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Category Archives: Transhuman News

Will artificial intelligence achieve godlike power? Wallace B. Henry asks, Who Will Rule the Coming ‘Gods’? – Denison Forum

Posted: December 19, 2021 at 6:52 pm

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You dont have to own a robot vacuum or a digital assistant like Alexa or Siri to use artificial intelligence. In fact, AI has become part of our everyday lives in ways we dont even notice, let alone control.

When you check your news feed on Facebook or search the internet on Google, youre interacting with AI. It offers great benefits, like robots assisting during surgery, but also gives rise to troubling moral questions.

Thats the subject of Wallace B. Henleys thought-provoking new book, Who Will Rule the Coming Gods? The Looming Spiritual Crisis of Artificial Intelligence.

Henley, the author or coauthor of more than twenty books, brings an impressive background to this weighty topic. A former White House and congressional aide, he has also been a journalist and teaching pastor at Houstons Second Baptist Church and at Grace Church in The Woodlands, Texas.

A friend warned Henley of the dangers of artificial intelligence, a field of computer science that enables machines to simulate human intelligence.

I suddenly became aware of how vulnerable humanity will be as the machines seem increasingly godlike in an age when people are rejecting beliefs in God as the Transcendent Being to whom all are accountable and giving the contraptions of their own making an almost godlike power and position, Henley wrote.

Who or what will control all of this? To what values and worldviews will the machines be programmed to submit? In the final analysis, will they obey their human masters, or will human beings become the mastered?

Henley can foresee a day when machines can build machines greater than themselves, when transhumans, blends of human and machine, have amazing abilities and powers.

No wonder that some of the developers of AI seem prone to idolatry. Former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski, pardoned by President Trump for stealing trade secrets, founded a church (now closed) to worship at the throne of AI.

Its not a god in the sense that it makes lightning or causes hurricanes, he said. But if there is something a billion times smarter than the smartest human, what else are you going to call it?

Lest this seem like science fiction, you should know that the late physicist Stephen Hawking said, AI could develop a will of its own, a will that is in conflict with ours and which could destroy us. And entrepreneur Elon Musk warned, Artificial intelligence is a fundamental risk to human civilization.

As the advent of social media has shown, new technology tends to develop faster than our ability to anticipate or regulate its problems. And Henley wrote that the nature of science is such that if it can be done, it will be done.

He would like to see a group of scientists with a conscience speak out about the dangers of AI, much like Albert Einstein and others warned of the dangers of the atomic bomb before World War II.

Henley believes that the creators of AI will unwittingly program their own worldviews into the machines.

Thus, the most important question we must ask as we dash into the AI Age with the naivete of a puppy scampering across a freeway to retrieve a bone on the other side is this: What is god to the technicians who wire moral codes and ethical boundaries into the machines? he wrote.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg described Silicon Valley as an extremely left-leaning place. Former Google engineer Carl Cantana painted a bleak picture of the culture.

Very few people seem comfortable admitting that maybe, just possibly, they are not changing the world, he said. Many people have a savior complex, even if they are working on a food delivery app.

They believe they are helping humanity, but few of them have a Christian worldview.

The human being is Imago Dei, made in the image of God, Henley wrote. According to the Bible, that image has been defaced by evil. Now fallen humans will construct imago hominis, robotics bearing the image of sin-marred humans.

As the book began to draw to a close, Henley mused, Where will all of this lead? Those who cross the transhuman threshold and become immortal may discover that they have not stepped into Heaven but into Hell itself and dragged the rest of humanity down with them.

And that is truly frightening.

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Will artificial intelligence achieve godlike power? Wallace B. Henry asks, Who Will Rule the Coming 'Gods'? - Denison Forum

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Should the Police Have the Power to Link DNA With Appearance and Ancestry? – Interesting Engineering

Posted: at 6:50 pm

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) recently announced plans to use DNA samples collected at crime scenes to make predictions about potential suspects.

This technology, called forensic DNA phenotyping, can reveal a surprising and growing amount of highly personal information from the traces of DNA that we all leave behind, everywhere we go including information about our gender, ancestry, and appearance.

Queensland police have already used versions of this approach to identify a suspect and identify remains. Forensic services in Queensland and New South Wales have also investigated the use of predictive DNA.

