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INAUGURAL NUHS SCIENTIFIC & INNOVATION SUMMIT CHAMPIONS PREDICTIVE, PRECISE AND PERSONALISED CARE

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Innovation Summit

From digital twin technology to leveraging AI in tackling obesity, the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit is a congregation of the brightest minds in cutting-edge medicine – with patients’ utmost care at heart

SINGAPORE, Aug. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, but Mr Ang Chin Chay, 70, was in the dark about his dire condition, until he experienced a bout of fever following a vacation to Vietnam. He quickly sought medical attention for what turned out to be a Hepatitis A infection, transmitted through contaminated food he had consumed overseas.

NUHS Scientific Innovation Summit 2024
Themed “Tomorrow’s Health Today – Predictive, Precise and Personalised”, the NUHS Scientific and Innovation Summit 2024 showcases innovations that aim to improve health outcomes for patients and the population at large. The opening was officiated by Guest of Honour Prof Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development, and Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office, Prime Minister’s Office (middle; seventh from left).

It was a fortuitous encounter, as routine tests revealed abnormal liver function results. Mr Ang subsequently underwent scans, which uncovered HCC, a largely asymptomatic cancer in its early stages. This was unexpected as Mr Ang was known to have fatty liver, but not cirrhosis, the most advanced form of liver scarring.

“Patients with fatty liver – but without cirrhosis – are not routinely recommended to undergo liver cancer screening,” Dr Huang explained. “But in reality, we have discovered that nearly 40 percent of HCC cases related to fatty liver occur in the absence of cirrhosis.”

Mr Ang’s prognosis would have been poor if his condition had not been detected early, as patients who are diagnosed at a late stage have an overall five-year survival rate of less than 20 percent.

Improving the screening process for patients like Mr Ang through non-invasive tests and advanced imaging is the crux of Dr Huang’s work that he will be presenting at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit, on 3 August 2024.

“We aim to risk stratify people with fatty liver into those who have a high risk of liver cancer and those who do not, and to pre-emptively develop better ways to identify these people early so that they can receive some form of curative treatment,” Dr. Huang explained.

Personalising care with the digital twin

Another project pushing the frontiers of medicine with digital innovations, is the Digital Twin programme led by Dr Gao Yujia, Assistant Group Chief Technology Officer, National University Health System.

The digital twin, which is based on imaging and other data from a patient’s own tests, is a virtual 3D anatomical replica of a patient’s organs, like the liver. The digital twin will allow clinicians to transform what is usually a static scan image (such as an MRI scan), into a dynamic model that precisely recreates the shape and structural behaviour of the organ it replicates, enabling enhanced pre-surgery planning and more accurate intra-operative navigation.

Together with Holomedicine, which is a mixed reality (MR) based technology, this represents a significant leap forward in the surgeons’ ability to predict how organs will behave during a surgery, and predict how internal structures will move and change as the surgery is being performed. 

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“Holomedicine leverages mixed reality to interact with virtual objects superimposed onto the real world, allowing for unparalleled accuracy in pre-surgical planning,” explained Dr Gao, who will be presenting his work in mixed reality technology at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit.

With this near-pinpoint precision, surgeons can minimise the risk of injuring other structures, thereby reducing potential complications and operating time, ultimately improving the patient’s overall recovery outcomes.

Innovation Summit: Tackling diseases with precision

Dr Anand Jeyasekharan, a senior consultant at the Department of Haematology-Oncology in the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), likens the human body’s reaction to cancer cells, to an intense battle between two warring armies.

It was a battle that became personal in 2023 for Mr Soegianto Nagaria, Dr Jeyasekharan’s patient. He had a large tumour in his liver excised by surgeons in Taiwan. Initially thought to be liver cancer, the reports indicated it to be a Stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma instead. The situation worsened when the doctors discovered the presence of a second lymphoma in his bone marrow.

Diagnosing and treating two concurrent cancers presented significant challenges, requiring precise and coordinated medical intervention. It was important to know if the two cancers were related, as the treatment would be very different if they were.

Upon recommendations by his cousins, who are doctors, Mr Nagaria decided to continue the rest of his treatment at NCIS, under Dr Jeyasekharan’s care.

Mr Nagaria flew to Singapore in September 2023, and underwent a molecular profiling under an NUHS programme for precision oncology (IMAC – integrated molecular analysis of cancer) to get his tumour sequenced. Following the sequencing, the NCIS team discovered that the two lymphomas were not related and drew up the vital treatment plans, providing life-saving ammunition in the cancer battle.

