placebo.
President Donald Trump was given multiple doses of remdesivir after he was hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this month.
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A study by the World Health Organization last week found that remdesivir along with hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir and interferon regimens "appeared to have little or no effect on hospitalized COVID-19, as indicated by overall mortality, initiation of ventilation and duration of hospital stay."


upi--2020-10-22--Epsilon to lash Bermuda with strong winds, heavy rain

Oct. 21 -- After rapidly strengthening into a major hurricane on Wednesday , Epsilon weakened a bit overnight Thursday as it crept closer to Bermuda Forecasters warned that tropical storm conditions were expected in the country later in the day .
In its 5 p.m. EDT update , the National Hurricane Center said Epsilon weakened to a Category 1 hurricane , with 85 mph maximum sustained winds .
The storm was 200 miles east of Bermuda at that time and was moving north-northwest at 9 mph .
The 26th storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season strengthened into a hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensify throughout the remainder of the night and early on Wednesday .
On Wednesday afternoon , it became just the fourth major hurricane of the season when its maximum sustained winds peaked at 115 mph .
Hurricane-force winds extended outward from the storm 's center by about 25 miles , but tropical-storm force winds extended even farther out from the center at about 310 miles .
`` By definition , Epsilon rapidly intensified , its intensity increased more than 30 kt [ 35 mph ] during the past 24 hours , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday advisory when winds had picked up to 85 mph .
The hurricane 's well-defined eye become less visible on satellite images early on Thursday as it churned miles east-southeast of Bermuda .
On Wednesday afternoon , the Hurricane Hunters flew a mission through Epsilon to gather data about the storm and flew right through the hurricane 's eye .
The Bermuda Weather Service upgraded the tropical storm watch into a warning for Bermuda .
The storm was moving northwest at 7 mph toward the island nation .
The latest indications are for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its core to stay east of the islands with tropical-storm conditions anticipated .
However , a shift in the track farther to the west by as little as a few dozen miles could put the eye wall and its damaging winds and torrential rain over the islands .
For only the second time in recorded history , the Atlantic Basin spawned a storm named Epsilon on Monday , within just three hours after it developed into a tropical depression .
The only other Epsilon in history was an unusually late storm , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hurricane season on Nov. 30 in the open Atlantic Ocean on Nov. 29 , 2005 .
It went on to strengthen into Hurricane Epsilon on Dec. 2 .
By the time winds subsided back below hurricane strength on Dec. 7 , it had become the longest-lived December hurricane on record .
The formation of Epsilon brought this season even closer to the record of 28 named storms set in 2005 -- the only other year to use the Greek alphabet to name storms .
Epsilon is the 10th hurricane to develop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 over a month earlier than the previous record holder .
Now , only one Greek letter , Zeta , that has been used before to name a tropical system will remain on the list for the next tropical storm that brews .
After that , should storms continue to form through the end of the year , it would be uncharted territory .
AccuWeather is rating Epsilon less than one on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes for Bermuda .
The scale was created by the company in 2019 to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hurricane impacts than the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale .
The current forecast would bring a glancing blow to the nation , with tropical-storm-force winds ( 39-73 mph ) , gusts and occasional downpours from the outer bands of the system .
`` In this scenario , damage and adverse impacts would likely be isolated , but some downed tree limbs and power lines as well as localized street and poor drainage flooding would remain possible , '' AccuWeather senior meteorologist Rob Miller said .
However , AccuWeather meteorologists warn that residents should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mid-September , Hurricane Paulette ended up making a direct hit on the island as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale .
Paulette became the first storm to make landfall in Bermuda since Hurricane Gonzalo on Oct.17 , 2014 .
Paulette ended up causing an island-wide power outags and disruptions to commerce and government that lasted for days .
`` For a small island like Bermuda out in the middle of the ocean , small changes in the track , size and intensity of a storm can all have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Miller said .
`` The time to make preparations is now , before you realize a dangerous storm is in fact bearing down on you and it 's too late . ''
The fall of 2014 was also the last and only time that Bermuda endured two direct hits from hurricanes in the same season , when Hurricane Fay made landfall in Bermuda less than a week before Gonzalo .