This technology can reveal much more about a suspect than previous DNA forensics methods. But how does it work? What are the ethical issues? And what approaches are other countries around the world taking?

The AFP plans to implement forensic DNA phenotyping based on an underlying technology called massively parallel sequencing.

Our genetic information is encoded in our DNA as long strings of four different base molecules, and sequencing is the process of reading the sequence of these bases.

Older DNA sequencing machines could only read one bit of DNA at a time, but current massively parallel machines can read more than six trillion DNA bases in a single run. This creates new possibilities for DNA analysis.

DNA forensics used to rely on a system that matched samples to ones in a criminal DNA database, and did not reveal much beyond identity. However, predictive DNA forensics can reveal things like physical appearance, gender, and ancestry regardless of whether people are in a database or not.

This makes it useful in missing persons cases and the investigation of unidentified remains. This method can also be used in criminal cases, mostly to exclude persons of interest.

The AFP plans to predict gender, biogeographical ancestry, eye color, and, in coming months, hair color. Over the next decade, they aim to include traits such as age, body mass index, and height, and even finer predictions for facial metrics such as distance between the eyes, eye, nose and ear shape, lip fullness, and cheek structure.

DNA can reveal highly sensitive information about us. Beyond ancestry and externally visible characteristics, we can predict many other things including aspects of both physical and mental health.

It will be important to set clear boundaries around what can and cant be predicted in these tests and when and how they will be used. Despite some progress toward a privacy impact assessment, Australian forensic legislation does not currently provide any form of comprehensive regulation of forensic DNA phenotyping.

The highly sensitive nature of DNA data and the difficulty in ever making it anonymous creates significant privacy concerns.

According to a 2020 government survey about public attitudes to privacy, most Australians are uncomfortable with the idea of their DNA data being collected.

Using DNA for forensics may also reduce public trust in the use of genomics for medical and other purposes.

The AFPs planned tests include biogeographical ancestry prediction. Even when not explicitly tested, DNA data is tightly linked to our ancestry.

One of the biggest risks with any DNA data is exacerbating or creating racial biases. This is especially the case in law enforcement, where specific groups of people may be targeted or stigmatized based on pre-existing biases.

In Australia, Indigenous legal experts report that not enough is being done to fully eradicate racism and unconscious bias within the police. Concerns have been raised about other types of potential institutional racial profiling. A recent analysis by the ANU also indicated that 3 in 4 people held an implicit negative or unconscious bias against Indigenous Australians.

Careful consideration, consultation, and clear regulatory safeguards need to be in place to ensure these methods are only used to exclude persons of interest rather than include or target specific groups.

DNA data also has inherent risks around misinterpretation. People put a lot of trust in DNA evidence, even though it often gives probabilistic findings which can be difficult to interpret.

Predictive DNA forensics is a relatively new field, and countries across Europe have taken different approaches regarding how and when it should be used. A 2019 study across 24 European countries found ten had allowed the use of this technology for practical purposes, seven had not allowed it, and seven more had not yet made a clear determination on its use.

Germany allows the prediction of externally visible characteristics (including skin color), but has decided biogeographical ancestry is simply too risky to be used.

The one exception to this is the state of Bavaria, where ancestry can be used to avert imminent danger, but not to investigate crimes that have already occurred.

A UK advisory panel made four recommendations last year. These include the need to clearly explain how the data is used, presenting ancestral and phenotypic data as probabilities so uncertainty can be evaluated, and clearly explaining how judgments would be made about when to use the technology and who would make the decision.

The VISAGE consortium of academics, police, and justice institutions, from eight European countries, also produced a report of recommendations and concerns in 2020.

They urge careful consideration of the circumstances where DNA phenotyping should be used, and the definition of a serious crime. They also highlight the importance of a governing body with responsibility for deciding when and how the technology should be used.

The AFP press release mentions it is mindful of maintaining public trust, and has implemented privacy processes. Transparency and proportionate use will be crucial to keep the public on board as this technology is rolled out.

This is a rapidly evolving field and Australia needs to develop a clear and coherent policy that can keep up with the pace of technological developments - and considers community concerns.

