upi--2020-05-21--Senators hope to ramp up COVID-19 testing in nursing homes

Several members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging on Thursday called for COVID-19 testing for all nursing home residents and staff in the midst of a pandemic that has killed more than 15,000 people in long-term care facilities .
Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins , R-Maine , and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema , D.-Ariz. , wrote a letter to Seema Verma , administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services , urging her to consider , among other issues , how long-term care facilities and home care settings can access adequate testing and personal protective equipment .
`` Consider how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states and local communities , might support testing capacity and policies to ensure that appropriate testing takes place at LTC facilities and during transitions of care , '' Collins and Sinema wrote in the letter .
Collins said at the hearing that she has been recommending universal testing for all residents and employees of nursing homes .
Democratic Sens .
Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey have proposed legislation that would require nursing homes to test their residents for COVID-19 once a week .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers have launched an investigation into whether assisted living facilities are adequately tracking coronavirus infections and taking sufficient preventive measures .
R. Tamara Konetzka , a professor of health services research at the University of Chicago , told the committee that all nursing home residents should be tested regularly for COVID-19 .
Konetzka said nursing home residents and staff are estimated to make up at least one-third of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States .
She said all nursing home residents need to be tested , not just the ones with symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show symptoms can spread the novel coronavirus .
`` Given the close proximity and the fact that staff go from resident to resident every day , the virus -- until people get symptomatic -- can spread throughout the facility , '' she said .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 15,119 long-term care facility residents have died from COVID-19 .
Other estimates put the death toll for nursing home residents and staff up to 28,000 .
The legislation by Blumenthal and Booker would require nursing home residents to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tested before each shift .
Rep. Jan Schakowsky , D.-Ill. , introduced a companion bill in the House on May 5 .
It was referred to the ways and means , and energy and commerce committees .
The House bill says that if a nursing home does not have enough testing kits , it should screen all employees and residents for COVID-19 symptoms and report that it is lacking testing kits .
Sen. Tim Scott , R.-S.C. , said caregivers at nursing homes are disproportionately minorities .
He said that African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the population in South Carolina , account for 53 percent of COVID-19 deaths .
`` So you have one vulnerable community being served by another vulnerable community , and that only highlights the importance of testing , testing , testing in our nursing home facilities , '' he said .
Scott wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in late April requesting `` rapid point-of-care testing capacity '' at long-term care facilities and urged that communities of color have greater access to testing , according to a press @ @

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine said she's been urging long-term care facilities in her state to begin regular testing of residents and staff. Pool Photo by Win McNamee/UPI | License Photo
Several members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging on Thursday called for COVID-19 testing for all nursing home residents and staff in the midst of a pandemic that has killed more than 15,000 people in long-term care facilities. Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D.-Ariz., wrote a letter to Seema Verma, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, urging her to consider, among other issues, how long-term care facilities and home care settings can access adequate testing and personal protective equipment. Advertisement
"Consider how the federal government, in collaboration with states and local communities, might support testing capacity and policies to ensure that appropriate testing takes place at LTC facilities and during transitions of care," Collins and Sinema wrote in the letter.
Collins said at the hearing that she has been recommending universal testing for all residents and employees of nursing homes.
Advertisement
Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey have proposed legislation that would require nursing homes to test their residents for COVID-19 once a week.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., noted that she and several other lawmakers have launched an investigation into whether assisted living facilities are adequately tracking coronavirus infections and taking sufficient preventive measures.
R. Tamara Konetzka, a professor of health services research at the University of Chicago, told the committee that all nursing home residents should be tested regularly for COVID-19.
Konetzka said nursing home residents and staff are estimated to make up at least one-third of all COVID-19 deaths in the United States. She said all nursing home residents need to be tested, not just the ones with symptoms, because people who do not yet show symptoms can spread the novel coronavirus.
"Given the close proximity and the fact that staff go from resident to resident every day, the virus -- until people get symptomatic -- can spread throughout the facility," she said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at least 15,119 long-term care facility residents have died from COVID-19. Other estimates put the death toll for nursing home residents and staff up to 28,000.
Advertisement
The legislation by Blumenthal and Booker would require nursing home residents to be tested every week and nursing home employees to be tested before each shift. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D.-Ill., introduced a companion bill in the House on May 5. It was referred to the ways and means, and energy and commerce committees. The House bill says that if a nursing home does not have enough testing kits, it should screen all employees and residents for COVID-19 symptoms and report that it is lacking testing kits.
Sen. Tim Scott, R.-S.C., said caregivers at nursing homes are disproportionately minorities. He said that African Americans, which make up 27 percent of the population in South Carolina, account for 53 percent of COVID-19 deaths.
"So you have one vulnerable community being served by another vulnerable community, and that only highlights the importance of testing, testing, testing in our nursing home facilities," he said.
Scott wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in late April requesting "rapid point-of-care testing capacity" at long-term care facilities and urged that communities of color have greater access to testing, according to a press release.
Advertisement
COVID-19 pandemic alters life in New York City


upi--2020-05-21--Social isolation increases risk for COVID-19, other health problems, studies say

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Social distancing can help stop the spread of COVID-19 , but social isolation may have the opposite effect and also lead to other health problems , two new studies concluded .
The studies show that socially isolated people are nearly 50 percent more likely to die from any cause , and that older isolated people , especially those in residential nursing homes , are at much higher risk for the new coronavirus .
`` Having strong social relationships is of high importance for your heart health , '' Janine Gronewold , University Hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Journal of Neurology paper , said in a statement .
Social isolation and social distancing are different , although the latter can cause the former , researchers in both studies said .
Social isolation is a clinical symptom of many mental health disorders , including depression , and it also is experienced by the elderly , particularly those with dementia , because social interaction becomes more challenging .
Social distancing is a public health approach designed to limit close contact among people to stop the spread of an infectious disease .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older adults are at increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19 , and the facilities have become common sites for outbreaks , researchers in Italy said .
In a study to be published Thursday in the European Journal of Neurology , Gronewold and her colleagues recruited 4,316 adults -- average age 59 -- with no known history of heart disease and followed them for an average of 13 years .
In all , they observed that 339 heart attacks or strokes and 530 deaths occurred among the study participants .
In general , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase future risk for heart attacks or strokes by 44 percent and to increase the risk for death from all causes by 47 percent , the researchers reported .
This lack of social integration was based on marital status and living arrangements , contact with close friends and family and membership in political , religious , community , sports or professional organizations .
In addition , lacking financial support was associated with a 30 percent increased risk for heart attacks or strokes among study participants , researchers said .
`` We do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated have such poor health outcomes , but this is obviously a worrying finding , particularly during these times of prolonged social distancing , '' Gronewold said .
Meanwhile , in a study published Thursday by the journal PLOS ONE , Italian researchers analyzed data on each administrative region of Italy , as well as daily situation reports on COVID-19 published by the national Ministry of Health from Feb. 28 to March 31 .
Their analysis revealed that areas with higher numbers of people living alone tended to have increased rates of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- up to 23 percent -- as did regions with higher nursing home populations .
Although the authors said their findings did not confirm a relationship between social `` connectedness '' and COVID-19 spread , they suggested that `` variables associated with social isolation are risk factors for increases '' in the proportion of cases among those 80 and older .
`` Nursing homes bed rate is one of the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among the individuals aged 80 or older in Italy , '' co-author Giuseppe Liotta , of the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Closed businesses on the Venice Beach boardwalk in Los Angeles. Social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to other health problems, research says. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Social distancing can help stop the spread of COVID-19, but social isolation may have the opposite effect and also lead to other health problems, two new studies concluded. The studies show that socially isolated people are nearly 50 percent more likely to die from any cause, and that older isolated people, especially those in residential nursing homes, are at much higher risk for the new coronavirus. Advertisement
"Having strong social relationships is of high importance for your heart health," Janine Gronewold, University Hospital in Essen in Germany and co-author of the European Journal of Neurology paper, said in a statement.
Social isolation and social distancing are different, although the latter can cause the former, researchers in both studies said.
Social isolation is a clinical symptom of many mental health disorders, including depression, and it also is experienced by the elderly, particularly those with dementia, because social interaction becomes more challenging.
Advertisement
Social distancing is a public health approach designed to limit close contact among people to stop the spread of an infectious disease.
Many families have stopped visiting nursing homes because older adults are at increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19, and the facilities have become common sites for outbreaks, researchers in Italy said.
In a study to be published Thursday in the European Journal of Neurology, Gronewold and her colleagues recruited 4,316 adults -- average age 59 -- with no known history of heart disease and followed them for an average of 13 years.
In all, they observed that 339 heart attacks or strokes and 530 deaths occurred among the study participants.
In general, lacking social integration -- was found to increase future risk for heart attacks or strokes by 44 percent and to increase the risk for death from all causes by 47 percent, the researchers reported.
This lack of social integration was based on marital status and living arrangements, contact with close friends and family and membership in political, religious, community, sports or professional organizations.
In addition, lacking financial support was associated with a 30 percent increased risk for heart attacks or strokes among study participants, researchers said.
Advertisement
"We don't understand yet why people who are socially isolated have such poor health outcomes, but this is obviously a worrying finding, particularly during these times of prolonged social distancing," Gronewold said.
Meanwhile, in a study published Thursday by the journal PLOS ONE, Italian researchers analyzed data on each administrative region of Italy, as well as daily situation reports on COVID-19 published by the national Ministry of Health from Feb. 28 to March 31.
Their analysis revealed that areas with higher numbers of people living alone tended to have increased rates of COVID-19 infection among those age 80 and older -- up to 23 percent -- as did regions with higher nursing home populations.
Although the authors said their findings did not confirm a relationship between social "connectedness" and COVID-19 spread, they suggested that "variables associated with social isolation are risk factors for increases" in the proportion of cases among those 80 and older.
"Nursing homes bed rate is one of the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among the individuals aged 80 or older in Italy," co-author Giuseppe Liotta, of the University of Rome, said in a statement.