Forecasters warned that large swells generated by Hurricane Epsilon will affect the eastern coast of the United States over the next few days. Photo courtesy of NOAA
Oct. 25 -- Hurricane Epsilon headed northeast away from the U.S. mainland and was projected to become a powerful post-tropical cyclone by Sunday night. In its 9 p.m. GMT update Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said Epsilon had 70 mph maximum sustained winds. The storm was 420 miles east of Cape Race, Newfoundland, and was moving east-northeast at 46 mph. Advertisement
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.
A faster east-northeastward to northeastward motion is expected later Sunday through Monday.
The 26th storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday night and continued to rapidly intensify throughout the remainder of the night and early on Wednesday.
On Wednesday afternoon, it became the fourth major hurricane of the season when its maximum sustained winds peaked at 115 mph. Hurricane-force winds extended outward from the storm's center by about 25 miles, but tropical-storm force winds extended even farther out from the center at about 310 miles.
For the second time in recorded history, the Atlantic Basin spawned a storm named Epsilon on Monday, within 3 hours after it developed into a tropical depression.
The only other Epsilon in history was an unusually late storm, and it formed just before the official end of hurricane season on Nov. 30 in the open Atlantic Ocean on Nov. 29, 2005. It went on to strengthen into Hurricane Epsilon on Dec. 2. By the time winds subsided back below hurricane strength on Dec. 7, it had become the longest-lived December hurricane on record.
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The formation of Epsilon brought this season even closer to the record of 28 named storms set in 2005 -- the only other year to use the Greek alphabet to name storms. Epsilon is the 10th hurricane to develop in the basin this season.
Epsilon formed in 2020 over a month earlier than the previous record holder. Now, only one Greek letter, Zeta, that has been used before to name a tropical system will remain on the list for the next tropical storm that brews. After that, should storms continue to form through the end of the year, it would be uncharted territory.
AccuWeather is rating Epsilon less than one on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes for Bermuda. The scale was created by the company in 2019 to offer a more comprehensive outlook for tropical storm and hurricane impacts than the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The fall of 2014 was also the last and only time that Bermuda endured two direct hits from hurricanes in the same season, when Hurricane Fay made landfall in Bermuda less than a week before Gonzalo.


upi--2020-10-22--Coffee, green tea may extend life for people with Type 2 diabetes

If you 've got type 2 diabetes and love drinking green tea or coffee , new research suggests you may be reducing your odds of a premature death .
But you need to really love these drinks .
The study found that having four or more cups of green tea along with two cups of coffee daily was linked to a 63 % lower risk of death during the average five-year follow-up .
On their own , a single cup of coffee or green tea daily might lower your risk of early death by 12 % to 15 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green tea and coffee may have health-promoting effects .
We have shown that higher consumption of green tea and coffee was associated with reduced all-cause mortality , and their combined effect appeared to be additive in people with type 2 diabetes , '' said lead author Dr. Yuji Komorita , an assistant professor at Kyushu University 's Graduate School of Medical Sciences in Fukuoka , Japan .
Komorita said it 's unknown how either drink may aid health .
Both contain nutrients that may reduce inflammation , among other healthful benefits .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an even lower risk of early death , Komorita suggested that each may have different beneficial substances that act on different diseases .
But Komorita added an important caveat : This study was not designed to prove cause and effect .
As an observational study , it can only find an association .
Komorita also pointed out that researchers did n't have a lot of information about participants that could affect the findings , such as their education , income and family history .
The study included almost 5,000 Japanese adults , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with type 2 diabetes .
Almost 2,800 were men .
Their health was followed for about 5 years .
Participants completed a lengthy food and drink questionnaire that asked how much green tea and coffee they had daily .
They were also asked lifestyle questions , such as how much exercise they did , alcohol and smoking habits , and how much sleep they typically got .
Only about 600 participants did n't drink green tea .
About 1,000 did n't drink coffee .
Of those who sipped green tea , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , almost 1,400 had two to three and nearly 1,800 drank four or more cups each day , the findings showed .
For coffee drinkers , 1,300 had up to a single cup daily , more than 960 had one cup and 1,660 had two or more a day .
During the follow-up period , just over 300 participants died .
Compared to people who did n't drink either beverage , participants who had green tea or coffee were less likely to die during the study , the researchers found .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in death risk .
And , the more you drank , the lower your odds of dying , the study found .
Folks who had more than four cups of green tea daily had a 40 % lower risk -- the same as those who had two or more cups of coffee .
Those who had just one of these beverages daily had a 15 % or lower odds of early death .
Dr. Minisha Sood , an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , was n't involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings .
`` The positive effects of green tea are not specific to people with diabetes , '' she said .
`` It has been shown in multiple population studies that people in Japan who consume significant amounts of green tea experience a lower mortality rate from all causes and cardiovascular disease . ''
While the researchers found a similar link for people in Japan with type 2 diabetes , Sood said the findings may not apply to the U.S. population .
The quality of the green tea in Japan is likely different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
`` It is also important to be cautious when interpreting the findings of this study because this group of patients was , on average , non-obese patients with controlled blood pressure , '' she said .
Registered dietician Pat Talio also suspected that the quality of the green tea may be different in Japan .
She 's the clinical nutrition outpatient program coordinator at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco , N.Y .
Even more important , she noted , the amount the Japanese are drinking may be different and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Green tea and coffee may provide a benefit for everyone because they 're made from plants , and all plants -- like fruits and vegetables -- come along with beneficial antioxidants and phytochemicals that may reduce inflammation , '' she said .
Still , Talio added when it comes to hydration , `` water is our best bet .
If you do drink coffee or tea , think about how you 're drinking it . ''
If you 're sweetening it and adding milk or cream , you may be reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The findings were published online this week in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care .
Learn more about type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association .