Caitlin Curtis, Research fellow, The University of Queensland and James Hereward, Research fellow, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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You Need to See this stock? Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, (DNA) – The Union Journal

Posted: at 6:50 pm

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, (DNA) disclosed a change of 6.58% and its listed share value at $11.17 in the recent trade transaction. This company belong to USA Country and part of Healthcare sector. DNA exchanged 59206633 shares on hands in most recent trading session and observed an average volume with 8406.33K shares. The stock acknowledged active focus on shares in the current trading session. It has a market capitalization of $16309.99M. Using market capitalization to display company size because this is basic factor of different characteristics to develop the investors interests including risk.

TECHNICAL INTERPRETATION:

A Simple moving average is one of the most flexible as well as most-commonly used technical analysis indicators. It is highly popular among traders, mostly because of its simplicity. It works best in a trending environment. Simple Moving Average calculated as an average of the last N-periods (20-Day, 50-Day, 200-Day).The share price is positive from its 20 days moving average with 1.53% and trading from 50 days moving average with -9.08%. The stock price is performing along rising drift from its 200 days moving average with 3.26%.Any type of moving average can be used to generate buy or sell signals and this process is very simple. The charting software plots the moving average as a line directly into the price chart.

Currently Relative Strength Index (RSI-14) reading of stock is 49.55. RSI reading varies between 0 and 100. Speed and change of stock price movement is measured by the RSI momentum oscillator. J. Welles Wilder developed Relative Strength Index (RSI) that is used most commonly as momentum indicator. Commonly when RSI goes below 30 then stock is overload and stock is overbought when it goes above 70. 30 to 70 are considered a normal reading of a stock. General trend, finding deviations and failure swings can be detected by using RSI.

VOLATILITY ANALYSIS:

Volatility remained at 13.69% over last week and shows 11.21% volatility in last month. VOLATILITY is also measured by ATR an exponential moving average (14-days) of the True Ranges. ATR value stands at 1.19.

PROFITABILITY SNAP:

PERFORMANCE REVIEW:

DNA revealed weekly performance of 10.92%. The stock moved to 12.71% in last six months and it maintained for the month at -17.81%. The stock noted year to date performance at 10.38% and changed about 0.54% over the last three months. The stocks price situated at -29.59% from 52 week high and stock price seen at 41.21% when looking at 52 week low price.

ANALYSTS OPENION:

Looking ahead of 52-week period, the stock will achieve $14.83 price. This mean target price is expected by analysts.

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You Need to See this stock? Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, (DNA) - The Union Journal

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Snapchat chatter, DNA led to arrest in shooting death of Hitchcock teen – Galveston County Daily News

Posted: at 6:50 pm

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Snapchat chatter, DNA led to arrest in shooting death of Hitchcock teen - Galveston County Daily News

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A DNA test revealed my colleague was my brother he kept saying he knew me from somewhere but I shrugged i… – The Sun

Posted: at 6:50 pm

SANDI Sandrik, 51, a nurse, lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with husband Ken, 55, a warehouse driver.

She describes the remarkable story of how she found out her colleague was her brother.

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Looking around the table, I smiled at my colleague Allen, who I was hosting for dinner. What was incredible was I had just learnt he was also my brother.

I had no idea that I was adopted until I was 11, when a friend blurted it out.

When I asked my parents, they admitted that my biological mum, named Anna, was a distant relative of the man I knew as my father.

Although some people in our town were already aware, it was a complete shock to me.

I loved my parents so much, I couldnt bring myself to ask more questions in case it hurt them, but I never stopped wondering, and as a teenager, I developed a fear of rejection.

In 1985, aged 15, I met Ken, and we married two years later when I was pregnant with our eldest child Ryan, now 33.

Life was good, and we went on to have our daughter, Hali, 30, and another son, Eric, 29, and I trained to be a nurse.

Sadly, my mum died in September 2013, followed by my dad in August 2016.

I was swimming in grief the night Dad died, when my phone lit up with a text from my biological mother Anna, whod got my number through family.

Shed promised my parents not to contact me while they were alive, but said shed always wanted me in her life.

She explained how shed become pregnant at 20 while dating a man called Gary, but that she was still in love with her ex.

Adoption within the family seemed the best thing to do, so she handed me over to Mum and Dad and lost touch with Gary.

I found out I also had a half-sister, Sophie*, now 52, and after messaging and talking on the phone for many months, in February 2017, I met both Anna and Sophie, and I felt a connection straight away.

We have a great relationship now, but it was a lot to take in, so for a long time I didnt even think about trying to find my biological father, too.