upi--2020-05-21--USS Blue Ridge breaks record with 65-day underway record

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The USS Blue Ridge marked 65 days of continuous underway operations this week , the Navy announced on Thursday , surpassing a record the ship had held for 48 years .
The Blue Ridge , generally known for its frequent port visits , changed its patrol for underway operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and broke its record on Sunday , according to the Navy .
The vessel conducted operations that included supporting the 7th command and control of the fleet and supporting partners and allies across the region in lieu of physical visits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel 's previous record of 64 days was set during the Vietnam War , when it left port April 5 , 1972 and stayed in the Gulf of Tonkin until June 2 , 1972 , at which point the Blue Ridge moored in the Philippines .
`` This is an amazing accomplishment for the Blue Ridge , especially being the Navy 's oldest operational warship and approaching her 50th year of service , '' Blue Ridge commanding officer , Capt .
Craig C. Sicola , said in a statement .
`` As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a number , but their hard work and resiliency has been truly impressive and that 's what really matters , '' Sicola said .
`` These times are uniquely challenging for the entire world , but it takes an extremely dedicated crew to maintain this old of a ship at sea for this long . ''
According to Damage Controlman 1st Class Bryan McCullough , the crew has taken advantage of the extra time at sea by making routine drills like fire , flooding and structural damage more advanced , which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Blue Ridge is the Navy 's oldest operational ship .
It is part of the 7th Fleet command , which has 50 to 70 ships and 140 aircraft and employs 20,000 sailors .
The vessel 's mission is to foster relationships among allies and partners within the Indo-Pacific region .

The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge transits the Philippine Sea on May, ahead of an underway replenishment. Photo by Sarah Eaton/U.S. Navy
May 21 (UPI) -- The USS Blue Ridge marked 65 days of continuous underway operations this week, the Navy announced on Thursday, surpassing a record the ship had held for 48 years. The Blue Ridge, generally known for its frequent port visits, changed its patrol for underway operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and broke its record on Sunday, according to the Navy. Advertisement
The vessel conducted operations that included supporting the 7th command and control of the fleet and supporting partners and allies across the region in lieu of physical visits.
According to the Navy, the vessel's previous record of 64 days was set during the Vietnam War, when it left port April 5, 1972 and stayed in the Gulf of Tonkin until June 2, 1972, at which point the Blue Ridge moored in the Philippines.
"This is an amazing accomplishment for the Blue Ridge, especially being the Navy's oldest operational warship and approaching her 50th year of service," Blue Ridge commanding officer, Capt. Craig C. Sicola, said in a statement.
"As I told the crew, the record is only a number, but their hard work and resiliency has been truly impressive and that's what really matters," Sicola said. "These times are uniquely challenging for the entire world, but it takes an extremely dedicated crew to maintain this old of a ship at sea for this long."
Advertisement
According to Damage Controlman 1st Class Bryan McCullough, the crew has taken advantage of the extra time at sea by making routine drills like fire, flooding and structural damage more advanced, which has made the crew's response times faster."
Blue Ridge is the Navy's oldest operational ship. It is part of the 7th Fleet command, which has 50 to 70 ships and 140 aircraft and employs 20,000 sailors.
The vessel's mission is to foster relationships among allies and partners within the Indo-Pacific region.


upi--2020-05-21--Disney, Universal, SeaWorld in Florida plan for reopenings with restrictions

ORLANDO , Fla. , May 21 ( UPI ) -- Walt Disney World , Universal Studios and SeaWorld in Florida plan limited reopenings in June or early July , with restrictions on guests , after being shuttered for 11 weeks or more due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The three theme park giants have not released plans for reopening in California , which has different restrictions than Florida .
Disneyland 's website says only that the Anaheim attraction is closed through May 31 .
Universal Orlando 's plan to open its Orlando them parks on June 3 or 4 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday by a task force of local business people , along with health , government and economic officials .
The public would be admitted starting June 5 .
After county officials sign off on the plan , it will go to Gov .
Ron Desantis for his review .
Universal started its reopening effort May 14 with limited guests -- and required masks and temperature checks -- at its free-admission CityWalk area , which features restaurants and retail shops .
Disney opened a free-admission retail , dining and entertainment area , called Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Disney World has four parks in its complex -- the Magic Kingdom , Epcot , Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom -- that remain closed .
A reservations specialist at Disney World said Thursday that the resort is taking hotel bookings for arrivals starting July 1 , adding that no date for reopening the parks has been set .
Neither Disney World nor SeaWorld have presented formal plans to reopen their Florida theme parks .
A SeaWorld executive told Vice President Mike Pence at a recent public forum that he hoped to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orlando plays host to 75 million visitors per year , according to state and local tourism officials .
As the world 's top tourism destination , it contributes to a large extent to the local economy .
Universal looks like it will be the first to re-open and learn from the procedures it follows .
`` We 're going to manage capacity , not only across the resort , but also in every attraction , '' said John Sprouls , chief administrative officer for Universal Parks & Resorts .
The company will require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will provide a free mask if guests arrive without one .
Cash will be accepted , but in limited locations and with extra sanitary precautions .
Social distancing of 6 feet or more will be required in all areas , especially in lines and on rides , Sprouls said .
Employees are to monitor guest compliance throughout the park .
Universal employees will report to the theme parks on June 1 to prepare for the reopening and are subject to daily temperature checks .
Employees also must answer questions about any possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to take their temperature at home .
Sproules said the Citywalk operation has taken 30,000 temperature readings , which has `` gone extremely smoothly . ''
`` We have only had a handful of people with temperature over 100.4 [ F ] , '' he said .
`` There have been very few objections to the rules , the masks .
Most people are just happy to be out . ''

Universal Orlando Resort plans to open to a limited number of visitors June 3, and ramp up capacity as conditions allow. File Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
ORLANDO, Fla., May 21 (UPI) -- Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld in Florida plan limited reopenings in June or early July, with restrictions on guests, after being shuttered for 11 weeks or more due to the coronavirus pandemic. The three theme park giants have not released plans for reopening in California, which has different restrictions than Florida. Disneyland's website says only that the Anaheim attraction is closed through May 31. Advertisement
Universal Orlando's plan to open its Orlando parks on June 3 or 4 to invited guests and season-pass holders was approved Thursday by a task force of local business people, along with health, government and economic officials. The public would be admitted starting June 5.
After county officials sign off on the plan, it will go to Gov. Ron Desantis for his review.
Universal started its reopening effort May 14 with limited guests -- and required masks and temperature checks -- at its free-admission CityWalk area, which features restaurants and retail shops.
Disney opened a free-admission retail, dining and entertainment area, called Disney Springs, on Monday with similar restrictions. Disney World has four parks in its complex -- the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom -- that remain closed.
Advertisement
A reservations specialist at Disney World said Thursday that the resort is taking hotel bookings for arrivals starting July 1, adding that no date for reopening the parks has been set.
Neither Disney World nor SeaWorld have presented formal plans to reopen their Florida theme parks. A SeaWorld executive told Vice President Mike Pence at a recent public forum that he hoped to open the aquatic themed park in mid-June.
Orlando plays host to 75 million visitors per year, according to state and local tourism officials. As the world's top tourism destination, it contributes to a large extent to the local economy.
Universal looks like it will be the first to re-open and learn from the procedures it follows.
"We're going to manage capacity, not only across the resort, but also in every attraction," said John Sprouls, chief administrative officer for Universal Parks & Resorts.
The company will require visitors and all employees to wear masks and will provide a free mask if guests arrive without one. Cash will be accepted, but in limited locations and with extra sanitary precautions.
Social distancing of 6 feet or more will be required in all areas, especially in lines and on rides, Sprouls said.
Advertisement
Employees are to monitor guest compliance throughout the park.
Universal employees will report to the theme parks on June 1 to prepare for the reopening and are subject to daily temperature checks. Employees also must answer questions about any possible exposure to COVID-19.
Visitors will be asked to take their temperature at home. Sproules said the Citywalk operation has taken 30,000 temperature readings, which has "gone extremely smoothly."
"We have only had a handful of people with temperature over 100.4 [F]," he said. "There have been very few objections to the rules, the masks. Most people are just happy to be out."


upi--2020-05-21--USDA to provide up to $1B in guaranteed loans to rural businesses, farmers

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that it will provide up to $ @ @ @ @ @ to rural businesses and farmers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The change in @ @ @ @ @ producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans to receive funding under @ @ @ @ @ included in the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act .
`` Ensuring more @ @ @ @ @ to gain access to much-needed capital in these unprecedented times is a cornerstone of that @ @ @ @ @ Sonny Perdue said .
The changes also allow the USDA to provide 90 percent guarantees @ @ @ @ @ Act Progam loans , set the application guarantee at 2 percent of the loan , @ @ @ @ @ years of the loan application date , not require discounting of collateral for working capital @ @ @ @ @ term for working capital loans to 10 years .
The loans can only be used @ @ @ @ @ farmers , that were operating as of Feb. 15 .

