• Health and Wellness

by Jameelah Mullen

October 10, 2024

This Test Can Predict Your Risk Of Mortality, Study Shows

You can read your biological clock with a simple swab of the cheek.

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Tally Health, A New York-based biotechnology company, has launched Cheek Age, an epigenetic clock that uses DNA data collected from cheek cells. Last month, Tally Health scientists published their research in Frontiers in Aging. According to their findings, CheekAge can accurately predict mortality risk. CheekAge predicts age by using methylation marks in the DNA.

Scientists used cheek swabs from participants aged from 18 to 93. They paired patterns of DNA methylation in the cheek cells to determine an overall health score, which also considers factors such as a person’s body mass index (BMI), stress levels, and other lifestyle factors. 

“The fact that our epigenetic clock trained on cheek cells predicts mortality when measuring the methylome in blood cells suggests there are common mortality signals across tissues,” Maxim Shokhirev, Ph.D., head of Computational Biology and Data Science at Tally Health in New York, said in an interview with Neuroscience News.

“This implies that a simple, non-invasive cheek swab can be a valuable alternative for studying and tracking the biology of aging,” Shokhirev, who co-authored the study, told the outlet.

Shokhirev and his team also used data from the Lothian Birth Cohorts (LBC), a long-term research program that tracks participants’ aging from childhood through adulthood. In the LBC, scientists collected blood samples from 15,000 people every three years and tracked changes in DNA methylations. 

One goal of the LBC study was to link differences in cognitive aging to lifestyle factors and biomedical, genetic, and brain imaging data. Researchers tested the CheekAge technology using blood samples from the LBC study. 

”Using cheek cells to predict aging and related health issues is fascinating and could be a promising method. It’s especially intriguing because it is less invasive than traditional blood tests, potentially making it a better choice for routine health checks and keeping us healthy,” Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging, told Medical News Today.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Black Female Therapists’ Creates Mental Health Directory For Black Communities

• Education

by Stacy Jackson

October 10, 2024

$2M Entergy Grant Helps Fund JSU’s Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab

The creation of the lab will provide JSU students resources and hands-on opportunities in the cybersecurity field.

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As Jackson State University (JSU) expands its cybersecurity education curriculum, the Mississippi HBCU is establishing a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab with a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation.

JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., was presented with a check from the Fortune 500 company during an Oct. 7 press conference at the university. “This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” Thompson said in a press release. “…This lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.”

The creation of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab aims to get JSU students in front of the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed in the cybersecurity field. A report by Cybersecurity Ventures highlights the growing record of cyberattacks. By 2025, global cybercrime costs are projected to increase to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. With the innovation hub, students will become highly trained with valuable technical skills to contribute to society and safeguard national infrastructure. JSU students will understand the cybersecurity workforce and become equipped to accommodate electrical cooperatives and companies that explore and produce nuclear, electric, and natural gas.

Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly said the company aims to provide opportunities and build a diverse workforce in cybersecurity by “investing in local talent and competing to keep them here.” A 2023 report by the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility reveals that only 8% of tech employees in the U.S. workforce are Black, and an analysis of Fortune 500 executives reveals the percentage decreases to 3% in the C-suite. By 2032, technology jobs across data science, engineering, cybersecurity, and software development are expected to grow by 14%. However, Black talent in those roles is expected to increase by only 8%. “The Black wage gap in tech is projected to increase 37% by 2030, resulting in more than a cumulative $350 billion in lost wages for Black families in eight years,” the report states.

The Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab is a “game-changer” for JSU students, according to Wilbur Walters, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The lab will allow students to directly engage with common challenges that working professionals face in the energy sector. “This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful,” Walters said. Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh said the company is dedicated to increasing diversity in the workforce and creating opportunities for students.

RELATED CONTENT: Jackson State University, Getty Images Join Forces For Photo Exhibition Celebrating JSU’s Homecomings

• Health and Wellness

by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2024

Healthcare Remains A Barrier In America, It Is Worst In These Five States

According to Forbes Advisor, the ability to access healthcare in America largely depends on the state in which a person is seeking healthcare

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The American healthcare system has long been tied to employment and is one of the most inefficient and costly in the developed world, which makes it challenging to navigate. According to a recent Gallup and West Health survey, 55% of adult Americans can access and afford quality healthcare when needed.

According to Forbes Advisor, the ability to access healthcare in America largely depends on the state in which a person is seeking healthcare. Furthermore, inequality also shapes who gets access to quality healthcare.

