Latest news with #AmyPrice
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Google helped create 30,000 jobs in 2024, added Dh21.8 billion to economy
Google contributed an estimated Dh21.8 billion to the UAE economy in 2024 through its multiple apps and channels that residents in the country use in their daily lives. According to the Economic Impact Report released by the technology giant, the Android and Google Play app ecosystem supported the creation of 30,000 jobs in the UAE last year. The report revealed that Google's Search and Ads alone helped provide Dh20.2 billion in economic activity for businesses in the UAE. Conducted in English and Arabic in March 2025 by the Public First research agency, the survey covered 1,110 online adults and 389 business leaders based in the UAE. 'The UAE is reimagining what a modern economy can look like and leveraging technology in really interesting and exciting ways. This is particularly true when it comes to AI. We estimate that generative AI could grow the economy by almost Dh300 billion and drive genomic diversification by nearly 30 per cent. "We estimate that AI tools would help increase productivity across the UAE by 15 per cent – equivalent to 310 hours per offer, reallocated higher value tasks each year,' said Amy Price, director and head of technology, media and telecom prices at Public First. 'Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE,' said Anthony Nakache, managing director for Google in the Middle East and North Africa. The study found that Dh455 million of revenue was generated by the Android App Economy for UAE-based developers in 2024, as half of adults in the Emirates say Google Search is essential to their daily lives while nearly 9 out of 10 – 89 per cent – UAE residents reported that Google Maps and/or Waze were very useful when they were avoiding getting lost. It added that an estimated 7.6 per cent million adults in the UAE used Google Search to learn a new digital skill. Nearly 9 out of 10 – 90 per cent – of adults in the UAE said that the ability to make contactless payments on mobile devices through services like GPay or GWallet makes their lives easier. Interestingly, the Economic Impact Report found that consumers in the UAE, on average, get Dh683 a month in benefits created by Google services. Google products – Search, Play, Maps, YouTube and Google Ads – are among the most popular apps and are widely used in the UAE and globally. The technology giant said more than 430,000 individuals in the UAE had been trained in digital and AI skills through Google's key skilling initiative, "Maharat Min Google", initiative since 2018.
Buzz Feed
11-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
Manage Pet Chaos With These 27 Chewy Essentials
A stain-and-odor remover, because if there's one thing all animals, from canary to cat and dog to Gila monster, have in common, it's mess. Whether it's spills your pet causes in your home, or things that spill from your pet into your dwelling, this bio-enzymatic formula can break down even the most distressing substances and is graded to handle even the nastiest messes. Promising review: "We have a dog and three cats. The dog sleeps in the front hallway, and the cats romp up and down the stairs to the second floor. Recently, one of the cats (none of them will admit guilt or accuse one of the others) peed on the stair carpeting and left a terrible smell behind. We tried the usual cleaning tricks, and nothing worked. We finally had to rip up the whole carpet (it was really old anyway) and found that the urine had seeped into the hardwood underneath. Tried cleaning with wood soap, vinegar, and the stinky. Bought this, sprayed it once, and the smell is gone. Even the grownup kids, who, tbh, are kind of judgmental about cat pee smells in our house, came over for dinner last week and said they couldn't smell ANYTHING anymore. Total victory." —CarlaPrice: $17.94 (originally $19.99) A water fountain that can hold over 2 gallons (!!) of water clean and clear for days. Adequate hydration is a key factor in making sure every fur baby in your family doesn't get thirsty – and this bowl can keep an entire house-full of animals moisturized, in their element, and thriving. Promising review: "This fountain holds a large amount of water, so I don't have to fill it up constantly. Both dogs and all four cats love it! The filter does an amazing job of keeping it clean and fresh. When it does need cleaning, it is simple to dismantle and quick to clean. The circulating water is gentle enough that it does not intimidate even the cats. I hope this one lasts forever or stays in production in case I need another one in the future." —AmyPrice: $59.99 A self-cleaning litter box since, let's be real, is your litter box clean right now? Probably not. It's ok – it's a hard chore to get excited about – but luckily enough there's a