Daily Archives: August 30, 2021

more and more humans are born with an extra artery in the arm CVBJ – Central Valley Business Journal

Posted: August 30, 2021 at 2:40 am

What will the human being be like in 1,000 years? What about 100,000? It is difficult to know, but we may be somewhat different than we are now: evolution is slow but inexorable.

That is of course what a new study by several researchers points out that reveals something curious: more and more humans have an extra artery in the arm.

It is called the satellite artery of the median nerve (or median artery) and is an occasional anatomical variant that usually forms during the first weeks of the fetuss life.

This artery appears in the center of the arm and is responsible for carrying blood to the hands as they grow, but normally it usually regress at eight weeks.

It is then when the normal thing is that stop developing and the other two arteries (ulnar and radial, the latter being the one we use, for example, to detect the pulse) are responsible for this function.

Now a group of researchers has discovered something curious: that extra artery that usually disappears soon it appears more and more frequently in humans.

Anatomy expert Teghan Lucas explained how the prevalence was around 10% in people who were born in the mid-1880s, who compared to 30% in those born at the end of the 20th century, and that supposes a significant increase in a really short period of time if we talk about evolution .

After analyzing 80 limbs from cadavers donated by descendants of people in Australia and Europe, these anatomists discovered that the presence of the artery was becoming more and more frequent. This increase could be the result of gene mutation involved in the development of the median artery or health problems in mothers during pregnancy .

Having that extra artery could lead to more dexterous fingers or stronger forearmsBut it is also true that the presence of this artery in adults poses a greater risk of suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

According to these researchers, if this trend continues, most people will have the median artery of the forearm by the year 2100It is not a huge evolutionary difference, but it certainly shows that human beings continue to evolve. And if we do not do it alone, transhumanism will try to make us do it with external elements such as that curious third thumb that someone came up with in 2019.

Via | Science Alert

The rest is here:

more and more humans are born with an extra artery in the arm CVBJ - Central Valley Business Journal

Posted in Transhumanism | Comments Off on more and more humans are born with an extra artery in the arm CVBJ – Central Valley Business Journal

What Are the Benefits of a Mushroom Blend Supplement? – Riverfront Times

Posted: at 2:39 am

People are becoming increasingly aware of the many ways in which fungi support life on our planet. They break down decaying organic matter, improve soil health, and form close relationships with plants and animals.

Throughout the millennia, humans have developed a profound connection with these fascinating organisms. We have used mushrooms for nutritional, medicinal, and religious purposes since prehistoric times. However, they are now becoming more popular than ever, and mushroom supplements are all the rage.

This article explores some of the best-known mushroom supplement benefits and why they are in such high demand.

What Are Mushroom Supplements?

However, the mushrooms that you typically find in the supermarket are just the tip of the iceberg. Although there is a greater variety available than ever before, there are many more unsung heroes of the mushroom world.

Many of these species are too woody or bitter to be edible in a conventional sense but hold great therapeutic potential. Sometimes known as medicinal or functional mushrooms, these species are rich in bioactive compounds that can influence both body and mind. They have a broad range of benefits, including supporting digestion, immunity, mental function, and more.

Despite these mushrooms positive influence on our health, they are not generally known for tasting great. They can also be tricky and time-consuming to prepare. Thats where medicinal mushroom supplements come in. An ever-increasing number of people are tuning in to this effective and hassle-free way to benefit from mushrooms daily.

So, what are the options, and how do you choose the right product for you? Lets take a closer look.

Mushroom Supplements: Types and What to Look For

A wide variety of mushrooms can be classified as functional or medicinal. Some of the best-known examples include reishi, lions mane, turkey tails, cordyceps, and chaga, although there are many more.

The most traditional methods of consuming these fungi involve simmering them in water to create mushroom broths or teas. Unfortunately, the process is slow and requires more time than most peoples hectic schedules allow. Thats why mushroom supplement companies tend to offer a selection of alternatives.

For example, mushroom powders are a popular and adaptable option. It is possible to add them to smoothies, soups, or pretty much any food or beverage imaginable. However, depending on the recipe, the mushroom taste and powdery texture may be noticeable.

Some brands offer their powders in the form of mushroom drinks. They include a blend of specially selected ingredients that complement the fungis natural flavor. The most popular products include classics like mushroom coffee and more decadent options, including hot chocolate and chai latte.

