It's a wrap! NASA astronauts successfully complete 2018's first spacewalk

The spacewalk was the 206th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the third in Mark Vande Hei’s career and the first for Scott Tingle.

Astronaut Joe Acaba (left) assists astronaut Scott Tingle during a fit check in his US spacesuit. (Image courtesy: NASA)

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) successfully wrapped up the year's first spacewalk on Tuesday, January 23.

Expedition 54 Flight Engineers Mark Vande Hei and Scott Tingle replaced a Latching End Effector (LEE) on the station’s robotic arm, Canadarm2.

Spacewalks are events in support of the ISS assembly and maintenance, that science and space enthusiasts look forward to with the initiation of every consecutive expedition launch.


The spacewalk was led by Mark Vande Hei who will also be leading the second spacewalk scheduled for January 29 and will be joined by Flight Engineer Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The January 29 spacewalk will be devoted to securing the degraded LEE B on the station’s Mobile Base System rail car as a spare.

The spacewalk was the 206th in support of space station assembly and maintenance, the third in Vande Hei’s career and the first for Tingle.


Spacewalkers have now spent a total of 53 days, 13 hours, and 49 minutes working outside the station in support of assembly and maintenance of the orbiting laboratory.

China 'okay' with friendly and cooperative India-Asean ties

China on Thursday cautiously welcomed India hosting leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on its Republic Day, which many see as a move by New Delhi to counter Beijing`s influence in the region.

 China on Thursday cautiously welcomed India hosting leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on its Republic Day, which many see as a move by New Delhi to counter Beijing`s influence in the region.

Beijing said it was "okay" with New Delhi developing friendly and cooperative ties with the 10-member bloc. It said a section of the Indian media was obsessed with China.

"China is open to all countries developing friendly relations. So, we are okay with India developing friendly and cooperative relations with Asean countries," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.


"We hope all countries can work together for peace, stability and development of the region. We can all play a constructive role in the regard," Hua said.

Last year, India invited the leaders of Asean countries to attend its Republic Day celebrations. Most Asean leaders have already gathered in New Delhi to attend the function.

Experts say New Delhi`s intent to deepen ties with the bloc has also to do with countering China.


China is gradually winning over its foes in the bloc like the Philippines and Vietnam who are claimants to the disputed South China Sea.

Reacting to the view, Hua said this was a media creation.

"In recent days some Indian media seems to have cultivated a habit. They will link their domestic affairs with China," Hua said.


"I don`t know what the Indian leadership think of that. But I want to say that India media is not very confident and they don`t trust us."

Effective Weight Loss Tips for Your 40s You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

If it seems like losing weight gets harder as you get older, you’re not imagining things. But while it’s true that your metabolism does slow as you age, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s still very possible to stay fit and healthy long after your 40th birthday.

For best results, figure out the most effective weight loss tips for your body and utilize them so you won’t waste time with moves or foods that don’t do anything for you. These are some of the best weight loss tips for your 40s you may not have heard of.

Aim for 7 hours of sleep each night 

If sleeping your way slim sounds too good to be true, rejoice: Sleep is crucial to a good metabolism, especially as you age. Numerous studies have been published about the dangers of skimping on sleep, so make it a priority every night. Your body will thank you.

Get more vitamin D 

Many of us are deficient in vitamin D, especially during the winter. But if you get more of it, it can help you lose weight, or at least slow your weight gain.

 Become an 80/20 eater 

Eating healthy foods and watching your calorie intake becomes even more vital after your 40th birthday, but that doesn’t mean you should never treat yourself. One of celebrity trainer Jillian Michael’s top weight loss tips is the 80/20 rule: Make 80% of the food you eat healthy, and allow the other 20% to be a splurge. This will keep you from feeling deprived and keep the pounds off in the long run.

Cut way back on your drinking 

We know cutting back on the beer and wine isn’t fun, but if you’re over 40, it can make a huge difference in your weight. The effects of drinking hit you harder after 40 anyway, so consider this a natural boost in your productivity. You don’t have to give it up entirely, but saving it for an occasional treat will really help.