way to be luxe and scoop way less poop with one of these Jetson's-level devices. Simply load the device, set it up, and enjoy a moment of rare but well-earned dignity in cat ownership. Promising review: "This was expensive but completely worth it. I love how easy it is to set up. You simply take it out of the box, plug it in, add litter and a liner, and you are good to go. I also love the app and all the data I get about my cats. I like that I can remotely control the Litter Robot, too. I also like how easy it is to clean. You can remove the inner part completely and wash it with soap and water. Most importantly, the cats always have a clean bed of litter every time they go potty. If you hate scooping the litter box, hate having smells, or just hate dealing with a litter box, this is a must-buy." —LizPrice: $699 (available in two colors) A reusable lint roller in case you ever wondered *exactly* how much pet hair has made its way into your cushions. The answer to that question is, inevitably, oh my good news is this internet-famous roller is able to pull mountains of pet hair out of nearly any surface, and without nearly the mess and fuss of either wet or dry vacuuming. Promising review: "This lint roller is on par with my Dyson vacuum for best cleaning tool. I've used a large lint roller designed for pet hair that requires disposable sticky sheets. It was a great tool, but I got really tired of the waste and how expensive it was to constantly be buying refills. A friend told me about the ChomChom roller, and I am a true believer! Works better than the sticky lint roller sheets or a vacuum for pet hair on blankets, the couch, pillows, sheets, etc!" —AlexisPrice: $24.99+ (originally $31.95; available in three styles) A food storage container complete with casters so you can keep your household-turned-zoo well stocked with kibble. Nothing is worse than having to lug a steadily degrading food bag out whenever it's dinner time. And with a snap-lock lid, it'll keep food fresher and more tasty than rolling up the end of the bag a little bit ever could – and also nobody will be able to pilfer some off-menu kibble! Promising reviews: "These containers hold a boatload of cat and bird food. The containers keep the food fresh and easy to get to. I even built my pet food station around them." —James"I can't lift as much as I used to, so being able to roll this to the front porch for a cat litter refill and roll it back into the cat room makes things so much easier. I often prefer to purchase the larger size of products as the price is usually better. It was literally a snap to attach the wheels. Life is so much easier! No more litter bags or boxes cluttering up my house." —PalaPrice: $24.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors) A hand vacuum because, yes, your animals require a power tool to keep clean. Complete with an extra-long crevice tool and anti-tangle rubber bristles, this little package brings a lot of power to the table. Promising review: "Have had this for years for my two indoor cats. I vacuum, among other things, my bedsheets before washing to cut down on hairballs. I bought one for my son who has two dogs, and he loves it. Dual filters are washable, making it environmentally friendly. Have not had to replace the inner filter yet; I just keep washing it with mild detergent. Very durable." —JanicePrice: $79.99 (originally $99.99) A clinically tested dental powder for cats and dogs because, for a multi-pet household, brushing each and every tooth in the house is an exercise in futility. Heck, I'm not sure if *I* get every tooth when I brush my own! A fairy-dusting of this powder over their food helps prevent plaque, gives their gums some love, and curbs bad breath – all without the look of betrayal in their tiny little eyes when you start approaching with the toothbrush. Promising review: "My vet recommended this at her last appointment because she was starting to show symptoms of gum disease from plaque on her back teeth, which the other dental products weren't getting to. My dog is picky, and I wasn't sure she'd take to it, but I got it anyway. Now, she won't eat her food without it, and her mouth is healthier (and fresher) than ever." —SabrinaPrice: $23 (originally $26.99) An auto-close dog gate if there are dog zones and, more importantly, NO-dog zones in you household. If you have one pooch who needs a bit of corralling, or if you just need to spare your aging cat from dog interaction for a few hours a day, this pressure-mounted gate goes up in a flash and closes automatically unless you push it past 90 degrees. Promising review: "This was exactly what I was looking for. I'd been using a pet gate that you had to step over and after tripping one too many times, I needed something with a door. These keep my dog out of my kitchen and away from the cat." —ShannonPrice: $39.99 (available in three