But then my kids paid for me to have a DNA test in November 2017.

The manufacturer connects you with other genetic relatives, and I realised this could be a way to track down my dad.

Six months later, I connected with a cousin, who shared Garys Facebook profile with me.

I didnt see anything of myself in him, and it took me two months to send him a message to introduce myself.

As time went on and I didnt get a reply, I tried not to think about him.

Then in summer 2019, a new nurse called Allen started at my work.

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He was kind, thoughtful and like me calm under pressure, and I liked him immediately.

He kept saying he was sure that he knew me from somewhere, but I just shrugged it off.

Meanwhile, Id occasionally check Garys Facebook profile, still hopeful that hed reply, but he never did.

It was in December 2020, while looking through Garys friends list, that I spotted Allen.

When I saw him at work next, I asked how he knew my biological father Gary.

Oh my god, he replied. Hes my dad, too.

Bursting into tears, he pulled me into a hug, saying he was overjoyed.

Back home, I told Ken. Like me, he was in disbelief.

Allen and I exchanged numbers, and over the next few days I learned he was five years older than me and was three when Gary divorced his mum.

Allen wasnt close to Gary, but he was in his life. As we shared our stories, I felt our connection grow.

When we had a family meal in January 2021, I invited Allen and his wife Stacie to join us, and it was lovely.

Later that week, Allen spoke to Gary, who initially denied everything.

I can understand his reaction it was a shock for us all but he agreed to meet me at a lunch Allen organised.

I was nervous, but it was really nice to be together. Gary and I are now slowly getting to know each other, though weve not discussed much of the past yet.

My relationship with Allen has gone from strength to strength. Hes now close to my husband and kids, and we speak constantly.

My advice to anyone thinking of doing a DNA test is to be careful as there are many peoples feelings involved.

But for me, discovering Allen was the most wonderful surprise of all.

*name has been changed

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A DNA test revealed my colleague was my brother he kept saying he knew me from somewhere but I shrugged i... - The Sun

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We Think Skyline Champion (NYSE:SKY) Might Have The DNA Of A Multi-Bagger – Simply Wall St

Posted: at 6:50 pm

If you're not sure where to start when looking for the next multi-bagger, there are a few key trends you should keep an eye out for. Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. So when we looked at the ROCE trend of Skyline Champion (NYSE:SKY) we really liked what we saw.

For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for Skyline Champion, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.28 = US$200m (US$1.0b - US$289m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to October 2021).

Thus, Skyline Champion has an ROCE of 28%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Consumer Durables industry average of 15%.

See our latest analysis for Skyline Champion

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Skyline Champion compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Skyline Champion here for free.

Investors would be pleased with what's happening at Skyline Champion. The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 28%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 309% more capital is being employed now too. The increasing returns on a growing amount of capital is common amongst multi-baggers and that's why we're impressed.

In another part of our analysis, we noticed that the company's ratio of current liabilities to total assets decreased to 29%, which broadly means the business is relying less on its suppliers or short-term creditors to fund its operations. So shareholders would be pleased that the growth in returns has mostly come from underlying business performance.

To sum it up, Skyline Champion has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. Since the stock has returned a staggering 434% to shareholders over the last three years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence.

If you'd like to know about the risks facing Skyline Champion, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should be aware of.

High returns are a key ingredient to strong performance, so check out our free list ofstocks earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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We Think Skyline Champion (NYSE:SKY) Might Have The DNA Of A Multi-Bagger - Simply Wall St

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Eczema on Child’s Face: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More – Healthline

Posted: at 6:42 pm

Rashes are part of childhood: heat rashes, diaper rashes, allergic reactions you name it and parents have probably seen it. Eczema is one of the more common rashes of childhood.

This article describes how eczema can look on a childs face, what can trigger an eczema flare, and what can be done to prevent and treat the condition.

In babies, eczema often appears on their cheeks and scalp. Up to 60 percent of people with eczema first have symptoms as babies and up to 90 percent first develop the condition before age 5, per 2017 research. Eczema is not contagious. It cannot be passed from one person to another by touching.

Eczema on a childs face often looks like irregular dry patches or a scattering of tiny red bumps. On Black and Brown skin, eczema often looks like darker brown or purple patches.

Read this article for more information about eczema in People of Color.

