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US Adults Prefer Cannabis Over Tobacco, Says Gallup

Cannabis Overtakes Tobacco: Increased Marijuana Usage Among US Adults

Recent findings from a Gallup poll indicate a transition in the smoking preferences of adults in America. The data shows that 15% of participants reported smoking marijuana, which is higher than the 11% who confessed using tobacco cigarettes in the previous week.

Gallup noted a 1% increase from the past two-year average, tagging it as “aligned with the growth trend seen in recent years.” The information collected ranged from 2023 to 2024, highlighting noticeable demographic differences.

Unpacking the Gallup Poll Data

The survey results show that men (17%) were more prone than women (11%) to smoke marijuana, with young adults in the age bracket of 18-34 years showing the highest inclination to use cannabis (19%). The age category of 35 to 54 was not far behind with an 18% inclination, while those aged 55 and above indicated a 10% inclination.

The survey also illuminated significant discrepancies in the use rates based on political party association. Among Democrats, 23% admitted to smoking marijuana, more than double the 10% rate among Republicans. Independents showed a 14% rate.

Geographically, the West reported the highest marijuana usage at 19%, marginally more than the East and Midwest (16% each), and significantly higher than the South (11%). This could reflect both cultural nuances and diverse legal environments surrounding marijuana.

The overall pattern of U.S. adults smoking marijuana has surpassed double the initial 2013 report. For statistical validity, Gallup displayed the findings in two-year averages and also explored alternate forms of cannabis usage such as via vape, edibles, and THC beverages.

When Gallup quizzed about past marijuana trials, 47% of U.S. adults confessed to having used the substance at least once.

Simultaneously, tobacco cigarette consumption has consistently diminished over recent years and has now fallen to a historic 80-year low, according to Gallup. The majority of e-cigarette users are found to be young adults in the 18-39 year-old bracket.

Interestingly, usage rates for both marijuana and tobacco are less than America’s alcohol consumption rate, which currently stands at 58%.

In Gallup’s most recent data, a robust 68% of respondents supported legalization of marijuana. The upsurge in routine cannabis use coincides with an increase in the number of states reversing marijuana prohibition, however, a direct causal relationship is yet to be determined.

The national rate of marijuana use seems to reflect policy alterations– a reduced usage during periods of increased restrictions and a surge in lenient times. Interestingly, usage rates among older adults are predicted to continue to rise as more states legalize marijuana. On the other side, the percentage of teens admitting to cannabis usage has reduced from 39.9% in 2011 to 27.8% in 2021.

Unique Turtle Genetics Sheds Light on Evolution

Unraveling Turtle Genetics

A recent investigation has uncovered extraordinary genotypic constructions within turtles, shedding new light on their distinctive evolutionary journey and survival capabilities. This pioneering research suggests that the genetic framework of turtles contains unique elements that have not been observed in any other animal species thus far. This discovery could potentially unravel numerous mysteries surrounding the evolutionary processes and offer new avenues for biomedical research.

Unraveling Turtle Genetics

A study conducted by Nicole Valenzuela, a professor of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology at Iowa State University, has brought to light stark contrasts in the genomic organization of turtles when juxtaposed with other species. Valenzuela points out that the spatial configuration of chromatin within the nucleus is crucial for gene regulation. This refers to how DNA wraps around chromatin during cell replication and how it influences gene activation or suppression through its subsequent folding and looping patterns.

In their examination of the spiny softshell turtle and the northern giant musk turtle, researchers identified an uncommon pattern where centromeres and telomeres of chromosomes are positioned in unusually close quarters. This phenomenon may provide clues to the original genetic architecture of amniotes, the group from which present-day mammals, birds, and reptiles have emerged.

Implications for Medicine and Wildlife Conservation

Gleaning a deep understanding of how turtles withstand harsh environmental stresses, such as extended anoxic conditions or severe cold, can be pivotal for advancements in medical treatments related to stroke and the cryogenic storage of human cells. Valenzuela suggests that by reconstructing the evolutionary modifications undergone by these resilient creatures, insights into how chromosomal folding influences certain phenotypes can be gained.

Furthermore, this genomic knowledge aids conservation efforts by illuminating adaptive mechanisms turtles may have developed to cope with ecological pressures.

