DAILY NEWS Stream – January 08, 2025

Twenty-two wounded Ukrainian soldiers seek healing at Greece’s Mount Athos Orthodox Christian monasteries through four-day spiritual pilgrimage program (Reuters)

EU Commission President von der Leyen, 66, has “severe pneumonia” and will be out for two weeks (AP)

Mexico opens possibility of receiving non-Mexican migrants deported by the US under President Trump’s incoming plans (AP)

US tech billionaire Elon Musk calls for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation over rape gang scandal that has swept northern England. Mr. Musk says Starmer was complicit in covering up attacks on girls and young women as head of Crown Prosecution for 6 years, while his current Labour government refuses to investigate (WION)

President Trump ally Elon Musk asks Britain’s King Charles to dissolve Parliament and initiate a new election over Labour Party’s refusal to investigate England rape gangs (Newsweek)

US intensifies security for President Trump’s January 20, 2025 inauguration after New Year’s attacks in New Orleans [Louisiana] and Las Vegas [Nevada] raise terrorism concerns (HTV Tin Tức)

US: Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan offered to resign over botched Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, new report reveals. He initially resisted Biden’s plan to remove all troops, before giving in and “loyally” following his boss – which led to the death of 13 US servicemen and 170 Afghan civilians, the Taliban’s swift takeover, and ruined US credibility (Fox News)

Hà Nội [Vietnam] officials advise staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities due to the polluted air, now classified as “very unhealthy” (HTV)

UK: Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell faces resignation calls after twice reappointing a priest banned for sexual abuse to a senior role in Church of England; the Archbishop refuses to take responsibility, merely saying things “could have been handled differently” (The Independent)

Norway achieves 90% electric vehicle sales in 2024, leading global transition as Elon Musk’s Tesla dominates market with 19% share (Thanh Niên)

Nightclubs worldwide face closure as Gen Z rejects late-night party culture, instead embracing sobriety, fitness and old-fashioned hobbies (VnExpress; The Telegraph)

European Commission plans to ban PFAS “forever chemical” pesticides flufenacet and flutolanil to combat TFA [trifluoroacetic acid] water pollution across Europe (Smart Water Magazine)

China’s surge in HMPV [human metapneumovirus] respiratory infections affecting children is overwhelming hospitals, showing similar symptoms to COVID-19 but with lower severity and spread (Video AloBacsi)

India: States ramp up surveillance as first case of HMPV detected in Bengaluru (Livemint)

US health officials warn of “quad-demic” as respiratory illnesses surge, with rising cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV [respiratory syncytial virus], and norovirus affecting hospitals nationwide (Thanh Niên)

Victoria [Australia]: First summer case of Japanese encephalitis detected, prompting health alert as mosquito-borne virus circulates in northern regions (News.com.au)

Nigeria: Doctor urges national action on rabies prevention after treating three dog- mediated human cases, calling for stricter vaccination laws and improved public health measures (Nigerian Tribune)

Hair loss in women linked to improper hair care [over-straightening, curling, bleaching or dyeing], poor diet, tight hairstyles, incorrect washing techniques, and stress/lack of sleep, causing hormonal imbalances (VnExpress)

US government study finds 95% of fabric softener fragrances contain harmful petrochemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects and respiratory problems (Bác Sĩ Kế)

Doctor warns long-term use of seven medications can impair memory, increase dementia risk, and damage brain cells: 1) Anticholinergics [e.g. Omeprazole, Oxybutynin]; 2) Corticosteroids [e.g. Prednisone]; 3) Benzodiazepines [e.g. Xanax, Valium]; 4) First-generation antihistamines [e.g. Diphenhydramine]; 5) Tricyclic antidepressants [e.g. Amitriptyline]; 6) Statins [e.g. Atorvastatin, Simvastatin); and 7) Over-the-counter sleep aids [e.g. Unisom]. Consult your doctor about trying second-generation medications instead, or/and consider safer, natural alternatives like a healthy diet, exercise and regular meditation (Dr Phan Quang)

Vietnam: Alcohol directly causes over 7% of total annual deaths, with links to over 200 diseases and injuries, while contributing to violence and poverty (VietNamNet)

Doctor explains there’s no one pill to prevent or treat stroke. Treatment depends on the type of stroke, and early care is crucial. First aid, like keeping the airway clear and ensuring safety, is important. Moving a stroke victim without proper care can worsen the situation, especially in hemorrhagic strokes (HTV)

Sleep experts say weighted blankets may reduce anxiety through pressure, recommending 10% of body weight for adults seeking better rest (New York Post)

Japanese doctor reveals body’s natural healing powers can resolve 90% of illnesses through immune system response and self-repair mechanisms, supported through healthy lifestyle choices (KHỎE TỰ NHIÊN)

Research shows drinking hot water under 60°C offers health benefits including improved digestion, hydration, and cold symptom relief, while potentially reducing blood pressure (VnExpress)

Research shows foods often resemble body parts they nourish, promoting health through nature’s design. Examples include Walnuts: brain; Sweet potatoes: pancreas, Avocado: uterus; Tomato: heart; Ginger: stomach; Kidney beans: kidneys; Olives: ovaries; Sliced carrots: eyes; Ginseng: nerves; Celery: bones (baotintuc.vn)

US: Massive snowstorm threatens 60 million people across central and eastern states, with up to 61 centimeters snowfall and temperatures below -18°C (baotintuc.vn)

