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Tuesday 19 June 2018

Your Guide To Peppermint Oil: Proven Uses, Health Benefits, & Who MUST Avoid It

Ancient Egyptians, Romans and other civilizations reportedly used peppermint for its pain-relieving and anti-bacterial properties. These days peppermint essential oil and capsules are used for a variety of health concerns, particularly digestive issues and headaches.
Let’s take a look at the most common peppermint oil uses, which health claims have scientific evidence behind them, and who should and shouldn’t use peppermint oil.

WHAT IS PEPPERMINT OIL?

Peppermint is a hybrid plant of spearmint and watermint. It’s scientific name is mentha piperita. The oil in peppermint (its essential oil) is responsible for its pleasant fragrance and also its health properties.
Specifically, peppermint essential oil ranges from 35 to 70 percent menthol, 15 to 20 percent methone, four to 14 percent menthyl acetate, and several other trace compounds. Menthol is thought to be the bioactive ingredient responsible for its benefits.

USES FOR PEPPERMINT OIL

Common peppermint oil uses include applying it to your skin or taking it in softgel capsules as a dietary supplement. You can also use peppermint leave to make tea.

Peppermint Oil For IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by long-term digestive stress with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and changes in stool patterns.
Ingesting peppermint oil is shown to improve symptoms for up to 79 percent of those with IBS. This 1-month clinical study compared 52 patients taking a peppermint oil capsule three to four times per day versus 49 taking a placebo capsule.
Neither the subjects nor the researchers knew which patients were receiving which capsule. Of the peppermint oil group:
  • 79 percent experienced a reduction in abdominal pain
  • 83 percent had less bloating (distension)
  • 83 percent had reduced stool frequency
  • 73 percent had fewer borboygmi (stomach gurgling)
  • 79 percent experienced less flatulence.
These improvements were dramatically better than the placebo group as illustrated by this chart.
peppermint-oil-capsule-for-ibs
The placebo group experienced benefits because of the placebo effect. If you think the capsule helps you, then it will to some extent.
Peppermint oil is thought to work because of the menthol, which helps relax the stomach and digestive tract muscles. This helps speed up digestion in the stomach, which improves symptoms of nausea, indigestion and abdominal pain.
Additionally, it can slow down motility in the colon (large intestine) by reducing intestinal spasms. In fact, when added to barium enema preparations during rectal exams, peppermint oil reduces colon spasms by 25 to 30 percent.
This effect also likely helps to improve symptoms of flatulence, bloating and altered bowel movements. 

Peppermint Oil Benefits For Indigestion

Peppermint oil capsules appear to help with indigestion by reducing stomach spasms and early feelings of fullness.
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is often associated with acid reflux (aka heart burn), stomach spasms, pain and early feelings of fullness. Peppermint oil may help an upset stomach by reducing contractions in the esophagus.
One study found that Enteroplant, a product that combines peppermint and caraway oil, is comparable to prescription drug Cisapride for relieving dyspepsia symptoms when taken two to three times per day for up to four weeks.
Another herbal product called Iberogast, which contains various herbs including peppermint oil, has been shown to improve the severity of acid reflux, stomach pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting compared to placebo.
Patients undergoing endoscopy can also use peppermint oil to reduce pain and spasms associated with this procedure.

Reducing Headaches and Pain

Applying peppermint oil topically or using it as aromatherapy may help improve headaches and other chronic pain conditions.
Some  evidence supports the topical use of peppermint oil to relieve tension headaches. Researchers believe that the methanol in peppermint oil inhibits the sensitivity of pain receptors and may also alter pain perception.
Additionally, peppermint oil used as aromatherapy may help with other chronic pain conditions by enhancing the parasympathetic relaxation response.

Peppermint Oil Benefits For Nipple Cracks

When applied topically, peppermint oil may help with cracked skin and pain in the nipple area of breastfeeding women. In a study of 196 breastfeeding women, those using peppermint water were less likely to experience areola and nipple cracks and pain than those using breast milk.
Another study of 216 breastfeeding women found that applying peppermint oil gel was more effective in reducing nipple cracks than lanolin or a neutral ointment.