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Thursday that agricultural producers not eligible for certain USDA loans programs will be able to receive up to $1 billion in guaranteed loans. Photo by Oliver Contreras/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that it will provide up to $1 billion in guaranteed loans to rural businesses and farmers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The change in policy expands eligibility to agricultural producers that are not eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency loans to receive funding under the Business & Industry provisions included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Advertisement
"Ensuring more rural agricultural producers are able to gain access to much-needed capital in these unprecedented times is a cornerstone of that commitment," USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said.
The changes also allow the USDA to provide 90 percent guarantees on B&I CARES Act Progam loans, set the application guarantee at 2 percent of the loan, accept appraisals completed within two years of the loan application date, not require discounting of collateral for working capital loans and extend the maximum term for working capital loans to 10 years.
The loans can only be used by rural businesses, including farmers, that were operating as of Feb. 15.


upi--2020-05-21--Bumblebees nibble the leaves of flowers to trick them into flowering early

May 21 ( UPI ) -- When impatient bumblebees emerge in early spring only to find a handful of daffodils , they sometimes resort to hi-jinks .
Research published Thursday in the journal Science suggests bumblebees trick flowers into flowering early by nibbling on their leaves .
Previous studies have shown plants bloom early in response to environmental stressors like intense heat or light , signs of heatwaves and drought , but the latest research suggests physical damage , like the scars left by a hungry bumblebee vandal , can have similar effects .
In lab tests , researchers found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes in the leaves of black mustard plants after being deprived of pollen for three days , suggesting the vandals are motivated by hunger .
The plants with damaged leaves put out flowers 17 days later , on average .
Control plants , unharmed by starving bees , flowered an average of 33 days later .
The research marks the first time scientists have observed pollinators altering the timing of the flowering process .
`` I think everything that we 've found is consistent with the idea that the bees are damaging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that brings flowers online earlier and that benefits the bees , '' study co-author Mark Mescher , a researcher at ETH Zurich in Switzerland , told BBC News .
While the lab experiments involved bumblebees , researchers observed two wild bee species , red-tailed and white-tailed bumble bees , making tiny holes in the leaves of plants , suggesting the behavior is relatively common among pollinators .
In followup lab tests , scientists made their own holes in the leaves of mustard plants .
The plants put out flowers earlier than the controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mustard plants with leaves nibbled on by real bees .
The results suggest there may also be a chemical signal being delivered by the hungry bumblebees -- perhaps , via their saliva .
`` We hope to explore this in future work , '' Consuelo De Moraes , a researcher at ETH Zurich , told the New Scientist .
Though scientists seemed to have figured out the basic mechanisms of the unusual behavior , researchers still are n't sure how bees learned the trick .
It could , however , prove useful as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flowers , researchers say .
`` Climate change is making spring conditions less predictable , which could disrupt the timing of the relationship between bees and flowers , '' Mescher told the New Scientist .

A bee comes to land on a flower while it searches for pollen in Magaliesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa. File Photo by Kim Ludbrook/EPA-EFE
May 21 (UPI) -- When impatient bumblebees emerge in early spring only to find a handful of daffodils, they sometimes resort to hi-jinks. Research published Thursday in the journal Science suggests bumblebees trick flowers into flowering early by nibbling on their leaves. Advertisement
Previous studies have shown plants bloom early in response to environmental stressors like intense heat or light, signs of heatwaves and drought, but the latest research suggests physical damage, like the scars left by a hungry bumblebee vandal, can have similar effects.
In lab tests, researchers found bumblebees were more likely to pierce tiny holes in the leaves of black mustard plants after being deprived of pollen for three days, suggesting the vandals are motivated by hunger. The plants with damaged leaves put out flowers 17 days later, on average. Control plants, unharmed by starving bees, flowered an average of 33 days later.
The research marks the first time scientists have observed pollinators altering the timing of the flowering process.
"I think everything that we've found is consistent with the idea that the bees are damaging the plants and that that's an adaptation that brings flowers online earlier and that benefits the bees," study co-author Mark Mescher, a researcher at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, told BBC News.
Advertisement
While the lab experiments involved bumblebees, researchers observed two wild bee species, red-tailed and white-tailed bumble bees, making tiny holes in the leaves of plants, suggesting the behavior is relatively common among pollinators.
In followup lab tests, scientists made their own holes in the leaves of mustard plants. The plants put out flowers earlier than the controls, but not as early as the mustard plants with leaves nibbled on by real bees. The results suggest there may also be a chemical signal being delivered by the hungry bumblebees -- perhaps, via their saliva.
"We hope to explore this in future work," Consuelo De Moraes, a researcher at ETH Zurich, told the New Scientist.
Though scientists seemed to have figured out the basic mechanisms of the unusual behavior, researchers still aren't sure how bees learned the trick.
It could, however, prove useful as climate change alters the timing of spring flowers, researchers say.
"Climate change is making spring conditions less predictable, which could disrupt the timing of the relationship between bees and flowers," Mescher told the New Scientist.


upi--2020-05-21--Nancy Pelosi: $3.6B a 'small price to pay' for vote-by-mail efforts

May 21 ( UPI ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that $ 3.6 billion earmarked for vote-by-mail efforts in the latest coronavirus stimulus package is `` a small price to pay for our democracy . ''
She called on the Republican-led Senate to pass the $ 3 trillion HEROES Act , which includes the funding for elections .
She 's supportive of a nationwide vote-by-mail effort since COVID-19 will likely still be a concern come November .
`` People should not have to choose between voting and preserving their good health and that of their families , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The money is `` a small price to pay for our democracy and the good health of people going to the polls . ''
Her comments come after President Donald Trump threatened this week to withhold federal funding from Michigan and Nevada over their mail-in voting efforts .
`` We do n't want them to do mail-in ballots because it 's going to lead to total election fraud , '' Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a trip to Michigan on Thursday .
`` Now , if someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're sick or -- by the way because they live in the White House and they have to vote in Florida , and they wo n't be in Florida -- and there 's reasoning for it , that 's OK. '' '' To have this kind of distraction is just ridiculous to be honest , '' she told CBS This Morning .
`` The threatening to take money away from a state that is hurting as bad as we are right now is just scary , and , I think , something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , Trump criticized Michigan for mailing out `` absentee ballots '' to all 7.7 million voters in the state .
But Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said her department , in fact , mailed out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters .
States have different rules for who is allowed to vote by mail , with a handful already allowing anyone to vote by mail .
Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , Utah and Washington automatically send all voters a mail-in ballot .
California also plans to automatically send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is not its normal policy .
Twenty-nine other states and the District of Columbia allow anyone to vote by mail without having to give a reason for doing so , though voters must request a ballot .
Sixteen states limit who is allowed to vote by mail -- usually those who are disabled or elderly .
A Pew Research Center poll released in April found that 52 percent of Americans are in favor of voting by mail , with more Democrats ( 87 percent ) than Republicans ( 49 ) in @ @

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks at a press conference on voting rights and vote-by-mail on the anniversary of the House passage of the 19th amendment in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that $3.6 billion earmarked for vote-by-mail efforts in the latest coronavirus stimulus package is "a small price to pay for our democracy." She called on the Republican-led Senate to pass the $3 trillion HEROES Act, which includes the funding for elections. She's supportive of a nationwide vote-by-mail effort since COVID-19 will likely still be a concern come November. Advertisement
"People should not have to choose between voting and preserving their good health and that of their families," she said during her weekly news conference. The money is "a small price to pay for our democracy and the good health of people going to the polls."
Ensuring Americans are able to vote at home is a crucial step in protecting the health of people in communities across the country. We have a responsibility to ensure our democratic elections do not become a casualty of this crisis. #HeroesAct https://t.co/v7t4LafEkb— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 21, 2020
Advertisement
Her comments come after President Donald Trump threatened this week to withhold federal funding from Michigan and Nevada over their mail-in voting efforts.
"We don't want them to do mail-in ballots because it's going to lead to total election fraud," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a trip to Michigan on Thursday.
"Now, if someone has to mail it in because they're sick or -- by the way because they live in the White House and they have to vote in Florida, and they won't be in Florida -- and there's reasoning for it, that's OK."
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called Trump's threats a distraction.
"To have this kind of distraction is just ridiculous to be honest," she told CBS This Morning. "The threatening to take money away from a state that is hurting as bad as we are right now is just scary, and, I think, something that is unacceptable."
Earlier in the week, Trump criticized Michigan for mailing out "absentee ballots" to all 7.7 million voters in the state. But Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said her department, in fact, mailed out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters.
Advertisement
States have different rules for who is allowed to vote by mail, with a handful already allowing anyone to vote by mail. Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington automatically send all voters a mail-in ballot. California also plans to automatically send mail-in ballots to all voters this year, which is not its normal policy.
Twenty-nine other states and the District of Columbia allow anyone to vote by mail without having to give a reason for doing so, though voters must request a ballot. Sixteen states limit who is allowed to vote by mail -- usually those who are disabled or elderly.
A Pew Research Center poll released in April found that 52 percent of Americans are in favor of voting by mail, with more Democrats (87 percent) than Republicans (49) in favor.