Mushroom capsules are another great choice. They consist of mushroom powder in a capsule casing, allowing consumers to swallow them like pills. They are perfect for people with little spare time or who prefer to take their mushrooms on the go.

Regardless of the mushroom type and dosage form, customers should look for a reputable brand that uses organic, natural ingredients. In an ever-expanding market, it is essential to thoroughly research the options to find a quality product that meets your needs.

One company that fits the bill is VidaCap. A relative newcomer to the industry, the brand is already making waves with its Pure Mushrooms and Mushroom Blends. Their USA-made capsules are among the strongest on the market today. They are also vegan and gluten-free, meaning everyone can enjoy the benefits of mushrooms.

What Are Mushroom Supplements Good For?

The main active components of most mushrooms are complex carbohydrates called beta-glucans. Our bodies cannot digest these large molecules readily, so they act as dietary fiber.

Therefore, they help to support digestive and metabolic function. Mushrooms also promote immune health, which is one of the most significant benefits of mushroom supplements.

Various species also contain unique compounds that provide them with additional effects. Here are just a few of the reasons why people choose to take these products:

Reishi

As well as promoting general wellbeing, reishi reportedly has soothing properties due to its high concentration of aromatic triterpenes. Therefore, many people choose reishi as a relaxation and sleep aid.

Lions Mane

Lions mane contains unique chemicals that promote nerve growth and function in the brain. Therefore, many people take it to improve mental function, focus, and clarity.

Turkey Tails

These mushrooms are especially rich in beta-glucans and are best-known for their influence on the immune system. They also promote digestive health and general wellbeing.

Cordyceps

People use cordyceps for many reasons, although athletes particularly favor them. They are said to promote performance and recovery, improve energy, and more.

Chaga

It is known as an immune system enhancer and promotes gut health and metabolism. People also use it as an everyday supplement to improve general wellbeing.

Can You Take Mushroom Supplements Daily?

Mushroom supplements are ideal for everyday use. In fact, taking them regularly is the best way to maximize their benefits. They contain fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to your daily nutritional requirements and support optimal health.

Moreover, mushrooms are considered a food supplement, and there should be no issues with long-term use. However, it is essential to choose a reputable brand that is transparent about its products ingredients.

Premium-grade items should come with lab reports to confirm that they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and other harmful contaminants.

What Are the Side Effects of Mushroom Supplements?

Most people can take mushroom supplements without experiencing any adverse effects. However, some individuals could have an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients. Therefore, anyone who knows they have an allergy to mushrooms or any other substances should exercise caution.

Other possible side effects of mushroom supplements include gastrointestinal upsets due to their high fiber content. However, these are unusual and should only occur when taking very high doses. People with sensitive digestive systems should start with a small amount and increase it gradually to reduce the risk of reactions.

Bottom Line on Mushroom Supplement Benefits

The health benefits of mushroom supplements are numerous. They include supporting gut health, metabolism, immunity, and much more. There are also a variety of different mushrooms with unique properties to suit every individuals needs.

Mushrooms are generally considered safe, providing the products are well-manufactured and free from contaminants. The best brands provide lab reports to confirm their supplements purity and potency.

Why not give mushroom supplements a try and see for yourself how much better you could feel?

Natalie Saunders is an acupuncturist, natural health enthusiast, and lover of all things fungal. She studied in the UK and China before becoming a freelance writer in the health and wellness niche. She is one of the contributors to VidaCap, a functional mushroom supplement brand that supplies organic medicinal fungi products.

View original post here:
What Are the Benefits of a Mushroom Blend Supplement? - Riverfront Times

Posted in Immortality Medicine | Comments Off on What Are the Benefits of a Mushroom Blend Supplement? – Riverfront Times

Poll: What’s the Best Foo Fighters Song? – Vote Now – Loudwire

Posted: at 2:39 am

What's the best Foo Fighterssong?Thats what we want to find out from you in this weeks Loudwire Nights Artist of the Week poll!

Each week, well be asking you to choose your favorite track from a list of 10 of the biggest songs from the next Artist of the Week'scatalog.

You'll have until Friday at 12N ET to cast your votes. Well then play the threetracks with the most votes during Loudwire Nights' Artist of the Week block to start the following Monday's show!

This week we're focusing on Foo Fighters, who went from a post-Nirvana project for Dave Grohl to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.