 Women: Optimize your diet for changing hormones 

Your metabolism slows down as you near menopause, but eating more unprocessed plant foods like whole fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, and seeds will make your body more forgiving. Plus, you’ll enjoy a noticeable boost in energy that will make exercising a little easier.

Men: Get more lean protein 

We all know that protein is an essential weight loss aid for men and women of all ages. But as it turns out, it can make a pretty big difference for men over 40 especially. Here’s the shocker: While you should increase your protein levels, you should actually cut back on meat. Studies have shown that plant-based diets with limited meat are real weight loss boosters for men, so make eggs, nuts, black beans, and quinoa your new diet staples.

Everyone: Eliminate any underlying metabolic conditions 

Don’t let your body work against you! About one in five adults over the age of 40 has a thyroid condition, and many of them don’t even know it. A sluggish thyroid is a top reason people can’t lose weight, so get yours checked and stay on top of it.

Losing weight after 40 doesn’t have to be a depressing struggle. Here are some other classic weight loss tips for more mature adults.

Take pictures of your food 

We have a tendency to underestimate how calorie-dense our meals and snacks are. This is why some food and activity tracking apps allow you to take pictures of what you’re about to eat to help you calculate its nutritional value. Snapping photos of your lunch might help increase your awareness of what you’re eating, allowing you to think more critically about the food choices you’re making throughout the day.

Use smaller plates 

Have you noticed bigger plates never seem to have empty space on them? The more plate we have available, the more we want to fill it with food. Try solving the problem before it has a chance to show up on your waistline by using smaller plates and bowls.

Food Poisoning Alert: These Foods Are the Most Likely to Be Recalled in 2018

Food recalls are unnerving, but they happen every year. From frozen packaged items to fresh produce, we remember dozens occurring in 2017. And so far this year, several companies are already issuing warnings about their potentially unsafe products. Even your pets aren’t necessarily in the clear, as dog food makes the list, too.

So, what other recalls can we expect this year? Judging from trends in the past, we have a few ideas about what may be on the docket. Here are the items you might have to potentially watch out for.

1. Chicken 

You know chicken can be dangerous when eaten raw or undercooked — but in some cases, even heating up this poultry isn’t enough to ward away illness. In 2017, many brands of chicken were recalled due to metal contamination and listeria concerns. And even some ready-to-eat items haven’t been safe in the recent past. Food Quality & Safety says Journey Cuisine recalled over 28,000 pounds of chicken and pork burrito products due to possible listeria contamination last November.

Since we’re sensing a yearly trend with chicken recalls, it’s safe to say your favorite poultry product might be next. 

2. Bean sprouts 

In 2016, the FDA issued an investigation following a multi-state outbreak of salmonella poisoning. It turns out 25 people from 12 states had alfalfa sprouts from the same manufacturer. And that’s not the only time sprouts made headlines, either. In June 2017, Happy Sprout Inc. recalled their soybean sprouts for fear of possible listeria contamination. And The Food Network Canada notes sprouts have been linked to over 30 outbreaks since 1996. . 

3. Cantaloupe 

We’ve seen several cantaloupe recalls in the past, including the one that resulted from a listeria outbreak in 2011. At least 147 people were sick and 35 died from this particularly awful incidence, Food Safety News reminds us. And that’s far from the last time cantaloupe has caused issues.

As of Jan. 2017, researchers are looking into how to make cantaloupe a safer food to eat. The team is looking at how the fruits are handled, packaged, and what surfaces they touch to try and reduce any risk associated with eating them. 

4. Beef 

Beef has been the center of several illness controversies over the years. Money Inc. reminds us ConAgra had to recall 19 million pounds of beef back in 2002 due to E. coli concerns. And even frozen beef patties aren’t necessarily safe, as they’ve been recalled in the past due to E. coli as well.

More recently, in Dec. 2017, several companies recalled their beef products due to possible “material contamination” and undeclared food allergens. Be on the lookout for more of that in 2018. 