upi--2020-05-21--Wandering cows stampede through streets of Welsh town

May 21 ( UPI ) -- A wandering herd of cows -- one with a plastic chair stuck over its @ @ @ @ @ Welsh town and ended up stampeding through the streets .
Noah Williamson , 12 , @ @ @ @ @ stampeding through Southgate , Gower , after he and his brother fled to get out @ @ @ @ @ oncoming animals .
The video shows the cows running through the street , with one @ @ @ @ @ rear moving a little slower due to a plastic chair being stuck over its head @ @ @ @ @ cows belong to her uncle , who is out of town .
She said the @ @ @ @ @ , but the stampede through town was unusual .
She said the cow with the @ @ @ @ @ was able to shake itself free of it when the herd headed back toward its @ @ @ @

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
May 21 (UPI) -- A wandering herd of cows -- one with a plastic chair stuck over its head -- paraded into a Welsh town and ended up stampeding through the streets.
Noah Williamson, 12, captured video of the herd stampeding through Southgate, Gower, after he and his brother fled to get out of the way of the oncoming animals.
Advertisement
The video shows the cows running through the street, with one of the bovines toward the rear moving a little slower due to a plastic chair being stuck over its head.
Angharad Williams said the cows belong to her uncle, who is out of town. She said the herd is known to roam, but the stampede through town was unusual.
She said the cow with the plastic chair on its head was able to shake itself free of it when the herd headed back toward its usual grazing area.


upi--2020-05-21--Former White House butler, staffer for 11 presidents, dies of COVID-19

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Wilson Roosevelt Jerman , a White House butler who served 11 presidents , has died from COVID-19 at age 91 .
Jerman died last weekend from COVID-19 , his eldest granddaughter , Jamila Garrett confirmed , FOX 5 DC first reported .
He worked for 11 presidents ranging from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack Obama in 55 years at the White House .
From 1957 to 2012 , he worked as a cleaner , doorman and butler at the White House .
Jerman built relationships with former President John F. Kennedy and first lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually promoted him to butler , '' Garrett said .
`` Because of the relationship she was instrumental in ensuring that happened . ''
His granddaughter , Shanta Taylor Gay , told CNN Thursday that Jerman died on Saturday .
`` He was authentic , '' Gay told CNN .
`` He was a quiet but stern man .
Very giving , never fussed or complained .
Always said he lived a blessed life . ''
Jerman left the White House in 2012 as maitre d ' under Obama .
Gay told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Obama helped make sure he was taken care of in the hospital and sent him flowers .
Obama also honored Jerman with a plaque and a coin to represent each president he served at the end of his career in the White House .
Jerman and his wife lived in Washington , D.C. 's Petworth neighborhood and had five children , 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren , Fox 5 reported .
His funeral will be held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Michelle Obama has a photo in her book , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevator with her and President Obama .
Since `` we are n't able to grieve normally physically together '' due to the coronavirus pandemic , `` that [ photo ] is one way that we are able to still feel connected to his success and connected to so much that he promoted around authenticity and building relationships , and which equals building trust , '' Garrett told Fox 5 .

Wilson Roosevelt Jerman served as a cleaner, doorman and butler in the White House under 11 presidents. Photo by Tina Hager/George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum/National Archives
May 21 (UPI) -- Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, a White House butler who served 11 presidents, has died from COVID-19 at age 91. Jerman died last weekend from COVID-19, his eldest granddaughter, Jamila Garrett confirmed, FOX 5 DC first reported. Advertisement
He worked for 11 presidents ranging from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Barack Obama in 55 years at the White House. From 1957 to 2012, he worked as a cleaner, doorman and butler at the White House.
Jerman built relationships with former President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
"Jackie O actually promoted him to butler," Garrett said. "Because of the relationship she was instrumental in ensuring that happened."
His granddaughter, Shanta Taylor Gay, told CNN Thursday that Jerman died on Saturday.
"He was authentic," Gay told CNN. "He was a quiet but stern man. Very giving, never fussed or complained. Always said he lived a blessed life."
Jerman left the White House in 2012 as maitre d' under Obama.
Gay told CNN that Jerman had a stroke in 2011 and Obama helped make sure he was taken care of in the hospital and sent him flowers. Obama also honored Jerman with a plaque and a coin to represent each president he served at the end of his career in the White House.
Advertisement
Jerman and his wife lived in Washington, D.C.'s Petworth neighborhood and had five children, 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, Fox 5 reported. His funeral will be held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michelle Obama has a photo in her book, Becoming, of Jerman standing in an elevator with her and President Obama.
Since "we aren't able to grieve normally physically together" due to the coronavirus pandemic, "that [photo] is one way that we are able to still feel connected to his success and connected to so much that he promoted around authenticity and building relationships, and which equals building trust," Garrett told Fox 5.


upi--2020-05-21--Australian man credits trip to the dentist with lottery win

May 21 ( UPI ) -- An Australian man said a trip to the dentist to get a tooth pulled went from painful to lucky when he scored a lottery jackpot worth more than $ 650,000 .
The Keparra , Queensland , man told The Lott that he had a tooth pulled Monday , and the experience left him feeling the need to cheer up .
`` I was so upset about it so I decided to keep the tooth in a little pouch for good luck , '' the man said .
`` So I made sure I bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dentist with my new lucky charm to cheer myself up . ''
The lucky charm lived up to the man 's expectations when he turned out to be the only Division One winner in the Monday night Gold Lotto drawing .
The man said the jackpot will take away his financial-related stress .
`` I 'm a simple man .
I do n't need to much , '' he said .
`` I 'll keep working and I will pay off my house so I have the security of never having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then I will help out my family . ''

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
May 21 (UPI) -- An Australian man said a trip to the dentist to get a tooth pulled went from painful to lucky when he scored a lottery jackpot worth more than $650,000.
The Keparra, Queensland, man told The Lott that he had a tooth pulled Monday, and the experience left him feeling the need to cheer up.
Advertisement
"I was so upset about it so I decided to keep the tooth in a little pouch for good luck," the man said. "So I made sure I bought a lottery ticket after my trip to the dentist with my new lucky charm to cheer myself up."
The lucky charm lived up to the man's expectations when he turned out to be the only Division One winner in the Monday night Gold Lotto drawing.
The winner collected a prize of $657,200.
The man said the jackpot will take away his financial-related stress.
"I'm a simple man. I don't need to much," he said. "I'll keep working and I will pay off my house so I have the security of never having to worry about a mortgage repayment. And then I will help out my family."


upi--2020-05-21--National Weather Service predicts above-normal Atlantic hurricane season

May 21 ( UPI ) -- National Weather Service forecasters warned of an above-normal 2020 Atlantic hurricane season Thursday , predicting 13 to 19 named storms this year .
El Nino Southern Oscillation conditions in the Atlantic this year likely wo n't be strong enough to suppress hurricane activity , the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 's Climate Prediction Center said .
Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures , reduced vertical wind shear , weaker tropical trade winds and an enhanced African monsoon season will also fuel hurricane season .
`` NOAA 's analysis of current and seasonal atmospheric conditions reveals a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , '' said Neil Jacobs , acting NOAA administrator .
`` Our skilled forecasters , coupled with upgrades to our computer models and observing technologies , will provide accurate and timely forecasts to protect life and property . ''
NOAA said there 's a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season , a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season .
Of the 13 to 19 anticipated named storms this year , NOAA predicts six to 10 of them to become hurricanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A typical hurricane season produces 12 named storms , six of which become hurricanes , including three major hurricanes .
The NOAA predictions fall in line with forecasts by Colorado State University and AccuWeather scientists .
The Atlantic has already had its first tropical storm of the season -- Arthur -- which brought heavy rain and strong winds to the North Carolina coast .
The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1 .

NOAA predicts there will be between 13 and 19 named storms this year. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- National Weather Service forecasters warned of an above-normal 2020 Atlantic hurricane season Thursday, predicting 13 to 19 named storms this year. El Nino Southern Oscillation conditions in the Atlantic this year likely won't be strong enough to suppress hurricane activity, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center said. Advertisement
Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, reduced vertical wind shear, weaker tropical trade winds and an enhanced African monsoon season will also fuel hurricane season.
"NOAA's analysis of current and seasonal atmospheric conditions reveals a recipe for an active Atlantic hurricane season this year," said Neil Jacobs, acting NOAA administrator. "Our skilled forecasters, coupled with upgrades to our computer models and observing technologies, will provide accurate and timely forecasts to protect life and property."
NOAA said there's a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season.
Of the 13 to 19 anticipated named storms this year, NOAA predicts six to 10 of them to become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes.
A typical hurricane season produces 12 named storms, six of which become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
Advertisement
The NOAA predictions fall in line with forecasts by Colorado State University and AccuWeather scientists.
The Atlantic has already had its first tropical storm of the season -- Arthur -- which brought heavy rain and strong winds to the North Carolina coast. The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1.


upi--2020-05-21--Watch: Moonbyul shares trailer for 'Moon' online show

May 21 ( UPI ) -- South Korean singer Moonbyul is gearing up for her upcoming online show .
The @ @ @ @ @ member of the girl group Mamamoo , shared a trailer Thursday for her 1st Ontact @ @ @ @ @ shows footage of Moonbyul on the set of a photoshoot and images of a solar @ @ @ @ @ will take place Saturday on Mamamoo 's Naver and V Live .
The show is @ @ @ @ @ fansign '' event .
1st Ontact Live is in support of Moonbyul 's forthcoming album @ @ @ @ @ is a repackaged version of the singer 's solo EP , Dark Side of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Moon is slated for release May 29 .
Moonbyul came to fame with Mamamoo @ @ @ @ @ Solar , Wheein and Hwasa .
The group released its second studio album , Reality @ @ @ @ @ .