Mr Nagaria completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy over six months, and is now on close monitoring while in remission.

Besides sequencing, which Mr Nagaria underwent, Dr Jeyasekharan is developing a new tool in his arsenal of weapons against deadly cancers – spatial phenotyping, where advanced imaging equipment is used to analyse cancer with high molecular detail.

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Spatial phenotyping represents the next frontier of cancer research, and is especially useful for solid tumours. “We are trying to draw [battle] maps of cancer at a high resolution and in great detail, in order to understand how to fight it,” Dr Jeyasekharan explained. “Spatial phentoyping’s ability to dive deep into molecular detail allows us to be more precise in diagnostics, treatment and care.”

With cancer being a leading cause of death globally, spatial phenotyping can mean a world of difference for patients afflicted with cancer. “We are never happy with just delivering standard treatment, because standard treatment simply isn’t good enough,” Dr Jeyasekharan said. “Some people get cured, some people don’t – we are trying to understand what we can do to improve the chances of curing more people.”

For A/Prof Su Xinyi, who is a senior consultant with the Department of Ophthalmology at NUH, precision medicine may be the key to restoring the vision of patients suffering from currently untreatable and blinding retinal diseases. “Every patient with retinal disease has a unique gene mutation, so the treatment that we provide is tailored specifically to the mutations that they have,” A/Prof Su explained.

Besides gene therapy, A/Prof Su also explores innovations in cell therapy, which are last options for patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the third leading cause of blindness globally. In AMD, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the retina degenerate with age. By growing these cells in a petri dish, and then injecting them into the eye, they can replace lost cells and help patients regain vision.

While this method of treatment is not new, what makes it unique is the source of cells A/Prof Su uses in its development – cells derived from the umbilical cord. By doing so, this greatly reduces the chance of rejection or the need to use immunosuppressants.

Predicting risk factors, a step ahead

Predictive care affords patients and clinicians the precious gift of time, in preventing the onset, or minimising the severity, of diseases. For Dr Jocelyn Chew, who is an assistant professor at the NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine), adopting a predictive approach to tackling a person’s dietary triggers can curb overeating and obesity.

Dr Chew has been working on an app called the Eating Trigger-Response Inhibition Program (eTRIP), which is designed to help patients identify moments where they are prone to overeating. These include emotional eating, or even ingrained habits such as over-ordering during family gatherings.

eTRIP will be used in tandem with Adipoview, an AI-based dashboard that Dr Chew has created with the team from the NUHS Group Chief Technology Office. Adipoview will gather patient data throughout NUHS to generate insights, such as the diagnosis rate of obesity and treatment rate, to proactively predict who may need further support.

At the Innovation Summit

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More than 60 clinician-scientists will be presenting their work at the NUHS Scientific & Innovation Summit, which will be graced by guest-of-honour Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary for National Research and Development as well as for Public Sector Science and Technology Policy and Plans Office, Prime Minister’s Office.

Themed “Tomorrow’s Health Today – Predictive, Precise and Personalised”, the summit will bring together over 500 international and local healthcare experts, opinion leaders and scientists to shape the future of healthcare.

Over the past decade, the NUHS academic health system has secured more than $1 billion in competitive grants (cumulative from FY2011 to FY2021). These funds have fuelled scientific innovations in predictive, precise and personalised care, ensuring improved health outcomes for patients now and in the future.

About National University Health System

The National University Health System (NUHS) is an integrated Academic Health System and Regional Health System in Singapore that delivers value-driven, innovative, and sustainable healthcare.

As Singapore’s only academic health system, we are uniquely positioned to draw on the academic, research and creative capabilities residing within the National University of Singapore (NUS). This collaboration allows us to develop solutions for existing and emerging health and healthcare needs of the Singapore population.

We also work in close collaboration with community hospitals, general practitioners, family medicine clinics, nursing homes and other community and social partners to provide integrated care to the wider community.

With member institutions ranging from community hospitals to academic centres, NUHS creates synergies as a fully integrated cluster to provide seamless care, develop solutions for Singapore’s healthcare challenges and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.