5. Eggs 

We can’t forget when half a billion eggs were recalled in 2010 after an egg producer in Iowa announced their product may be infected with salmonella. And in 2017, tainted eggs were sold across Europe, prompting another monumental scare.

The FDA explains eggs are the cause of nearly 80,000 cases of food poisoning and 30 deaths a year. And even if your eggs look clean and fresh, there’s no guarantee they don’t contain deadly bacteria. Pay attention to food recalls to see if yours may be contaminated. 

6. Milk 

This fridge staple has also been the center of controversy in the food recall world before. In Dec. 2017, one brand recalled their whole, raw milk because batches of it tested positive for E. coli, Food Safety News warns. And the CDC explains staph bacteria is also found in unpasteurized milk, which can cause a range of stomach issues just 30 minutes after consumption.

Pay attention to food recalls, as some brands of milk are often on the list at some point during the year. So far, Farmers Dairy in Canada has already pulled their milk products due to customers reporting an off taste. 

7. Peanuts 

Peanuts and peanut products have fallen under scrutiny ever since the huge recall in 2007 and 2008. CBS News reminds us ConAgra, the company that brings us Peter Pan peanut butter, recalled all of its peanut products in 2007 that were sold since 2004. Unfortunately for consumers, the majority of those products were already eaten.

This isn’t the first time peanut products have sickened many, either, and it probably won’t be the last. It seems once salmonella gets on peanuts after the roasting process, it’s game over. 

8. Seafood 

It’s certainly delicious, but eating seafood historically comes with quite a few risks. The Food Network Canada notes it’s common for seafood to be recalled over listeria and botulism fears. And mercury contamination is also increasingly common in fresh shellfish.

In recent times, Food Safety News reports a salmon product from True North Salmon Co. Ltd. was recalled due to listeria concerns in Nov. 2017. And Forbes notes smoked seafood actually tested the highest for listeria by the FDA. 

9. Cheese 

It’s typical to see cheese on the food recall list every year. In Feb. 2017, CNN reports Sargento, one of the leading cheese makers in the U.S., recalled several of their products due to concerns of listeria. And Food Safety News reported that same month that other cheese manufacturing companies, such as Sara Lee, were also hit with a listeria scare.

The CDC explains soft cheeses that are made with unpasteurized milk are 50 to 160 times more likely to give you listeria than the pasteurized alternatives. If you’re concerned about this infection, make sure your cheese products are made with pasteurized milk. 

10. Salad mix 

Well-known stores like Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Target were all affected by this recall in 2017. It started with a salad mix at Trader Joe’s, but Consumerist mentions other bagged salad mixes and veggies coming from the same supplier were also possibly contaminated with listeria.

So far in 2018, there’s already been a recall linked to romaine lettuce — another food item commonly contaminated with harmful pathogens. It’s still a good idea to eat your greens, but pay attention to any recalls that may be going on through the year. 

11. Ice cream 

You probably have a pint of this creamy, delicious dessert in your freezer. Unfortunately, Taste of Home via AOL reminds us even seemingly harmless treats like ice cream can have deadly consequences. In Jan. 2018, numerous ice cream bars from Kroger, Aldi, ShopRite, Stop N Shop, and the Dollar Tree are being recalled due to listeria concerns.

This is far from the first time ice cream has been recalled, too. Blue Bell recalled all its products back in 2015 due to listeria — and there were even a few deaths as a result. 

12. Flour 

Believe it or not, flour has been the center of multiple food recalls over the years. In 2016, General Mills recalled their flour due to E. coli risk. And in May 2017, multiple other companies also recalled their flour for the same concerns.

So, what makes flour so susceptible to E. coli? Consumer Reports says contaminated wheat fields may be to blame, so they suggest not eating uncooked baked goods that contain raw flour, just in case. 

13. Hummus 

You probably remember checking your hummus in 2017 — and you may have to do the same thing this year, too. CNN reports multiple brands of hummus produced by House of Thaller were recalled in 2017 due to possible listeria contamination. And the year before that, Sabra hummus was hit with a recall due to listeria concerns as well, says Today.