Grohl formed Foo Fighters following the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994, which inevitably led to the dissolution of Nirvana. The rocker sang and performed the majority of the instrumentation on the 1995Foo Fightersalbum, but he eventually recruitedPat Smear,Nate Mendel and William Goldsmith to join him on the road.

Since then, Foo Fighters have released nine other studio albums, fromTheColour and the Shapeto 2021'sMedicine at Midnight.They've won 11 total Grammy awards, and according to the organization's website, they hold the record for most wins in the Best Rock Album category.

There are a lot of great tracks to choose from within the Foo Fighters' discography, so head below to pick your favorite and tune into Loudwire Nights nextMonday at 7PM ET to find out which three tracks prevailed.

Tune in tonight to hear which three Aerosmithsongs you voted the best!

Loudwire Nights with Toni Gonzalez airs nightly starting at 7PM ET. You can tune in anytime, from anywhere right hereor by downloadingthe Loudwire app.

Go here to see the original:
Poll: What's the Best Foo Fighters Song? - Vote Now - Loudwire

Posted in Immortality Medicine | Comments Off on Poll: What’s the Best Foo Fighters Song? – Vote Now – Loudwire

Psoriasis Dos and Don’ts: Baths, Vaseline, and More …

Posted: at 2:38 am

If you're living with psoriasis, you probably already know how frustrating and challenging it can sometimes be to cope with the condition. Symptoms like itchy, scaling skin can affect your ability to perform daily activities, take a toll on your emotional health, and impact your quality of life.

The good news: There are ways to make life with psoriasis easier. Follow these dos and donts to help get your symptoms under control.

Do talk to a dermatologist.Make an appointment with a dermatologist who specializes in treatingpsoriasis he or she will be aware of the latest developments regarding treatment plans. Be prepared to discuss the details of your condition withyour doctor, including when you first noticed it, what your symptoms are, any situations that seem to make your symptoms worse, and what treatments have and have not worked for you in the past.

Do moisturize.Dry skin is more susceptible to outbreaks of psoriasis, so keep your skin well lubricated. After bathing or showering, seal in moisture by applying a generous amount of moisturizing cream or ointment to your skin. Vaseline, Cetaphil cream, and Eucerin cream are a few commonly available moisturizers reported to provide good results. Avoid lightweight lotions, which don't contain enough emollients.

If over-the-counter products don't help, your doctor may prescribe a moisturizing cream that contains medication.

Be especially diligent about moisturizing during the winter months, when cold outdoor weather and overheated buildings are a particularly drying combination. "In psoriasis, the epidermis builds up rapidly, producing a thick scale," saysJames W.Swan, MD, professor of medicine in the division ofdermatology at Loyola University Medical Center in La Grange Park, Illinois.

When the skin is hydrated, the scales soften and fall away, alleviating itch and dryness. But not using anything on the skin for three days will allow the scale to get very thick," says Dr. Swan.

Do take a soak.Soaking in a warm (not hot) bath for 15 minutes can help loosen scales and help reduce the itching and inflammation caused by psoriasis. Adding sea salt, oatmeal, bath oil, or a bath gel containing coal tar to the water can further soothe and moisturize your skin. If you live or vacation in an area with mineral or salt baths, take a dip in one. Both are associated with relieving psoriasis.

Do get some sun.For reasons experts still don't fully understand, psoriasis lesions often diminish when exposed to ultraviolet light. So while sunbathing is discouraged for most people because of the risk ofskin cancer, it can be helpful for those with psoriasis. The trick is to make sure that only the areas affected by psoriasis are exposed.

Cover unaffected skin with clothing or a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Limit sun exposure to 15 minutes, and be careful to avoid sunburn, which will only make matters worse. It may take several weeks to see an improvement. Avoid tanning beds, which don't produce the same healing effect and may actually be harmful.

Your doctor may also recommend ultraviolet light therapy, either in the doctor's office or at home. According to Swan,"One of the gold standards for treatment of psoriasis is phototherapy," which involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis and under medical supervision. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, UVB light in particularpenetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) light reduces the inflammatory cells from the skin thatiscausing psoriasis, says Swan. It also slows the cell proliferation that results in the scaling.

Do reach out.Having psoriasis isn't just physically tough it can be difficult emotionally as well. Feelings ofdepression, frustration, and isolation are common. Body image issues related to the appearance of psoriasis lesions are normal. While it may feel as if you're the only person struggling with this condition, in fact the World Health Organization reports that at least100 million people are affected worldwide.

