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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ’s parting shot — “history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media” — spoken in January 2014 at the last press conference he addressed before demitting office resonated on Thursday night as condolences poured in following his death, with many of his former Cabinet colleagues and UPA allies quoting his words, to say indeed it will. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin credited Dr. Singh for steering India’s economic transformation. “His tenure marked an era of steady growth, social progress, and reforms that improved the lives of millions.” Reflecting on the DMK’s steady presence in UPA, he said, that Dr. Singh’s partnership with M. Karunanidhi was instrumental in advancing Tamil Nadu’s development. “Even during turbulent times, Dr. #ManmohanSingh and Thalaivar Kalaignar stood together, exemplifying the strength of coalition politics built on trust and respect for regional identities,” Mr. Stalin said. Obituary | Manmohan Singh, gentleman politician who opened up India’s economy in 1991 West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee recounted her time in the Union Cabinet, when the two closely worked together. “His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged,” she said, adding that she will miss his stewardship and his affection. She was the Railway Minister between 2009 to 2011 in Dr. Singh’s Cabinet. Calling Dr. Singh the father of economic reforms in the country, former deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav said that the former Prime Minister presided over a historic period of unprecedented growth and development of the country. His “wisdom, patience, foresight, humility and dedication will always be remembered.” “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!” senior RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj K. Jha wrote on X. RJD stayed with the UPA for both the tenures and remains a key Congress ally. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said that Dr. Singh’s work from 1991 till 2014 will be remembered as a “golden chapter in the history of India”. “I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements,” he wrote in a post on X. Mr. Chidambaram further said that Dr. Singh’s story has not yet been fully told and his achievements have not been fully recorded. “I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr. Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution,” he said. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who has probably one of the longest associations with Dr. Singh among his former Cabinet colleagues, commended Dr. Singh’s “steely resolve” while remaining “soft spoken, sober and always dignified”. “His Prime Ministership saw revolutionary legislation relating to rural employment, tribal rights, reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs, primary education, food security, and land acquisition. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark that enhanced India’s global status. His Prime Ministership saw the highest GDP growth rate in the country’s history,” he said. Mr. Ramesh said, he practises the politics of dialogue, consensus, and accommodation even under difficult circumstances. Humility and integrity defined him. “Those who sought to besmirch him revealed their own true colours. Many of the initiatives he took as PM were marketed, branded, and projected as his successor’s contributions. But Dr. Singh never minded and would give his trademark smile,” he wrote on X. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Sharad Pawar called Mr. Singh a “global statesman” whose legacy will inspire generations to come. K.T. Rama Rao, working president of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) which was part of UPA-1, calling Dr. Singh a silent architect of modern India, a visionary, a true intellectual and a gracious human being, said, “history will indeed be kinder and grateful to you.” Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said that it was a humbling learning experience to work with Dr. Singh. Former Union Ministers and one of the youngest members of Dr. Singh’s cabinet, Sachin Pilot said that the former Prime Minister will always be remembered for his wisdom and invaluable contributions to India’s economic growth. The former colleagues who have now parted ways with Congress also spoke with affection. Union Minister Jitin Prasada, who switched from Congress to the BJP, said that the country has lost a “learned and sensitive” leader. “I consider myself fortunate that I had worked in close proximity with Manmohan Singh for a long time,” he wrote on X. Published - December 27, 2024 12:15 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit death / Indian National Congress

Hero worship for Luigi Mangione and Daniel Penny exposes America’s problem with vigilantesSokoto education budget above UNESCO benchmark – Commissioner

Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials following some underwhelming displays away from home, and the Gunners manager got exactly what he asked for. