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AI Breakthrough Could Enable At-Home Pneumonia Diagnosis Through Cough Sounds

AI Breakthrough Could Enable At-Home Pneumonia Diagnosis Through Cough Sounds

Scientists unveil a new AI technology that can detect pneumonia based on the sound of a cough, potentially reducing healthcare costs and empowering self-diagnosis.

A new artificial intelligence-driven technology has been developed that can diagnose pneumonia by analysing the sound of a person’s cough. This breakthrough, if implemented on a large scale, could allow individuals to identify the illness without visiting a doctor, with the added benefit of potentially reducing NHS costs.

The AI system works by interpreting the acoustic characteristics of a cough, assessing whether the sound indicates the presence of the deadly respiratory condition. To accommodate variations in rooms and recording devices, the technology is equipped with room impulse responses, which measure how sound frequencies interact with different environments.

By combining these impulse responses with recorded cough sounds, the algorithm can function effectively in diverse settings. There are already plans to roll out this technology, enabling patients to be monitored in their homes. The development of an app for home-based social care is also underway.

Jin Yong Jeon, a researcher from Hanyang University in South Korea, explained: “The automatic diagnosis of health conditions through everyday cough sounds will facilitate remote treatment, reducing the need for in-person visits. It will also lower medical costs.”

Pneumonia is a significant health concern, affecting approximately eight in every 100,000 people in the UK each year, with particularly severe consequences for the elderly and young children. Early detection is crucial for the best chance of recovery.

Current diagnostic methods involve blood tests and chest scans, with doctors needing to suspect pneumonia before treatment can begin. These findings were shared at the 183rd meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in Nashville, Tennessee.

Oxford Dictionaries Announces 2022’s Most Significant Word

Oxford Dictionaries Announces 2022’s Most Significant Word

The term that captured the spirit of 2022, gaining cultural relevance, is unveiled.

Oxford University Press has disclosed the word selected as the 2022 Word of the Year, chosen based on its prominence and cultural relevance throughout the past year.

The Word of the Year is defined as a word or phrase that encapsulates the prevailing attitudes, concerns, or themes of the year, with the potential to hold lasting cultural importance. Oxford’s editors monitor language trends, paying attention to the frequency with which new terms are used across various platforms.

In recent years, words such as “vax,” “climate emergency,” and “toxic” have been chosen for their widespread impact. This year’s selected word first gained attention on Twitter back in 2009 but experienced a surge in popularity in early 2022.

The editors’ decision highlights how language evolves in response to societal changes, with the chosen term reflecting the mood and issues that shaped the year.

For updates and more information, you can subscribe to the Oxford newsletter.

Coroner Apologises for Long Delay in Shoreham Airshow Inquest

Coroner Apologises for Long Delay in Shoreham Airshow Inquest

Families of victims express relief and frustration after seven-year wait for closure on tragic 2015 crash.

A senior coroner has issued a formal apology to the families of the 11 men who tragically lost their lives in the Shoreham Airshow disaster, acknowledging the prolonged seven-year delay in starting the inquest into their deaths.

Penelope Schofield, the senior coroner for West Sussex, expressed her “deepest regret” over the extended wait for the inquests, highlighting how the families’ pain had been further compounded by the delays. The 2015 disaster, when a Hawker Hunter aircraft crashed onto the A27 during an aerobatic display, resulted in the deaths of 11 men and injuries to 13 others.

The victims, many of whom were either attending the airshow or travelling on the A27, were caught in the devastating crash at approximately 1.32pm on August 22. The pilot, Andrew Hill, was charged with 11 counts of manslaughter but was found not guilty in 2019, despite his inability to recall the events of the crash.

The inquest was initially opened in 2015 but was delayed first due to the criminal trial and later by the COVID-19 pandemic. A full inquest finally resumed in 2023, but the coroner stated that the inquest would not re-investigate the crash itself, as evidence had already been presented by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

During the inquest’s opening session, Ms Schofield described the “horrific circumstances” of the disaster, expressing her sorrow over the protracted legal process. She also apologised to the families, acknowledging the immense emotional toll caused by the lengthy delay.