Discuss your feelings about the disease with your family, friends, and doctor. In-person and online support groups for those with psoriasis can also provide support and help you remember that you're not alone. Psoriasis organizations, such as theNational Psoriasis Foundation, can connect you with others who are living with psoriasis, as well as keep you informed about research developments and opportunities to get involved in fundraising walks and other events.

Don't overdo it.The best way to handle psoriasis is to do so gently. Avoid the temptation to scratch or scrub lesions, which will only irritate them, making them worse. Try not to pick at scales, which can cause bleeding and increase your risk of infection. Instead, talk with your doctor about creams and ointments that can gently remove the thick scale. Bathing in very hot water or using abrasive cleaners can also make your symptomsflare up.

Don't stress out.Some people with psoriasis say their condition worsens when they're under stress. Avoid stressful situations when you can, and take extra steps to take care of yourself such as eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep when you can't avoid stress. Hypnosis, relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, and other stress management techniques may also help.

Don't ignore flare-ups.Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, and one that tends to wax and wane over time. But that doesn't mean you just have to live with it. If your psoriasis returns after a period of being under control, schedule a visit with your doctor to find out why, and to decide what can be done to treat it.

Don't give up.One of the most frustrating things about treating psoriasis is that something that works well for one person may not work at all for another. It may take some time to find the right therapy or combination of therapies that works best for you. Be patient and don't give up. It's important to be consistent with your treatment plan, day in and day out, even when your symptoms aren't so bad. With psoriasis, slow and steady wins the race.

Read more here:
Psoriasis Dos and Don'ts: Baths, Vaseline, and More ...

Posted in Psoriasis | Comments Off on Psoriasis Dos and Don’ts: Baths, Vaseline, and More …

Yahoo! India! shuts! down! news! operation! – The Register

Posted: at 2:36 am

In brief Clearview AIs controversial facial-recognition system has been trialed, at least, by police, government agencies, and universities around the world, according to newly leaked files.

Internal documents revealed by BuzzFeed News show that Clearview offered its technology to law enforcement agencies, governments, and academic institutions in 24 countries, including the UK, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, on a try-before-you-buy basis.

The facial-recognition biz scraped billions of photos from public social media profiles, including Instagram and Facebook, and put them all into a massive database. Clearview's customers can submit pictures of people and the system will automatically try to locate those people in the database, using facial recognition, and return any details picked up from their personal pages if successful. Thus, the police can, for example, give the service a CCTV camera still of someone, and if it matches a face in the database, the system will report back their information, such as their name, social media handles, and so on.

Excerpt from:

Yahoo! India! shuts! down! news! operation! - The Register

Posted in Yahoo | Comments Off on Yahoo! India! shuts! down! news! operation! – The Register

Why the overturned eviction moratorium may be too little, too late for both renters, landlords – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 2:36 am

The Supreme Courts decision last week to strike down the pandemic-era eviction moratorium may arrive too late for many struggling independent landlords, even as it appears to heighten the risk of eviction for tenants behind on their rent.

Thursdays decision by the U.S. high court found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lacks authority under federal law to impose an eviction ban, which was set to expire on October 3. The court stressed that Congress, rather than the CDC, must specifically authorize an eviction policy.

"The federal eviction moratorium was a lifeline for millions of families, the last remaining federal protection keeping them safely and stably housed throughout the pandemic," Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition said in a statement to Yahoo.

"The tragic, consequential, and entirely avoidable outcome of this ruling will be millions of people losing their homes this fall and winter, just as the Delta variant ravages communities and lives," Yentel added.

At least half a dozen states, including New Jersey, California, New York and Washington, have policies in place to protect renters to help keep families in their homes.

You just can't flip a switch and evict people, said Paul Getty, CEO of First Guardian Group, a real estate investment and broker firm. The eviction process could take up months because of the backlog and the court systems, he explained.

You still need a legitimate case to do that. It's very problematic, Getty told Yahoo Finance.

However, the ruling doesnt mean renters in states without protections will be immediately removed from their homes an outcome that appears all but certain to prolong the pain for mom and pop landlords struggling with mounting costs, some of whom havent been paid by tenants in over a year.

While eviction filings are expected to ramp up, it is unclear how quickly already backlogged courts can process new filings, or how effective the remaining patchwork of state and local protections will be in keeping renters in place until they secure rent relief.