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. The Gunners had failed to win or score in their two away games in the competition so far this season, but they made a blistering start in the Portuguese capital and took the lead after only seven minutes. Declan Rice fed overlapping full-back Jurrien Timber, who curled a low cross in behind the home defence for Martinelli to finish at the far post. Arsenal doubled their lead in the 20th minute thanks to a glorious ball over the top from Thomas Partey. Saka escaped the clutches of his marker Maximiliano Araujo to beat the offside trap and poke the ball past advancing goalkeeper Franco Israel for Havertz to tap home. It was a scintillating first-half display which completely overshadowed the presence of Viktor Gyokeres in Sporting’s attack. The prolific Sweden striker, formerly of Coventry, has been turning the heads of Europe’s top clubs with his 24 goals in 17 games this season – including a hat-trick against Manchester City earlier this month. But the only time he got a sniff of a run at goal after an optimistic long ball, he was marshalled out of harm’s way by Gabriel. David Raya was forced into one save, tipping a fierce Geovany Quenda drive over the crossbar. But Arsenal added a third on the stroke of half-time, Gabriel charging in to head Rice’s corner into the back of the net. To rub salt in the wound, the Brazilian defender mimicked Gyokeres’ hands-over-his-face goal celebration. That may have wound Sporting up as they came out after the interval meaning business, and they pulled one back after Raya tipped Hidemasa Morita’s shot behind, with Goncalo Inacio netting at the near post from the corner. Former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards fired over, as did Gyokeres, with Arsenal temporarily on the back foot. But when Martin Odegaard’s darting run into the area was halted by Ousmane Diomande’s foul, Saka tucked away the penalty. Substitute Trossard added the fifth with eight minutes remaining, heading in the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was saved, and Gyokeres’ miserable night was summed up when his late shot crashed back off the post.The Ukrainian president said the use of a ballistic missile to hit Dnipro was a “clear and severe escalation in the scale and brutality of this war” and he warned that Russian president Mr Putin would attack or destabilise other countries unless stopped. Mr Putin said the use of the new weapon was in response to the UK and US allowing missiles they have supplied to Ukraine to be used to strike targets in Russia. “In response to the use of American and British long-range weapons on November 21 of this year, the Russian armed forces launched a combined strike on one of the facilities of the Ukrainian defence industry,” Mr Putin said in a televised address. “One of the newest Russian medium-range missile systems was tested in combat conditions, in this case, with a ballistic missile in a non-nuclear hypersonic warhead.” He added: “We consider ourselves entitled to use our weapons against military facilities of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities.” But Mr Zelensky urged world leaders – his “dear partners” – not to be cowed by Mr Putin’s actions otherwise there will be “endless Russian strikes” and “not just against Ukraine”. Today, Putin admitted to taking a second step this year toward escalating and expanding this war. A new ballistic missile was used. Putin struck our city of Dnipro, one of Ukraine’s largest cities. This is a clear and severe escalation in the scale and brutality of this war—a... — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 21, 2024 “A lack of tough reactions to Russia’s actions sends a message that such behavior is acceptable,” the Ukrainian president said on X, formerly Twitter. “This is what Putin is doing. Putin must feel the cost of his deranged ambitions. “Response is needed. Pressure is needed. Russia must be forced into real peace, which can only be achieved through strength. “Otherwise, there will be endless Russian strikes, threats, and destabilisation-not just against Ukraine.” The UK is believed to have allowed its Storm Shadow missiles to be used by Ukrainian forces within the Kursk region of Russia, while the US has given permission for its ATACMS weapons to be fired at targets in Mr Putin’s country. Mr Putin confirmed Russia has tested the new intermediate-range weapon in an attack on Dnipro in response. The US said the weapon was a new, experimental intermediate-range missile based on Russia’s existing RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. In Westminster, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “My understanding is that it is the first time that Russia has used a ballistic missile in Ukraine with a range of several thousand kilometres.” Defence Secretary John Healey said it was “yet another example of Putin’s recklessness”. He said: “Since the illegal invasion of Ukraine began, Russia has consistently and irresponsibly escalated the conflict while Ukraine continues to fight in self-defence for a democratic future.” The missile’s range far outstrips that of newly authorised US and British-supplied weapons, which can hit targets around 250-300km away. The distance from Moscow to London is around 2,500km, suggesting the range of the new missile could threaten the UK. Mr Healey said the UK knew Russia had been “preparing for months” to fire a new ballistic missile. Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence have repeatedly declined to comment publicly on Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow. “It risks both operational security and in the end the only one that benefits from such a public debate is President Putin,” Mr Healey told MPs. I had a meeting with the UK delegation led by Chief of the Defence Staff @AdmTonyRadakin_ . We discussed defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, focusing on developing and enhancing the technological capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Particular... pic.twitter.com/EcjqfTuR49 — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 21, 2024 The head of the UK’s armed forces, Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, met Mr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss the war on Thursday. Mr Zelensky said: “We discussed defence co-operation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, focusing on developing and enhancing the technological capabilities of the armed forces of Ukraine. “Particular attention was given to Ukraine’s current military needs and the continued support from our partners.”