The victims were remembered in tributes from their families, with emotional speeches highlighting their individual personalities and the profound grief caused by their loss. Among the victims were 72-year-old James Mallinson, a passionate photographer, and 23-year-old footballer Matthew Grimstone, who had been travelling with his friend Jacob Schilt to a football game when the crash occurred.

The families of the victims have waited for justice and answers for over seven years, with some seeking closure and hoping the findings will contribute to safer airshow practices in the future.

Law firm Stewarts, representing seven of the families, expressed hope that the inquest would finally bring clarity on the incident, though they acknowledged that no legal conclusion could ever replace the lives lost.

The inquest continues as further testimony is heard, with the families of the victims anxiously awaiting final conclusions.

Jiang Zemin, Former Chinese President, Passes Away at 96

Jiang Zemin, Former Chinese President, Passes Away at 96

The ex-leader who steered China through monumental changes has died in Shanghai following a prolonged illness.

Jiang Zemin, who led China through an era of substantial economic growth and political change, has passed away at the age of 96. According to state media, he died in Shanghai on Wednesday after a battle with leukaemia and multiple organ failure.

His death comes amid widespread protests within China, which has led to political unrest reminiscent of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations. The Communist Party expressed its sorrow, calling Jiang’s death an “incalculable loss” to the nation, its military, and people from all walks of life.

Jiang rose to power in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests, assuming leadership in 1989. Though initially viewed by some as a transitional figure, his leadership saw the Communist Party consolidate its grip on power and China’s remarkable economic rise.

His tenure, from 1993 to 2003 as President and from 1989 to 2002 as the Party’s General Secretary, was marked by landmark events such as the 1997 peaceful handover of Hong Kong and China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation in 2001. Despite his achievements, Jiang was criticised for his government’s harsh response to the Falun Gong movement and his firm stance on Taiwan.

Jiang’s political ideology, the “Three Represents,” sought to modernise the Communist Party, allowing it to evolve with China’s growing economy. His time in power is often seen as a period of relative political and social tolerance compared to the stricter regimes that followed, with some noting that his leadership seemed more liberal in comparison to his successors.

He continued to hold significant influence even after stepping down, often overshadowing his successor, Hu Jintao.

Born in Yangzhou, Jiang was raised in a family with deep ties to the Communist Party. His personal life was marked by his marriage in 1949 and the birth of two sons, both of whom have made their mark in academia and science.

Known for his vibrant personality, Jiang was also recognised for his fondness for Western culture, particularly Hollywood films, and was famous for singing Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” on occasion. Over time, younger generations affectionately dubbed him “toad” in reference to viral memes that compared his distinctive glasses to the appearance of the amphibian, though his critics were less kind, often dismissing him as a mere “flowerpot” in political circles.

Australia Triumphs Over Denmark with Leckie’s Goal, Secures World Cup Knockout Stage Spot

Australia Triumphs Over Denmark with Leckie’s Goal, Secures World Cup Knockout Stage Spot

Mathew Leckie’s second-half strike propels Australia to a 1-0 victory, ensuring a place in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

Australia made history by securing a place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2006, defeating Denmark 1-0 in their final group match. The winning goal came in the 60th minute from Mathew Leckie, who capitalised on a pass just outside the centre circle. Leckie deftly dribbled past a Danish defender before launching a powerful left-footed shot that found the net, sending goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel diving in vain.

This victory marked a milestone for Australia, who finished Group D with six points, advancing to the Round of 16 for the second time in their World Cup history.

Denmark, who had reached the semifinals of the 2020 European Championship, had high expectations heading into the tournament but struggled to make an impact. After a goalless draw with Tunisia in their opening match, they fought hard but fell 2-1 to France. Despite dominating possession and pushing forward against Australia, they failed to break down the Socceroos’ resilient defence.

The result left Denmark disappointed, while Australia celebrated a historic achievement as they now look ahead to their next challenge in the knockout rounds.