May 21 (UPI) -- South Korean singer Moonbyul is gearing up for her upcoming online show.
The 27-year-old K-pop star, a member of the girl group Mamamoo, shared a trailer Thursday for her 1st Ontact Live show.
Advertisement
The teaser shows footage of Moonbyul on the set of a photoshoot and images of a solar eclipse.
1st Ontact Live will take place Saturday on Mamamoo's Naver and V Live. The show is a "global video chat fansign" event.
1st Ontact Live is in support of Moonbyul's forthcoming album, Moon. The album is a repackaged version of the singer's solo EP, Dark Side of the Moon, released in February.
Moon is slated for release May 29.
Moonbyul came to fame with Mamamoo, which also consists of Solar, Wheein and Hwasa. The group released its second studio album, Reality in Black, in November.
Remove


upi--2020-05-21--Watch: Weather radar catches bats blown away by thunderstorm

May 21 ( UPI ) -- A Texas meteorologist shared weather radar footage showing a large swarm of bats being @ @ @ @ @ thunderstorm .
Chris Suchan , meteorologist for WOAI-TV , said a swarm of bats large @ @ @ @ @ by weather radar emerged from Frio Bat Cave in Uvalde County on Wednesday night , @ @ @ @ @ the millions of Mexican free-tailed bats encountering a thunderstorm .
Suchan said the footage shows @ @ @ @ @ powerful wind created by torrential rains pushing downdrafts outward -- colliding with the swarm of @ @ @ @ @ mammals .
`` Dual-Pol radar works beautifully to distinguish these bats from rain when storms @ @ @ @ @ radar , '' Suchan said .
`` [ It 's ] easy to identify the @ @ @ @ @ occasion , when they 're starting to come out , it can look like a @ @ @ @ @ the ring show itself as they fan out . ''

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe
May 21 (UPI) -- A Texas meteorologist shared weather radar footage showing a large swarm of bats being dispersed by gusts from a thunderstorm.
Chris Suchan, meteorologist for WOAI-TV, said a swarm of bats large enough to be picked up by weather radar emerged from Frio Bat Cave in Uvalde County on Wednesday night, and the radar footage shows the millions of Mexican free-tailed bats encountering a thunderstorm.
Advertisement
Suchan said the footage shows a gust front -- a powerful wind created by torrential rains pushing downdrafts outward -- colliding with the swarm of bats, dispersing the flying mammals.
"Dual-Pol radar works beautifully to distinguish these bats from rain when storms and the bats are on radar," Suchan said.
"[It's] easy to identify the ring signature, but on occasion, when they're starting to come out, it can look like a storm core until you see the ring show itself as they fan out."


upi--2020-05-21--U.S. to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty

U.S. to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty

May 21 ( UPI ) -- President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday the administration 's intention to withdraw from the Open Skies military surveillance treaty , which was designed to reduce the chances of an accidental war with Russia .
Trump told reporters outside the White House that the move is prompted by actions from Russia .
`` I think we have a very good relationship with Russia , but Russia did n't adhere to the treaty , and so until they adhere to the treaty , we will pull out , '' he said .
`` There 's a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement or do something to put that agreement back together . ''
Trump 's formal notice to Russia , expected Friday , would open a six-month withdrawal period , requiring a meeting of all signatorires within 60 days .
Signed in 1992 , the treaty permits its 34 signatories to conduct short-notice , unarmed reconnaissance flights over other nations to gather intelligence .
Its main purpose is to build confidence and familiarity between the United States and Russia with the overflights .
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said Moscow has prevented U.S. military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltic Sea enclave of Kaliningrad and along Russia 's border with Georgia .
`` I have a lot of concerns about the treaty as it stands now , '' Esper said at a congressional hearing in March .
Former officials , including former Secretary of State George Shultz , former Defense Secretary William Perry , and former Sen. Sam Nunn urged the Trump administration in March to keep the treaty .
`` At a time when tensions with Moscow are on the rise , the Open Skies Treaty serves as a very useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies to monitor Russian military activities , '' they wrote in a letter to administration officials .
`` Unilateral U.S. withdrawal from Open Skies would undermine American allies and friends in Europe . ''
The United States last summer withdrew from the U.S.-Russian Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , which limited development of short-range ground-based missiles .

President Donald Trump said Thursday the administration plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday the administration's intention to withdraw from the Open Skies military surveillance treaty, which was designed to reduce the chances of an accidental war with Russia. Trump told reporters outside the White House that the move is prompted by actions from Russia. Advertisement
"I think we have a very good relationship with Russia, but Russia didn't adhere to the treaty, and so until they adhere to the treaty, we will pull out," he said. "There's a very good chance we'll make a new agreement or do something to put that agreement back together."
Trump's formal notice to Russia, expected Friday, would open a six-month withdrawal period, requiring a meeting of all signatorires within 60 days.
Signed in 1992, the treaty permits its 34 signatories to conduct short-notice, unarmed reconnaissance flights over other nations to gather intelligence. Its main purpose is to build confidence and familiarity between the United States and Russia with the overflights.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said Moscow has prevented U.S. military aircraft from flying reconnaissance missions over the Baltic Sea enclave of Kaliningrad and along Russia's border with Georgia.
Advertisement
"I have a lot of concerns about the treaty as it stands now," Esper said at a congressional hearing in March.
Former officials, including former Secretary of State George Shultz, former Defense Secretary William Perry, and former Sen. Sam Nunn urged the Trump administration in March to keep the treaty.
"At a time when tensions with Moscow are on the rise, the Open Skies Treaty serves as a very useful tool for the United States and our allies to monitor Russian military activities," they wrote in a letter to administration officials. "Unilateral U.S. withdrawal from Open Skies would undermine American allies and friends in Europe."
The United States last summer withdrew from the U.S.-Russian Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which limited development of short-range ground-based missiles.


upi--2020-05-21--Gallup: Fewer Americans are avoiding public places

May 21 ( UPI ) -- Gallup unveiled new data Thursday showing that significantly fewer Americans avoided public places by the end of last week compared with the start of the week and the previous month .
The data showed a 6-percentage-point decline in U.S. adults avoiding public places from Monday , May 11 to Sunday , May 17 .
Seventy-one percent of people said they avoided public places May 11 compared with 65 percent May 17 .
The survey also showed double-digit declines in people avoiding public places from the previous month .
A sharp uptick was seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dining areas in some states after previously being limited to take-out or delivery options .
Last week , 21 percent of U.S. adults said they had visited a restaurant in the past 24 hours compared with 13 percent the week prior .
Gallup added that over the past five weeks , the the largest decline was in avoiding small gatherings .
The number of U.S. adults avoiding such gatherings has dropped 21 percentage points from 84 percent April 12 to 63 percent May 17 .
There have also been double-digit percentage declines in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and subway over the past five weeks .
The number dropped from 89 percent April 12 to 76 percent May 17 .
The number of people `` completely '' or `` mostly isolating '' themselves from people outside their household has also continued to decline from 74 percent on April 12 , to now 55 percent .
This is lower than the 58 percent reported March 22 , before most states had issued shelter-in-place orders .
Still , the majority of people are avoiding public places and 71 percent said that healthy people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to curb the spread of the virus .
`` It is becoming increasingly clear that simply easing or lifting restrictions on citizen activity is not sufficient for most Americans to want to resume their normal lives , '' Gallup Senior Editor Jeffrey Jones said in a statement .
`` Recently , Gallup found targeted quarantines of those infected with coronavirus and improved medical therapies to treat it are the most important factors Americans are taking into account in deciding when to get back to normal . ''
Results were based on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a margin of error at 3 percentage points .