Loáisiga guaranteed $5 million in 1-year deal with Yankees as he returns from Tommy John surgeryWILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 11, 2024-- ConnectOnCall.com , LLC provides a product (“ConnectOnCall”) that healthcare providers purchase to improve their after-hours call process and enhance communications between the providers and their patients. ConnectOnCall discovered an incident that involved personal information related to communications between patients and healthcare providers that use ConnectOnCall. On May 12, 2024, ConnectOnCall learned of an issue impacting ConnectOnCall and immediately began an investigation and took steps to secure the product and ensure the overall security of its environment. ConnectOnCall’s investigation revealed that between February 16, 2024, and May 12, 2024, an unknown third party had access to ConnectOnCall and certain data within the application, including certain information in provider-patient communications. ConnectOnCall engaged external cybersecurity specialists to determine the full nature and scope of the incident, identify any impacted information, and help it enhance its security controls to mitigate the risk of future security incidents. Also, after becoming aware of the incident, ConnectOnCall took the ConnectOnCall product offline and has been working through a phased restoration of the product in a new, more secure environment. ConnectOnCall also notified federal law enforcement of the incident. The personal information involved in this incident included information shared in communications between patients and their healthcare providers such as names and phone numbers, and may have also included medical record numbers, dates of birth, and information related to health conditions, treatments, or prescriptions. In a small number of cases, Social Security Numbers may have also been impacted. While ConnectOnCall is not aware of any misuse of personal information or harm to patients as a result of this incident, potentially impacted individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected identity theft or fraud to your health plan or insurer, or financial institution. ConnectOnCall mailed notice letters to all potentially impacted individuals for whom the healthcare providers had current mailing addresses on December 11, 2024. The notice letter includes information about the incident and provides an offer for identity and credit monitoring services through Kroll for the limited number of individuals whose Social Security numbers were impacted. Individuals seeking more information about this incident may call toll free to (866) 997-4596, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211221827/en/ Media Contact: media@connectoncall.com KEYWORD: DELAWARE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DATA MANAGEMENT HEALTH APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY TELEMEDICINE/VIRTUAL MEDICINE HEALTH TECHNOLOGY OTHER HEALTH SOURCE: ConnectOnCall.com , LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/11/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/11/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211221827/en

Instagram, Facebook And WhatsApp Back Up Again? Latest Update After Meta OutageALMOST a quarter of the 400-plus children who died in 2023 were known to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) , but most deaths were not attributable to child protection issues. Login or signup to continue reading Of the 409 registered deaths of children throughout NSW in 2023, 96 were known to the department because they, and/or their siblings had been reported as being at risk of significant harm during the three years leading up to their death, or they were in out-of-home care when they died. The three most common circumstances of those deaths were illness and disease, transport accidents, and sudden unexpected death in infancy. However, seven children died by suicide or suspected suicide and six babies known to the department died in circumstances related to their premature birth. Five children died from inflicted or suspicious injuries, including three infants. The circumstances of the deaths of six more children remain undetermined, according to details contained in the Child Deaths 2023 Annual Report tabled in Parliament shortly before Christmas. Physical abuse, domestic and family violence and physical neglect were the most frequently reported concerns for the children who died in 2023 and were known to DCJ. Most of the children who died in 2023 were reported for multiple types of harm, including, for 31 of those children, medical neglect, parental mental health, and the child's risk-taking behaviour. The report highlights that extreme disadvantage, whether due to poverty, past injustice, discrimination, trauma, lack of access to services, unemployment, homelessness or social isolation, are clearly linked to child abuse and neglect. "Often, families live with the impacts of problematic parents' substance abuse, unaddressed mental health issues, and domestic and family violence, all of which can place children at risk," the report says. Together those factors led to many of the risk of significant harm reports made about children in NSW. "Children in NSW with a child protection history have a higher mortality rate than those not reported to DCJ and account for a greater relative proportion of the children who die from certain causes in NSW," the report says. Of the 96 children who died in 2023, DCJ did a