Story continues

Is the government going to now pay me $70,000 that they stole from me? I doubt it.James Bathgate, a landlord in California

Although ample federal relief is available, the Treasury Department said recently that barely 10% of the $47 billion allocated for tenant relief has actually been distributed, with states and localities struggling to dole out the money amid insufficient infrastructure and overwhelming demand.

Meanwhile, many struggling renters were hoping to receive emergency rental assistance from the government to pay back their rent and remain in their homes. However, applying for assistance has been challenging for tenants and landlords alike.

Organizations like the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have set up tools to help renters apply for assistance.

A recent survey of renters by the U.S. Census Bureau found an estimated 11.4 million were behind on rent as of early July. The pause on evictions provided a critical backstop in ensuring renters could stay in their homes until relief money was received.

To that end, the White House announced new steps to help renters and landlords hit by the pandemic. That includes help from the Treasury Department to reduce documentation requirements for hundreds of thousands of emergency rental assistance applicants.

The department has also warned state and local governments they could lose funding to jurisdictions doing a better job of providing relief payments to at-risk renters and landlords.

A "For Rent" sign is displayed in front of an apartment building in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., June 20, 2021. REUTERS/Will Dunham

Some landlords, however, slammed the lifting of the ban describing it as too late. Many independent property owners have been swamped by rising costs associated with taxes, insurance, utilities and upkeep, even as tenants have gotten government lifelines.

We're already been forced to sell our house so it doesn't help us, James Bathgate, a landlord in California, told Yahoo Finance in an interview.

I do feel sorry for the thousands of other mom and pop landlords, many of whom are retired and living on fixed incomes, just like us and rely on rental income for their retirement, Bathgate said. If they've been able to hold out, hopefully they can now survive.

Bathgate owned a rental home in a rural town in San Mateo County, in Northern California, where he says he is owed more than $50,000 in unpaid rent dating back to March of 2020. Yet according to Bathgate, a tenant refused his pleas to pay and demanded a jury trial because she knew at the time the county wasnt holding trials.

After months of trying to strike a deal with his renter, whom he says was employed during the pandemic, Bathgate made the decision to put his house up for sale, which he has owned since 1983.

We had to sell the property because I couldn't afford it every month, not getting any income from rent and being forced to take $3,000 a month expenses on the property, he explained.

Even once the jury trials started up again in July, Bathgate doesnt expect to recover the money he has lost. Is the government going to now pay me $70,000 that they stole from me? I doubt it, Bathgate said.

Although the court ruled in favor of Bathgate, his tenant has yet to make good on the debt. His case is fairly typical of the estimated 40% of small and medium-sized U.S. landlords that count on rental properties to fund income or retirement.

These same property owners, many who continue to work with renters to help them get rent relief, have been frustrated they cannot remove tenants who are unwilling to apply for rental assistance.

For those reasons, a few landlords are actually paying their tenants to leave. Some say they have no wish to keep renting to tenants who have repeatedly shown them that they cannot or will not pay.

[If] I'm going to evict somebody, but they're not going to be evicted until January next year. And it's gonna cost me 3,000 bucks to do that, First Guardians Getty said.

Would I not be better off just offering three or $4,000 to that tenant and directly bypass the attorney, the eviction process and get them the heck out, he added.

Dani Romero is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter: @daniromerotv

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit

Read the rest here:

Why the overturned eviction moratorium may be too little, too late for both renters, landlords - Yahoo Finance

Posted in Yahoo | Comments Off on Why the overturned eviction moratorium may be too little, too late for both renters, landlords – Yahoo Finance

Why you may not be able to find your pants size at this apparel company – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 2:36 am

The complete lockdown of Vietnam, a key apparel exporting country, due to spiking COVID-19 infections could be about to wreak havoc on shoppers.

"Vietnam is completely locked right now, it will be locked another either one week or two weeks, and hopefully, then it will be unlocked, and we will air it in and try to get it in as quickly as possible. But in categories like dresses, we have a lot on order and some of our bottoms are on order from Vietnam and were starting to break sizes and see problems there," Urban Outfitters CEO Richard Hayne warned analysts on an earnings call Tuesday evening.

Urban Outfitters shares plunged nearly 10% on Wednesday as investors grew concerned about the situation in Vietnam and disregarded a strong second quarter.

"Supply chain challenges may limit sales, pressure margins with bottlenecks widespread but most notably in Vietnam. This is leading Urban Outfitters to pre-commit to more inventory, given an inability to chase [sales], and is also leading to some missed sales," said Jefferies analyst Janine Stichter.