PBS explains dirty equipment or working conditions are often how foods become infected with pathogens like listeria. And if 2018 is anything like years past, hummus may be on the recall list. 

14. Shredded coconut 

Yes, shredded coconut has already made waves in 2018 with a salmonella outbreak. Fox News reports this food is typically safe to eat raw, but a particular batch of frozen shredded coconut was recalled due to illness concerns. It seems at least 25 people were affected by this outbreak so far. And an article from the Journal of Applied Microbiology states shredded coconut can be contaminated with salmonella if the product touches soil that has the bacteria in it. 

15. Frozen fruits and veggies 

Think only your fresh produce can be contaminated and recalled? As evidenced by the shredded coconut, other frozen fruits and veggies are likely to also see a recall in 2018. The New York Times notes over 350 frozen foods such as carrots, onions, and strawberries were all recalled in 2016 due to listeria concerns. And the FDA notes a different outbreak of hepatitis A came from frozen strawberries that same year.

Though we hope all your healthy freezer foods won’t make you sick, it seems these sweeping, widespread outbreaks are common and may affect you this year as well.

The Absolute Worst Mistake You Can Make When It Comes to Avoiding the Deadly Flu Virus

The symptoms of the flu are never fun to deal with, but in many cases, the virus has become deadly. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2018 flu season has seen one of the most severe strains, H3N2, become the most dominant. They’ve reported that the virus has already taken the lives of 20 children and has hit all states except Hawaii and the District of Columbia.

The life-threatening nature of the flu virus has prompted the CDC to issue a warning about how dangerous it is. Here’s what you need to do to stay healthy (and alive), and the one mistake you should avoid at all costs.

Flu season runs from October to May 

Flu season runs from October to May, so each year, you should plan to get the flu vaccine early on. According to Nemours, the best time for anyone age 6 months or older to get the flu vaccine is from September to mid-November. This ensures that you’re protected before flu season’s worst months (December to early March), allowing your body to build up proper immunity. 

Even if you think it’s too late to get the flu vaccine, think again 

If you haven’t received your flu shot despite already being well into flu season, it’s not too late. Bernard Camins, MD, associate professor at the University of Alabama — Birmingham’s Division of Infectious Diseases, explained how you can still take preventative measures.

“If you have not gotten your flu shot, you are still encouraged to do so — but note that it typically takes two weeks to take effect,” he advised. “The current flu vaccine has three to four strains of influenza that it works against, so even if it is not very effective against the current circulating strain, it may be very effective against the three other strains.” 

The worst thing you can do: Not get the flu vaccine 

The worst thing you can do is not get the vaccine at all. Even if you’re one of the rare people who has never caught the flu virus despite going years without a vaccine, you’re still at risk. The New York Times described just how easily anyone can become infected:

Influenza, commonly called the flu, spreads easily. You can catch it from someone who coughs, sneezes, or even talks to you from up to six feet away. You can infect others a day before you show any symptoms, and up to a week after becoming sick. Children can pass along the virus for even longer than that. 

It’s not all about you 

If you’ve simply decided you’ll take your chances and not get the vaccine, consider this: it’s not all about you. Children, babies, and adults 65 and older are particularly susceptible to the deadly dangers of the flu. All adults should be vaccinated, because even if a flu strain doesn’t hit you that hard, you could potentially threaten the lives of others by infecting them. 

Here’s how you can get the vaccine 

If you’ve decided to get the flu vaccine, your doctor’s office isn’t the only option. Many pharmacies, supermarkets, community groups or centers, or even schools will administer the shot.

Make sure you know what kind of payment or insurance coverage you’ll require prior to receiving the vaccine. According to Nemours, “If you have an HMO insurance plan, be sure to check with your primary care doctor before having [yourself or] your kids vaccinated outside the office, since most HMOs will pay for shots only if they’re given through their plan.” 