face-to-face assessment before their death for 53 families. The other families were not seen either because the child was in out-of-home care and there had been no reports since they entered care; a decision was not made before the child's death; the child and their family had been referred to a non-government service provider for support; or reports said support was already in place. In some cases, however, capacity issues prevented the allocation of a report. Of the 12 children who died in car accidents, aged between four and 17, there was evidence of risk-taking behaviour by the driver or passengers that was likely to have contributed to the accident in "many" of them, the report said. Those risks included driving at high speeds, dangerous driving, driving a stolen car, being chased by another car, or driving unlicensed or under-age. "For many of the children who died in a transport accident, their risk-taking behaviour had been reported to DCJ, and review had identified the need to work in collaboration with other services to understand the child's experiences and needs." Six of the children who died by suicide in 2023 were reported to DCJ regarding risk of harm issues including physical and sexual abuse, parental drug or alcohol abuse, poor mental health and domestic violence. Of the babies who died in circumstances related to extreme prematurity, it was difficult to draw links between a mother's drug use or experience of violence and a premature birth, the report said. However, those experiences were associated with poor pregnancy outcomes for vulnerable pregnant women. Charges had been laid over the deaths of three out of the five children who died from suspicious or inflicted injuries, while the other two remain under police investigation. The Minister for Families and Communities and Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington, said the report underscored the ongoing commitment of the government to reform the child protection system to better support the children and families it served. "The death of a child under any circumstance is heartbreaking and I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and communities who knew and loved these children," Ms Washington said. "Since coming into government we've been acting urgently to fix the broken child protection system we inherited. "Earlier this month, I released an important review into out-of-home care which offers an important roadmap for this reform. We've already found safe homes for over 800 children by hiring 200 emergency foster carers after the former government stopped recruiting." Other measures taken include banning the use of unauthorised emergency accommodation for vulnerable kids, such as hotels and motels, and increasing caseworker pay to attract and retain caseworkers. "But we know there's still more to do," Ms Washington said. The report outlines a number of other initiatives that have taken place or are underway, including a new 'system reform division' created within DCJ in 2024; and child protection helpline reforms to make it easier to identify and assess multiple reports about the same children. In 2024-25 the state government has budgeted to expand its role as a foster care provider, ramp up recruitment of urgently needed long-term foster carers, and increase government-delivered residential care. Community health & welfare, social justice, investigations, general news.Gabriel.Fowler@newcastleherald.com.au Community health & welfare, social justice, investigations, general news.Gabriel.Fowler@newcastleherald.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. 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Fresh daily!A Pakistani military court sentenced 60 civilians to 2–10 years in prison for attacks on military facilities after former prime minister Imran Khan's 2023 arrest, the military's media wing said yesterday. Those sentenced include a relative of Khan as well as two retired military officers. Days earlier, 25 others were sentenced on the same charges. Khan's arrest in May 2023 sparked countrywide protests that saw his supporters attack and ransack military installations in an unprecedented backlash against Pakistan's powerful army generals. The sentences have sparked concerns among Khan's supporters that military courts will play a more significant role in cases related to the former leader, who is facing multiple charges, including inciting attacks against the armed forces. The international community has also expressed concerns over the sentencing. The United States stated it is "deeply concerned" about the sentences, while the United Kingdom's foreign office noted that trying civilians in military courts "lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial". The European Union also criticised the sentences, saying they are "inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights". In a press conference on Wednesday, the information minister said the military court sentences do not infringe upon the right to a fair trial, as individuals are granted access to a lawyer, family, and still have the opportunity to appeal twice, both within the military court and civilian court, the relevant high court. Khan's supporters have denied any wrongdoing, and Khan himself claims that the cases against him are politically motivated. The military and government have denied any unfair treatment of Khan or his supporters. A Pakistani military court sentenced 60 civilians to 2–10 years in prison for attacks on military