New research shows drinking coffee or tea regularly can reduce the risk of early death due for people with diabetes. Photo by acekreations/Pixabay
If you've got type 2 diabetes and love drinking green tea or coffee, new research suggests you may be reducing your odds of a premature death. But you need to really love these drinks. The study found that having four or more cups of green tea along with two cups of coffee daily was linked to a 63% lower risk of death during the average five-year follow-up. Advertisement
On their own, a single cup of coffee or green tea daily might lower your risk of early death by 12% to 15%, respectively.
"Familiar beverages such as green tea and coffee may have health-promoting effects. We have shown that higher consumption of green tea and coffee was associated with reduced all-cause mortality, and their combined effect appeared to be additive in people with type 2 diabetes," said lead author Dr. Yuji Komorita, an assistant professor at Kyushu University's Graduate School of Medical Sciences in Fukuoka, Japan.
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Komorita said it's unknown how either drink may aid health. Both contain nutrients that may reduce inflammation, among other healthful benefits. Since coffee and green tea together were linked to an even lower risk of early death, Komorita suggested that each may have different beneficial substances that act on different diseases.
But Komorita added an important caveat: This study was not designed to prove cause and effect. As an observational study, it can only find an association. Komorita also pointed out that researchers didn't have a lot of information about participants that could affect the findings, such as their education, income and family history.
The study included almost 5,000 Japanese adults, with an average age of 66, with type 2 diabetes. Almost 2,800 were men. Their health was followed for about 5 years.
Participants completed a lengthy food and drink questionnaire that asked how much green tea and coffee they had daily. They were also asked lifestyle questions, such as how much exercise they did, alcohol and smoking habits, and how much sleep they typically got.
Only about 600 participants didn't drink green tea. About 1,000 didn't drink coffee.
Of those who sipped green tea, more than 1,100 drank up to a cup a day, almost 1,400 had two to three and nearly 1,800 drank four or more cups each day, the findings showed. For coffee drinkers, 1,300 had up to a single cup daily, more than 960 had one cup and 1,660 had two or more a day.
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During the follow-up period, just over 300 participants died.
Compared to people who didn't drink either beverage, participants who had green tea or coffee were less likely to die during the study, the researchers found. Those who drank both had the largest reductions in death risk.
And, the more you drank, the lower your odds of dying, the study found. Folks who had more than four cups of green tea daily had a 40% lower risk -- the same as those who had two or more cups of coffee. Those who had just one of these beverages daily had a 15% or lower odds of early death.
Dr. Minisha Sood, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, wasn't involved in the study, but is familiar with the findings.
"The positive effects of green tea are not specific to people with diabetes," she said. "It has been shown in multiple population studies that people in Japan who consume significant amounts of green tea experience a lower mortality rate from all causes and cardiovascular disease."
While the researchers found a similar link for people in Japan with type 2 diabetes, Sood said the findings may not apply to the U.S. population. The quality of the green tea in Japan is likely different, as is the population, she explained.
Advertisement
"It is also important to be cautious when interpreting the findings of this study because this group of patients was, on average, non-obese patients with controlled blood pressure," she said.
Registered dietician Pat Talio also suspected that the quality of the green tea may be different in Japan. She's the clinical nutrition outpatient program coordinator at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y.
Even more important, she noted, the amount the Japanese are drinking may be different and they're not necessarily adding cream and sugar.
"Green tea and coffee may provide a benefit for everyone because they're made from plants, and all plants -- like fruits and vegetables -- come along with beneficial antioxidants and phytochemicals that may reduce inflammation," she said.
Still, Talio added when it comes to hydration, "water is our best bet. If you do drink coffee or tea, think about how you're drinking it." If you're sweetening it and adding milk or cream, you may be reducing its health benefits, she said.
The findings were published online this week in BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care.
More information
Learn more about type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association.
Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


upi--2020-10-22--East Troublesome Fire forces evacuations, shutters national park in Colorado