Sometimes pustules or whitish bumps can appear on both light and dark skin tones. Eczema patches may also look scaly and thicker than healthy skin.

You can usually see eczema on a babys face. It often looks like:

In addition to the face, eczema can also appear on the outsides of arms and legs on babies and toddlers. It can sometimes be found on the abdomen and chest, but that isnt very common.

In teens, rashes may show up on elbows, hands, necks, and feet. Eczema on the face is rare among older children and teens.

Eczema is very itchy. In some cases, the itching can be so severe that it disrupts a childs sleep and makes them irritable. They may also feel embarrassed about it.

Eczema is an inflammatory condition. The cause is linked to a gene mutation that affects the skin. Many things can make eczema worse, such as food, pollen, and other allergens.

Conditions that may lead to eczema include:

Your skin has a thin protective layer meant to keep invaders out and water in. One of the most important elements in your skin barrier is the protein filaggrin.

People with eczema may not make enough filaggrin. As a result, too much water escapes, and too many irritants and germs get in.

Your immune system helps protect you from illness and heal from injuries. In people with eczema, the immune system may react too strongly to allergens and things that are irritating. It may send out a surge of antibodies that cause a lot of inflammation in your skin.

The National Eczema Association estimates that 9.6 million children in America have eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals usually diagnose it by looking at the rash and asking questions about triggers and other symptoms like itching.

Its possible that allergy testing, such as skin prick or scratch tests, may be needed to make sure the rash isnt caused by an allergic reaction.

Treatment for facial eczema in babies and children ranges from simple at-home changes to bathtime routines to prescription medications, according to 2017 research. What your child needs will depend on the severity of the condition and your childs age and overall health.

Here are some common treatment options:

To relieve dry skin and repair the skin barrier, you can use emollient-rich moisturizers daily. Its a good idea to talk with your childs pediatrician about how often to moisturize and which brand to use.

Many pediatricians recommend lotions with ceramides and other ingredients that build up the skin barrier.

Many health experts recommend quick daily baths (around 10 minutes) in warm water. If you use a cleanser, make sure it is free of fragrances and irritating soaps. After the bath, pat gently with a soft, clean towel and apply moisturizer.

Sunlight and narrow band ultraviolet (UV) light have been used to treat eczema successfully. Youll need to speak with your childs doctor to decide whether light therapy, which is also called phototherapy, would be a good way to treat eczema on your childs face.

Heres more information about how phototherapy is used to treat eczema.

Your childs healthcare professional may prescribe a cream, gel, or foam that contains steroids to reduce inflammation.

Steroid treatments should not be used long-term because they can make the skin thin and more vulnerable to damage. If youre using a corticosteroid cream, make sure youre only dabbing it on the areas directly on eczema lesions, not on the whole body.

Biologics are treatments options made from natural substances. Dupixent (dupilumab) is a biologic medication that may be prescribed to help treat severe eczema. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Dupixent for children 6 years and older.

Researchers have found that several factors are associated with a higher risk of developing eczema as an infant, toddler, child, or teen. These include:

Theres a lot of overlap in several of these conditions.

For example, researchers know that eczema tends to get worse during times of the year when hay fever happens, per a 2021 study. Eczema symptoms for people with darker skin tones also tend to get worse during outdoor allergy seasons.

Eczema on a childs face may go away, but it is likely to flare up from time to time throughout childhood and even into the adult years. For many people, eczema is a lifelong inflammatory condition.

Later in childhood and in the teen years, it will probably show up on hands, wrists, and skin covering joints. In people of African ancestry, eczema often affects skin that extends, such as the backs of elbows, according to 2021 research.

Treating eczema early in childhood can lead to better outcomes later, argue the authors of a 2021 article. Its also important to treat eczema symptoms because it can become infected with a secondary bacterial infection if a child scratches too much and causes open wounds in the skin.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that often shows up on the cheeks and scalp in babies under 1 year old.

On darker skin, facial eczema can look like purple, brown, or gray patches. On lighter skin, the rash looks red. Broken skin might ooze a clear fluid. Eczema is itchy on all skin types.

Treating eczema early is important because it could reduce the severity of the condition later on. Try short, warm, daily baths followed by lots of moisturizer. Avoid harsh soaps and ingredients that can dry out the skin even more.