Gallup said Thursday that more Americans are going out to public places than five weeks ago as restaurants reopen. Photo by Trask Smith/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Gallup unveiled new data Thursday showing that significantly fewer Americans avoided public places by the end of last week compared with the start of the week and the previous month. The data showed a 6-percentage-point decline in U.S. adults avoiding public places from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17. Advertisement
Seventy-one percent of people said they avoided public places May 11 compared with 65 percent May 17.
The survey also showed double-digit declines in people avoiding public places from the previous month.
A sharp uptick was seen in restaurants in particular as they have reopened dining areas in some states after previously being limited to take-out or delivery options.
Last week, 21 percent of U.S. adults said they had visited a restaurant in the past 24 hours compared with 13 percent the week prior.
Gallup added that over the past five weeks, the the largest decline was in avoiding small gatherings. The number of U.S. adults avoiding such gatherings has dropped 21 percentage points from 84 percent April 12 to 63 percent May 17.
There have also been double-digit percentage declines in people avoiding travel by plane, bus and subway over the past five weeks. The number dropped from 89 percent April 12 to 76 percent May 17.
Advertisement
The number of people "completely" or "mostly isolating" themselves from people outside their household has also continued to decline from 74 percent on April 12, to now 55 percent. This is lower than the 58 percent reported March 22, before most states had issued shelter-in-place orders.
Still, the majority of people are avoiding public places and 71 percent said that healthy people should stay home as much as they can to curb the spread of the virus.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that simply easing or lifting restrictions on citizen activity is not sufficient for most Americans to want to resume their normal lives," Gallup Senior Editor Jeffrey Jones said in a statement. "Recently, Gallup found targeted quarantines of those infected with coronavirus and improved medical therapies to treat it are the most important factors Americans are taking into account in deciding when to get back to normal."
Results were based on a survey of 4,117 random U.S. adults with a margin of error at 3 percentage points.


upi--2020-05-21--Pentagon names Guardsman dead in non-combat incident in Afghanistan

May 21 ( UPI ) -- The Department of Defense released the name of a National Guardsman who died in what it has classified as a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan .
The Pentagon has not released information about the incident that killed Bowman and says his death is under investigation , but a spokeswoman has also said his death was not related to COVID-19 .
`` It is with heavy hearts and deepest condolences that we announce the passing of 1LT Trevarius Bowman .
This is never an outcome we as Soldiers , leaders , and Family members wish to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van McCarty , the adjutant general for South Carolina , said in a statement sent to UPI .
`` Please keep the service members in his unit in your thoughts and prayers , as well as his family as they work through this difficult time . ''
Bowman received numerous military honors , including the National Defense Service Medal , the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal , the Army Service Ribbon , the Army Achievement Medal , the Army Commendation Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal .
Bowman 's death is the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American casualty in the country this year .
Bowman was assigned to Company B , 198th Signal Battalion , 261st Signal Brigade , Newberry , S.C. , which is attached to the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade , South Carolina National Guard .

National Guard 1st Lt. Trevarius Ravon Bowman, 25, pictured here while a second lieutenant, died this week in Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army
May 21 (UPI) -- The Department of Defense released the name of a National Guardsman who died in what it has classified as a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan. 1st. Lt. Trevarius Ravon Bowman, 25, from Spartanburg, S.C., died Tuesday in Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan. Advertisement
The Pentagon has not released information about the incident that killed Bowman and says his death is under investigation, but a spokeswoman has also said his death was not related to COVID-19.
"It is with heavy hearts and deepest condolences that we announce the passing of 1LT Trevarius Bowman. This is never an outcome we as Soldiers, leaders, and Family members wish to experience," U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina, said in a statement sent to UPI. "Please keep the service members in his unit in your thoughts and prayers, as well as his family as they work through this difficult time."
Bowman received numerous military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Advertisement
Bowman's death is the fourth non-combat fatality in Afghanistan and the eighth American casualty in the country this year.
Bowman was assigned to Company B, 198th Signal Battalion, 261st Signal Brigade, Newberry, S.C., which is attached to the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, South Carolina National Guard.


upi--2020-05-22--South Korea legal group denies urging repatriation of defectors

May 22 ( UPI ) -- A South Korean group that has urged North Korean waitresses resettled in the South to be repatriated and reunited with their families is denying accusations from Heo Kang-il , the North Korean restaurant manager who fled China in 2016 .
Lawyers for a Democratic Society said the group did help the `` financially challenged '' defectors with `` personal donations '' of money , but did not urge the group to return to North Korea , News 1 reported Friday .
The statement from LDS comes after Heo , who now resides in Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to his country of origin .
LDS has consistently accused the South Korean government of `` abducting '' the group who resettled under the condition of anonymity .
LDS has also defended Pyongyang 's claims of a Seoul-initiated kidnapping and encouraged repatriation of the defectors .
LDS is distancing itself from Heo , who said the lawyers and other NGO personnel donated funds to Heo and some of the waitresses .
LDS said the donations only happened once and did not recur on a monthly basis , a claim made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal group also charged Heo with deceiving the waitresses in order to compel them to leave China .
`` [ Heo ] has caused chaos with his methodical lies , '' LDS said .
In 2018 , Heo claimed he tricked the waitresses into defecting because he was acting as an informant for South Korea 's National Intelligence Service .
It is unclear whether Heo still adheres to those claims .
Heo , who spoke to local paper Chosun Ilbo , said LDS urged him and others to return to the North during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a facility built for comfort women .
When the defectors declined to agree to repatriate , LDS members began to wire money on a monthly basis to Heo and the others , possibly to reconsider the suggestion , Heo said .
Heo also said LDS representatives described his defection as a `` crime , '' even though he `` risked his life '' to leave the North , according to the Chosun .

North Korean waitresses who resettled in the South in 2016 have been urged to return to the North by the North Korean government. File Photo courtesy of Republic of Korea Ministry of Unification
May 22 (UPI) -- A South Korean group that has urged North Korean waitresses resettled in the South to be repatriated and reunited with their families is denying accusations from Heo Kang-il, the North Korean restaurant manager who fled China in 2016. Lawyers for a Democratic Society said the group did help the "financially challenged" defectors with "personal donations" of money, but did not urge the group to return to North Korea, News 1 reported Friday. Advertisement
The statement from LDS comes after Heo, who now resides in Australia, said he was urged by LDS to return to his country of origin.
LDS has consistently accused the South Korean government of "abducting" the group who resettled under the condition of anonymity. LDS has also defended Pyongyang's claims of a Seoul-initiated kidnapping and encouraged repatriation of the defectors.
LDS is distancing itself from Heo, who said the lawyers and other NGO personnel donated funds to Heo and some of the waitresses. LDS said the donations only happened once and did not recur on a monthly basis, a claim made in local press reports.
The South Korean legal group also charged Heo with deceiving the waitresses in order to compel them to leave China.
Advertisement
"[Heo] has caused chaos with his methodical lies," LDS said.
In 2018, Heo claimed he tricked the waitresses into defecting because he was acting as an informant for South Korea's National Intelligence Service. It is unclear whether Heo still adheres to those claims.
Heo, who spoke to local paper Chosun Ilbo, said LDS urged him and others to return to the North during a shared meal at the Anseong Shelter, a facility built for comfort women.
When the defectors declined to agree to repatriate, LDS members began to wire money on a monthly basis to Heo and the others, possibly to reconsider the suggestion, Heo said.
Heo also said LDS representatives described his defection as a "crime," even though he "risked his life" to leave the North, according to the Chosun.


upi--2020-05-22--In Photos: Naomi Campbell turns 50: a look back

Campbell models for the Carlos Miele 2004 fall-winter collection at Olympus Fashion week in New York City on February 12 @ @ @ @ @ year , she was voted in the top ten best legs in a British survey @ @ @ @ @

Campbell models for the Carlos Miele 2004 fall-winter collection at Olympus Fashion week in New York City on February 12, 2004. Later that year, she was voted in the top ten best legs in a British survey. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI


upi--2020-05-22--Famous birthdays for May 22: Naomi Campbell, Ginnifer Goodwin

Naomi Campbell arrives for the premiere of `` G.I .
Jane '' in Los Angeles on August 6 , 1997 .
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | Campbell arrives for GQ 's `` Men of the Year '' awards ceremony in New York City on October 17 , 2002 .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | Campbell walks on the runway at the Victoria 's Secret Fashion Show in New York City on November 14 , 2002 .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | Campbell models for the Carlos Miele 2004 fall-winter collection at Olympus Fashion week in New York City on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she was voted in the top ten best legs in a British survey .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | Super model Naomi Campbell attends the 35th birthday party for Sean `` P Diddy '' Combs in New York City on November 4 , 2004 .
Earlier that year , she won an invasion of privacy suit against a British newspaper .
Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI | Campbell smiles at a press conference to announce `` Fashion For Relief '' , a special fashion show to raise money for those affected by Hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York City on September 13 , 2005 .
Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | Campbell walks in the `` Fashion for Relief '' fashion show , a fund raising event for the victims of Hurricane Katrina with money going to AmeriCares at Olympus Fashion Week in New York City on September 16 , 2005 .
Photo by Robin Platzer/UPI | Campbell arrives at the Palais des Festivals for the gala screening of `` Le Scaphandre et Le Papillon '' at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes , France on May 22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campbell ( L ) and London Mayor Ken Livingstone arrive at an honorary dinner on the eve of the unveiling of the statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square in London on August 28 , 2007 .
Pool Photo by Daniel Berehulak/UPI | Campbell arrives at the opening night of Donizetti 's opera `` La Fille Du Regiment '' in New York City on April 21 , 2008 .
Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI | Campbell ( R ) and Christophe Rocancourt arrive for the premiere of `` Che '' during the Cannes Film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 , 2008 .
Photo by David Silpa/UPI | Campbell attends a photocall for `` This Day 's Africa Rising Music And Fashion Festival '' in London on June 25 , 2008 .
Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | Campbell walks down the catwalk at `` Naomi Campbell 's Fashion For Relief '' show at London Fashion Week in London on September 17 , 2008 .
Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | Left to right , Kate Moss , Annabelle Neilson and Campbell attend Naomi Campbell 's `` Fashion For Relief Haiti '' charity catwalk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 18 , 2010 .
Two years later , Campbell represented British fashion at the Olympics in London .
Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | Campbell arrives on the red carpet for Fashion Rocks in New York City on September 9 , 2014 .
That month , she was announced as having a reoccurring role in the musical drama , `` Empire . ''
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Campbell hosted the Princess Grace awards gala in New York City on October 24 , 2016 .
Earlier that year , Campbell posted a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to the platform 's policy against female nipples .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Sean `` Diddy '' Combs ( L ) and Campbell arrive on the red carpet at The Pirelli 2018 Calendar by Tim Walker Press Conference in New York City on November 10 , 2017 .
Campbell and Combs were both featured in the all black cast of calendar photographs .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | Campbell attends the Fashion Awards at Royal Albert Hall in London on December 4 , 2017 .
Photo by Rune Hellestad/ UPI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar Party in Beverly Hills , Calif. , on March 4 , 2018 .
Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | Left to right , models Maria Borges , Bella Hadid , Campbell , Winnie Harlow and Natalia Vodianova walk on the runway at the `` Fashion For Relief '' show in Cannes , France on May 13 , 2018 .
Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | Campbell arrives on the red carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art 's Costume Institute Benefit `` Camp : Notes on Fashion '' at Metropolitan Museum of Art in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |