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- The East Troublesome Fire has grown six-fold over the past 24 hours in northern Colorado , prompting evacuations and road closures in and around Rocky Mountain National Park , local emergency officials said Thursday .
Noel Livingston , the wildfire 's incident commander , said the blaze was more than 125,000 acres as of Thursday morning , up from about 19,000 around 6 p.m. Wednesday .
It 's considered the state 's fourth-largest wildfire in history .
Fueled by dry , windy weather and beetle-eaten pine trees , the fire spread across the Continental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It neared Estes Park , which is home to the Stanley Hotel , the inspiration for Stephen King 's The Shining .
The Larimer County Sheriff 's Office announced evacuations for the western portion of Estes Park and closed all roads into the town .
The entire town of Grand Lake is also under evacuation orders and the national park has been closed .
`` Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible .
Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin said in a briefing Thursday that `` lots '' of structures have been `` lost '' in his area .
The East Troublesome Fire has grown northeastward toward the boundaries of the Cameron Peak Fire , threatening a merger .
The Cameron Peak Fire is situated throughout the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Pawnee National Grasslands to the north of the Rocky Mountain National Park .
It stretches east toward Masonville and Fort Collins .
The fire has consumed more than 206,000 acres and was 55 % contained as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest fire in the state 's history .
Farther south , firefighters have increased containment in the CalWood ( 24 % ) and the Lefthand Canyon ( 43 % ) fires near Boulder .
Emergency officials said cooler weather is expected to help firefighting efforts .
AccuWeather said an Arctic outbreak in the coming days could push colder temperatures into the Rocky Mountains by Sunday .
There may even be a chance for snow in the region .

The CalWood wildfire burns in the Boulder County foothills as seen from Niwot, Colo., on Saturday. Photo by Bob Strong/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The East Troublesome Fire has grown six-fold over the past 24 hours in northern Colorado, prompting evacuations and road closures in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, local emergency officials said Thursday. Noel Livingston, the wildfire's incident commander, said the blaze was more than 125,000 acres as of Thursday morning, up from about 19,000 around 6 p.m. Wednesday. It's considered the state's fourth-largest wildfire in history. Advertisement
Fueled by dry, windy weather and beetle-eaten pine trees, the fire spread across the Continental Divide east into Rocky National Park. It neared Estes Park, which is home to the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining.
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office announced evacuations for the western portion of Estes Park and closed all roads into the town. The entire town of Grand Lake is also under evacuation orders and the national park has been closed.
"Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business," the sheriff's office said.
Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin said in a briefing Thursday that "lots" of structures have been "lost" in his area.
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The East Troublesome Fire has grown northeastward toward the boundaries of the Cameron Peak Fire, threatening a merger.
The Cameron Peak Fire is situated throughout the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Pawnee National Grasslands to the north of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It stretches east toward Masonville and Fort Collins.
The fire has consumed more than 206,000 acres and was 55% contained as of Thursday morning. It's the largest fire in the state's history.
Farther south, firefighters have increased containment in the CalWood (24%) and the Lefthand Canyon (43%) fires near Boulder.
Emergency officials said cooler weather is expected to help firefighting efforts.
AccuWeather said an Arctic outbreak in the coming days could push colder temperatures into the Rocky Mountains by Sunday. There may even be a chance for snow in the region.


upi--2020-10-22--Dow climbs 152 points as Pelosi says stimulus deal is 'just about here'

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed more than 150 points Thursday as markets continued to rise and fall in step with ongoing negotiations in Congress over a new COVID-19 stimulus package .
The blue-chip index ended the day up 152.84 points , or 0.54 % , while the S & P 500 gained 0.52 % and Nasdaq Composite increased 0.19 % as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said a deal on the latest stimulus package was `` just about here '' amid ongoing negotiations with the White House .
`` If we were not making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seconds in these conversations , '' Pelosi said .
`` This is not anything other than I think a serious attempt .
I do believe that both sides want to reach an agreement . ''
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday , however , declined to say if he would seek to force a vote on a stimulus package before November 's election .
Bank stocks helped to lead the market rise as the 10-year Treasury yield reached a four-month high .
Third-quarter earnings reports from major companies also began to file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock gained 5.84 % , Coca-Cola grew 1.36 % and Tesla stock increased 0.75 % after each reported better than expected profits .
the Labor Department on Thursday also reported that 787,000 new workers filed unemployment claims for the week ending Oct. 17 , a decrease of 55,000 from the previous week , the lowest figure since March .

U.S. markets rose Thursday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the latest COVID-19 stimulus package was "just about here" amid ongoing negotiations with the White House. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed more than 150 points Thursday as markets continued to rise and fall in step with ongoing negotiations in Congress over a new COVID-19 stimulus package. The blue-chip index ended the day up 152.84 points, or 0.54%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.52% and Nasdaq Composite increased 0.19% as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said a deal on the latest stimulus package was "just about here" amid ongoing negotiations with the White House. Advertisement
"If we were not making progress, I wouldn't spend five seconds in these conversations," Pelosi said. "This is not anything other than I think a serious attempt. I do believe that both sides want to reach an agreement."
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday, however, declined to say if he would seek to force a vote on a stimulus package before November's election.
Bank stocks helped to lead the market rise as the 10-year Treasury yield reached a four-month high.
JPMorgan Chase stock climbed 3.53%, Morgan Stanley increased 2.78% and Citigroup gained 2.2%.
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Third-quarter earnings reports from major companies also began to file in on Thursday as AT&T stock gained 5.84%, Coca-Cola grew 1.36% and Tesla stock increased 0.75% after each reported better than expected profits.
the Labor Department on Thursday also reported that 787,000 new workers filed unemployment claims for the week ending Oct. 17, a decrease of 55,000 from the previous week, the lowest figure since March.