Consistently practice healthy habits 

It’s so important to consistently practice healthy habits — especially during flu season. The CDC recommends avoiding close contact with others who are sick, covering your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, washing your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

They also advise leading a healthy lifestyle: “Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.” 

What to do if you do catch the flu 

If you end up catching the flu, make sure to start treating your symptoms immediately. Typical flu symptoms include fever or chills, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, muscle and body aches, fatigue, and vomiting.

Dr. Helen Ewing, Dean of Nursing at Carrington College, suggests “getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to stay hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications to manage the symptoms.”

Ewing advised that further medical attention is only necessary if you notice particularly concerning symptoms. Otherwise, your body should be able to fight it off. She explained, “It is important to seek medical attention if you cannot drink enough fluids and become dehydrated, or if the flu symptoms are not going away and are worsening as this may indicate flu complications.”

Whether you’re experiencing severe or mild symptoms, take the CDC’s advice and “stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.” You may not have the most relaxing day off, but you’ll do everyone else a favor by keeping the flu virus from spreading.

The 10 Healthiest (and Unhealthiest) Foods You Can Order at McDonald’s

The sight of the infamous golden arches hardly sparks thoughts of health-conscious food options, but sometimes, fast food is an inevitable part of road trips, offering the only quick, cheap, and easy choice. In most categories, however, there are both good and bad food options, and ordering off the menu at McDonald’s is no different. When you’re short on time and limited to drive-through options, it’s helpful to know what foods you should avoid. Here are the worst choices at McDonald’s as well as their healthier counterparts.

1. Worst: Big Breakfast with Hotcakes 

Back when most millennials were growing up, breakfast at McDonald’s was a real treat. The mere thought of classic hotcakes drizzled with syrup along with a savory hash brown crisped to perfection would bring delight to just about anyone’s taste buds. You can up the nostalgia even more by ordering this monster. The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes boasts a whopping 1,350 calories, 65 grams of total fat, and 155 grams of carbs. After a meal like that, they’ll be rolling you out of the ball pit.

2. Better: Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait 

At 150 calories and just 2 grams of fat, the Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait is a likely choice for anyone looking for one of the healthiest options on the menu. With low-fat yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and low-fat crunchy granola, this breakfast item is definitely a welcome addition that falls outside of McDonald’s typical high-cal offerings. It’s pretty high in sugar, though, so keep sweet stuff for the rest of the day to a minimum.

3. Worst: Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese 

While the Big Mac may be the most famous item on the menu, the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is the worst of the burgers. Made with two beef patties, each weighing 4.25 ounces before cooking, this burger comes in at an impressive 770 calories and 45 grams of fat.

4. Better: Hamburger 

At 250 calories and 8 grams of total fat, you could say the original Hamburger is the bite-size version of other beef choices on the menu, comparatively speaking. Just one patty makes this burger an obvious choice when you’re actually looking for a single serving size of food.

5. Worst: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich 

While swapping a typical beef patty for a chicken alternative might seem like the lesser of two evils (which, in some cases, it is), steer clear of the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich if you’re after a healthier option. With 570 calories and 23 grams of fat, it’s just not a good option.

6. Better: Chicken McNuggets 

If you’re looking for some protein on the go, grabbing a 4-piece Chicken McNugget order may be your best bet. A total of 180 calories and a more reasonable 11 grams of fat make these nuggets a better option. And McDonald’s guarantee of 100% white meat chicken ensures you won’t be grossed out by nasty fillers.

7. Worst: Southwest Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Salad 

Just because it has “salad” in the title doesn’t mean it’s a healthy menu item. The Southwest Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Salad packs more than just a flavor kick; at 520 calories and 25 grams of fat, it’s the worst salad on the menu.

8. Better: Side Salad 

Sure, this probably isn’t going to serve as a full meal, but if you need a quick snack on the go, the Side Salad is the best choice. At only 15 calories and 0 grams of fat, this salad serves up baby spinach, baby kale, red leaf lettuce, carrots, and grape tomatoes. Bear in mind, dressing will take the calorie count higher, so use it sparingly.