Peppermint Oil For Hair Growth, Allergies and Anxiety

Peppermint oil may also help with allergies and relieve stress, though evidence is still limited at this time. The use of peppermint oil for other types of conditions hasn’t been studied as extensively, but early research shows promising results for hair growth, allergies and anxiety.
The only evidence for hair growth was a study on mice that compared topical application of peppermint oil against placebo and jojoba oil. It appeared to facilitate hair growth the most, at least in mice. Of course, animal studies don’t always translate to human results, to more research is needed here.
Two studies have found that peppermint oil may help with allergies by inhibiting histamine release.
Another study on 77 nursing students found that the use of aromatherapy treatments (including peppermint, lavender, rosemary, etc.) decreased physical and perceived stress responses in just five days.
It’s a promising area, but I wouldn’t get carried away with these findings just yet.

HOW DO I USE PEPPERMINT OIL?

There are various preparations and dosing instructions for peppermint oil, depending on what you’re using it for. Below are usage tips for IBS and headaches, which are the two most evidence-based benefits.
For IBS:
For Headaches:
  • Use a 10 percent peppermint oil topical solution.
  • Apply a thin layer to the front of your head at the start of a headache.
  • Apply two more applications, one after 15 minutes and another after 30 minutes.
Other forms of peppermint can be found in aromatherapy, teas, minced leaves for cooking, barium enemas, inhaled oils and flavoring agents.

WHO SHOULD AVOID PEPPERMINT OIL?

When used as instructed, peppermint oil is generally safe, but certain people may experience potential adverse effects. People with low iron levels, poor tolerance, and pregnant and lactating women should avoid peppermint oil. Those with low or no stomach acid, chronic diarrhea, or on other medication should use with caution or specific guidance.

Low Iron Levels

Those with low iron levels or iron-deficiency anemia should avoid peppermint productsbecause they may inhibit iron absorption.

Drug Interactions

People taking prescription medications or herbs should take caution when using peppermint oil, due to potential drug interactions. Like grapefruit juice, peppermint oil can inhibit many of the pathways responsible for metabolizing commonly used drugs. Check with your doctor for any potential interactions before starting peppermint products.

Reduced Stomach Acid

If you have low or no stomach acid, it may be wise to avoid peppermint oil capsules. This includes people using acid-blocking medications like antacids, H2-blockers and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) as they reduce the acidity of the stomach.
If you’re still interested in using peppermint oil for digestive relief, separate these products by at least two hours.

Chronic Diarrhea

Those with chronic diarrhea may want to avoid peppermint oil until the diarrhea resolves. Diarrhea means there is faster movement along the digestive tract. This can lead to the peppermint oil getting to the colon and rectum too quickly in high concentrations, producing anal burning.

Poor Tolerance

Do not use peppermint oil if you notice a negative response. When applied topically, some people experience skin irritation and contact dermatitis. There have also been rare reports of digestive burning, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, belching, dry mouth and increased appetite when using peppermint oil.

Pregnant or Lactating Women

Peppermint oil is not approved for pregnant or lactating women as its safety is still unknown in this population. Talk to your doctor before using peppermint oil for treating breastfeeding-related discomfort.

WHERE TO BUY PEPPERMINT OIL?

Peppermint oil, both as an essential oil and in capsule form, is widely available in stores and online. Just be sure to do some research, as some essential oils are of higher quality than others.

WHICH USES OF PEPPERMINT OIL ACTUALLY HAVE BENEFITS?

The scientific evidence supports the use of peppermint oil capsules for those with IBS and indigestion.
Topical use (on the skin) of peppermint essential oil only appears useful for headaches at this stage. More research is needed to recommend its use for hair growth, allergies and stress.
Peppermint oil is typically well-tolerated and safe, but be sure to use it as instructed on the label. Keep in mind that symptoms may come back after discontinuing its use.
Considering that it’s easily accessible and affordable, peppermint oil is certainly worth a try, especially if your digestive health is far from mint condition.