colors) A smart cat feeder to make sure that your grazing cats can get their fill before the gobblers run roughshod during mealtime. The feeders stay sealed unless approached by a cat with a matching collar tag, and kibble is dispensed by weight at times you select via a very capable app. Perfect for pets who have specific dietary needs or medicine/supplements added to their food. Promising review: "We bought this about nine months ago for our older cat who was losing weight. She wasn't able to eat fast enough to avoid having her food stolen by the other cats. This has changed her entire life. She gets enough food now, has gained back a decent amount of weight, and looks so much healthier. We can see how much she's eating in the app, so we can tell if something is wrong. Absolutely love it and will be buying another for our other cat who needs to go on special food." —BridgetPrice: $149.99 A snuffle mat so Fido can eat slowly enough so that, A. the other pets can eat in peace, and, B. so that the food they eat stays down. Unlike some slow-feeders, these mats are maintenance, and turn mealtime into a scavenger hunt amongst little fronds of shag. Promising review: "This is a good little snuffle mat for my Chihuahua Pug. I have tried two others that were not as good. The first one was made of felt and, no matter how much I washed it, I could not get it clean. The second was like a bath mat, and the dogs would walk on it as they ate, and it was hard to store. This one is good. They like the green color of the snuffle mushroom. The mushroom case and chord are sturdy, so it's easy to hang up and store. I ended up buying another one so both of my dogs could have one. They both like them." —Chihuahua MomPrice: $16.99 (available in three colors) A truly massive cat tree complete with all the nooks, crannies, and perches even a multi-cat household could need to keep kitty happy. All the covers are removable and washable, and the tree boasts all the tried and true cat tree features like sisal clawing surfaces, hanging balls, and hammocks galore. Promising review: "I have been looking for a cat tree that is sturdy and will stand up to the craziness of my four cats, one of which is a kitten. All my girls love it. They all take turns playing and laying on it. The kitten spends all her time on it, sleeping and playing. It is, by far, the best purchase we have made for them." —StephaniePrice: $144 (available in two colors) A bottle of aquarium conditioner to get the composition of your tapwater *just* right so all your little fishy friends can vibe accordingly. A bottle of this magical stuff will go a long way to making refills more convenient and your fish nice and healthy. It contains aloe vera to help reduce stress and protect your fishy's slime review: "Good for starting off new fish in your new or old aquarium/tank." —EsmeraldaPrice: $2.29+ (originally $3.28+; available in seven sizes) A Lamb Chop toy because, first of all, you can have a Lamb Chop toy by proxy. Second of all, your doggo will ADORE this cute toy! Even timid/less-playful dogs seem to love this thing. Promising review: "I love giving gifts, especially when they're unexpected. This toy — no matter what size I've gifted — has been absolutely priceless to my heart. It's been welcomed by elderly dogs who use it as a pillow, and it's become the 'keep away' toy during group play sessions. Sometimes it can be a pricey gift, especially when I go for the largest size I can find. But no matter the size of the dog or pup, I've had the best experiences giving these as gifts. It's adorable to see a toy breed make a bed out of the largest Lamb Chop, or a mastiff keeping guard over it during a group snooze with little dogs." —GrAnnieSmith03Price: $3.99+ (originally $5.39+; available in three sizes) An orthopedic bed to give the pets of your household accommodations rivaling a 5-star resort. The added plush helps senior pets lie without stressing their joints, and — if you're worried about a squabble breaking out — it's wide, ergonomic shape makes it highly shareable. You may even find pets who historically want nothing to do with each other laying together like lions and lambs. Promising review: "I have a Doberman and a Terrier mix. Both of them love this bed and can fit on the Jumbo size together. I love that the cover is removable for washing and is easy to take on and off. This is the second one I've purchased because I loved the first one so much." —MaryannPrice: $33.99+ (originally $40.99+; available in five sizes and three colors) A pet corrector that can quickly defuse even the nastiest, snappiest run-ins before things turn bad. And by bad, we pretty much mean yippy. The can makes a high-pitched hiss, which stops chaos in its tracks and gives everyone a second to breathe. If you've ever felt flustered, trying to get your dog's attention when they're sure it's "go-time," this stuff is like magic in a can. Promising review: "As a dog trainer, I carry this everywhere with me. It has helped me in a lot of situations with off-leash dogs running up to my dogs or my clients' dogs. I have gifted this to my clients, and I recommend it to them to help keep their dogs safe." —SamanthaPrice: $11.99+ (available in three sizes and four pack sizes) A pet door since I'm guessing your house has plenty of human doors already. Why not add one for your furry friends, especially if most days feel like a never-ending pilgrimage to and from the door to let needy pets in/out. Promising review: "This PetSafe doggy door is a game-changer for us. My husband installed it in the garage door, and now our newly adopted 11-year-old Husky can easily come into the garage if she's too cold (rarely) or too hot (all summer long). We are comforted that she has the freedom, and we don't have to worry if she wants in or out." —MarilynPrice: $114.95+ (originally $124.99+; available in three sizes) A Furminator brush in case you ever wanted to see if you could assemble a life-sized dog from the combed out undercoat/fur of your current dog. Turns out, absolutely: yes. The good news is now that fur statue won't be defused throughout your home/bedding, and now your pupper is feeling so fresh. Promising review: "This just arrived in the mail and oh my goodness we are in LOVE! My pup is a mutt, mostly German shepherd, Australian shepherd, and husky, so you can imagine the hair on this one! I started brushing and I was absolutely AMAZED at the amount that came off, and how easy it was! Seriously, so easy, and he loved it SO much. It must have felt so good! He has an undercoat, and his fur is super shiny and soft. I was worried that it might pull and tug his hair, or not get all the way to the undercoat, and I was wrong! This doesn't pull or scratch, but it gets the job done! I absolutely recommend it to anyone, even if you don't think your dog is a shedder! Much easier than all of the other brushes I've used as well. I was not happy about the price tag, but the very first use paid for itself!" —LaurenPrice: $31.85+ (originally $37.49+, available in three sizes and colors) A 30-pack of toys for when all – and I mean all – the toys have gotten a little too grody. This pack has it all: from crinkle balls to tunnels and teasing wands to jingle bells. If you have a household full of under-stimulated animals, there's sure something in this pack for everyone! Promising review: "This was a great assortment of toys for some kittens I was fostering. The crinkle toys, fish, and feather wand were definitely the biggest hits. The tunnel looks huge in the photo, but it's actually a standard size — still a favorite, probably because the fabric is slightly translucent, which made it extra fun for sneak attacks. The only surprise was the three sticks — I didn't realize at first that they were silvervine!" —SusanPrice: $17.99 A pair of cat grooming gloves for any pets who quake in fear when you approach grooming comb in-hand. This genius workaround gives them the opportunity to get the regular petting love they yearn for, while also surreptitiously grooming your pet. A sliding puzzle in case you have that one pet who's just a little too smart to not find something to destroy. Remember, most of the animals we keep as pets started out as hunters, meaning they need stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If your pets seem intent on getting into things, this cute sushi-themed sliding puzzle will be about as close to a Rubik's Cube (or NYT crossword puzzle) as you can get for them. Promising review: "The sushi tray is well-made, easy to use, and my cats have fun looking under the little sliding trays for their treats." —ColleenPrice: $16.95 A wash station if the only thing more nightmarish than corralling all your creatures when it's time to go to the groomers (scratch marks much?) is the price at the checkout counter. This genius bath solution elevates your pets – aka helps you prevent back pain – and comes with a tether to keep Fido/Mittens secure during the process. Promising review: "I've only used this once so far, but I love it! It fits in the bathtub, so you don't have to get down on your knees and bend over the side in order to bathe your fur babies. It's very well-made and holds your dog in place so they can't jump out. I love tools that help you to perform tedious tasks, and this is one of mine." —PamelaPrice: $129.98 (available in three colors) An activity playmat to turn your living room into a full-on cat-carnival: both for them, as the maze of holes and scratchable surfaces provides hours of stimulation/play, and for you, as watching your cats tear around this customizable play pit will keep you entertained all night. And as a bonus, it's totally machine washable! Promising review: "This is our second one because