The Patient Review: Disney Plus Series Turns a Familiar Thriller Concept into a Compelling Character Study

The Patient Review: Disney Plus Series Turns a Familiar Thriller Concept into a Compelling Character Study

A serial killer kidnaps his therapist in this thoughtful and intriguing 10-part drama that avoids typical thriller tropes.

Disney Plus’s new series The Patient takes a well-worn serial killer narrative and twists it into something much more engaging and unconventional. While the premise of a murderer seeking therapy to fight his deadly urges could have easily fallen into familiar thriller territory, this series challenges expectations and delivers a smart, character-driven story.

Domhnall Gleeson stars as Sam, a serial killer known to the authorities as the John Doe killer. In an attempt to curb his compulsions, he seeks therapy with Dr. Alan Strauss (played by Steve Carell), a recently widowed psychotherapist. However, Sam is too terrified of being caught to be open, so he takes extreme measures and kidnaps Alan, locking him in his basement for a prolonged, one-on-one session.

The tension between Sam and Alan forms the crux of the show, which becomes a psychological battle where both men attempt to navigate Sam’s violent impulses and Alan’s struggle to manage the situation. The atmosphere is sometimes absurd, but The Patient makes up for this by diving into the complex minds of its characters.

One of the more unexpected aspects of the show is Sam’s relationship with his overbearing mother, Candace (Linda Emond), who, despite knowing about her son’s dark secret, supports his decision to pursue therapy. Sam’s initial resistance to the process is rooted in a dismissal of psychological introspection, but the show balances this with more serious themes, such as Alan’s own family struggles.

While The Patient could easily have descended into a series of near-escapes and wild chases, it instead opts for a quieter, more reflective approach. Alan’s captivity is marked not just by tension but also by rumination on his Jewish identity and strained family dynamics, particularly with his son, Ezra (Andrew Leeds), who converted to orthodox Judaism and became estranged from Alan during his wife’s final years. These deeper themes, combined with Alan’s paranoia and disturbing visions of the Holocaust, give the series a haunting, meditative quality.

However, the show falters in its portrayal of Sam. Gleeson’s performance, though gentle and enigmatic, fails to fully imbue the character with the charisma necessary to make him captivating. Sam comes across as somewhat bland—eating takeaways, sipping massive coffees, and listening to country music. While the show avoids the trap of making Sam an overtly dramatic or morally ambiguous figure, his character feels a bit underdeveloped, especially in comparison to Alan’s much richer storyline.

Nevertheless, The Patient is an intelligent and absorbing watch. With Steve Carell’s strong performance grounding the show, the series takes an unconventional path for a thriller, leaning more into character studies and philosophical musings than typical plot-driven suspense. While some might see this as a missed opportunity to explore the darker side of its premise, the show ultimately proves that a killer concept doesn’t need to be exploited through cheap thrills—it can be turned into something more thoughtful and complex.

Woman Who Lost Both Legs to Blood Clot Takes On Skydive Challenge to Fund Home Renovations

Woman Who Lost Both Legs to Blood Clot Takes On Skydive Challenge to Fund Home Renovations

Jo Spencer, 55, faces the aftermath of a life-changing health condition and raises £25,000 for crucial home adaptations through daring skydive.

Jo Spencer, a 55-year-old from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has become a symbol of resilience after losing both her legs due to a rare and severe blood clot. In a bid to regain her independence, she took part in a tandem skydive, raising £25,000 for necessary home renovations.

In May 2020, Jo was in good health when she noticed the toes on her left foot turning black and blue. After consulting her doctors, she quickly realised the severity of the situation. “I just knew from the moment I saw my foot, I was going to lose it,” she shared. Her fears were confirmed when doctors amputated her left leg below the knee. But the ordeal didn’t end there.

Just hours after the surgery, Jo began feeling excruciating pain in her right leg, and the situation soon escalated. “I thought it was just sciatica,” she recalled, “but my right leg was going cold, and I lost my pulse.” Surgeons rushed her back to the operating theatre, but despite their efforts, the condition of her right leg worsened, forcing them to amputate it as well.