Xenoestrogens: What They Are and How to Avoid Them

The human body is incredibly skilled at using hormones — basically chemical messengers that trigger specific biological responses — to coordinate and regulate everything from your metabolism to your mood. Hormones are the reason your legs are the same length,  why your body changes at puberty, and the reason you start craving carbohydrates. But what happens when outside chemicals start interfering with this well-oiled machine and its systems? Let’s take a look. 

WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are a type of faux hormone that imitates estrogen in the body and binds to hormone receptors, creating an excess of estrogen in the bloodstream. Often, xenoestrogens are widely used synthetic chemical compounds like BPA and phthalates (yes, like those in your shampoo), but they can be naturally derived as well.
Because xenoestrogens can mimic the effects of true estrogen, they have been linked to everything from reproductive disorders to precocious puberty. It is for this reason that they are considered environmental hazards to both wildlife and humans.

Here are some of the worst offenders:

  • Commercially-raised meat and dairy products — they’re always contaminated with growth hormones.
  • Insecticides and pesticides — go organic instead!
  • Tap water — hormones are not able to be filtered out of municipal drinking water, so drink filtered water whenever possible.
  • Parabens — shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, cosmetics…this is a great area in which to go clean.
  • Phthalates — plastic wrap, baggies and styrofoam are risky business.
  • Food additives — processed foods almost always contain xenoestrogens in the form of preservatives, artificial color and texturizing agents.
  • Soy protein isolate — organic soy is a great source of protein within reason, but conventionally-raised soy products contain high amounts of plant estrogen.
  • Dryer sheets — they may make your clothes feel soft, but these xenoestrogens can permeate your cells…ick!
  • Birth control pills — if you can manage it, other forms of contraception (condoms, for example) are much healthier.
  • Disposable “feminine products” — tampons and pads often contain chlorine, fragrances, surfactants and other synthetics which are all sources of xenoestrogens.

LONG-TERM IMPACTS

Endocrine disruptors are all too common in daily life. In an average day, it’s likely you’ll encounter them in your food, your beauty products, your kitchen wares and even your furniture. Pair this with a slow moving elimination system, relentless stress and an iffy diet, and you’re well on your way to estrogen dominance which has been linked to everything from fibroids to breast cancer.

HOW CAN I COUNTERACT ESTROGEN DOMINANCE?

Get to the root of the problem. Start eliminating products that contain xenoestrogens from your daily routine, then take a look at your diet. Alisa Vitti, functional nutritionist and founder of the women’s health resource FLO Living, recommends the following:
  1. Eat more fiber. A high-fiber diet will help your digestive system eliminate toxins more efficiently.
  2. Support good-gut bacteria. Your microbiome helps metabolize estrogen and usher it out of the body.
  3. Take care of your liver. Carrots, spinach and cilantro are all great liver detoxifiers.
Beyond this: do what you can to live a simple, natural life. Seek out organic foods whenever possible and only let clean, non-toxic products into your home. It’s time to stop polluting your body!

7 Myths About The Human Body Which Can Cause Serious Health Damage!

A popular quote goes like this, "Your body is your temple. You do your body good and your body will do you good."
If you agree with the quote above, it means that you have understood how important it is to take good care of your body and health, as good health is one of the most important things a person can have.
 