The Vietnamese government implemented a tighter lockdown on Monday as the Delta variant has taken hold, with people not allowed to leave their homes even for food, Reuters reports. New COVID cases in Vietnam have averaged 10,680 a day, per data from Johns Hopkins. In the past month alone, Vietnam has seen 268,094 new COVID cases a record high for the country. Deaths from the virus have tallied 8,644, also a record high.

Employees work at a shoe factory for export in Hanoi, Vietnam December 29, 2020. REUTERS/Kham

In turn, the country's textile industry has ground to a halt leaving U.S. importers such as Urban Outfitters to scramble to secure merchandise from other countries (see India).

Vietnams garment and textile industry earned $39 billion from exports in 2019 (pre-pandemic), according to data from the Vietnam General Statistics Office. Garment manufacturing makes up the majority of businesses in Vietnam at 70%, notes Vietnam Briefing.

Story continues

"It will impact everyone [in the apparel industry]," one retail expert told Yahoo Finance about the situation in Vietnam. Out of stocks in popular apparel sizes and colors for back-to-school and fall could be the most visible impact to shoppers until the lockdowns are lifted.

"We have a lot of product there and were trying to get it in. So we are just doing whatever we can to get it in whenever we can," added Urban Outfitters' Hayne.

Brian Sozzi is an editor-at-large and anchor at Yahoo Finance. Follow Sozzi on Twitter @BrianSozzi and on LinkedIn.

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit

The rest is here:

Why you may not be able to find your pants size at this apparel company - Yahoo Finance

Posted in Yahoo | Comments Off on Why you may not be able to find your pants size at this apparel company – Yahoo Finance

Companies with the most bitcoin on their balance sheets – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 2:35 am

MicroStrategy (MSTR) recently doubled down on bitcoin (BTC-US) by once more adding more of the cryptocurrency to its balance sheet. The analytics platform now owns the most bitcoin out of all publicly traded companies.

"Calling it a 'cloud services company' doesn't even feel fully accurate anymore," Daniel Roberts, editor in chief of Decrypt Media, told Yahoo Finance.

"Obviously some preexisting MicroStrategy shareholders from before Saylor went gaga for bitcoin probably don't love it, but when bitcoin goes up, he gets to show the returns and look like a winner," he added.

Investors who don't want to invest directly in bitcoin which is currently trading close to $50,000, can gain exposure to it via companies that hold the cryptocurrency on their balance sheets. Some of these are directly involved with crypto while others are involved in other businesses but keep bitcoin as an asset.

Microstrategy (MSTR)

The analytics platform company holds the top place for a publicly traded firm owning the most bitcoin (BTC-US), adding to its position time and again.

The company bought 3,907 bitcoins since the beginning of its fiscal third quarter on July 1. Microstrategy holds about 108,992 bitcoins, bought at an average of about $26,769 each, according to Bloomberg data.

Tesla (TSLA)

The electric vehicle giant invested in bitcoin earlier this year. Tesla's $1.5 billion initial investment in the cryptocurrency, revealed in an SEC filing on Feb. 8, sent prices higher. As of March 31 the company owned 42,902 bitcoins.

Galaxy Digital Holdings (BRPHF)

Michael Novogratzs investment company focuses on digital currencies. As of March 31, Galaxy Digital held around $761 million worth of bitcoin.

Voyager Digital (VYGVF)

The crypto trading app owns 12,260, according to bitcoinworldwide.com, with a current value of about $590 million. In January, Voyager Digital's CEO Steve Ehrlich predicted this year crypto would go mainstream.

Story continues

"We will see institutions, corporations, and public companies rush to hedge their cash reserves into bitcoin with more velocity," wrote Ehrlich in his 2021 predictions.

Square (SQ)

Square's founder and CEO Jack Dorsey is a longtime bitcoin bull. Earlier this year the digital payments company posted a white paper making the case for why bitcoin is key to a clean energy future. Square owns about 8,027 bitcoin with a current value of about $386 million.

Other companies that have bought bitcoin include Marathon Digital (MARA), Coinbase (COIN) and Mercado Libre (MELI), among others.