National University Health System (NUHS) 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inaugural-nuhs-scientific–innovation-summit-champions-predictive-precise-and-personalised-care-302213837.html

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SOURCE National University Health System (NUHS)

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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FDA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Claims Lack Solid Evidence—Why Overreaction Could Harm Public Health

COVID-19 vaccine safety: The FDA’s claims about COVID-19 vaccine deaths in children lack strong evidence and could restrict vaccine access. Learn why experts say VAERS reports aren’t proof, and how overreacting may harm public health and trust in vaccines.

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FDA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Claims Lack Solid Evidence—Why Overreaction Could Harm Public Health
The FDA has provided no evidence that children died because of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Anchiy/E+ via Getty Images

FDA claims on COVID-19 vaccine safety are unsupported by reliable data – and could severely hinder vaccine access

Frank Han, University of Illinois Chicago The Food and Drug Administration is seeking to drastically change procedures for testing vaccine safety and approving vaccines, based on unproven claims that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines caused the death of at least 10 children. The agency detailed its plans in a memo released to staff on Nov. 28, 2025, which was obtained by several news outlets and published by The Washington Post. Citing an internal, unpublished review, the memo, written by the agency’s top vaccine regulator, Vinay Prasad, attributes the children’s deaths to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. And it says the deaths were reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS, but provides no evidence that the vaccines caused the deaths.  

COVID-19 vaccine safety

The death of children due to an unsafe vaccine is a serious allegation. I am a pediatric cardiologist who has studied the link between COVID-19 vaccines and heart-related side effects such as myocarditis in children. To my knowledge, studies to date have shown such side effects are rare, and severe outcomes even more so. However, I am open to new evidence that could change my mind. But without sufficient justification and solid evidence, restricting access to an approved vaccine and changing well-established procedures for testing vaccines would carry serious consequences. These moves would limit access for patients, create roadblocks for companies and worsen distrust in vaccines and public health. In my view, it’s important for people reading about these FDA actions to understand how the evidence on a vaccine’s safety is generally assessed.

Determining cause of death

The FDA memo claims that the deaths of these children were directly related to receiving a COVID-19 immunization. From my perspective as a clinician, it is awful that any child should die from a routine vaccination. However, health professionals like me owe it to the public to uphold the highest possible standards in investigating why these deaths occurred. If the FDA has evidence demonstrating something that national health agencies worldwide have missed – widespread child deaths due to myocarditis caused by the COVID-19 vaccine – I don’t doubt that even the most pro-vaccine physician will listen. So far, however, no such evidence has been presented. While a death logged in VAERS is a starting point, on its own it is insufficient to conclude whether a vaccine caused the death or other medical causes were to blame. To demonstrate a causal link, FDA staff and physicians must align the VAERS report with physicians’ assessments of the patient, as well as data from other sources for monitoring vaccine safety. These include PRISM, which logs insurance claims data, and the Vaccine Safety Datalink, which tracks safety signals in electronic medical records. It’s known that most deaths logged only in VAERS of children who recently received vaccines have been incorrectly attributed to the vaccines – either by accident or in some cases on purpose by anti-vaccine activists.

Heart-related side effects of COVID-19 vaccines

In his Substack and Twitter accounts, Prasad has said that he believes the rate of severe cardiac side effects after COVID-19 vaccination is severely underestimated and that the vaccines should be restricted far more than they currently are. In a July 2025 presentation, Prasad quoted a risk of 27 cases per million of myocarditis in young men who received the COVID-19 vaccine. A 2024 review suggested that number was a bit lower – about 20 cases out of 1 million people. But that same study found that unvaccinated people had greater risk of heart problems after a COVID-19 infection than vaccinated people. In a different study, people who got myocarditis after a COVID-19 vaccination developed fewer complications than people who got myocarditis after a COVID-19 infection. Existing vaccine safety infrastructure in the U.S. successfully identifies dangers posed by vaccines – and did so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, most COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. rely on mRNA technology. But as vaccines were first emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic, two pharmaceutical companies, Janssen and AstraZeneca, rolled out a vaccine that used a different technology, called a viral vector. This type of vaccine had a very rare but genuine safety problem that was detected.
A report in VAERS is at most a first step to determining whether a vaccine caused harm.
VAERS, the Vaccine Safety Datalink, clinical investigators in the U.S. and their European counterparts detected that these vaccines did turn out to cause blood clotting. In April 2021, the FDA formally recommended pausing their use, and they were later pulled from the market. Death due to myocarditis from COVID-19 vaccination is exceedingly rare. Demonstrating that it occurred requires proof that the person had myocarditis, evidence that no other reasonable cause of death was present, and the absence of any additional cause of myocarditis. These factors cannot be determined from VAERS data, however – and to date, the FDA has presented no other relevant data.