Without good health, our lives can be seriously affected in a negative way, as ailments and diseases come in the way of us living a happy life.
Even minor ailments such as headaches or a sprain can disrupt our lives for a few days, so you can only imagine how devastating a major disease can be!
So, one must always make an effort to maintain good health by practicing healthy habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, avoiding pollution, etc.
In addition, it is also important to know certain facts and myths about the human body and health, so that we know which ones should be followed.
Following certain unhealthy myths can seriously damage our health and can even be fatal. Have a look at some of the myths about the human body and health which must never be followed:
1. Tilt Head Back To Stop Nose Bleed
2. Stop Antibiotics As Soon As You Get Better
3. Don't Eat If You Have Fever
4. Cold Is Not Caused By Wet Hair
5. Eggs Increase Cholesterol
6. Running On A Treadmill Is Healthy
7. 6-Pack Abs Equals To Great Health

1. Tilt Head Back To Stop Nose Bleed

Normally, when someone is experiencing a nosebleed due to health conditions or injuries, many people around may advise them to tilt their head back to stop the bleeding. This is a myth because tilting the head back does not stop a nosebleed.
Also, this habit can cause the blood from the nose to reach the throat and lungs and lead to choking, which is dangerous!

2. Stop Antibiotics As Soon As You Get Better

When we are suffering from bacterial or viral diseases such as flu, infections, etc., usually antibiotics are prescribed to us in order to kill these germs affecting our body. However, some of us stop taking antibiotics as soon as the symptoms of the disease reduce.
This must not be done and the prescribed antibiotic course must be completed, even if you feel better. Otherwise, the germs may not be killed completely, even though it may seem like you are better!

3. Don't Eat If You Have Fever

This is a common myth that has been passed on since generations, in many countries and some people still believe it! So, they feel that eating food during a fever spell can worsen the condition and eat very little.
However, research studies have proven that trying to starve yourself while you have a fever can only weaken the immune system and prolong the condition. Eating healthy and drinking a lot of fluids during a flu is the key to recovery.

4. Cold Is Not Caused By Wet Hair

This is also another popular myth that is believed by many and so people go out right after washing their hair or wash their hair at night and go to bed without drying it.
This habit can surely cause a cold, as research studies have shown that wet hair, especially in colder climates can attract certain viruses which can weaken our immune system and cause a cold. It is advisable to dry your hair after washing, before heading out!

5. Eggs Increase Cholesterol

Most of us consume eggs on a regular basis, especially for breakfast. And egg is a popular food among people who work out, as it is high in protein content. However, there is a myth which says that the fat content in eggs can increase the cholesterol levels of the body.
The fact is, there are two types of cholesterol; "good" and "bad" cholesterol. Eggs increase the "good" cholesterol of the body (HDL), which has a number of health benefits. So, eggs are safe to be consumed!

6. Running On A Treadmill Is Healthy

If you are someone who goes to the gym on a regular basis, it is a very healthy habit; however, there are certain things that can harm your health even at the gym.
Running on a treadmill can be very damaging to your knees as the stress applied on your joints is very high on a treadmill. In the long run, this habit can seriously harm your knees and ankles. So, running outside is a much heathier option.

7. 6-Pack Abs Equals To Great Health

Today, sporting a 6-pack abdomen by working out a lot has become rather trendy, without really checking to see the health aspect behind it.
While it is healthy to have strong, flat abdominal muscles, with low body fat levels, it does not automatically mean that one is healthy. Having extremely low body fat can be damaging to the health and can cause serious diseases!

5 Times a Burst of Anxiety Can Actually Help You

Life is stressful for many of us. But did you know that there are times when stress can actually be good for you?Believe it or not, not all stress is stressful, so to speak. Eustress is a type of stress that feels more like excitement or anticipation. Instead of causing your body and mind to go into fight-or-flight mode, eustress actually motivates you and helps you get what you want! The truth is that we need stress. Boredom can be just as dangerous for our health as burnout, but the trick is to keep stress in the “eustress zone.” Remember this in these five scenarios!

1  When You’re Nervous
You can probably relate to the sweaty palms, fast heartbeat and butterflies in your stomach many of us feel when we speak in public. Studies show that people fear public speaking even more than death. However, the physical symptoms we feel when we’re anxious are almost identical to those we feel when we’re excited. In fact, according to scientists, the simple act of saying “I’m excited” instead of “I’m nervous/afraid” when you’re facing a challenge (such as public speaking) switches your brain into what’s called “approach mode.” This mindset increases dopamine activity and provides extra mental sharpness and focus that can actually increase confidence and improve your performance. Cool, right?