the first was so well-loved and used, it eventually lost its stiffness. But it lasted years — we bought it in November 2022, and it's now April 2025! They play in it, on it, sleep in it, and get excited every time I rearrange it. They seriously LOVE it. Our littlest one especially enjoys hiding inside. Once I set up the new one, I decided to keep the old one too — it now extends the play area and sits underneath. I cleaned the top of the old one, so it's not pictured here, but if you look closely, you might spot our tiny one peeking out!" —RobynPrice: $46 (available in two colors) A silent exercise wheel if you have a mammal on the smaller side who likes to get their steps in while the rest of the house is trying to sleep. This wheel sports dual ball bearings (aka it's super quiet) and is made of durable plastic that will sustain many a hamster marathon. Promising review: "I am so happy I got this for my new hamster Rusty; this is his first wheel (the pet store I got him from didn't even have a wheel for him); ever since I put the wheel in his tank, he's been running for literally HOURS! He'll stop for about 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and then he'll go back to running! I'm so happy he's finally exercising and getting his energy out! He loves his wheel so much that when I woke up this morning, he was sleeping BEHIND his wheel! (He usually sleeps in his hide or burrow) and I can watch him run all day!" —DaJahPrice: $19.99+ (originally $26.99+; available in three sizes and four colors) A cuddle cave for the cats that seem to love holing up in closets or under furniture. If you've ever watched My Cat From Hell, you'll remember Mr. Galaxy's aphorism: some cats are tree climbers and some cats are bush dwellers. If that rings true for one of your kitties, you might get one or two of these plush little numbers and give your cats a little private, cozy nook to cuddle up in. Promising review: "Years ago, I got one of these. My cats loved it enough that one day, I discovered all three of them stuffed inside, much to everyone's chagrin. So I got a second one, hoping they'd trade out. The two youngest have gotten bigger since they could (even somewhat unreasonably) fit inside a single pod together, and then I got a fourth cat. Lately, I'm noticing that the third and fourth cats on the scene are often looking forlornly at the occupied pods, so I've finally given in and purchased enough that every cat can have their own at all times, plus an extra for when one finally fails because despite several machine washings, neither one is showing any wear yet!" —ReneePrice: $37.54+ (originally $44.99+; available in three colors) A 40-pound bag of kitty litter because, if you happen to live in a multi-cat house, you're moving through a lot of litter. We're talking bulk purchasing, here. But this litter isn't your usual chalky powdered who-knows-what; this litter boasts probiotic magic that stops odors at the source. Less mess, less stress, and no more "what's that smell..." moments. Promising review: "My partner and I use a Petsnowy for our lovely kittos, and while we love the machine and not having to scoop, we weren't loving the strong ammonia smell from our previous litter (Dr. Elsey's). After doing a lot of research, we decided to give this one a try — and while it's a bit pricier, IT WORKS. We're so grateful to have a smell-free NYC apartment again! Our fuzzy ladies haven't had any issues with it and seem to like it just fine. There's a bit of tracking, but no more than we had with Dr. Elsey's, and honestly, we'll gladly take that over the odor." —DominiquePrice: $38.99 (originally $50.39; also available in two smaller-size bags) A paw cleaner so that your pup and your floors/furniture can live all of their best lives. Our puppers sure know how to find the muddiest puddles outside on a post-rain bathroom stroll, and this nifty little device helps you clean them up nice and quick before letting them back indoors. Promising review: "This MudBuster is phenomenal! Highly recommend to all my dog lovers. Mud season is upon us here in WI, and it is in full force with my 9-month-old yellow Lab! He loves to be outside no matter the weather. We bought the medium and it is just the right size for our pup. He doesn't seem to mind it either, we just have him give us a shake and praise him the whole time we're cleaning his paws with the MudBuster. Warm water and the tiniest amount of Dawn dish soap is all we use." —mudbusterPrice: $15.50+ (available in three sizes and three colors) An antimicrobial wound and skincare spray if some of your, ahem, spicier pets is quick to swipe/nip when they don't get their way. This little first aid kit in a bottle helps heal all manner of superficial animal injury. This spray is graded for almost any household creature, and kicks germs to the curb without pain or sad droopy pet eyes. Promising review: "This is not my first rodeo. Vetericyn is a true miracle in a bottle, and every pet owner should always have that and/or the hydrogel version on hand for minor lacerations and skin irritations; I've seen improvement in 24 hours on minor wounds. It is also GREAT because it is perfectly safe if the pet licks the liquid or gel. That is incredible." —PeterPrice: $15.99+ (available in three sizes)