1/2
Naomi Campbell attends the Fashion Awards at Royal Albert Hall in London on December 2. The model turns 50 on May 22. File Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
May 22 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: Advertisement
-- German composer Richard Wagner in 1813
-- Artist Mary Cassatt in 1844
-- Scottish writer Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, in 1859
-- Baseball Hall of Fame member Al Simmons in 1902
-- Actor Laurence Olivier in 1907
-- Pioneering jazz musician Sun Ra, born Herman Blount, in 1914
-- Critic Judith Crist in 1922
-- French singer Charles Aznavour in 1924
-- Entrepreneur T. Boone Pickens Jr. in 1928
-- Activist/San Francisco politician Harvey Milk in 1930
File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI
-- Pianist/composer Peter Nero in 1934 (age 86)
-- Actor Richard Benjamin in 1938 (age 82)
-- Actor Paul Winfield in 1939
-- Journalist Bernard Shaw in 1940 (age 80)
Advertisement
-- Theodore Kaczynski, the so-called "Unabomber," in 1942 (age 78)
-- Northern Irish political activist/Nobel Peace Prize laureate Betty Williams in 1943
-- British songwriter Bernie Taupin in 1950 (age 70)
-- Singer Morrissey, born Steven Patrick Morrissey, in 1959 (age 61)
-- Singer Johnny Gill in 1966 (age 54)
-- Model/actor Naomi Campbell in 1970 (age 50)
-- Actor Ginnifer Goodwin in 1978 (age 42)
File Photo by Howard Shen/UPI
-- Actor Maggie Q, born Margaret Denise Quigley, in 1979 (age 41)
-- Olympic champion speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno in 1982 (age 38)
-- Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz in 1984 (age 36)
-- Tennis player Novak Djokovic in 1987 (age 33)
-- Actor Peyton Elizabeth Lee in 2004 (age 16)
File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI
Naomi Campbell turns 50: a look back


upi--2020-05-22--Vaccination and coronavirus: Public good clashes with choice, freedom

May 22 ( UPI ) -- With scientists striving for a viable coronavirus vaccine , and public health officials considering its potential roll-out , do calls for freedom of choice and anti-vaccination sentiments , as seen in recent televised protests , represent a worrying omen ?
Choice is central to American life , with freedom of speech and of opinion embedded in the U.S. Constitution .
But at what point does a communal necessity , such as immunization , outweigh personal choice ?
How much choice do people in self-acclaimed free societies really have ?
Choice to murder a troublesome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light ?
Of course not .
Choosing to avoid taxes or decline a vaccine may be considered acceptable by some , but are arguably a moral failure to contribute to the public good .
Herd immunity through vaccination generally requires 75-95 percent public participation , with more contagious diseases typically requiring higher uptakes .
This majority who chooses immunization protects their whole community , including those who can not be vaccinated for medical reasons .
The United States chooses to persuade public uptake , rather than legislate for it .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't respect state lines , individual states determine their own vaccination requirements for specific groups , such as children , healthcare workers and residents in healthcare facilities , but there is little regulatory provision for the rest of the adult population , with limited public infrastructure for the mass vaccination of adults .
All 50 U.S. states accept exemption from vaccination for medical reasons , because the immuno-suppressed or allergic have no choice ; 45 states , plus Washington , D.C. , grant school vaccination exemptions for religious reasons , and 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
Immunization resistance is complex .
Concerns over the safety of vaccines may be understandable , but cases of negative reactions are few , and are vastly overwhelmed by the unquestionable benefits .
Unsubstantiated anecdotes attributing other acquired ailments to vaccinations are commonplace .
Many express hesitancy about some vaccines but not others , and doubts do n't necessarily lead to refusal .
The choice to reject immunization seems mostly predicated on questionable notions : a mistrust of science , discredited work in vaccinology , suspicion of government , flawed anecdotes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even conspiracy theories about people associated with vaccine research , such as Bill Gates .
Even before the coronavirus pandemic , the U.S. Public Health Service and others considered a lack of accurate information about vaccines and disparities in access to immunization to be significant public health concerns .
When only a small minority refuse immunization , self-exemption is politically tolerable provided the general uptake meets the percentage necessary for herd immunity .
Unfortunately , data tell us that the ease of securing personal belief exemptions has contributed to a decrease in vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an insufficient uptake of vaccines has led to an estimated annual death toll of 40,000 from vaccine-preventable diseases .
In 2017 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that immunization coverage among U.S. adults was low , despite an annually updated and recommended U.S .
Adult Immunization Schedule .
In 2019 , the World Health Organization ranked vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health .
All these factors suggest that the current socio-political trajectory in the United States does not bode well for a potential coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no guarantee that a COVID-19 vaccine will be produced , but if it is , the population should expect a vaccination campaign .
Any immunization initiative will need to tackle vaccine hesitancy head-on , as well as consolidate the fragmented regulatory infrastructure .
Some warn that compulsory vaccination is likely to inflame public sentiment and lead to legal battles on the constitutionality of non-medical exemptions , so more nuanced policy tools , such as increasing the difficulty in obtaining non-medical exemptions and stricter oversight of exemptions , may be effective .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a coronavirus vaccine will mark the end of COVID-19 , and will be resoundingly celebrated , but will this be enough to garner mass compliance coast to coast , especially for a new vaccine without years of demonstrable public efficacy ?
Educational programs that convey the historical benefits of vaccinations , and that present the rigors of modern vaccine development , may correct misconceptions , tackle unwarranted mistrust and lead many skeptics to choose vaccination voluntarily .
In parallel with public information initiatives , a logistical infrastructure must be established to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiatives and infrastructure investments will require sufficient funding to reach the whole population .
It 's a huge ask , especially in a fractured U.S. healthcare system , but the cost of being ill-prepared is likely to be way worse .
The fact that some states are collaborating with their neighbors for a more consistent pandemic response helps advance the notion of a nationally coordinated campaign for vaccination .
Federal leadership and effective persuasion will be imperative , but whatever happens , legislative intervention for vaccination uptake may be necessary , because sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associate policy researcher at the nonprofit , nonpartisan RAND Corp. Marcus Dillistone is member of the Royal Society of Medicine .