2 When You Want to Find Your Flow
Another benefit scientists have found of eustress is that it can motivate you to excel at whatever you’re doing. The right amount of stress can help you enter what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls a “flow state.” This is a heightened state of productivity in an activity like work, sports or creative endeavors. To achieve a flow state, the activity can’t be too easy or it won’t capture your full focus. But it also can’t be so difficult that you become overly frustrated. The key to flow is having skills that are perfectly matched for the task at hand and feeling challenged just enough to keep you motivated to succeed. This distinction can mean the difference between distress and eustress.

3 When You Need to Increase Your Immunity
We’ve all heard that stress is bad for our health, and that is certainly true in the long term. But researchers at Stanford University believe short-term stress may stimulate the immune system, actually leading to a quick boost in immunity. Although the Stanford study was based on rats, not humans, the results are promising for those of us who face short bursts of stress in life. The study showed that mild stress caused a massive mobilization of immune cells — the ones responsible for fighting infection and healing wounds — into the blood stream. Hormones released by the adrenal glands in response to the stress-inducing event appear to be responsible for this rallying of the immune troops.

4 When You Want to Boost Your Brainpower
High levels of stress can impede our ability to do our best thinking, but researchers suggest that low-level stress can strengthen the neural connections in the brain. A study on rats found that low-level stressors stimulate neurotrophins, brain chemicals that promote the survival, development and function of neurons (brain cells). The study also suggests that short-term stress can help push the brain to reach its optimum potential. During the study, the rats’ response to stress led to a temporary boost in memory and learning scores. This may be similar to the mechanism at work when a short burst of exercise (a form of physical stress) leads to a boost in the brain’s executive function and focus.

5 When You’re Building Resilience
Chronic stress affects our cells, promoting oxidative damage to DNA and RNA. This leads to faster aging and progression of disease (no thanks). But studies show that moderate levels of perceived daily stress actually protect against oxidative damage through what researchers call “psychobiological resilience.” A longitudinal study at UCLA followed a national sample of subjects for several years, assessing how much stress and adversity they had experienced in their lives. The results were surprising: People who had experienced some lifetime adversity reported better mental health and well-being than both people with a history of high adversity and people with no history of adversity.

Embrace the Stress!
These results suggest that moderate stress gives us life skills like adaptability and the confidence to cope in the face of difficulties. In other words, getting into the habit of mentally reframing the difficult moments in your life into opportunities to learn and grow can help you deal with the stressful situations that come your way in the future.


Saturday 16 June 2018

Indians with advanced degree may have to wait 150 years for green card in US: Report

As of April 20, 2018, there were 632,219 Indian immigrants and their spouses and minor children waiting for green cards also known as legal permanent residency cards.

 Indians with advanced degrees may have to wait for over 150 years for a green card which authorises them to live and work in the US permanently, according to projections by a think-tank.

The new calculation on the Green card wait period by Cato Institute, a Washington-based think-tank, comes after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released number of applicants for such cards.

The calculation is based on the number of green card issuances in 2017.
As of April 20, 2018, there were 632,219 Indian immigrants and their spouses and minor children waiting for green cards also known as legal permanent residency cards.

The shortest wait is for the highest skilled category for EB-1 immigrants with "extraordinary ability". EB stands for employment based.

The extraordinary immigrants from India will have to wait "only" six years, Cato Institute said in its latest report.

According to the USCIS, there are 34,824 Indian applicants under EB-1 category. Along with their 48,754 spouse and children, 83,578 Indians are in line for green card under EB-1 category.