9. Worst: McFlurry with M&M’s 

Everyone needs a little something sweet now and again. Although many are familiar with McDonald’s delicious soft-serve ice cream, be careful you don’t go overboard. When combined with M&M’s candies to create a McFlurry, your ice cream will end up with 630 calories, 22 grams of fat, and a mind-blowing 86 grams of sugar. This dessert is far more than just the icing on the cake.

10. Better: Vanilla Cone 

If you’re craving a frosty treat, you’re much better off going with the classic Vanilla Cone. This cool and creamy dessert is just 200 calories and has a more reasonable 5 grams of fat. It’s certainly not going to win any health awards, but this dessert won’t totally undo your diet.

Trump willing to be questioned `under oath` in Russia probe

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he "would love to" be questioned under oath by Russia collusion prosecutor Robert Mueller, adding it could happen in the coming weeks.

Trump confirmed that his lawyers are in discussion with Mueller, who is leading the investigation into collusion between the US president`s election campaign and Russia in the 2016 election, and also into allegations that Trump tried to obstruct his probe.

"I would love to do it," Trump told reporters in the White House when asked about testifying.


"I would like to do it as soon as possible... subject to my lawyers and all of that."

"I would do it under oath, absolutely," he added.

Asked when an interview could happen, Trump replied that he didn`t know exactly.


"Yesterday, they were talking about two or three weeks," he said.

It was the first time the Trump said directly that he president would cooperate with Mueller, whose investigation he has repeatedly dismissed as being based on "fake news."

"There has been no collusion whatsoever. There is no obstruction whatsoever," he said Wednesday.But any interview of a US president in an investigation is fraught with issues of executive privilege -- how much and in what context the US leader can be forced to disclose information.


In Trump`s case, it also raises deep concerns that his shoot-from-the-hip outspokenness could jeopardize his own legal position.

Special counsel Mueller is believed to be focusing on whether Trump illegally interfered with the Russia investigation, particularly when he fired FBI director James Comey last year.

Mueller, himself a former FBI director, is also examining the extent of communications between Russians and Trump campaign officials, including a meeting in June 2016 between Trump`s son Donald Trump Jr, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and a Russian lawyer who had allegedly offered them dirt on Trump`s election rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton.


He has already issued indictments for four people from the campaign, securing guilty pleas from two: former national security advisor Michael Flynn, and former foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos, both for making false statements.Mueller`s investigators have been edging steadily closer to the White House, last week interviewing

Attorney General Jeff Sessions -- who was a top Trump campaign official and had three meetings in 2016 with Russia`s US ambassador, Sergei Kislyak.

He has interviewed Comey and other former officials, and is reportedly going to interview former White House Strategist Steve Bannon in the coming days.


Ty Cobb, one of Trump`s lawyers, has repeatedly said since last year that the president is willing to testify to Mueller`s investigation, and wants Mueller to wind up the case as early as possible.

Trump "wants to put the matter to rest," Cobb told CBS News last week.

The form of an Mueller interview with the president still needs to be negotiated -- whether it is face-to-face, or in writing, or a mix.


Trump told reporters Wednesday he would listen to his lawyers` advice on how to proceed. Asked if he thought Mueller would be fair, he replied:

"We are going to find out... I hope so."

But the case might not be cleared easily. Trump`s repeated tweets attacking Comey and the FBI have added to suspicions that he has sought to stymie the Mueller investigation.


On Tuesday the Washington Post reported that last year Trump pressed Comey`s temporary replacement, FBI deputy director and Comey loyalist Andrew McCabe, to tell him who he voted for in the 2016 election.

Since then Trump has pressured the current FBI chief, Christopher Wray, to fire McCabe.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders dismissed Wednesday the Post report on the Trump-McCabe exchange by saying she doubts "any person in America" cares about it.


That sparked a mass rebuttal on Twitter by Trump critics declaring they do care, using the hashtag "#onewhodoes.