Future Directions in Turtle Genomic Studies

The Iowa State University research team is set to extend their work to other turtle species and perform comparative analyses with the chromatin structures of different reptilian classes. They are also poised to apply sophisticated mapping methodologies to obtain detailed information on how turtles’ chromatin arrangements evolve with environmental dynamics and over time.

These explorations stand to deepen our understanding of turtle genomic intricacies, elucidating how they contribute to our broader comprehension of vertebrate evolutionary history and add crucial insights for scientific and ecological preservation efforts.

Enhancing Global Health and Education for Prosperity

Coalitions across the globe are working tirelessly to ensure high-quality education and health for every individual, regardless of their age.

The World Health Organization defines health as a state of comprehensive physical, mental, and social wellness – going beyond simply the absence of disease. The task of managing global health has become a pressing concern, particularly in light of globalization and climate change.

Historically, progress in health and longevity has been attributed more to improved living conditions, proper nutrition, and natural healing powers than to advancements in disease treatment. The contemporary discourse is centred around harnessing this knowledge to pave the way for a prosperous and healthy future for everyone.

In the field of education, the primary goal is to prepare younger generations for a successful transition into adulthood. The dynamic nature of the 21st-century world necessitates an education system that adapts and caters to the evolving needs of the students.

Promoting Autonomous Learning Amid Mounting Challenges

Imagine a medical treatment that could reduce blood pressure, mitigate the risk of heart disease and cancer, boost immune function and alleviate pain, all while being safe, affordable and readily available. Pleasant side effects of this treatment include feelings of contentment, self-assurance and overall happiness.

In “The Rebirth of a Great American School System and a Strategy for America’s Schools”, David L. Kirp investigates whether schools are adequately preparing students for a fulfilling future and proposes strategies for improving weak areas. Considering the current crisis in American education, he reviews four school districts where positive change has transpired.

Education’s potential cannot be underestimated; perhaps a young girl from an African village could discover a cure for cancer, or a fisherman’s son from New Guinea might hold the key to sustain marine health. Integrating smart use of technology with superior teaching methods holds the potential to nurture students equipped for self-guided learning, profound comprehension, and innovative problem-solving.

Studies from Oxfam to the World Economic Forum in 2019-2020 underlined that wealth disparity was impeding poverty eradication and gender equality advancements. The report paraphrased, “Inequality isn’t an inevitable political outcome. Concrete actions can be implemented to diminish it.”

US Maternal Mortality Rates and Wealth Disparity

The US has alarmingly the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, with hazardous complications for new mothers having doubled in the last twenty years. How to tackle this concerning trend is a dilemma that warrants further exploration.

Academic Scott Pelley stressed that earning a college degree proves to be the most effective way to lessen the wealth divide. Institutions like Princeton are initiating efforts to bolster accessibility through affirmative action for low-income status students.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Finally, The OECD, established in 1961 and based in Paris, offers a platform for member nations to exchange experiences, address common problems, and advocate policies that augment economic and social welfare worldwide. Through OECD Watch, the organization strives to ensure that corporates contribute to sustainable growth and poverty elimination.

Breakthrough in Stem Cell Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders

A collaborative team of global researchers led by Duke-NUS Medical School has achieved a milestone in the field of stem cell science, potentially altering the therapeutic landscape for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Their ground-breaking research has unlocked a method for stimulating inactive neural stem cells in the brain, a vital advance for repairing and regenerating brain tissue.

Neural stem cells are responsible for producing the brain’s principal active cells and usually enter a dormant state to conserve energy until they are required, such as in response to injury or during strenuous physical activity.

Stem Cell Activation through SUMOylation Process

Published in Nature Communications, the researchers have divulged the crucial role of a set of proteins in reactivating these latent neural stem cells via a mechanism known as SUMOylation. This process involves the attachment of a small protein, SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier), to other cell proteins, altering their behavior or functionality. SUMOylation is critical for motivating neural stem cells to come out of dormancy, proliferate, and generate new neurons that are essential for healthy brain activity.

Lacking these SUMO proteins can lead to dire consequences. When studying fruit flies absent of these proteins, the researchers found evidence of a condition similar to microcephaly, with the flies exhibiting notably small brains, confirming the significant role of SUMO in brain evolution.