Herd immunity through vaccination generally requires 75-95 percent public participation. hoto by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 22 (UPI) -- With scientists striving for a viable coronavirus vaccine, and public health officials considering its potential roll-out, do calls for freedom of choice and anti-vaccination sentiments, as seen in recent televised protests, represent a worrying omen? Choice is central to American life, with freedom of speech and of opinion embedded in the U.S. Constitution. But at what point does a communal necessity, such as immunization, outweigh personal choice? How much choice do people in self-acclaimed free societies really have? Choice to murder a troublesome neighbor, or drive through a red light? Of course not. Choosing to avoid taxes or decline a vaccine may be considered acceptable by some, but are arguably a moral failure to contribute to the public good. Advertisement
Herd immunity through vaccination generally requires 75-95 percent public participation, with more contagious diseases typically requiring higher uptakes. This majority who chooses immunization protects their whole community, including those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Advertisement
The United States chooses to persuade public uptake, rather than legislate for it. There is no federal law mandating immunization. Although viruses don't respect state lines, individual states determine their own vaccination requirements for specific groups, such as children, healthcare workers and residents in healthcare facilities, but there is little regulatory provision for the rest of the adult population, with limited public infrastructure for the mass vaccination of adults.
All 50 U.S. states accept exemption from vaccination for medical reasons, because the immuno-suppressed or allergic have no choice; 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., grant school vaccination exemptions for religious reasons, and 15 states allow exemptions for personal or philosophical reasons.
Immunization resistance is complex. Concerns over the safety of vaccines may be understandable, but cases of negative reactions are few, and are vastly overwhelmed by the unquestionable benefits. Unsubstantiated anecdotes attributing other acquired ailments to vaccinations are commonplace. Many express hesitancy about some vaccines but not others, and doubts don't necessarily lead to refusal.
Advertisement
The choice to reject immunization seems mostly predicated on questionable notions : a mistrust of science, discredited work in vaccinology, suspicion of government, flawed anecdotes, the notion of 'individual self-management' and even conspiracy theories about people associated with vaccine research, such as Bill Gates.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Public Health Service and others considered a lack of accurate information about vaccines and disparities in access to immunization to be significant public health concerns. When only a small minority refuse immunization, self-exemption is politically tolerable provided the general uptake meets the percentage necessary for herd immunity.
Unfortunately, data tell us that the ease of securing personal belief exemptions has contributed to a decrease in vaccination protection among schoolchildren. With adults, an insufficient uptake of vaccines has led to an estimated annual death toll of 40,000 from vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that immunization coverage among U.S. adults was low, despite an annually updated and recommended U.S. Adult Immunization Schedule.
Advertisement
In 2019, the World Health Organization ranked vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 threats to global health. All these factors suggest that the current socio-political trajectory in the United States does not bode well for a potential coronavirus immunization program. Of course, there is no guarantee that a COVID-19 vaccine will be produced, but if it is, the population should expect a vaccination campaign. Any immunization initiative will need to tackle vaccine hesitancy head-on, as well as consolidate the fragmented regulatory infrastructure.
Some warn that compulsory vaccination is likely to inflame public sentiment and lead to legal battles on the constitutionality of non-medical exemptions, so more nuanced policy tools, such as increasing the difficulty in obtaining non-medical exemptions and stricter oversight of exemptions, may be effective. There is a general perception that the delivery of a coronavirus vaccine will mark the end of COVID-19, and will be resoundingly celebrated, but will this be enough to garner mass compliance coast to coast, especially for a new vaccine without years of demonstrable public efficacy?
Advertisement
Educational programs that convey the historical benefits of vaccinations, and that present the rigors of modern vaccine development, may correct misconceptions, tackle unwarranted mistrust and lead many skeptics to choose vaccination voluntarily. In parallel with public information initiatives, a logistical infrastructure must be established to deliver the vaccine effectively nationwide. Such information initiatives and infrastructure investments will require sufficient funding to reach the whole population. It's a huge ask, especially in a fractured U.S. healthcare system, but the cost of being ill-prepared is likely to be way worse.
The fact that some states are collaborating with their neighbors for a more consistent pandemic response helps advance the notion of a nationally coordinated campaign for vaccination. Federal leadership and effective persuasion will be imperative, but whatever happens, legislative intervention for vaccination uptake may be necessary, because sometimes choice kills.
Alina Palimaru is an associate policy researcher at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corp. Marcus Dillistone is member of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Stay-home orders draw demonstrations across U.S.


upi--2020-05-22--Jetliner with more than 100 aboard crashes in Pakistan

May 22 ( UPI ) -- A Pakistani airliner with more than 100 people aboard crashed Friday near the airport @ @ @ @ @ to land , authorities said .
Pakistan International Airlines Flight PK-8303 , en route from @ @ @ @ @ less than a minute before landing at Karachi 's Jinnah International Airport , officials said @ @ @ @ @ state-run airline confirmed the crash .
Pakistan 's Aviation Ministry said 107 people were aboard @ @ @ @ @ A320 , including 99 passengers and eight flight crew .
Civil aviation officials said communication @ @ @ @ @ about a minute before it was scheduled to land .
The Pakistani Army 's Quick @ @ @ @ @ at the site for rescue operations .
Imran Ismail , governor of Pakistan 's Sindh @ @ @ @ @ crashed in a heavily populated area of Karachi .
`` The concern now is of @ @ @ @ @ area , '' he said .

1/2
Rescue workers search for survivors in the debris from a passenger plane that crashed Friday in residential colony in Karachi, Pakistan. Photo by Shahzaib Akber/EPA-EFE
May 22 (UPI) -- At least 76 died Friday in a fiery plane crash in Pakistan that may have been caused by a double engine failure, local officials said. Pakistan International Airlines Flight PK-8303 was en route from Lahore to Karachi when it crashed less than a minute before landing at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport in the morning, authorities said. Advertisement
Pakistan's Aviation Ministry said 99 people were aboard the jetliner, an Airbus A320. Health officials in Sindh state said at least 79 people have been confirmed dead.
PIA CEO Arshad Malik said there's been a single survivor -- Bank of Punjab CEO Zafar Masood.
Sindh Gov. Imran Ismail said the plane crashed in a heavily populated area of Karachi adjacent to the airport. The plane didn't strike any buildings and appears not to have killed anyone on the ground.
The pilot of the airliner sent a distress call to controllers and said the plane had lost power from both engines on its second attempt to land, according to LiveATC.net. The call also indicated the plane may have been off-course.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the crash.
Advertisement
"Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now," he tweeted. "Immediate inquiry will be instituted."
Crews are looking for the plane's flight recorders, or "black boxes," which will help investigators determine the cause of the crash.
A State Department official told CNN one U.S. citizen was on board the flight.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and are in touch with local authorities," the unnamed official said. "Our staff in Pakistan and here in the United States are working tirelessly to provide all possible consular assistance."


upi--2020-05-22--Australian scientists set Internet speed record using single optical chip

May 22 ( UPI ) -- Scientists in Australia have developed a novel optical chip that promises to dramatically boost Internet speeds .
Using a single chip , researchers achieved the fastest Internet data speeds ever recorded , 44.2 terabits per second -- speeds capable of downloading a thousand HD movies in less than a second .
Researchers detailed the record-setting performance in a paper published Friday in the journal Nature Communications .
The new chip is what is called soliton crystal micro-comb .
`` It consists of a very low loss ring engineered to support pulses of light that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crystal , '' Arnan Mitchell , distinguished professor and director of the Micro Nano Research Facility at RMIT University , told UPI in an email .
`` This soliton crystal micro-comb is much easier to get into a stable state than other types of combs and is very stable once it is there . ''
The chip works by splitting the light running through already laid Internet fibers into 80 unique channels , a feat that previously required a cumbersome device featuring 80 lasers .
Instead of 80 individual lasers , the micro-comb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrared lasers into a single chip .
For the test , scientists used nearly 50 miles of existing optical fibers in the Melbourne metropolitan area .
`` We modulated information onto the individual comb lines using sophisticated phase and amplitude multiplexing , sent the information around the loop and measured it again on its return , '' Mitchell said .
Because the chip was made using fabrication techniques commonly used to make large quantities of commercial computer chips , researchers expect production of the new optical chip could be quickly scaled .
Mitchell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being deployed at Internet data traffic points , intersections on the information highway where data for entire neighborhoods or small towns converge .
As more and more people get online -- and more and more people work from home in the age of COVID-19 -- the technology could help alleviate the slowdowns caused by increased Internet usage .
`` We are interested to talk with companies who work on high-speed transmission systems to partner on integrating these photonic systems into commercial transceivers , '' Mitchell said .
In addition to boosting Internet speeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be incorporated into a variety of devices , from medical instruments to self-driving cars .
`` Our team uses similar micro-combs for many other applications where we can take advantage of the combs to perform hundreds of measurements simultaneously , '' Mitchell said .
`` Beyond high-speed communications , we are currently working on using combs for applications in sensing , including spectroscopy , inertial sensing with potential applications in satellite positioning , ultra-fast analysis of radar signals and even systems for reading point of care biosensors . ''

A single optical chip, no bigger than a fingernail, helped researchers in Australia set a new record for Internet data speeds. Photo courtesy of Swinburne University
May 22 (UPI) -- Scientists in Australia have developed a novel optical chip that promises to dramatically boost Internet speeds. Using a single chip, researchers achieved the fastest Internet data speeds ever recorded, 44.2 terabits per second -- speeds capable of downloading a thousand HD movies in less than a second. Researchers detailed the record-setting performance in a paper published Friday in the journal Nature Communications. Advertisement
The new chip is what is called soliton crystal micro-comb.
"It consists of a very low loss ring engineered to support pulses of light that stabilize into chains like atoms in a crystal," Arnan Mitchell, distinguished professor and director of the Micro Nano Research Facility at RMIT University, told UPI in an email. "This soliton crystal micro-comb is much easier to get into a stable state than other types of combs and is very stable once it is there."
The chip works by splitting the light running through already laid Internet fibers into 80 unique channels, a feat that previously required a cumbersome device featuring 80 lasers. Instead of 80 individual lasers, the micro-comb integrates the equivalent of hundreds of high-quality infrared lasers into a single chip.
Advertisement
For the test, scientists used nearly 50 miles of existing optical fibers in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
"We modulated information onto the individual comb lines using sophisticated phase and amplitude multiplexing, sent the information around the loop and measured it again on its return," Mitchell said.
Because the chip was made using fabrication techniques commonly used to make large quantities of commercial computer chips, researchers expect production of the new optical chip could be quickly scaled.
Mitchell and his colleagues envision the tiny chips being deployed at Internet data traffic points, intersections on the information highway where data for entire neighborhoods or small towns converge.
As more and more people get online -- and more and more people work from home in the age of COVID-19 -- the technology could help alleviate the slowdowns caused by increased Internet usage.
"We are interested to talk with companies who work on high-speed transmission systems to partner on integrating these photonic systems into commercial transceivers," Mitchell said.
In addition to boosting Internet speeds for residential users, the technology could be incorporated into a variety of devices, from medical instruments to self-driving cars.
"Our team uses similar micro-combs for many other applications where we can take advantage of the combs to perform hundreds of measurements simultaneously," Mitchell said. "Beyond high-speed communications, we are currently working on using combs for applications in sensing, including spectroscopy, inertial sensing with potential applications in satellite positioning, ultra-fast analysis of radar signals and even systems for reading point of care biosensors."