upi--2020-10-22--University of Utah reaches $13.5M settlement with parents of slain student

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- The University of Utah announced a $ 13.5 million settlement to the parents of slain student-athlete Lauren McCluskey , on Thursday , the two-year anniversary of her death .
The university said in the settlement that the on-campus murder two years ago was `` preventable . ''
`` The University of Utah acknowledges that the murder of Lauren McCluskey was a brutal , senseless , and preventable tragedy and acknowledges the unspeakable loss the McCluskey family has suffered and continues to suffer , '' the agreement posted on the university 's website states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's parents , Jill and Matthew McCluskey , filed against the university , including a federal lawsuit that sought $ 56 million , and a wrongful death lawsuit in state court , Deseret News reported .
`` Lauren McCluskey will always be associated with the need to to more carefully monitor and make safe our nation 's campuses , '' family attorney co-counsel Brad Parker said in a prepared statement .
`` Because of Lauren and the cause that bears her name , lives will be saved . ''
Lauren 's parents agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made progress in improving campus safety through support of research , a new Center for Violence Prevention , a new Chief Safety officer , and significant changes to the culture and training of the campus police .
University of Utah President Ruth Watkins said during a press conference that the university community was `` sincerely sorry '' to the parents for `` the loss of their daughter , Lauren , a stellar student , a gifted athlete and a person we were honored to have at the University of Utah . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it did not handle Lauren 's case as it should have and that , at the time , its employees failed to fully understand and respond appropriately to Lauren 's situation , '' Watkins added , reading from a prepared university statement .
`` As a result , we failed Lauren and her family .
If these employees had more complete training protocols to guide their responses , the university believes they would have been better equipped to protect Lauren . ''
The remarks were in contrast with her insistence after the murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe this tragedy could have been prevented , '' the Salt Lake Tribune reported .
The remarks followed an independent review that showed several mistakes officers made , overall police failure to recognize warning signs of escalating interpersonal violence , and 30 fixes that could improve future response .
`` With our commitment to learning from our mistakes , we honor Lauren , and we ensure that her legacy will be improved campus safety for all students , '' Watkins said at the press conference Thursday .
McCluskey , a 21-year-old senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's track-and-field team , was fatally shot to death on campus on Oct. 22 , 2018 , by Melvin Shawn Rowland after weeks of his stalking and harassment .
Hours later , Rowland fatally shot himself as police got close to making an arrest .
It was later learned that she had sought help for weeks from the University of Utah police to no avail , Deseret News reported .
Lauren had called the campus police department more than 20 times reporting her concerns about Rowland , who she had ended a relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lied about his name , age , and criminal history , and his prison time for attempted forcible sexual abuse and enticing a minor .
Rowland also threatened to release compromising photos of her if she did not pay him $ 1,000 , according to police .
Lauren 's mother Jill McCluskey said at the press conference that the state , through its risk management agency and insurance provider , will pay $ 10.5 million of the settlement , and the university will pay another $ 3 million to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many reasons , '' Jill McCluskey said .
`` It addresses how she died .
But it also honors how she lived .
All the money from the settlement will go to support the Lauren McCluskey Foundation missions , which include campus safety , animal welfare and amateur athletics . ''
Jill McCluskey added that during the winter , track athletes like her daughter at the university had to commute about 45 minutes to the Olympic Oval in Kearns , and the university has pledged as part of the settlement to build an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track that will be named after Lauren .
`` With this , we are honored that she will always have a presence on the campus in helping the athletes and the sport that Lauren was so dedicated to , '' Lauren 's mom said .
`` We 're also honored that her name will be associated with the Center for Violence Prevention . ''
`` Most of all we have hope for the future , and we hope not only that the University of Utah is a safer place , but that campuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are doing with the foundation , '' she added .
Father Matthew McCluskey added that professors worldwide are now voluntarily taking part in `` Lauren 's promise , '' where they pledge they will help students find resources they need if they are in trouble .