As Uché Blackstock, a medical doctor and thought leader on bias and racism in healthcare, writes in her recently released book, Legacy, Black and Latinx patients have a history of being denied equitable access to healthcare in America.

In their comparison, Forbes Advisor ranked states according to where they stood across 14 metrics: the number of hospital beds per 1,000 residents, the number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents, the number of specialist physicians per 10,000 residents, the number of nurse practitioners per 10,000 residents, the number of physician assistants per 10,000 residents, the percentage of need met in primary care provider shortage areas, the percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage, the number of community health centers per 100,000 residents, the average annual premium for employees with single coverage through employer-provided health insurance, the percentage of annual health insurance premium covered by employers for employees with single coverage, the average annual deductible for employees with single coverage through employer-provided health insurance, the percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost, the number of critical care physicians per 10,000 adults, and the number of critical care nurses and CRNAs per 10,000 adults.

Using this rubric, the five states with the least access to healthcare are Utah, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia.

According to Zoi Galarraga, the Senior PR Digital Manager of Forbes Advisor, “Accessing affordable healthcare is a challenge for many Americans nationwide,” Galarraga told Newsweek. “Additionally, over 100 million Americans—nearly one-third of the nation— do not have access to a usual source of primary care, according to the National Association Of Community Health Centers.”

Galarraga continued, offering potential solutions to the problem, “According to The Department of Health and Human Services, digital solutions such as telehealth can improve access to primary care by reducing barriers related to transportation and expanding the ability to offer services in languages other than English.”

Galarraga concluded, “Having the best health insurance can also increase access to and reduce the cost of essential healthcare. Uninsured adults are less likely than those with health coverage to receive preventive and screening services on a timely basis and are less likely to have a primary healthcare provider.”

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 10, 2024

Black Men Are Taking Over The 2025 Met Gala With ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ Theme

Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James will co-chair the 2025 Met Gala.

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Black Male Excellence will helm the ship at the 2025 Met Gala, where “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will serve as the theme.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has enlisted a distinguished group of stylish Black male icons to co-chair the prestigious Met Gala. The lineup includes actor Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, with LeBron James serving as honorary chair, according to Vogue.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” on Wednesday. The exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, will display garments, paintings, photographs, and more, exploring the timeless style of Black men through the lens of dandyism from the 18th century to the present—making the 2025 chairs a perfect match for the event.

Domingo has been blazing up red carpets after sweeping the award season with his 2023 lineup of standout onscreen roles in Academy Award-nominated films like Rustin and The Color Purple. He made his Met Gala debut earlier this year. Lewis Hamilton, a regular at the event since 2015, joins A$AP Rocky and Pharrell, who has attended six times and co-chaired the 2017 gala themed “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between.” Meanwhile, LeBron James will make his stylish Met Gala debut, serving as honorary chair for the occasion.

Following the announcement, Hamilton shared how “honored” he is to chair next year’s Met Gala.

Amid the announcement of the 2025 Met Gala theme, Black Twitter has been sharing their reactions, with many of them being comical in nature.

“Because the Met Gala is focused on Black culture, I need the invites to reflect that,” one person tweeted. “I need the designers to respect black culture. This can be one of the most iconic themes if done correctly.”

“Can’t think of anyone more deserving of being named a co-chair for the Met Gala than Colman- always have that sh*t on- Domingo,” added a fan who sang Domingo’s fashion-forward praises.

The Met Gala has been under Anna Wintour’s leadership since 1995. Always held on the first Monday in May, next year’s gala will return to New York City on May 5, 2025. The dress code will be revealed in early 2025, while the exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, will be on display from May 6 through October 26, 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo And Pharrell Williams, Among The ‘Superfine’ Men To Co-Chair Met Gala

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2024

Michael Jordan Purchases Private Jet, The Price Tag Is $65M

Jordan dropped 65 Ms on the Gulfstream G650ER, jet

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Being a billionaire allows the joy of making purchases small countries can’t afford, and Michael Jordan proves that with his latest buy. Reportedly the NBA Hall of Famer has copped himself a $65 million private jet.

According to Private Jet Clubs, Jordan is now the owner of a new private jet, a Gulfstream G650ER, that is valued at approximately $65 million. The recognizable Jumpman logo is prominently featured on the back of the jet, showcasing the tail number, N236MJ. The aircraft was recently seen in Florida at Palm Beach International Airport as it was viewed via social media on the tarmac. The aircraft is reportedly registered under MJ Air LLC.