EB-3 immigrants those with bachelor's degrees will have to wait about 17 years, Cato Institute said. As of April 20, there were 54,892 Indians in this category. Clubbed with 60,381 spouses and children, the total number of Indians waiting for green card in EB-3 category are 1,15,273.

However, the biggest backlog is for EB-2 workers, who have advanced degrees.

"At current rates of visa issuances, they will have to wait 151 years for a green card. Obviously, unless the law changes, they will have died or left by that point," Cato institute said.

According to the USCIS, there were 2,16,684 primary Indian applicants under EB-2 category and 2,16,684 spouses and children, thus making a total of 4,33,368.

This is primarily because of the existing laws which imposes per-country-limit of seven per cent.

In all 306,400 primary Indian applicants are waiting for their green cards. Clubbed with their spouses and children numbering 325,819; as many as 632,219 Indians in all are waiting for their green cards.

In 2017 only 22,602 Indians were issued the legal permanent residency cards. Of these 13,082 were in the EB-1 category, 2,879 in EB-2 category and 6,641 in Eb-3 category, according to the latest USCIS figures.

Cato Institute said the green card allocation is not based on the the backlog, so 69 per cent of the backlog is in the EB-2 category, but it received only 13 per cent of the green cards issued in 2017.

There are two reasons for this, it explained.

First, each category is guaranteed a minimum of 40,040 green cards, so the allocation between categories does not adjust when one category has higher demand than the others.

Second, EB-2 is currently subject to the per-country limits, that prevent Indian immigrants from receiving more than seven per cent of the green cards issued in the category, the report said.

Cato Institute notes that that for employment-based green cards, the per-country limit only applies in full force when the category is filled up, meaning that if some green cards would go to waste, Indian immigrants can receive above the per-country limit of 7 per cent. For this reason, Indian immigrants received nearly 18 per cent of the total green cards issued in the EB-3 category in 2017.

Referring to the inconsistency in the application of the per-country limit, the report said if the per-country limits end up not applying fully for EB-2 during some future years, they could receive their green cards before the next century.

For example, if they received the same number of green cards as EB-3 workers did in 2017, they would have to wait "only" for 65 years, rather than 151 years as projected based on the number of issuances in 2017.

On the other hand, if the per-country limits end up applying fully for EB-3 workers after 2018, they could end up having to wait more than 40 years, rather than 17 years, the report said.

Indian-American indicted for multi-million dollar fraud scheme in US

An Indian-American former president of a blood-testing company along with its founder has been charged in the US for allegedly engaging in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud investors, doctors and patients by making false claims about the accuracy of their much-hyped testing devices.

Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, 53 and Elizabeth Holmes, 34 were charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud and appeared yesterday before

US Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen in San Jose for their initial appearances, Acting United States Attorney Alex Tse said.
According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, the charges stem from allegations Holmes and Balwani engaged in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud investors, and a separate scheme to defraud doctors and patients. Both schemes involved efforts to promote Palo Alto-based company Theranos.

Holmes founded Theranos in 2003 as a private healthcare and life sciences company aimed at revolutionizing medical laboratory testing through allegedly innovative methods for drawing blood, testing blood, and interpreting the resulting patient data.

Balwani, a former boyfriend of Holmes, was employed at Theranos from September of 2009 through 2016. At times during that period, Balwani worked in several capacities including as a member of the company's board of directors, as its president, and as its chief operating officer.

According to the indictment, Holmes and Balwani used advertisements and solicitations to encourage and induce doctors and patients to use Theranos's blood testing laboratory services, even though they knew Theranos was not capable of consistently producing accurate and reliable results for certain blood tests.

The tests performed on Theranos technology, in addition, were likely to contain inaccurate and unreliable results.

The indictment alleges that the two used a combination of direct communications, marketing materials, statements to the media, financial statements, models, and other information to defraud potential investors.

Specifically, they claimed that Theranos developed a revolutionary and proprietary analyzer, which could perform a full range of clinical tests using small blood samples drawn from a finger stick. Holmes and Balwani represented that the analyzer could produce results that were more accurate and reliable than those yielded by conventional methods?all at a faster speed than previously possible.