Dr. Gao Yang, Duke-NUS’s first author of the study, highlighted, “For the first time, we’ve shown that the SUMO protein group is indeed consequential in the reawakening of neural stem cells and their contribution to brain development.” He further mentioned that in the absence of these proteins, the processes underlying normal neural development are disrupted.

In addition, the research demonstrated the effect SUMOylation has on the Hippo signalling pathway, a crucial regulator for cell proliferation and neural stem cell reactivation. Through SUMOylation, a key protein within this pathway, Warts, normally known for limiting cell growth, becomes inhibited, allowing for the expansion and division of neural stem cells.

Professor Wang Hongyan, the study’s lead investigator, conveyed the significance of the findings for human health, given the conservation of SUMO proteins and the Hippo pathway across biological species.

Professor Patrick Tan from Duke-NUS also reflected on the implications of the study for developing novel regenerative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders and conditions such as microcephaly, stating, “With ongoing research, we are making strides towards discovering innovative treatments that could vastly enhance the lives of those affected by these conditions.”

Innovations and Future Developments

This breakthrough sets the stage for new modalities in repairing brain injuries and formulating therapies for neurodegenerative illnesses. The research group is actively building on their discoveries with the aim of transitioning their findings into tangible clinical treatments.

Unveiling the Headspin Hole Condition in Breakdancers

Headspin Hole: A Peculiar Affliction Pinpointed Among Breakdancers

Health experts have pinpointed a peculiar health condition that seems to afflict breakdancers, termed “headspin hole” owing to the distinct dance maneuvers they perform. This ailment, otherwise referred to as “breakdancer bulge,” leads to the development of a cone-like swelling on the scalp emerging from frequent head-spinning activities, a staple in breakdancing routines.

A Case Study and Symptoms

A 2024 case study documents a breakdancer who, after a 19-year stint in breakdancing, exhibited symptoms of this notable condition. Alongside the noticeable swelling, individuals may undergo hair thinning and sporadic discomfort. The study illustrates that “around 30 percent of breakdancers exhibit scalp hair loss and inflammation due to continuous head-spinning,” indicating the commonality of this condition amongst the breakdancing population.

The Bodily Defense Mechanism

Titled “Headspin Hole” and associated injuries in breakdancing are understood to be a bodily defense mechanism, where the epicranial aponeurosis, a strong connective tissue layer, becomes denser, together with the superficial fatty layer, in an effort to safeguard the cranial bones against the strain incurred by the intense dancing technique. “This bodily reaction is somewhat akin to how callouses develop on hands and feet, offering a buffer to disperse pressure and shield the deeper tissue from harm,” elucidates the case study.

Injury and Recovery: A Breakdancing Perspective

Nevertheless, the headspin hole isn’t the gravest wound encountered in breakdancing. Common injuries extend from the wrists to feet, with maneuvers such as “windmill” and “backspin” potentially leading to inflammatory conditions like bursitis. Some extreme incidents have seen dancers endure a broken neck but were lucky enough to dodge significant adverse outcomes. Ukrainian breakdancer Anna Ponomarenko suffered from nerve compression leading to paralysis; however, her subsequent recovery led to her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting the extraordinary dangers and tenacity of breakdancers.

Advocacy for Safety Gear in Breakdancing

Advocating for the utilization of safety gear, akin to other athletic activities, has shown promise in diminishing the frequency of injuries in breakdancing. Despite the inherent perils, the community remains devoted to evolving the dance form while also taking measures to curb the potential health issues through improved safety protocols.

Not Exclusive to Breakdancers

Of note as well, while breakdancers have been recognized for their cone-like head formations, they aren’t the only group to experience this; some newborns exhibit this trait due to the skull getting reshaped during childbirth or following certain medical procedures, like vacuum extraction. However, such conditions in newborns typically resolve with time or can be corrected medically if necessary.

The original insights into the peculiar health manifestations found in breakdancing are shared by Adam Taylor, Professor and Director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre at Lancaster University, drawing from a conversation published with The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Taylor’s examination of these distinct health phenomena shines light on the fascinating intersection of art, sport, and health within the energetic and physically demanding realm of breakdancing.