A problematic vision for future vaccine approvals

Currently, vaccines are tested both by seeing how well they prevent disease and by how well they generate antibodies, which are the molecules that help your body fight viruses and bacteria. Some vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine, need to be updated based on new strains. The FDA generally approves these updates based on how well the new versions generate antibodies. Since the previous generation of vaccines was already shown to prevent infection, if the new version can generate antibodies like the previous one, researchers assume its ability to prevent infection is comparable too. Later studies can then test how well the vaccines prevent severe disease and hospitalization. The FDA memo says this approach is insufficient and instead argues for replacing such studies with many more placebo-controlled trials – not just for COVID-19 vaccines but also for widely used influenza and pneumonia vaccines. That may seem reasonable theoretically. In practice, however, it is not realistic. Today’s influenza vaccines must be changed every season to reflect mutations to the virus. If the FDA were to require new placebo-controlled trials every year, the vaccine being tested would become obsolete by the time it is approved. This would be a massive waste of time and resources.
A pharmacy with a sign advertising flu shots
Influenza vaccines must be updated for every flu season. Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Also, detecting vaccine-related myocarditis at the low rate at which it occurs would have required clinical trials many times larger than the ones that were done to approve COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. This would have cost at least millions of dollars more, and the delay in rolling out vaccines would have also cost lives. Placebo-controlled trials would require comparing people who receive the updated vaccine with people who remain unvaccinated. When an older version of the vaccine is already available, this means purposefully asking people to forgo that vaccine and risk infection for the sake of the trial, a practice that is widely considered unethical. Current scientific practice is that only a brand-new vaccine may be compared against placebo. While suspected vaccine deaths should absolutely be investigated, stopping a vaccine for insufficient reasons can lead to a significant drop in public confidence. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly and transparently investigate any claims that a vaccine causes harm.

Vaccine vs illness

To accurately gauge a vaccine’s risks, it is also crucial to compare its side effects with the effects of the illness it prevents. For COVID-19, data consistently shows that the disease is clearly more dangerous. From Aug. 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022, more than 800 children in the U.S. died due to COVID-19, but very few deaths from COVID-19 vaccines in children have been been verified worldwide. What’s more, the disease causes many more heart-related side effects than the vaccine does. Meanwhile, extensive evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization by more than 70% and the risk of severe illness in adolescent children by 79%. Studies also show it dramatically reduces their risk of developing long COVID, a condition in which symptoms such as extreme fatigue or weakness persist more than three months after a COVID-19 infection. Reporting only the vaccines’ risks, and not their benefits, shows just a small part of the picture. Frank Han, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Illinois Chicago This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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PFAS in pregnant women’s drinking water puts their babies at higher risk, study finds

A new study shows pregnant women exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. Learn how PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” impact babies and what you can do to reduce exposure.

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A new study shows pregnant women exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. Learn how PFAS, or "forever chemicals," impact babies and what you can do to reduce exposure.
Studies show PFAS can be harmful to human health, including pregnant women and their fetuses. Olga Rolenko/Moment via Getty Images

PFAS in pregnant women’s drinking water puts their babies at higher risk, study finds

Derek Lemoine, University of Arizona; Ashley Langer, University of Arizona, and Bo Guo, University of Arizona When pregnant women drink water that comes from wells downstream of sites contaminated with PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” the risks to their babies’ health substantially increase, a new study found. These risks include the chance of low birth weight, preterm birth and infant mortality. Even more troubling, our team of economic researchers and hydrologists found that PFAS exposure increases the likelihood of extremely low-weight and extremely preterm births, which are strongly associated with lifelong health challenges.

