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Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, can evoke a range of emotions. Some women welcome the end of menstruation and the possibility of unwanted pregnancy, while others fear the onset of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other challenging symptoms. Some are concerned about the increased risk of health problems like osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia that may arise from the loss of ovarian function and declining estrogen levels after menopause. This is why some scientists and influencers think delaying menopause could be a key factor in extending lifespan. Dr. Zev Williams, from Columbia University Fertility Center, points out that ovaries age faster than other organs and often faster than the woman herself. He suggests that extending the functional lifespan of the ovaries could significantly improve long-term health and quality of life, especially as women live longer. However, the concept is controversial. Neuroscientist Jennifer Garrison at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging argues that the focus shouldn't be solely on delaying menopause or women's periods. Instead, she suggests preserving the part of ovarian function that affects overall health. Giving women options to maintain the endocrine function of their ovaries could lead to a more consistent quality of life for a longer period. Some believe, without concrete proof, that delaying menopause could increase both lifespan and healthspan. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, with the Menopause Society and Mayo Clinic, states that there's no evidence to support this as a "fountain of youth." She adds that while it would be interesting to prevent the ovaries from "timing out," it's uncertain how to achieve this and what potential negative effects there might be. Despite the uncertainties, the idea has prompted scientists to explore the possibility of delaying menopause in healthy women and investigate methods to achieve it. One method, primarily used for cancer patients, involves surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue, then re-implanting it later to restore ovarian function. A study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2024) indicated that this cryopreservation and transplantation could significantly delay menopause for most women under 40. Dr. Nanette Santoro, from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, notes that this approach is currently most relevant for women undergoing cancer therapy that will damage their ovarian tissues. She clarifies that the primary use is for fertility preservation, not necessarily for extending the age of menopause by maintaining ovarian function. Another approach involves Columbia University researchers investigating the use of rapamycin, an immunosuppressant drug typically used to prevent organ transplant rejection, to slow down ovarian aging. The goal isn't necessarily to prolong fertility but to slow the rate at which the ovaries age. Initial studies in mice have shown that rapamycin can reduce ovarian aging by 20%. The research team is currently studying whether these benefits apply to women. Williams, who is co-leading the study, emphasizes the importance of waiting for the results of ongoing trials to determine if rapamycin is safe and effective for delaying ovarian aging in women. Santoro, who isn't involved in the study, suggests that this approach would be most immediately beneficial for women experiencing early menopause. She points out that menopause before age 45 can have negative health consequences, so extending the age of menopause to 45 for everyone could improve overall population health. Meanwhile, some companies are working on developing new drugs to slow ovarian aging. Williams notes that the challenges with any new drug include demonstrating its effectiveness, ensuring safety, and overcoming cost and production issues. He adds that the advantage of repurposing a drug like rapamycin is that it has been used for decades, its safety is well-established, and it is relatively inexpensive. Even if delaying menopause were possible, Santoro says further research is needed to determine whether extending ovarian lifespan beyond the typical age range of 45 to 55 is beneficial. She explains that there would likely be both advantages and disadvantages, such as delaying osteoporosis, potentially reducing heart disease and dementia risks, but these benefits would need to be proven before widespread application. Possible drawbacks include an increased risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, and blood clots due to longer estrogen exposure. Santoro adds that many women may not want to continue menstruating, particularly those with conditions like fibroids, painful periods, endometriosis, menstrual migraines, or severe premenstrual syndrome, who often find menopause to be a welcome relief. She concludes that aging, even of the ovaries, can sometimes have its advantages.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is President Trump's nominee to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH), historically the world's largest source of funding for biomedical research. On March 5th, the Stanford University professor of health policy will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee as he seeks confirmation to lead one of the nation's most influential health organizations. Here's what you should know about Bhattacharya. He’s the son of immigrants Born in Kolkata, India, Bhattacharya has stated that his mother came from impoverished circumstances, while his father, an electrical engineer, belonged to the middle class. His family immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s, initially settling in Massachusetts and subsequently in California, near Los Angeles. At the age of 18, Bhattacharya converted to Presbyterianism from