Your childs healthcare professional could also prescribe medicated creams to help heal irritated patches. Light therapy could also help.

Eczema may come and go as your child gets older. It probably wont show up on the face after infancy, but during flare-ups, it could appear on hands, elbows, knees, necks, and feet.

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Eczema on Child's Face: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More - Healthline

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6 Uses and Benefits of CBD On Skin – City Watch

Posted: at 6:42 pm

Since it is a natural compound, it offers exciting health benefits without the downsides of synthetic products that are often full of harmful chemicals.

CBD oil has become an essential ingredient for beauty enthusiasts who want to experience some relief from an existing skin condition. Similarly, people who want to maintain their skin are switching to CBD skincare products.

While research clearly shows that CBD has multiple health benefits, its important to understand what it can do for your skin.

Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is a natural component found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties.

Different species of cannabis plants have different amounts of CBD. However, the hemp plant contains high amounts of CBD, making it more suitable for extraction. Manufacturers use various methods to extract this compound from the plants before mixing the extract with carrier oils to make CBD oil.

However, its important to understand that hemp seed oil is different from CBD oil. While the two product names are often interchanged for marketing purposes, they differ significantly. Typically, CBD oil contains very high amounts of cannabidiol compared to hemp seed oil, which has trace amounts of cannabidiol.

CBD oil products available on the market come in different concentrations that people use in various ways. Ideally, you can use it as a topical application on the skin, put a drop under the tongue, or mix it with body lotions.

According to research, the body contains cannabinoid receptors that play a vital role in various body processes. As a result, CBD has become an important product for the health and beauty industries.

Studies on the benefits of CBD on the skin are still in their early stages. However, researchers have uncovered interesting facts for anyone who wants to enjoy the revitalizing properties of CBD oil.

CBD boasts significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, full-spectrum CBD oil is also well-endowed with vital nutrients that promote healthy body functions.

The skincare benefits of CBD come from its interaction and relation to the bodys endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining a healthy balance between organs and body functions. Since the skin has cannabinoid receptors for the ECS, CBD oil can interact with the system and enhance its balance.

Mostly, skin problems stem from system imbalance and often manifest as inflammation. CBD oil can signal the ECS and help restore the equilibrium necessary for healthy skin.

Inflammation is responsible for causing and accelerating most skin conditions. According to studies, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for managing inflammatory responses in the body.

Further research into the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil shows that it is effective in treating and preventing several skin problems. It was also found to be safer than conventional medications like corticosteroids.

The beneficial effects of CBD come from its interactions with CB2 receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. When CBD reaches your skin cells, it activates the receptors, which then balance cell communication with the bodys immune system. In turn, this effect suppresses inflammation, reduces swelling, and prevents redness.

Regular use of CBD oil can help keep skin inflammation at bay and prevent associated skin problems.

Most skin aging stems from excess exposure to ultraviolet rays and sunlight. Lifestyle factors like unhealthy diets, pollution, and stress can also make people develop skin wrinkles prematurely.

CBD is a natural plant-based nutrient containing high amounts of antioxidants vital for combating visible signs of aging. The antioxidants repair tissue damage by free radicals and reduce the amounts of free radicals in the body. It also helps the body regulate harmful free radicals that come from body processes.

Anti-aging products infused with CBD oil contain anti-inflammatory effects, which can help make wrinkles less visible. It can also help reduce skin ruddiness and dull tones.

Acne is among the most common skin problems people experience at various stages in life. This skin condition appears when the skin sebum (the waxy substance secreted by your sebaceous glands) mixes with dead skin cells and dirt. When these pollutants are trapped in the skin pores, they cause clogging, leading to acne formation.

Primarily, acne has various causes, but using substances that contain anti-inflammatory properties can reduce its severity. Several scientific studies show that CBD oil has high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds. Therefore, people with acne problems can prevent breakouts with the regular application of CBD products.

CBD oil can protect your skin from several types of acne due to its propensity to regulate sebum secretion. It works by inhibiting the production of excess oil sebum hence controlling acne outbreaks.

Another significant factor causing acne is cytokines. CBD skincare products set off a healthy anti-inflammatory reaction chain in cells that are prone to cytokines. This mode of action prevents the formation of acne. Most importantly, its antifungal and antibacterial properties help prevent infections from pollutants and dirt.