What wells showed us about PFAS risks

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have captured the attention of the public and regulators in recent years for good reason. These man-made compounds persist in the environment, accumulate in human bodies and may cause harm even at extremely low concentrations. Most current knowledge about the reproductive effects of PFAS comes from laboratory studies on animals such as rats, or from correlations between PFAS levels in human blood and health outcomes. Both approaches have important limitations. Rats and humans have different bodies, exposures and living conditions. And independent factors, such as kidney functioning, may in some cases be the true drivers of health problems. We wanted to learn about the effects of PFAS on real-world human lives in a way that comes as close as possible to a randomized experiment. Intentionally exposing people to PFAS would be unethical, but the environment gave us a natural experiment of its own. We looked at the locations of wells that supply New Hampshire residents with drinking water and how those locations related to birth outcomes. We collected data on all births in the state from 2010 to 2019 and zoomed in on the 11,539 births that occurred within 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) of a site known to be contaminated with PFAS and where the mothers were served by public water systems. Some contamination came from industries, other from landfills or firefighting activities.
file 20251128 62 tp1vwu.png?ixlib=rb 4.1
A conceptual illustration shows how PFAS can enter the soil and eventually reach groundwater, which flows downhill. Industries and airports are common sources of PFAS. The homes show upstream (left) and downstream (right) wells. Melina Lew
PFAS from contaminated sites slowly migrate down through soil into groundwater, where they move downstream with the groundwater’s flow. This created a simple but powerful contrast: pregnant women whose homes received water from wells that were downstream, in groundwater terms, from the PFAS source were likely to have been exposed to PFAS from the contaminated site, but those who received water from wells that were upstream of those sites should not have been exposed. Using outside data on PFAS testing, we confirmed that PFAS levels were indeed greater in “downstream” wells than in “upstream” wells. The locations of utilities’ drinking water wells are sensitive data that are not publicly available, so the women likely would not have known whether they were exposed. Prior to the state beginning to test for PFAS in 2016, they may not have even known the nearby site had PFAS.

PFAS connections to the riskiest births

We found what we believe is clear evidence of harm from PFAS exposure. Women who received water from wells downstream of PFAS-contaminated sites had on average a 43% greater chance of having a low-weight baby, defined as under 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams) at birth, than those receiving water from upstream wells with no other PFAS sources nearby. Those downstream had a 20% greater chance of a preterm birth, defined as before 37 weeks, and a 191% greater chance of the infant not surviving its first year. Per 100,000 births, this works out to 2,639 additional low-weight births, 1,475 additional preterm births and 611 additional deaths in the first year of life. Looking at the cases with the lowest birth weights and earliest preterm births, we found that the women receiving water from wells downstream from PFAS sources had a 180% greater chance of a birth under 2.2 pounds (1,000 grams) and a 168% greater chance of a birth before 28 weeks than those with upstream wells. Per 100,000 births, that’s about 607 additional extremely low-weight births and 466 additional extremely preterm births.

PFAS contamination is costly

When considering regulations to control PFAS, it helps to express the benefits of PFAS cleanup in monetary terms to compare them to the costs of cleanup. Researchers use various methods to put a dollar value on the cost of low-weight and preterm births based on their higher medical bills, lower subsequent health and decreased lifetime earnings. We used the New Hampshire data and locations of PFAS-contaminated sites in 11 other states with detailed PFAS testing to estimate costs from PFAS exposure nationwide related to low birth weight, preterm births and infant mortality. The results are eye-opening. We estimate that the effects of PFAS on each year’s low-weight births cost society about US$7.8 billion over the lifetimes of those babies, with more babies born every year. We found the effects of PFAS on preterm births and infant mortality cost the U.S. about $5.6 billion over the lifetimes of those babies born each year, with some of these costs overlapping with the costs associated with low-weight births. An analysis produced for the American Water Works Association estimated that removing PFAS from drinking water to meet the EPA’s PFAS limits would cost utilities alone $3.8 billion on an annual basis. These costs could ultimately fall on water customers, but the broader public also bears much of the cost of harm to fetuses. We believe that just the reproductive health benefits of protecting water systems from PFAS contamination could justify the EPA’s rule.