@seanpalmbeach Michael Jordan’s brand new jet is a Gulfstream G650ER, registered 01OCT24 #goat #pj #michaeljordan #fyp ♬ M83 Solitude – Grace

The media outlet detailed that the private jet’s custom paint job totaled around $500,000 and can accommodate up to 19 people, with the possibility of up to 10 passengers being able to sleep comfortably. It also has a maximum range of 8,630 miles.

Business Insider reported that Jordan is not alone in owning a Gulfstream G650ER. Other elite billionaires in possession of one include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Jordan’s latest aircraft is an upgrade from his previous just, the Gulfstream G550.

Jordan can definitely afford the aircraft but has recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. He, along with another car owner, Front Row Motorsports, are suing the sports organization and CEO Jim France, stating that it has used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport. According to CNBC, the lawsuit alleges that NASCAR and France operate without transparency and in such a way that it doesn’t benefit team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners, and fans.

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

October 10, 2024

Georgia Soil And Water Board Member Dies After Biolab Fire Testimony

After his testimony, Johnson struggled to breath he later passed away at the hospital.

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On Oct. 8, the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District State Board Chairman Kenny Johnson passed away. According to 11 Alive News, Johnson was at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, across from the Georgia Capitol, to speak about the impact of the fire and the plume of chlorine-filled smoke on Georgia residents.

The AP reported, “Johnson reportedly complained of shortness of breath and subsequently collapsed in the hallway.” He was given CPR by state Rep. Viola Davis. Johnson would later pass away in the hospital.

It is unclear if Johnson was one of the Georgia residents that inhaled the hazardous levels of chlorine emitted as a result of the fire. Though his symptoms are consistent with those listed in environmental warnings, the 62-year-old’s cause of death has not been determined. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is Investigating the cause of death for Johnson.

🚨Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Kenny Johnson collapses and dies near Georgia State Capitol after delivering a powerful testimony relating to the massive fire that took place at a Georgia BioLab on September 29. Johnson is heard repeatedly asking… pic.twitter.com/OeFDNbAQYY

— Sasswatch (@SasswatchReport) October 10, 2024

Johnson was vocal in his opposition of BioLab’s Conyers location. After the Sept. 29 incident Johnson became more vocal. He often called for shuttering the facility. Johnson believed the production plant posed a significant health risk to the surrounding community.

“Rockdale County been out of compliance for four decades… I’ve been fighting for six years. I’ve been fighting and saying that, that company was going to explode. No one listened. We’ve got to remove this company out of this community,” Johnson said.

Rockdale County, located 20 miles outside of Atlanta, is still dealing with the impact of the BioLab fire that caused multiple counties to issue hazard and shelter-in-place orders. The company is facing a class action lawsuit by local residents. Rockdale County schools have converted to virtual learning through Oct. 18.

The full impact of the incident has not been fully assessed. It is unknown whether Biolab will be allowed to remain in the Georgia County.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Lawmakers To Hear From Residents Impacted By Biolab Chemical Fire

• Politics

by Mitti Hicks

October 10, 2024

Kamala Harris Has Surpassed $1B In Fundraising Since Entering Presidential Race

These figures include money raised by the campaign committee and campaign-affiliated joint fundraising on behalf of the Democratic National Committee and state parties.

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In less than three months, since Vice President Kamala Harris officially became the Democratic nominee for president, her campaign has raised over $1 billion. These figures include money raised by the campaign committee and campaign-affiliated joint fundraising on behalf of the Democratic National Committee and state parties, NBC News reported.

Harris’s campaign started on a historic note. In the 24 hours following President Joe Biden’s July 21 announcement that he was dropping out of the race, Vice President Harris’s campaign raked in $81 million. Within 36 hours after Biden’s announcement, Harris raised more than $100 million, which more than doubled the $96 million the Biden-Harris campaign had in cash at the end of June, according to Open Secrets.  Political pundits touted the massive haul as the largest 24-hour total in U.S. history.

In August, the campaign continued to see financial enthusiasm. The campaign raised $361 million in August, which brought her total to more than $615 million since she entered the race, CBS News reported.

However, even with her campaign’s financial wins, the campaign continues to be concerned that billionaire’s donations will pour into former President Donald Trump’s campaign as the nation inches closer to Election Day, especially in key battleground states.