“The whole experience was a blur due to pain medication,” Jo explained. “When I woke up, I had no idea what had happened. It was only when I saw my husband that I understood the full extent of it.”

Following the amputations, Jo and her husband David, 54, began fundraising to help make essential modifications to their home. Jo’s goal was simple: to create a living space where she could live independently and safely. Since then, the couple has raised £25,000, but further fundraising efforts are still ongoing to complete the renovations, which are expected to cost £140,000.

“I have to be carried up the stairs to bed every night,” Jo said, highlighting the urgency of the renovation work. “These changes are vital for my independence, so I can do things like everyone else without needing help.”

As part of her journey to regain her independence, Jo decided to take on a tandem skydive. She had always wanted to skydive, and with her son Ben planning his own jump for his 21st birthday, Jo decided to do it too and raise funds for her home project. After securing approval from a medical examiner (despite initial refusal from her GP), Jo jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet on November 12, 2022.

“I was terrified at first,” Jo admitted, “but when the plane door opened, I knew I had to do it.” The thrill of the jump was indescribable. “We were falling at 120mph, and it was just incredible,” she said. “When the parachute deployed, everything calmed down, and it was so peaceful. Floating in the air was an amazing feeling.”

Jo’s journey has not stopped with skydiving. She’s also taken up scuba diving, conquering her fear of sharks and the underwater world. “I’ve always loved swimming, but the thought of sharks terrified me. Now I’m thinking about pursuing my PADI open water qualification,” she said.

The family’s fundraising efforts are far from over, with renovations scheduled to begin in January 2023. Jo remains optimistic despite the challenges, grateful for the support they’ve received so far. “We’ve come a long way, and the support has been overwhelming,” she said. “In the end, it’s all about having a home where I can be independent again.”

Fashion Enthusiast Destroys £2,300 of Balenciaga Apparel in Protest Against Controversial Ad Campaign

Fashion Enthusiast Destroys £2,300 of Balenciaga Apparel in Protest Against Controversial Ad Campaign

Chloe Hennessey films herself cutting up designer clothes in response to backlash over children’s teddy bear photoshoot scandal.

Chloe Hennessey, a 27-year-old aesthetics practitioner from East London, has destroyed nearly £2,300 worth of Balenciaga merchandise in protest of the brand’s controversial ad campaign involving children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage-style accessories.

In a video she shared online, Hennessey filmed herself cutting up a Balenciaga hoodie valued at £600, along with a T-shirt, sunglasses, and a pair of trainers, bringing the total value of the discarded items to approximately £1,700.

Hennessey’s decision to part with her luxury clothes came after the Spanish fashion brand faced widespread backlash over two advertising campaigns. One of the ads featured children clutching teddy bear purses adorned with BDSM-inspired items, while another displayed disturbing Supreme Court documents related to child sex images. Balenciaga quickly removed the ads and apologised for the inappropriate content.

The fashion house has also taken legal action against the production company North Six, which helped create the campaigns.

Hennessey’s protest was sparked after she posted a video on TikTok wearing a pair of Balenciaga glasses worth £705. Following negative comments, she researched the brand’s controversy and was disgusted by what she found. She then made the decision to purge her wardrobe of all Balenciaga items and vowed to never support the brand again.

The 27-year-old has joined a growing movement of social media users and influencers who have condemned Balenciaga for its involvement in what many view as the sexualisation of children.

“I’ve always loved Balenciaga and it used to be my favourite brand,” Hennessey explained. “But after seeing what had happened, I couldn’t in good conscience continue to support them. It’s not about the money, it’s about making a stand.”

Chloe added that she considered donating her clothes but ultimately decided against it, fearing that someone else would wear them and promote the brand.

Although the action was financially painful for her, she feels it was an important gesture. “I’m not rich, but taking a stand is far more important,” Hennessey said.