Global plastic pollution treaty fails at UN summit in Busan [South Korea], as negotiators plan additional round in spring or summer 2025 to resolve financing and monitoring issues (NBC)

Amazon rainforest suffered devastating drought, fires and deforestation in 2024, with worst fires since 2005 burning area larger than state of Iowa [US] (AP)

AI [artificial intelligence]- enhanced study warns most global regions will exceed 1.5°C warming by 2040 and several will reach 3°C by 2060, with South Asia and Mediterranean among those facing greatest risks (SciTechDaily)

Research shows if the world’s pet dogs transitioned to nutritious vegan diets, it would save 570 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions a year – much more than the UK emitted in 2023 – and liberate an area of land larger than Mexico for reforestation and farming, while feeding 450 million people per year with the calories saved (The Conversation)

Ecuador faces severe power crisis as climate change dries rivers, forcing up to 14-hour blackouts and threatening hydroelectric energy strategy (The New York Times)

Alaska [US]: Scientists rush to protect Indigenous artifacts at Unalaska archaeological site from storms and rising seas threatening coastal heritage (Boise State Public Radio)

Kenya’s prized coffee industry faces crisis as climate change brings erratic weather and diseases, while farmers struggle with low wages (BBC)

Antarctica’s thinning ice hampers scientific research as warming temperatures force changes in diving schedules and equipment deployment methods (BBC)

US: Polar vortex to bring record-breaking cold and winter storms in January 2025, threatening Southeast with temperatures below 0°F [-17.8°C] (Axios)

Indonesia records highest- ever average temperature of 27.5ºC in 2024, marking hottest year in nation’s history amid accelerated global warming (VTV24)

Indore [Madhya Pradesh, India] reports decline in migratory birds as climate change and human activity reduce duck and wader populations by 20% compared to 2023 (New Indian Express)

Chile’s ancient Helmeted Water Toad, surviving since dinosaur times, faces extinction threat from climate change and pollution affecting its habitat (Learning English)

Vietnam Airlines will use sustainable aviation fuel [SAF] for all flights ##departing from Europe starting January 2025. Beginning at 2% SAF usage, the airline aims to progressively increase to 70% by 2050, supporting Vietnam’s net-zero goals (Soha.vn)

Chicago [US]’s 411 city buildings run on 100% renewable energy from January 1, 2025, eliminating 290,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions yearly through major solar farm deal (Chicago Tribune)

Conservationists release 1,300 endangered Desertas Island snails on Bugio island near Madeira [with Portugal] after successful breeding program saves species from extinction (The Guardian)

Vũ Quang National Park [Hà Tĩnh, Vietnam] releases 90 rescued wildlife animals back to their natural habitat (Baohatinh.vn)

Google’s DeepMind AI [artificial intelligence] system GenCast predicts weather 15 days ahead with 99.8% accuracy, outperforming traditional forecasting methods through advanced data analysis (New York Post)

Mars’s Acidalia Planitia region shows potential for microbial life underground, with proper water, heat and energy conditions for methane-producing bacteria to thrive (New York Post)

Plane crash study finds rear seats are the safest, with 69% average survival rate versus 49% in the front, though commercial air travel is considered the safest mode of transport with the lowest chance of death (Baoquocte.vn)

China launches new generation of transport, including floating SUVs, high-speed monorails and drone taxis (Beyond Discovery)

Sierra Leone: Farming on Crutches initiative near Freetown trains 100 amputees in agriculture, helping restore confidence and independence to victims of civil conflict and accidents (Taipei Times)

Jahangirnagar University [Bangladesh] students rally for animal protection after puppy’s death by reckless driver, leading to a fine for animal welfare violation and calls for campus-wide protections (TBS Graduates)

UK: Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir says strengthening animal welfare is a top priority, with bills like Lucy’s Law introduced to ban third-party puppy sales and mandate cat microchipping (Love Ballymena)

Brazil to soon start issuing free pet ID cards with collar QR codes to address abandonment and track animal welfare (Agência Brasil)

Victoria [Canada]: Pedigree Foundation grants funding to local Humane Society, helping shelter dogs find homes and reduce length of shelter stays (Sooke News Mirror)

Athens [Georgia, US]: Veterinary pop-up clinic provides affordable pet care, helping prevent shelter overcrowding and supporting low-income pet owners (Grady Newsource)

US: Animal welfare group CAPS [Companion Animal Protection Society] investigates pet shops and puppy mills nationwide, helping pass retail bans and saving 280 shelter dogs (CAPS)

US: Wildlife Center of Virginia connects young student Wes with rescued owl Ozzy through letter-writing program culminating in face-to-face visit, fostering appreciation for wildlife rehabilitation (Wildlife Center of Virginia)

HCM CT [Vietnam]: Vegan restaurant Chị Cụ operates 24/7 with over 15 dishes, serving customers even after midnight (Duong KN Vlogs)

Six budget-friendly home transformation tips: 1) Rotate furniture; 2) Repurpose old items, like turning a wooden crate into a coffee table; 3) Swap room functions; 4) Add wall decor; 5) Change curtains with a fresh style; 6) Use separate decorative lights to create a cozy or welcoming atmosphere (Dân Trí)

Genius quote of the day: “There is no doubt that some plant food, such as oatmeal, is more economical than meat, and superior to it in regard to both mechanical and mental performance. Such food, moreover, taxes our digestive organs decidedly less, and, in making us more contented and sociable, produces an amount of good difficult to estimate.” – Nikola Tesla (vegetarian)