Ines is a markets reporter covering stocks from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Follow her on Twitter at @ines_ferre

Read the latest cryptocurrency and bitcoin news from Yahoo Finance

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit

Originally posted here:

Companies with the most bitcoin on their balance sheets - Yahoo Finance

Posted in Yahoo | Comments Off on Companies with the most bitcoin on their balance sheets – Yahoo Finance

UPDATE 2-New Zealand reports first death linked to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 2:35 am

(Adds Pfizer response; paragraphs 6-8)

By Praveen Menon

WELLINGTON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - New Zealand reported its first recorded death linked to U.S. drugmaker Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, the health ministry said on Monday, after a woman suffered a rare side effect leading to inflammation of her heart muscle.

The news of the death comes as the country battles an outbreak of the Delta variant after nearly six months of being virus free. It followed a review by an independent panel monitoring the safety of the vaccines.

"This is the first case in New Zealand where a death in the days following vaccination has been linked to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine," the ministry said in a statement, without giving the woman's age.

The vaccine monitoring panel attributed the death to myocarditis, a rare, but known, side effect of the Pfizer vaccine, the ministry added.

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can limit the organ's ability to pump blood and can cause changes in heartbeat rhythms.

In response, Pfizer said it recognised there could be rare reports of myocarditis after vaccinations, but such side effects were extremely rare.

"Pfizer takes adverse events that are potentially associated with our vaccine very seriously," it told Reuters.

"We closely monitor all such events and collect relevant information to share with worldwide regulatory authorities."

The health ministry said other medical issues at the same time could have influenced the outcome after vaccination.

But the vaccine's benefit outstripped risks from side effects, it added.

"The benefits of vaccination with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine continue to greatly outweigh the risk of both COVID-19 infection and vaccine side effects, including myocarditis."

New Zealand has provisionally approved use of the Pfizer/BioNTech, Janssen and AstraZeneca vaccines, but only the Pfizer produced vaccine has been approved for rollout to the public.

Monday's 53 new cases took New Zealand's tally of infections in the current outbreak to 562, amid a nationwide lockdown enforced this month to limit spread of the Delta variant.

(Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Clarence Fernandez)

See the rest here:

UPDATE 2-New Zealand reports first death linked to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine - Yahoo Finance

Posted in Yahoo | Comments Off on UPDATE 2-New Zealand reports first death linked to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine – Yahoo Finance

Exclusive: Afghanistan withdrawal could drive a surge in radicalization and terrorist attacks, says leaked government report – Yahoo News

Posted: at 2:35 am

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan could make terrorist attacks inside the U.S. and abroad more likely, according to an intelligence report distributed yesterday to government and law enforcement agencies.

We assess domestic and foreign violent extremists probably are attempting to exploit the US withdrawal from and deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan to inspire attacks and recruit like-minded extremists online, reads the Department of Homeland Security report, dated Aug. 27. A copy of the report, written by DHSs Office of Intelligence and Analysis, was obtained exclusively by Yahoo News.

The Department of Homeland Security regularly shares information regarding the heightened threat environment with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials to ensure the safety and security of all communities across the country," a DHS spokesperson wrote in an email to Yahoo News. "DHS encourages the public to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

DHS Afghanistan by Yahoo News

One of the concerns about the U.S. withdrawal is that it could once again create a safe haven for al-Qaida, the terrorist group that carried out the 9/11 attacks almost 20 years ago. Earlier this month, President Biden defended his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan amid the country's escalating chaos, saying al-Qaida was degraded, and insisted that even without forces present in the country, the U.S. military could conduct counterterrorism operations there if needed.

But the rapid collapse of the U.S.-backed central government in Kabul to the Taliban, and the suicide bombings carried out by a branch of the Islamic State on Thursday at Kabul International Airport, have left the Biden administration struggling to defend its decision.

Story continues

The DHS report, however, points to concerns beyond foreign groups operating abroad, like the Islamic State. The withdrawal, it warns, could also drive domestic extremism.

We assess that the Talibans sustained control of Afghanistan could drive a surge in radicalization of US-based violent extremists and probably contribute to increased support for foreign terrorist organizations in the United States, including facilitation activities and attempted travel to Afghanistan, the report says.

____

Read more from Yahoo News:

See the rest here:

Exclusive: Afghanistan withdrawal could drive a surge in radicalization and terrorist attacks, says leaked government report - Yahoo News

Posted in Yahoo | Comments Off on Exclusive: Afghanistan withdrawal could drive a surge in radicalization and terrorist attacks, says leaked government report – Yahoo News