The University of Utah announced Thursday a $13.5 million settlement with the parents of Lauren McCluskey, a senior track star who was fatally shot on campus two years ago.
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The University of Utah announced a $13.5 million settlement to the parents of slain student-athlete Lauren McCluskey, on Thursday, the two-year anniversary of her death. The university said in the settlement that the on-campus murder two years ago was "preventable." Advertisement
"The University of Utah acknowledges that the murder of Lauren McCluskey was a brutal, senseless, and preventable tragedy and acknowledges the unspeakable loss the McCluskey family has suffered and continues to suffer," the agreement posted on the university's website states.
The agreement settles two lawsuits, Lauren's parents, Jill and Matthew McCluskey, filed against the university, including a federal lawsuit that sought $56 million, and a wrongful death lawsuit in state court, Deseret News reported.
"Lauren McCluskey will always be associated with the need to to more carefully monitor and make safe our nation's campuses," family attorney co-counsel Brad Parker said in a prepared statement. "Because of Lauren and the cause that bears her name, lives will be saved."
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Lauren's parents agreed in the settlement that the university has made progress in improving campus safety through support of research, a new Center for Violence Prevention, a new Chief Safety officer, and significant changes to the culture and training of the campus police.
University of Utah President Ruth Watkins said during a press conference that the university community was "sincerely sorry" to the parents for "the loss of their daughter, Lauren, a stellar student, a gifted athlete and a person we were honored to have at the University of Utah."
"The university acknowledges and deeply regrets that it did not handle Lauren's case as it should have and that, at the time, its employees failed to fully understand and respond appropriately to Lauren's situation," Watkins added, reading from a prepared university statement. "As a result, we failed Lauren and her family. If these employees had more complete training protocols to guide their responses, the university believes they would have been better equipped to protect Lauren."
The remarks were in contrast with her insistence after the murder that there wasn't "any reason to believe this tragedy could have been prevented," the Salt Lake Tribune reported. The remarks followed an independent review that showed several mistakes officers made, overall police failure to recognize warning signs of escalating interpersonal violence, and 30 fixes that could improve future response.
Advertisement
"With our commitment to learning from our mistakes, we honor Lauren, and we ensure that her legacy will be improved campus safety for all students," Watkins said at the press conference Thursday.
McCluskey, a 21-year-old senior communication major and member of the school's track-and-field team, was fatally shot to death on campus on Oct. 22, 2018, by Melvin Shawn Rowland after weeks of his stalking and harassment. Hours later, Rowland fatally shot himself as police got close to making an arrest.
It was later learned that she had sought help for weeks from the University of Utah police to no avail, Deseret News reported.
Lauren had called the campus police department more than 20 times reporting her concerns about Rowland, who she had ended a relationship with after she found out he had lied about his name, age, and criminal history, and his prison time for attempted forcible sexual abuse and enticing a minor.
Rowland also threatened to release compromising photos of her if she did not pay him $1,000, according to police.
Lauren's mother Jill McCluskey said at the press conference that the state, through its risk management agency and insurance provider, will pay $10.5 million of the settlement, and the university will pay another $3 million to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation.
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"This settlement is important for many reasons," Jill McCluskey said. "It addresses how she died. But it also honors how she lived. All the money from the settlement will go to support the Lauren McCluskey Foundation missions, which include campus safety, animal welfare and amateur athletics."
Jill McCluskey added that during the winter, track athletes like her daughter at the university had to commute about 45 minutes to the Olympic Oval in Kearns, and the university has pledged as part of the settlement to build an athletic facility that will include an indoor track that will be named after Lauren.
"With this, we are honored that she will always have a presence on the campus in helping the athletes and the sport that Lauren was so dedicated to," Lauren's mom said. "We're also honored that her name will be associated with the Center for Violence Prevention."
"Most of all we have hope for the future, and we hope not only that the University of Utah is a safer place, but that campuses will be safer nationwide because of what we are doing with the foundation," she added.
Father Matthew McCluskey added that professors worldwide are now voluntarily taking part in "Lauren's promise," where they pledge they will help students find resources they need if they are in trouble.


upi--2020-10-22--Bird-sized dinosaurs evolved ability to glide, but time in the skies was short-lived