Holmes and Balwani knew that many of their representations about the analyzer were false and that the analyzer had accuracy and reliability problems, performed a limited number of tests, was slower than some competing devices, and, in some respects, could not compete with existing, more conventional machines.

Authorities said Holmes and Balwani not only defrauded investors, but also consumers who trusted and relied upon their allegedly-revolutionary blood-testing technology.

"This indictment alleges a corporate conspiracy to defraud financial investors," Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John Bennett said.

"This conspiracy misled doctors and patients about the reliability of medical tests that endangered health and lives."

The indictment further alleges that Holmes and Balwani defrauded doctors and patients by making false claims concerning Theranos's ability to provide accurate, fast, reliable, and cheap blood tests and test results, and through omissions concerning the limits of and problems with Theranos's technologies.

The defendants knew that Theranos was not capable of consistently producing accurate and reliable results for certain blood tests, including the tests for calcium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, HIV and sodium.

The duo also allegedly made numerous misrepresentations to potential investors about Theranos's financial condition and its future prospects.

They represented to investors that Theranos conducted its patients' tests using Theranos-manufactured analyzers; when, in truth, Holmes and Balwani knew that Theranos purchased and used for patient testing third party, commercially-available analyzers.

The defendants also represented to investors that Theranos would generate over USD 100 million in revenues and break even in 2014 and that Theranos expected to generate approximately USD 1 billion in revenues in 2015 when, in truth, the defendants knew Theranos would generate only negligible or modest revenues in 2014 and 2015.

Unprecedented gigantic dust storm on Mars could spell death for NASA's oldest rover Opportunity

NASA has declared a 'spacecraft emergency' due to the low levels of power.

A gigantic dust storm brewing in Mars could spell the death for Opportunity – NASA's oldest rover on the planet. The intensifying storm has blocked out the sun, making it difficult for the rover to recharge it's batteries.

This unprecedented unusually severe dust storm, first detected on May 30, has covered a quarter of the planet of the Red Planet, the US space agency said at a press conference yesterday.

“The storm is one of the most intense ever observed on the Red Planet. As of June 10, it covered more than 15.8 million square miles (41 million square kilometers) – about the area of North America and Russia combined. It has blocked out so much sunlight, it has effectively turned day into night for Opportunity, which is located near the center of the storm, inside Mars' Perseverance Valley,” said NASA.
Opportunity rover's batteries are so low that all subsystems are off, except a mission clock, programmed to wake the computer for a periodic check of power levels. If the clock also goes offline, then the rover won’t know what time it is when it charges back to life.

NASA has declared a "spacecraft emergency" due to the low levels of power. The storm can last a few weeks or a few months.

In 2003, Nasa has launched the twin rovers – Opportunity and Spirit – to study the Red Planet. They landed on Mars in 2004. While the Spirit hasn’t worked for years, Opportunity kept exploring the planet for the last 15 years, well beyond its expected mission lifetime of 90 days.

Opportunity was last located in a spot called Perseverance Valley three days ago and "has fallen asleep and is waiting out the storm," said John Callas, Opportunity project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

"We are concerned but we are hopeful that the storm will clear and the rover will be able to communicate with us."

"In this point we are in a waiting mode. We are listening every day for possible signals from the rover," he said, likening the atmosphere among colleagues to having a loved one lying in a coma.

But Callas is hopeful Opportunity will not fully shut down because the approaching Martian summer means temperatures should not dip below the rover's minimal operating temperature, -55 degrees Celsius (-167 Fahrenheit).

The coldest NASA expects it to get is -36 C (-60 F).

NASA's larger and newer Curiosity rover is on the other side of the planet, where the sky has already begun to darken from the storm.

However, NASA is not as worried about Curiosity, which landed in 2012, because it is nuclear-powered, not reliant on the Sun.