CBD products are known for their soothing compounds that have a soothing effect on your skin. The properties can help reduce sensitivity problems like skin reactivity and redness. Since all skin types are prone to the impacts of environmental stressors, CBDs soothing properties can be beneficial to everyone.

Most importantly, Joy Organics creams and lotions contain a rich profile of substances and nutrients that are essential for nourishing and moisturizing the skin. As such, it can help prevent skin issues like roughness, peeling, cuts, and cracks. The anti-inflammatory compounds are great for repairing skin damage resulting from sensitivities.

Eczema is a severe skin problem that is associated with cracks on some patches of the skin. Later, the ailing parts often become inflamed, turn red, and itchy. This skin condition can be quite embarrassing and stressful for the patient since it is very unpleasant. In fact, Eczema is a prevalent skin problem affecting 32% of Americans.

CBD oil can help alleviate the effects of Eczema thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to relieve skin dryness. Unlike other treatment options, CBD is an effective solution since it reverses the skin condition without undesirable side effects. And since it has an intrinsic interaction with the bodys endocannabinoid system, it can help control allergic inflammations that cause Eczema.

Psoriasis is a problematic autoimmune condition that often infects healthy skin cells in the body. It works by accelerating the normal life cycle of healthy skin cells by stimulating a rapid multiplication of the cells found on the skin surface. This effect creates multiple patches of abnormal skin, red spots, and unsightly scales.

CBD triggers an interaction with the CB2 skin receptors of the endocannabinoid system and streamlines message delivery. This effect helps reduce miscommunication between the skin cells and the immune system, thus helping prevent and reversing Psoriasis. Also, it can ensure healthy and balanced multiplication of skin cells which restores natural skin conditions.

There are several ways of using CBD for skincare, depending on the issue you are dealing with.

If you want to treat a localized skin problem, you might want to approach it from the outside. As such, CBD-infused topicals like lotions or creams are a great option. Topical applications work through interaction with CB2 receptors in the skin to relieve unpleasant symptoms.

When you have a skin condition that originates from imbalances within your body, its best to go for capsules, CBD oil, or other edibles. However, some people opt for CBD vapes as they offer higher cannabidiol concentrations in the body.

Since there are plenty of CBD products on the market today, its essential to understand how to choose the best options. Here are a few pointers:

Skin problems can cause discomfort and adverse effects on the quality of life. Unlike most synthetic products for skin beauty, Joy Organics CBD can solve various skin issues without causing harmful side effects.

As a result, its possible to add CBD to your skincare routine without serious health concerns. Besides fighting skin inflammation, CBD-infused products can help in skin regeneration for healthy and glowing skin.

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The Best Products To Treat Eczema This Winter, According To Dermatologists – HuffPost

Posted: at 6:42 pm

If you or someone you know has been a victim of eczema (atopic dermatitis), aka itchy, red and inflamed patches of skin and one of the most annoying and stubborn skin conditions around, then keep reading because we might have some relief for you.

Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously spoke to HuffPost about what is really going on when these unwelcome rough spots crop up. With eczema, the skin barrier is not working as well as it should be, resulting in loss of hydration and disruptions in the outer skin layer, Zeichner said.

Often brought on by colder weather, stress, genetics or contact with irritants, eczema is caused by a deficiency in one of the proteins that makes up the top layer of the skin. When theres a mutation in the proteins that holds the cells of the top layer together, the cells start falling apart, and the skin cant act as a protective barrier, Julie Russak, a board certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology also previously told HuffPost.

According to pediatric nurse practitioner Sam Casselman, this means that when looking for products to help with your eczema symptoms, formulations that help prevent moisture loss and repair the skins barrier may be able to help.

In general, you want to choose a product that has very few ingredients in it and ideally one that contains ceramides. Those are the proteins which repair the skin barrier and relieve dry skin, so use that moisturizer as often as possible. For more severe dry skin, get a thicker alternative with a petrolatum base, Casselman said.

You can read more in depth about what Casselman and our other experts had to say about eczema. But below, check out a list of cleansers, creams, detergents and more, put together with the help of these dermatologists, as well as The National Eczema Association.

HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

A rich cream that contains an essential ingredient for healing eczema

Get it from Amazon for $16.08.