facilities after former prime minister Imran Khan's 2023 arrest, the military's media wing said yesterday. Those sentenced include a relative of Khan as well as two retired military officers. Days earlier, 25 others were sentenced on the same charges. Khan's arrest in May 2023 sparked countrywide protests that saw his supporters attack and ransack military installations in an unprecedented backlash against Pakistan's powerful army generals. The sentences have sparked concerns among Khan's supporters that military courts will play a more significant role in cases related to the former leader, who is facing multiple charges, including inciting attacks against the armed forces. The international community has also expressed concerns over the sentencing. The United States stated it is "deeply concerned" about the sentences, while the United Kingdom's foreign office noted that trying civilians in military courts "lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial". The European Union also criticised the sentences, saying they are "inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights". In a press conference on Wednesday, the information minister said the military court sentences do not infringe upon the right to a fair trial, as individuals are granted access to a lawyer, family, and still have the opportunity to appeal twice, both within the military court and civilian court, the relevant high court. Khan's supporters have denied any wrongdoing, and Khan himself claims that the cases against him are politically motivated. The military and government have denied any unfair treatment of Khan or his supporters.

For decades, scientists have been studying how the human body reacts to space and developing methods to counteract the worst of the effects. But if we want all of humanity to one day have access to space, then there’s a problem. The only people who have traditionally been studied in space are space agency astronauts, who are only a small subset of the population. They are selected specifically to be physically fit, without underlying health conditions, and to be of working age. They are also, historically — and to some extent, currently — overwhelmingly white men. This means that we still have very little idea what the effects of space flight might be on people with diabetes, for example, or heart conditions. That’s not to mention how factors like previous training play into how the human body handles space conditions. That’s why data from commercial crew members, or space tourists, could be valuable. Although space flights are enormously and prohibitively expensive for all except a lucky few, those who do go to space represent a potentially broader pool of space travelers who could reveal how space flight affects those from a range of backgrounds and with different health conditions. At Baylor College of Medicine’s Center for Space Medicine, an institute called TRISH (Translational Research Institute for Space Health) is aiming to make use of this broader pool, by collecting data from commercial space missions on the effects of space flight on human health. We spoke to Jimmy Wu, TRISH deputy director and chief engineer and assistant professor at Baylor, about the program and the potential for commercial missions to benefit humanity beyond the lucky few who can afford to travel to space. All data is good data Wu helps run a program called EXPAND (Enhancing eXploration Platforms and ANalog Definition), which is building a database of health information collected from participants in missions like SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn , Inspiration4 , and the three Axiom Space missions. Just recently, they also started working with Blue Origin, collecting data from the NS-28 New Shepard mission. Even though New Shepard missions are suborbital, meaning that they travel to the boundary of space rather than going into orbit, and are short missions of just around 10 minutes or so, Wu and his colleagues saw the opportunity to get more scientifically valuable data. “Even though it’s becoming more and more common, humans going into space, it’s still a fairly rare thing,” said Wu. “So, any opportunity that humans go into space, we don’t want to forsake a chance to be able to do some science on them.” The recent NS-28 mission participants were fitted with sensors that are attached to the chest, and that monitor vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature. An important feature of these sensors was that they had to be unobtrusive and easy to operate, particularly because the crew got so little time to experience space flight. “We’re very intentional about the devices that we use to collect the data. We want it to be as low-burden, unobtrusive, and passive as possible, so that the crew doesn’t have to interact with it. They can just enjoy the experience,” Wu explained. If someone only has 10 minutes to experience weightlessness, for example, they aren’t going to want to mess around with cables and devices and performing complex operations. “We’ve finally hit that inflection point where the technology has caught up,” Wu said. This allows them to collect high-quality data in a passive way that doesn’t require a skilled or trained technician to operate the sensor device. Space is bad for the body This points to another aspect of this research: it’s all optional. TRISH invites commercial crew members to participate, but they are entirely free to say no, whether that’s because of not wanting to deal