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- Often , evolutionary biologists focus on success .
The planet 's tremendous biodiversity offers a treasure trove of success stories , but evolutionary history is also littered with short-lived experiments and forgotten failures .
Yi and Ambopteryx are two such failures .
Roughly 160 million years ago , during the Late Jurassic , evolutionary tinkering allowed the pair of bird-like dinosaurs to take the skies across Asia -- kind of .
Their achievement was short-lived .
New research , published Thursday in the journal iScience , suggest Yi and Ambopteryx were unable to actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis of the duo 's skeletal and musculature makeup suggests the two dinosaurs species were only able to glide short distances -- and clumsily .
To more precisely characterize the physiology of Yi and Ambopteryx , researchers relied on an imaging technology called laser-stimulated fluorescence .
`` It allows you to see soft tissue structures , skin , feather impressions and the like , that are not visible under white light , '' first author Alex Dececchi , an assistant professor of biology at Mount Marty University , told UPI in an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the fine details which are so important in reconstructing the life history of these creatures , '' said Dececchi , an assistant professor of biology at Mounty Marty University .
Having gathered information about the arrangement and distribution of tissue and mass across the bodies and wings of Yi and Ambopteryx , Dececchi and his research partners turned to a series of math models designed to decipher the physics of flight .
First , scientists ran a simple model that showed flight was at least in the realm of possibility for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have too much weight over their wings , for example .
`` Then we used mathematical models , based on living flying organisms under the conditions that these dinosaurs would have experienced , to see things like : how fast they would need to go to generate enough lift to keep them in the air , how much power they would need fly by flapping , how big a turn radius they would need if they had to bank , etc.
, '' Dececchi said .
`` We also compared these values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fossil gliders and to other dinosaurs and early birds who are thought to have some flight capabilities to see their relative flight worthiness , '' he said .
The models showed that at high speeds , but not impossibly high speeds , the two dinosaurs could achieve a glide , which explains why the pair sported large membranous `` wings . ''
`` But the models also showed that these guys could not take off from the ground by flapping , '' Dececchi said .
`` As well , they could not generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did somehow take off .
Thus , we can say that Yi and Ambopteryx could have used their wings to glide but not to flap fly . ''
The fossil record suggests Yi and Ambopteryx went extinct not long after they developed their gliding abilities .
Researchers suspect the arrival of real flying birds helped drive the duo 's decline .
`` There were also pterosaurs flying at that time and some of them were hawk to eagle size , likely acting as a predator , '' Dececchi said .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on one side and the rise of competitors for food and resources who were better from the other , these creatures had nowhere to hide and went extinct . ''
Yi and Ambopteryx were effectively squeezed from the skies .
Of course , gliding itself is not an evolutionary dead end .
To this day , a variety of species glide .
But Dececchi suggests most successful gliders have been able to occupy small niches , and limit competition with birds or bats .
`` Think of flying squirrels , colugos or sugar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals are nocturnal to minimize the competition and predation from birds .
These creatures are also simply better at it , which also helps , '' Dececchi said .
`` I think this group [ Yi and Ambopteryx ] simply did n't have the time to evolve a more efficient and effective gliding flight before birds came and pushed them out . ''
Researchers suggest their work is a reminder of the value in studying evolutionary failure .
By analyzing the different ways dinosaurs tried and failed to take to the skies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions that helped dinosaurs and birds get airborne -- solutions that had long-term evolutionary impacts .
`` I think this paper is a piece of the bigger puzzle of how over a 20 to 30 million year span the air space became a battlefield for which groups were going to seize what roles , '' Dececchi said .
`` And the outcome of those battles has shaped how our modern ecosystems look and function . ''

An artistic rendering depicts the dinosaur species Ambopteryx in a glide. Photo by Gabriel Ugueto
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Often, evolutionary biologists focus on success. The planet's tremendous biodiversity offers a treasure trove of success stories, but evolutionary history is also littered with short-lived experiments and forgotten failures. Yi and Ambopteryx are two such failures. Roughly 160 million years ago, during the Late Jurassic, evolutionary tinkering allowed the pair of bird-like dinosaurs to take the skies across Asia -- kind of. Their achievement was short-lived. Advertisement
New research, published Thursday in the journal iScience, suggest Yi and Ambopteryx were unable to actually fly. Despite their bat-like wings, analysis of the duo's skeletal and musculature makeup suggests the two dinosaurs species were only able to glide short distances -- and clumsily.
To more precisely characterize the physiology of Yi and Ambopteryx, researchers relied on an imaging technology called laser-stimulated fluorescence.
"It allows you to see soft tissue structures, skin, feather impressions and the like, that are not visible under white light," first author Alex Dececchi, an assistant professor of biology at Mount Marty University, told UPI in an email.
Advertisement
"It can help to bring out the fine details which are so important in reconstructing the life history of these creatures," said Dececchi, an assistant professor of biology at Mounty Marty University.
Having gathered information about the arrangement and distribution of tissue and mass across the bodies and wings of Yi and Ambopteryx, Dececchi and his research partners turned to a series of math models designed to decipher the physics of flight.
First, scientists ran a simple model that showed flight was at least in the realm of possibility for the two bird-like dinosaurs. The pair didn't have too much weight over their wings, for example.
"Then we used mathematical models, based on living flying organisms under the conditions that these dinosaurs would have experienced, to see things like: how fast they would need to go to generate enough lift to keep them in the air, how much power they would need fly by flapping, how big a turn radius they would need if they had to bank, etc.," Dececchi said.
"We also compared these values to both modern gliding animals, other fossil gliders and to other dinosaurs and early birds who are thought to have some flight capabilities to see their relative flight worthiness," he said.
Advertisement
The models showed that at high speeds, but not impossibly high speeds, the two dinosaurs could achieve a glide, which explains why the pair sported large membranous "wings."
"But the models also showed that these guys could not take off from the ground by flapping," Dececchi said. "As well, they could not generate enough power to sustain flapping flight if they did somehow take off. Thus, we can say that Yi and Ambopteryx could have used their wings to glide but not to flap fly."
The fossil record suggests Yi and Ambopteryx went extinct not long after they developed their gliding abilities. Researchers suspect the arrival of real flying birds helped drive the duo's decline.
"There were also pterosaurs flying at that time and some of them were hawk to eagle size, likely acting as a predator," Dececchi said. "So with predators that were better at flying on one side and the rise of competitors for food and resources who were better from the other, these creatures had nowhere to hide and went extinct."
Yi and Ambopteryx were effectively squeezed from the skies.
Of course, gliding itself is not an evolutionary dead end. To this day, a variety of species glide. But Dececchi suggests most successful gliders have been able to occupy small niches, and limit competition with birds or bats.
Advertisement
"Think of flying squirrels, colugos or sugar gliders and other gliding mammals, these animals are nocturnal to minimize the competition and predation from birds. These creatures are also simply better at it, which also helps," Dececchi said. "I think this group [Yi and Ambopteryx] simply didn't have the time to evolve a more efficient and effective gliding flight before birds came and pushed them out."
Researchers suggest their work is a reminder of the value in studying evolutionary failure. By analyzing the different ways dinosaurs tried and failed to take to the skies, researchers can begin to pinpoint the evolutionary solutions that helped dinosaurs and birds get airborne -- solutions that had long-term evolutionary impacts.
"I think this paper is a piece of the bigger puzzle of how over a 20 to 30 million year span the air space became a battlefield for which groups were going to seize what roles," Dececchi said. "And the outcome of those battles has shaped how our modern ecosystems look and function."