Ellie Taylor Reflects on Her Dancing Journey After Strictly Exit

Ellie Taylor Reflects on Her Dancing Journey After Strictly Exit

The actress admits disbelief at her ability to perform on TV following her recent Strictly Come Dancing departure.

Ellie Taylor has shared her surprise at having performed 10 live routines on television, revealing that she had always believed she could not dance until her time on Strictly Come Dancing. The 38-year-old actress, best known for her role in Ted Lasso, was the ninth celebrity to be eliminated from the popular dance competition on Sunday after a dance-off against singer and DJ Fleur East.

Appearing on Monday’s It Takes Two, Taylor became emotional as she looked back on her Strictly journey. Reflecting on her performances, she expressed amazement at how far she had come. “I’ve told myself all my life that I couldn’t dance, and now I’ve done 10 dances live on television—it’s just incredible,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

Taylor performed a Thelma & Louise-themed jive with her professional partner Johannes Radebe during Saturday’s live show to Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl. Despite their enthusiasm, the judges were not impressed, awarding them a score of 25. After performing the routine again in the results show, the judges chose to save East and her partner Vito Coppola, sending Taylor and Radebe home.

Taylor admitted that while she enjoyed the jive, she found it technically challenging. “I felt all over the place. Maybe it was the nerves or too many steps to remember,” she said. Despite the difficulties, she described the dance-off as an improvement over their initial performance and expressed pride in how they handled the situation.

This marked Taylor’s first time in the bottom two, though she admitted she was often more surprised to stay safe than to be at risk of elimination.

Radebe also praised Taylor’s progress throughout the competition, noting how much faster she had picked up the steps each week and how much more she enjoyed rehearsals. “The best part of this season for me was working with Ellie,” he said.

When asked who she hoped would win the competition, Taylor expressed her support for TV presenter Helen Skelton. “Helen has worked so hard, and she’s really blossomed—I’d love to see her win,” Taylor said, referring to their close friendship.

Kim Kardashian Reassesses Balenciaga Partnership Amid Controversial Ad Campaign

Kim Kardashian Reassesses Balenciaga Partnership Amid Controversial Ad Campaign

Reality star expresses shock over campaign images and demands accountability from fashion house.

Kim Kardashian has announced she is “re-evaluating” her relationship with luxury fashion brand Balenciaga following widespread backlash over a controversial ad campaign. The reality TV star, 42, voiced her shock, stating she was “shaken by the disturbing images” used in the recent campaign, which depicted young children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage-style attire.

The campaign, which quickly gained attention online, was removed by Balenciaga, and the company issued an apology through its Instagram account, addressing the offence caused by the images. The ads featured children clutching stuffed animals dressed in leather and netted clothing, surrounded by other unsettling props. In one of the photos, a document from the US Supreme Court was also visible, further contributing to the controversy.

Kardashian revealed that she had remained silent since the campaign’s release, not due to lack of outrage, but because she wanted to engage with the brand to better understand how such an incident occurred. In a statement shared online, she wrote, “As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images. The safety of children must always come first, and attempts to normalise child abuse in any form have no place in society.”

She continued, praising Balenciaga for removing the campaign and offering an apology, but emphasised that the fashion house must take significant action to ensure such a situation never happens again. “I appreciate Balenciaga’s apology and their recognition of the seriousness of this issue,” Kardashian said. “I am re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, based on their willingness to take accountability and the actions they will take moving forward to protect children.”

Kardashian has previously had close ties with Balenciaga, walking her first Paris couture show with the brand, a moment she described as a “dream come true.” The scandal comes after reports that Balenciaga had severed its relationship with Kanye West, following his controversial antisemitic remarks.

In response to the backlash, Balenciaga released a statement condemning child abuse and taking responsibility for the errors in the campaigns. The brand also revealed it had filed a complaint against third parties who provided legal documents that were used as props, unknowingly included in the images.

“Balenciaga strongly condemns child abuse. It was never our intention to include such content in our narrative,” the statement read. “We are revising our creative processes and working with child protection organisations to prevent this from happening again.”

The company concluded by extending sincere apologies to its partners, talents, and the public for the distress caused.