with the hassle, or due to concerns about their medical privacy. Wu said that they have had people decline to participate in the studies, but for most crew members, the idea of being able to contribute to science is part of the appeal. There’s also a degree of personal risk involved in any space travel. There’s not just the danger of any launch or landing, but also the many unknowns that still exist around health in space. “We have very limited data of understanding how the body changes in space flight,” Wu said, so there is a degree of responsibility that the team feels in conveying those potential health risks to participants. “We want them to be aware that going to space is bad for the body,” Wu said. “I think a good Earth-based analogy would be, you don’t just go and summit Everest, right? You’ve got to do the due diligence to make sure that you’re safe and doing it right.” The range of health effects known from space flight include muscle atrophy and loss of bone mass (which must be mitigated with frequent exercise ), cardiovascular effects, and worsening eyesight. These affect astronauts who stay on the International Space Station for months at a time, for example, and the effects tend to recede once they return to Earth. But even a short trip to space of a few hours or a few days, like typical space tourism flights, could have health effects. At this early stage of understanding, space travel isn’t something that should be undertaken lightly. “We don’t want the misconception of going to space that it’s like you and I going on an airplane ride,” Wu said. A wider pool of people Part of the promise of this approach to research is that it can broaden the pool of people from whom we have data about health during spaceflight. The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, for example, included Hayley Arceneaux , a physician assistant and survivor of childhood bone cancer who uses a prosthetic leg. Arceneaux was the youngest American to travel to space at age 29, and the first person in space to use a prosthetic limb. Another recent commercial mission from Blue Origin included crew member Ed Dwight , the first Black U.S. astronaut candidate, who at age 90 became the oldest person to travel to space. Age is an interesting factor in space health, as it is not always the risk factor you might assume. In most cases, after childhood, people’s health declines as they get older and they become more susceptible to health conditions. But there are some conditions in space health in which older age can be a protective factor. Exposure to radiation is a major concern for deep space missions in particular, and there is evidence that being older can confer a protective benefit against its effects. “Being older,actually might be of benefit, particularly for radiation exposure,” Wu said. “So if you’re younger and you go into space, and you’re exposed, that damage that your body takes o,n you carry for the rest of your life.” This can include damage to the reproductive system, for example, which may be less of a concern for older adults who have already have a family and don’t plan on having more children. “So there could be benefits of going to space later, because you don’t have to worry about these other lifestyle risks,” Wu said. The diversity of human experience The point of this research isn’t only to figure out how wealthy tourists manage in space, but also to bring real benefits to people on Earth. Developing portable, easy to use medical monitoring technology with minimal power requirements is important for making health care accessible in remote or underserved places on Earth as well as in space, and Wu said he personally is driven by a desire to improve health care equity for everyone, not just those with means. But with commercial missions still being so expensive, is the pool of commercial fliers really more diverse than that of space agency astronauts? “I think it’s still too early to see that,” Wu said, given the still small number of people who have flown on commercial missions in the last few years, “but I think we can kind of eyeball and start seeing those trends that are going in the desirable direction.” The Polaris Dawn mission, for example, included two men and two women, an unusual example of gender parity in space missions. And commercial missions have included historical firsts, such as when Sian Proctor became the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft in the Inspiration4 mission. As well as gender and racial diversity, and a wider range of ages, Wu pointed out that there is also interest in seeing how people from different career backgrounds fare in space. Most space agency astronauts are from military, science, or engineering backgrounds. But commercial crew members could be businesspeople, politicians, educators, or artists. “Are we going to do more than just science and exploration that we’ve historically have done with human spaceflight?” Wu wondered. “Are we starting to create art in space? To create culture in space? These things that are very human.” And before anyone can thrive in space, fundamentally, they have to be healthy. Health in space isn’t just a research interest, but a basic requirement for all other activities there. “We just need more and more people in space,” Wu said, “because we’ve got to understand the wide breadth of human existence and experience.”Originally from Tennessee, Cunha, 36, moved to Annapolis as an United States Naval Academy midshipman and graduated in 2011.