Hinduism. He’s interested in health economics Bhattacharya obtained four degrees from Stanford: a bachelor's, a master's, an MD, and a PhD. He was an economist at the RAND Corporation before returning to Stanford as a faculty member. Bhattacharya's research has focused on health economics, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations in the U.S., examining the impact of the nation's healthcare system and government policies on their health. He holds controversial views on COVID-19 During the pandemic, Bhattacharya became a well-known but dissenting voice, frequently giving interviews and writing opinion pieces arguing that public health officials were overreacting to the virus. He believed, based on the data he reviewed, that COVID-19 was significantly less severe than health experts, including those in government, were portraying it, and he asserted that COVID-19 tests were primarily detecting severe cases and symptomatic individuals, while a much larger number of people were infected but asymptomatic. He stated in a 2020 that many people had evidence of COVID infection that wouldn't be counted because they didn't seek medical attention and had mild infections. In March 2020, he co-authored a controversial in the Wall Street Journal questioning the necessity of lockdowns. He argued that the widespread quarantine might not be worth the economic, social, and mental and physical health costs, advocating for an immediate evaluation of the empirical basis for the current lockdowns. He also co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020, an open letter calling for an end to lockdowns. Instead, it proposed allowing individuals at low risk of COVID-19 infection to continue their normal lives, with the expectation that they would develop mild illness if infected and contribute to herd immunity, eventually safeguarding the entire population. Critics of this strategy emphasized that it would still put those most vulnerable to serious complications from the virus, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, at risk. He also expressed opposition to mask mandates in schools. In 2021, he co-authored an article claiming that masks provided "infinitesimally small" benefits in preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19 in children, and that COVID-19 posed a lesser threat to children than accidents or the common flu. His opinions clashed with those of numerous public health officials, and he stated that he faced criticism for expressing them. His challenge at NIH If his confirmation is successful, Bhattacharya will lead an agency facing a critical juncture. The Trump Administration has placed restrictions on funding to institutions, setting a limit on overhead cost reimbursement at just 15% of the total grant amount (as opposed to the previous range of 30-70% or higher). While this new policy is currently suspended by a federal judge, Bhattacharya would be tasked with navigating any changes to the agency’s grant-making procedures and reforms, which many scientists believe are necessary, to improve the NIH's efficiency. Some experts suggest that his medical background and understanding of health data would be valuable assets in leading the esteemed research institution. However, as STAT reported, others have concerns about his interpretation of data, suggesting it could lead to inaccurate conclusions. Jason Abaluck, a professor of economics at Yale School of Management, stated that he would prefer Bhattacharya's appointment over a potentially worse alternative, believing that his absence might lead to the selection of someone even less suitable.

The financial well-being of the United States should be a priority, and improving credit scores is the first step. The difference of 200 points in credit score impacts more than just loan interest rates; it significantly affects your overall quality of life. Credit scores can influence financial security, life expectancy, community safety, community strength, and even the robustness of our democratic system. A nation where most people have a credit score of 700 or higher would be more hopeful, unified, and prosperous. Raising credit scores by 100 points in every neighborhood and community could bring stability to the country. Currently, many communities, both urban and rural, across racial divides, are stuck in a cycle of low credit scores around 500. The financial strain in these areas fosters disunity, despair, and often, social disruption. People who feel marginalized, excluded, and financially abandoned often express their discontent in various ways. Throughout history, different groups have resorted to protests, both in the streets and through voting. These actions stem from the same underlying frustration: the perception that the system is failing them. However, protests, whether in the streets or at the ballot box, do not solve the underlying problems. They do not provide food, education, or wealth creation. The solution lies in financial literacy and economic empowerment. In a community with prevalent low credit scores, the financial environment is often unfavorable. Check-cashing stores, payday lenders, rent-to-own establishments, title loan offices, and pawn shops dominate the landscape, with limited access to traditional banking. Churches offer emotional support, but this environment creates a system that exploits financial struggles. Those with less pay a disproportionately higher cost relative to their income. They face higher interest rates, fees, and rents. The cost of being poor is itself expensive. In contrast, a community with high credit scores presents a different picture. Banks replace payday lenders. Homeownership is common instead of . Access to fresh, healthy food options is available instead of only fast food. Business ownership and investment replace economic despair. People write checks instead of cashing them, and optimism replaces resentment. These differences