upi--2020-10-22--Winning lottery ticket spent 6 months on oblivious winner's fridge

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- An Australian woman who won a lottery jackpot of more than $ 140,000 said @ @ @ @ @ her refrigerator for six months before she found out it was winner .
The Edgeworth @ @ @ @ @ woman told The Lott officials her family buys lottery tickets on occasion , but tends @ @ @ @ @ several have accumulated .
The woman said that was the case with her ticket for @ @ @ @ @ Mega Jackpot drawing , which she placed on her fridge in April and did n't @ @ @ @ @ the numbers until this month .
The ticket turned out to be a $ 142,325 @ @ @ @ @ We 're getting a pool , '' the woman said .
`` We 've been @ @ @ @ @ a lot lately as it starts to get hot again . ''

An Edgeworth, New South Wales, woman said her ticket for an April 28 lottery drawing was on her fridge for six months before she discovered it was an $142,325 top prize winner. Photo courtesy of The Lott
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Oct. 22 (UPI) -- An Australian woman who won a lottery jackpot of more than $140,000 said her ticket was stuck to her refrigerator for six months before she found out it was winner. The Edgeworth, New South Wales, woman told The Lott officials her family buys lottery tickets on occasion, but tends not to check them until several have accumulated. Advertisement
The woman said that was the case with her ticket for the April 28 Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot drawing, which she placed on her fridge in April and didn't take it down to check the numbers until this month.
The ticket turned out to be a $142,325 top prize winner.
"We're getting a pool," the woman said. "We've been talking about wanting a pool a lot lately as it starts to get hot again."


upi--2020-10-22--Watch: Bear opens car door, climbs inside in Tennessee

Oct. 22 ( UPI ) -- An Indiana family visiting Tennessee captured video of a black bear wandering up to their unoccupied car , opening a door and climbing inside .
The Franczak family said they traveled from Crown Point , Ind.
, to Sevierville , Tenn. , to celebrate a grandmother 's birthday .
`` One of our bucket list things was to see a bear , '' father Brian Franczak told WBBM-TV .
The family said they were shocked , however , when a bear came walking up the driveway of their vacation home and headed for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Oh my God !
The bear is here !
The bear is in the driveway , ' '' mom Carly Franczak said .
The family captured video as the bear opened a back door of the vehicle and climbed inside .
`` I was at go-carts racing and my grandpa got a call about that there 's a bear in their car , '' daughter Olivia Franczak said , `` and we could n't believe it at first .
We thought my uncle got dressed up as a bear and went into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agency recommends residents and visitors keep vehicle doors locked at all times and make sure food and trash are secured where the animals ca n't reach .

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- An Indiana family visiting Tennessee captured video of a black bear wandering up to their unoccupied car, opening a door and climbing inside.
The Franczak family said they traveled from Crown Point, Ind., to Sevierville, Tenn., to celebrate a grandmother's birthday.
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"One of our bucket list things was to see a bear," father Brian Franczak told WBBM-TV.
The family said they were shocked, however, when a bear came walking up the driveway of their vacation home and headed for their SUV.
"I just screamed, 'Oh my God! The bear is here! The bear is in the driveway,'" mom Carly Franczak said.
The family captured video as the bear opened a back door of the vehicle and climbed inside.
"I was at go-carts racing and my grandpa got a call about that there's a bear in their car," daughter Olivia Franczak said, "and we couldn't believe it at first. We thought my uncle got dressed up as a bear and went into the car."
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends residents and visitors keep vehicle doors locked at all times and make sure food and trash are secured where the animals can't reach.