In Pennsylvania, for example, Republicans have spent more than $222 million on ads, CBS News reported. Democrats have a slight lead on spending in the commonwealth, where they’ve spent an estimated $275 million on ads.

As we enter the final stretch, Harris’s campaign said money will continue to be “heavily spent” in key states for advertising, operations, and staffing. 

When comparing the numbers to her opponent, Harris’s campaign appears to have more enthusiasm. In August, the campaign brought in more than $230 million more than Trump’s. In September, Trump’s campaign told CBS News that it had raised about $160 million.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Times Endorses Kamala Harris As ‘The Only Choice’ For President

• News

by Mitti Hicks

October 10, 2024

UN Adopts Historic Guidance To Protect Paroled And Formerly-Incarcerated Citizens

It's the first time the United Nations Human Rights Council has offered clear, human rights-based guidance for reentry and supervision.

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A national organization working to change the prison and parole system has successfully led a change campaign, resulting in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HCF) passing a resolution that ultimately protects people reentering society and on parole. It’s the first time the United Nations HCF has offered clear, human rights-based guidance for reentry and supervision.

REFORM Alliance partnered with Costa Rica and a coalition of 120 organizations from 49 countries to rally for the resolution’s passage. After two years in the making, passing the resolution means there are concrete steps governments should follow to create safer and more inclusive communities for people reentering society and protect people on parole. It also focuses on reentry support, reducing the stigma, and economic inclusion.

A news release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE states that the resolution will help an estimated 11.5 million people currently incarcerated worldwide to successfully reenter their communities.

According to activists, people leaving incarceration or parole face severe human rights challenges, including exploitation and violence, as well as being denied equitable access to employment, stable housing, and even basic needs. Without the proper support, it could not only perpetuate the poverty cycle, but people are more likely to become repeat offenders.

More About The U.N.’s Resolution on Formerly Incarcerated People

The resolution takes a people-centered approach and rejects dehumanizing language like “criminal,” “offender,” and “felon,” which activists say reinforces stigmas. Instead, it focuses on dignity and opportunity.

“Too often, people coming out of prison or on supervision are treated as outcasts, their potential overlooked, and their humanity ignored,” Activist and advocate Kim Kardashian said in a statement. “This resolution, sponsored by Costa Rica and a diverse group of countries around the world, is a powerful declaration that no one is disposable and every person deserves human rights and a second chance.”

Activists said in a news release that, with guidance from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the following steps include crafting a comprehensive study with recommendations for countries worldwide to implement programs and policies that will support reentry and uphold human rights.

RELATED CONTENT: The Athlete’s Foot and REFORM Alliance Team Up for National Town Hall in Atlanta

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2024

Barry White’s Estate Sues Creators Of Song Sampled By Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar

The estate has filed paperwork alleging that a 1986 hip-hop song, "Everlasting Bass" recorded and performed by West Coast duo, Rodney-O & Joe Cooley lifted the sample illegally.

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A sample used almost 40 years ago in a song that was recently sampled by Metro Boomin in the single “Like That” featuring Future and Kendrick Kamar–which lit the fire for the Drake/Lamar battle that took place this year–has been flagged by the estate of Barry White in a recent copyright infringement lawsuit.

According to Billboard, White’s estate has filed paperwork alleging that a 1986 hip-hop song, “Everlasting Bass,” recorded and performed by West Coast duo Rodney-O & Joe Cooley, infringed on White’s 1973 record, “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby.” It’s safe to assume that the suit came on the heels of the “Like That” composition that sampled the “Everlasting Bass” track used for the record that gained popularity after Lamar dissed fellow rappers J. Cole and Drake on the song.

Attorneys for the White estate admitted that they waited 40 years to file the lawsuit because the sampled work was “released prior to the internet and was not widely distributed,” which amounts to leaving the estate “unaware of the song when it was first released.”

Although the three artists on the “Like That” song aren’t mentioned in the lawsuit, the other writers listed in the credits are Rodney-O & Joe Cooley.

The lawsuit states that “Like That” also infringes White’s copyrights: “‘Like That’ copies substantial elements of ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Babe’ … including but not limited to the iconic, immediately recognizable bass line.”

According to the estate, Rodney-O and Joe Cooley are the defendants because the duo said they agreed to defend the recording artists against such accusations when the sample was cleared.

“I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby” is one of White’s more popular songs and has been sampled many times over the years. It peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in June 1973 and stayed on the chart for 18 weeks.

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