highlight that higher credit scores benefit entire communities, not just individuals. According to Operation HOPE’s 700 Credit Score , higher credit scores correlate with lower crime rates due to reduced financial desperation. Political division decreases as people feel empowered. Health outcomes improve due to reduced financial stress. Lifespans even increase, with people in stable, economically secure communities living longer. Increased spending, investment, and business creation lead to GDP growth and a thriving economy. For too long, we've been arguing over divisive issues. The real unifying factor is economic power. A struggling white family and a struggling Black family may share more common ground than they realize. Both navigate a flawed financial system, face limited economic opportunities, and struggle to escape financial hardship. Instead of uniting to address these issues, divisive politics have turned us against each other, while large financial companies profit from our financial instability. A financially literate America is a stronger America. We can build a better country through financial education, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and access to credit. To raise credit scores, we must prioritize financial literacy nationwide. My plan ensures financial literacy is taught in every K-12 school. Students should learn about credit, budgeting, and wealth creation. We must also increase banking access and invest in credit-building programs. Banking deserts should be replaced with genuine banking solutions. FDIC-insured banks should be encouraged to raise credit scores in the communities they serve by tying this activity to their Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit. Corporate America should offer credit-building benefits to employees, similar to health insurance, for the benefit of both the community and a more productive workforce. Government policies, such as expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and the CRA, should focus on wealth-building and credit-building initiatives in underserved areas. A financially stable America is stronger, safer, and more unified, where people own their futures and communities thrive.

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that a suspected key planner in the Kabul airport bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members, has been apprehended and is being transported to the United States to face charges. On Wednesday, senior Pakistani intelligence officials confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was captured in Pakistan, near the Afghan border, after previous attempts to apprehend him were unsuccessful. In an address to Congress, Trump stated his pleasure in announcing the capture of the "top terrorist" responsible for the bombing, who is now en route to the U.S. to face justice. The White House identified the suspect as Muhammed Sharifullah, describing him as the orchestrator of the Abbey Gate attack. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on X that the arrest brings them "one step closer to justice" for the American heroes and their families. The August 2021 attack involved two suicide bombers and gunmen targeting crowds of Afghans at Kabul’s airport during the U.S. airlift amid the Taliban takeover. The Abbey Gate bombing, during the withdrawal, killed the 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans, sparking congressional criticism and undermining public confidence in the Biden administration. A U.S. official reported that Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was arrested late last month on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border by Pakistani officials. U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI, interrogated him over the weekend. According to the official, Sharifullah confessed to his involvement in the Abbey Gate attack, as well as a March 2024 attack in Moscow carried out by ISIS-K, and other attacks within Iran. The specific charges against Sharifullah remain unclear. The U.S. official noted that charging documents would be unsealed Wednesday and that Sharifullah was in transit to the U.S. during Trump's address. The Pakistani intelligence officers stated that Sharifullah joined the militant group in 2016 and participated in over 20 attacks in Afghanistan. He was previously arrested in 2019 by the U.S.-backed Afghan government but escaped from prison on August 15, 2021, when the Taliban seized Kabul. The Pakistani officials added that Sharifullah planned the bombing from prison with other militant leaders. He remained in the Balochistan border region until his arrest through a joint intelligence operation between Pakistan and the U.S. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s role in counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan. Sharif stated on X that Pakistan will continue to partner with the United States to secure regional peace and stability. Taliban chief spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid stated that the arrest of an Afghan national and ISIS member "on Pakistani soil" indicates that ISIS members "have taken refuge and established havens" inside Pakistan. Mujahid added that the issue has no connection to Afghanistan, noting the regional Islamic State affiliate is a rival to the Afghan Taliban. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A U.S. Central Command review last year concluded that The U.S. military previously identified the bomber as Abdul Rahman al-Logari, an Islamic State militant released from an Afghan prison by the Taliban during their takeover. Trump has consistently criticized Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and blamed him for the Abbey Gate attack. The official stated that Sharifullah's arrest resulted from renewed U.S. intelligence coordination, increased intelligence sharing, and pressure on regional partners since Trump took office.