Treating PFAS

There is still much to learn about the risks from PFAS and how to avoid harm. We studied the health effects of PFOA and PFOS, two “long-chain” species of PFAS that were the most widely used types in the U.S. They are no longer produced in the U.S., but they are still present in soil and groundwater. Future work could focus on newer, “short-chain” PFAS, which may have different health impacts.
A woman holding a small child fills a glass with water.
If the water utility isn’t filtering for PFAS, or if that information isn’t known, people can purchase home water system filters to remove PFAS before it reaches the faucet. Compassionate Eye Foundation/David Oxberry via Getty Images
PFAS are in many types of products, and there are many routes for exposure, including through food. Effective treatment to remove PFAS from water is an area of ongoing research, but the long-chain PFAS we studied can be removed from water with activated carbon filters, either at the utility level or inside one’s home. Our results indicate that pregnant women have special reason to be concerned about exposure to long-chain PFAS through drinking water. If pregnant women suspect their drinking water may contain PFAS, we believe they should strongly consider installing water filters that can remove PFAS and then replacing those filters on a regular schedule. Derek Lemoine, Professor of Economics, University of Arizona; Ashley Langer, Professor of Economics, University of Arizona, and Bo Guo, Associate Professor of Hydrology, University of Arizona This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/


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Empowering Seniors for Safer Online Experiences: 6 Practical Safety Tips for Caregivers and Families

Safety Tips for Caregivers: Empower seniors with essential online safety tips. Learn 6 practical strategies caregivers can use to help older adults navigate digital threats, scams, and security risks confidently.

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Empowering Seniors for Safer Online Experiences: 6 Practical Safety Tips for Caregivers and Families

Empowering Seniors for Safer Online Experiences: 6 Practical Safety Tips for Caregivers and Families

(Family Features) Today’s seniors aren’t shying away from a world that has become increasingly reliant on technology. Quite the opposite, in fact, as recent survey findings suggest adults ages 65 and older are more digitally active and self-assured than ever before. Nearly all seniors surveyed as part of the “Connecting the Digital Dots: Online Habits and Safety Concerns Across Three Generations” survey from Cox Mobile consider themselves digitally literate, using devices for shopping, banking, social media and entertainment. With older adults spending a significant amount of time connected to the digital world – 41% of those surveyed reported spending five or more hours online daily – they’re also more at-risk for scams, viruses like malware and data breaches. Even though 61% of seniors who encountered digital threats were able to mitigate the issues themselves, showing their growing digital capability, increased online engagement brings new challenges and responsibilities for caregivers, who often play a crucial role in supporting seniors’ digital journeys. To help support older loved ones’ safety and confidence as they navigate an evolving digital landscape, Cox Mobile, in partnership with Common Sense Media, offers educational materials on digital safety, smart device use and media literacy for all ages. In addition, these practical safety strategies can help empower seniors to make informed, safe choices online. Encourage Strong Passwords: Simple passwords, like number sequences, keyboard patterns or personal information – such as variations of your name, birthdate, address or names of pets or loved ones – are easily guessable and may lead to issues. While the survey found 70% of seniors already create strong, unique passwords, encourage them to avoid reusing passwords across sites. Recommend a password manager app to safely store passwords and eliminate the need to write them all down, which could lead to a breach if not stored properly. 17746 detail embed2Promote Security Software: If devices aren’t protected, even the most careful users are susceptible to viruses. Though 63% of those surveyed have security software installed, it’s important to regularly make sure it’s up to date (or that automatic updates are enabled) and covers all devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: A simple and effective way to stop most attempts at unauthorized account access, 60% of seniors are already using multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection. Some seniors, however, may need assistance setting up the safeguard, which typically sends a code to a phone number or email address as part of the login process, for online banking, email or social media accounts. Review Apps and Channels: Over time, it can be easy to accumulate apps on smartphones and tablets. While 51% of surveyed seniors remove unsafe apps, make it a habit to regularly check loved ones’ devices for unfamiliar or suspicious applications and delete them. Also keep an eye out for unauthorized charges, data sharing or browser extensions. Utilize Built-In Safety Features: Explore privacy controls on individual devices (and apps) and check with your loved ones’ internet service provider to ensure security features are being utilized like the 43% of those surveyed who are already taking advantage of their devices’ safety settings. Included privacy protections may include limiting data sharing, disabling location tracking, blocking pop-ups and restricting other unwanted communication. Discuss Online Safety Regularly: Because technology is ever-changing, it’s important for caregivers to talk with senior loved ones about online safety. Open, ongoing conversations, like those one-third of seniors are already having several times a week or even daily, can help build trust and awareness of current scams, suspicious texts or emails, commonly used apps and more. By fostering open dialogue, sharing practical safety strategies and leveraging trusted resources, caregivers can help their loved ones thrive and stay safe. Visit your local Cox Mobile store or go to CoxMobileSafety.com to find more tips, guides and full survey results. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Cox Communications

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