A large room humidifier to maintain moisture levels in the air

The Miro humidifier takes a reassuringly sanitary approach with its easy-to-clean modular design that can be disassembled so you can reach every area that water has touched. The BPA-free, food-grade plastic adds to the safety of this fourth-generation model. It powerfully emits enough atomized mist to fill a 600-square-foot room and features an automatic shutoff feature.

Get it from Amazon for $139.

A skin protectant that, after all these years, is still a dermatologist favorite

This classic protective balm works by preventing moisture loss from the skin, giving eczema an opportunity to heal. This economical pack contains two 13-ounce containers.

Get it from Amazon for $9.76 (pack of two).

A hand soap that's free from ingredients that can cause contact dermatitis

Get it from Pipette for $5.

A sunscreen that won't make eczema worse

Get it from Amazon for $14.62.

A gentle body wash that won't strip the skin

This unscented and sulfate-free body wash is also PH-balanced to prevent any disruption to the skin's microbiome.

Get it from Target for $6.99.

A facial moisturizer that can help repair the skin's barrier

Get it from Sephora for $38.

A shampoo and conditioner that can soothe an itchy, flaky scalp

Get the pair from Amazon for $35.25.

A relaxing way to soothe irritated skin

Get it from Amazon for $9.42.

A long-lasting cream that can relieve itch and inflammation

This Cerave anti-itch cream uses 1% hydrocortisone, an essential ceramide complex and niacinamide to help ease redness and strengthen the skin's barrier function.

Get it from Amazon for $8.16.

A laundry detergent that won't cause an eczema flareup

This hypoallergenic and dye-free liquid detergent excludes potential skin irritants and is compatible with all washing machines and temperatures.

Get it from Target for $8.79.

A nourishing body cleanser filled with skin-loving oils

Get it from Glossier for $18.

A hand cream that can address five symptoms of eczema

Get it from Target for $3.99.

A simple ingredient baby wipe that you can use anywhere

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The Best Products To Treat Eczema This Winter, According To Dermatologists - HuffPost

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Edinburgh crime: Pervert used eczema excuse to get schoolgirl to rub his body with cream – Edinburgh News

Posted: at 6:42 pm

Christopher Cooney, 38, abused the girl when she was aged nine by placing her hand on his penis after convincing her help treat his skin condition.

He then attacked the victim for a second time four years later when he plied her with alcohol and committed a horrific sex act on her at his Edinburgh home.

The terrified girl was left ashamed and embarrassed but bravely confided in a family member last year and Cooney was arrested.

Cooney pled guilty earlier this year to sexually assaulting the girl on two occasions at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Lawyer Ross Gardner, defending, said he had committed undoubtedly awful offences and that he was full of self-hatred at what he had done.

He said Cooney had been forced from his home due to press coverage following his guilty plea and he will probably never have contact with the victim again.

Sheriff Donald Corke described the offences as no greater breach of trust and said in his view there was no alternative to a custodial sentence.

Cooney was jailed for two years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Previously the court was told Cooney first targeted the girl when she visited his home at the capitals Broomhouse on an occasion between 2010 and 2012.

Fiscal depute Anna Chisholm said: She was at the locus and walked into the accuseds bedroom. She found the accused lying naked and face up in his bed.

The accused suffered from eczema at the time and the complainer recalls he asked her to rub cream on his inner thighs and over the top of his leg.

The complainer agreed to do this. But whilst she was doing this the accused took hold of her hand and placed it on his penis.

The court heard the assault lasted around 30 seconds and the victim later said she had felt ashamed and embarrassed by what had Cooney had done to her.

The schoolgirl suffered a second sexual assault by Cooney in 2016 while she was at his home with her parents permission.

Cooney gave her bottles of Smirnoff Ice before they watched a movie together when he assaulted her..

The court heard the attack on the child left her in shock and unable to move and afterwards Cooney was said to have acted like nothing had happened.

The fiscal said the girl bravely confided in a family member in April last year but recalling the attacks had left her very upset and was hyperventilating.

Cooney pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a girl, aged nine, by compelling her to rub cream on his inner thighs and place her hand on his penis on an occasion between December 1, 2010 and September 20, 2012.

He also admitted to sexually assaulting the 13-year-old by placing his hands down her shorts and underwear between August 1 and 30, 2016.

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Edinburgh crime: Pervert used eczema excuse to get schoolgirl to rub his body with cream - Edinburgh News

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