` tags. NUUK, Greenland — Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede asserted on Wednesday that "Greenland is ours" and is not available for purchase or acquisition. This statement countered remarks from President Trump, who affirmed his administration's support for Greenland while also suggesting the U.S. would secure the territory "one way or another." Egede emphasized in a Facebook post, written in both Greenlandic and Danish, that the people of Greenland identify as Greenlandic, not American or Danish. He stressed the importance of the United States understanding this distinction. He asserted that the future of Greenland will be determined by its own population. Egede's remarks followed a direct appeal to Greenlanders made by Trump during a speech to Congress on Tuesday, just a week before parliamentary elections are held on the island. “We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” Trump stated. He continued, “We will keep you safe. We will make you rich. And together we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.” However, Trump also mentioned his administration's efforts "to try to get it," referring to his desire to purchase Greenland from Denmark, a long-standing ally of the U.S. “We need it really for international world security. And I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” Trump added. Many Greenlanders, who reside in an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, have expressed concern and offense regarding the prospect of their homeland being taken over. In response to Trump’s comments, Denmark’s foreign minister stated on Wednesday his disbelief that Greenlanders would prefer becoming "an integrated part of America" over remaining associated with Denmark. Lars Løkke Rasmussen adopted a more optimistic outlook, highlighting Trump's acknowledgement of Greenlanders' right to self-determination as "the most important part of that speech.” “I’m very optimistic about what will be a Greenlandic decision about this. They want to loosen their ties to Denmark, we’re working on that, to have a more equal relationship,” the minister stated during an interview. Løkke also stressed the importance of ensuring free and fair parliamentary elections next week, "without any kind of international intervention.” Greenland's parliamentary elections are scheduled for Tuesday. Trump’s recent remarks about potentially acquiring the island have fueled increased interest in complete independence from Denmark, making it a central issue in the current election campaign.

Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, is joining Frank McCourt's effort to purchase TikTok as a strategic advisor. Project Liberty, McCourt's organization focused on internet advocacy, announced this week that Ohanian, an investor and spouse of tennis icon Serena Williams, has joined "The People's Bid for TikTok" group. "I am now officially part of the group attempting to acquire TikTok US—and integrate it on-chain," Ohanian stated in a , referring to a decentralized platform based on blockchain technology. Project Liberty intends to utilize this platform to give users greater authority over their online data. Project Liberty stated that if their bid is successful, the technology "will form the basis of the redesigned TikTok, ensuring that privacy, security, and digital independence are fundamental, not optional." When an X user inquired on Monday about a potential new name for TikTok if he were to buy it, Ohanian responded: "TikTok: Freedom Edition." According to a federal law passed with bipartisan support and signed by former President Joe Biden last year, TikTok was mandated to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban by January 19. In one of his initial executive orders signed in January, President Donald Trump extended the deadline for TikTok to secure new ownership until early April. McCourt’s consortium—which includes Shark Tank personality Kevin O’Leary—has already made a $20 billion cash offer to ByteDance for the U.S. platform. Some analysts suggest TikTok could be worth significantly more, even without its valuable algorithm, which McCourt has stated he is not interested in. Trump mentioned in January that Microsoft is among the U.S. companies considering acquiring TikTok. Other potential buyers include the AI startup Perplexity AI, which has proposed merging with TikTok's U.S. platform and granting the U.S. government a stake in the new entity. Jesse Tinsley, founder of the payroll firm Employer.com, has also expressed interest. Tinsley stated that a consortium he assembled—including the CEO of the video game platform Roblox—is offering ByteDance over $30 billion for TikTok.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following their return to the United States, Florida's Attorney General announced on Tuesday the launch of a criminal investigation into Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are facing human trafficking charges in Romania. Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that he has directed his office to collaborate with law enforcement to conduct a preliminary investigation into the Tate brothers. Uthmeier said that after a comprehensive review of the evidence, he instructed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to execute search warrants and issue subpoenas in the now-active criminal investigation of the Tate brothers. After the Tates arrived in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis informed reporters that the brothers were not welcome in Florida. He also mentioned that he would have the attorney general look into whether the state has jurisdiction over their alleged crimes. During a recent appearance on the PPD Podcast, Andrew Tate claimed that the governor was yielding to media pressure. Tate asserted that he possesses a U.S. passport and has the right to visit his home country. He maintained that he has not broken any laws and has never been tried or convicted of any crime. The Tates, who hold dual U.S.-British citizenship, were arrested in late 2022 and formally charged last year in Romania for allegedly participating in a criminal organization that enticed women to the country for sexual exploitation. Andrew Tate was also charged with rape. They deny all accusations. Andrew Tate, 38, a former professional kickboxer and self-proclaimed misogynist, is a highly influential social media personality with millions of followers, many of whom are young men and schoolchildren drawn to the luxurious lifestyle he portrays online. He and his 36-year-old brother, Tristan, are outspoken supporters of President Donald Trump. Andrew Tate was previously banned from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook due to hate speech and misogynistic comments, including statements suggesting women are responsible for their own sexual assaults. The Tates departed Romania after Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu indicated that a Trump administration official expressed interest in their case during the recent Munich Security Conference.

` tags. ` Donald Trump took on the persona of "Troller in Chief" during his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. In a passionate speech lasting over 90 minutes, Trump transformed the customary presidential address into a campaign-style rally. However, instead of targeting a specific opponent, he focused on criticizing the Democratic Party, which he believes is struggling under his leadership. He declared, "America is back! We're just getting started," a statement that likely felt like a threat to many Democrats. Throughout the evening, Trump criticized Democrats on various issues, from his initial six weeks in office to his election victory. He highlighted his "swift and unrelenting action," including imposing tariffs, issuing controversial executive orders, halting aid to Ukraine, and empowering Elon Musk to cut government spending. Trump blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the nation's problems. He openly mocked rivals like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, calling her "Pocahontas," and celebrated his return to the White House despite facing four criminal indictments, asking Democrats, "How did that work out?" This approach served as both ridicule and strategy. Still bothered by the resistance he encountered during his first term, Trump enjoys taunting his adversaries, especially after defeating them. His rhetoric also aimed to portray Democrats as obstructionists, implying he is confronting them on behalf of his agenda. Some Democrats inadvertently supported his narrative. The evening began with an outburst from Democratic Rep. Al Green, who interrupted Trump's victory lap by shouting, "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!" Republicans responded, with one yelling, "Sit your ass down!" Eventually, Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green's removal. Some viewed the incident as a sign of declining decorum in Washington, while others saw it as a fitting response to Trump's disregard for governance norms. Green told reporters he accepted the punishment, believing it was necessary to protest Trump's plans to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. The event evoked memories of a similar incident in 2009 when Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during a healthcare address. Such outbursts have become more commonplace in recent years, though they rarely lead to a member's removal. The episode didn't deter Trump. He continued, blaming Biden for the economy and the border situation. He claimed to have "inherited...an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare" from the previous administration. However, Biden actually left a strong economy with low unemployment, falling inflation, and rising GDP. Since Trump took office, the prices of [item] and [item] have risen, and the stock market has [action] due to Trump's tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. Trump cited the [number] in border crossings under his administration and mocked a [policy] he had blocked last year by urging MAGA Republicans in Congress to oppose it, allegedly to prevent Biden from securing a victory before the election. Trump stated that the media and Democrats claimed new legislation was needed to secure the border, but "it turned out that all we really needed was a new president." While House Democrats displayed signs reading "Musk Steals," Trump praised the Tesla founder's cost-cutting operation, the Department of Government Efficiency, which has targeted government agencies and eliminated thousands of federal jobs. "The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over," the President declared. He also included members of his cabinet in his speech to provoke liberal reactions. Trump claimed that "over 130,000 people according to the social security databases are aged over 160 years old," before gesturing to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., and saying, "We have a healthier country than I thought, Bobby." He also thanked Democrats for supporting their former colleague, Marco Rubio, for Secretary of State. However, that was a rare moment of civility in an otherwise contentious exchange. Trump emphasized that Democrats would always oppose him out of principle. "I look at the Democrats in front of me and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or to make them stand or smile or applaud," Trump said. "I could find a cure to the most devastating disease...and these people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements." Republicans responded with loud laughter. Before Trump concluded, many Democrats had left the hall. "There's only so much bullshit a person can tolerate," Rep. Sydney Kamlager–Dove [action] on social media after leaving. Despite the empty seats on the Democratic side, Trump remained unapologetic, vowing to continue his plans to reshape Washington. "The people elected me to do the job," Trump said, "and I'm doing it."