Buzz Feed
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
29 Wayfair Home Products You'll Want If Your Home Needs A Total Reset
A stunning shoe storage cabinet that'll make sure this year is the year you finally stop tripping on your favorite sneakers all the time. With a rattan front and cute lil' tapered legs, this mid-century modern-inspired piece not only looks fab but also gets up to 10 pairs of shoes off the ground and neatly put away. Promising review: 'LOVE this organizer! I was looking for a way to declutter my entrance that was full of shoes when I take my dog out. This solved the problem very elegantly! Easy to assemble as well.' —BiancaPrice: $81.99 (available in three colors) A set of eight closet shelf dividers so you can finally turn your terrifyingly teeny wardrobe storage situation into the space-efficient, well-oiled fashion machine you always knew it could be. Instead of one, big, messy shelf, you'll have access to a bunch of adjustable cubbies — perfect for stacking folded shirts or sweaters, organizing bags or purses, and more. Promising review: 'These work beautifully! I originally thought I'd have more than I needed, but they are so flexible and versatile I used the whole pack immediately. Thick and well made too!' —AmyPrice: $43.99 for a set of eight dividers (originally $92.99) A unique, bubble-like floor lamp to light up your life — literally. You've spent enough time in the dark; now is the time to come into the light (and luckily, the two pretty globes on this bronze MCM-style lamp are more than happy to help you out). Aaah. Isn't that better? Promising review: 'Love the design and the size. Nice, warm glow, yet bright enough for nighttime. Design is fresh and clean and fits nicely with mid-century modern contemporary vibes.' —RowenaPrice: $168.99 (originally $270) A trio of hanging baskets as functional as they are gorgeous. The baskets can be hung together as one piece or split up into three separate organizers, each of which can hold eight pounds. The set even includes an over-the-door hook for easy hanging. A space saver, an easy organizer, and a super cute décor piece, all in one go? Yes, please. Promising review: 'Love it! Super durable and versatile. I've had it in three different apartments now, and it's been helpful and cute in each one. Note that the pockets aren't huge/don't morph very much, so you can only fit so much in them.' —Ric Price: $36.99 (originally $39.99; available in two colors) A triptych of modern, geometric wall art so you can finally fill up those bare, white walls you've been meaning to do something about for-ev-er. These three coordinating pieces hang together beautifully, or you can split 'em up to add a splash of color to different walls. Promising review: 'Love this art piece. Fits perfectly in my office. Great quality and beautiful piece. Shipped super quickly.' —JenniferPrice: $109.99+ (available in two sizes and three frame colors) A super cozy sectional that goes above and beyond when it comes to multifunctionality: Not only is there hidden storage in the chaise part of its L-shaped design, but it also transforms into a comfy snoozing spot for overnight guests. If you've been meaning to boost your space's versatility, this pick is an excellent way to do it. Promising review: 'Gorgeous. Perfect for the basement living room — we bought two. Easy to pull out and storage is a huge plus for extra pillows and toys. Pretty easy putting together with two people. Firm, but I like that. Took a long time to decide on this, but glad we did. Boxed carefully and securely.' —AprilPrice: $380+ (available in three colors) A pair of velvet geometric-patterned throw pillow covers with metallic accents, so you can refresh your couch without, y'know, replacing the entire thing. (Improvements don't have to be costly to be significant!) Both super soft and super ~aesthetic,~ these covers will turn your couch into the pinnacle of lounging sophistication with little effort. Note that the covers don't come with pillow inserts, but you can grab a couple of those here if you need review: ' These are very nice pillow covers — attractive but not gaudy. They look super nice with my seasonal decor change-up! And they are VERY SOFT.' —Mom Price: $24.99 (available in three sizes and 15 colors) A fun, fleece storage ottoman because you truly can never have enough additional seating or storage — so why not expand both options in one go? This cute lil' drum is super soft to sit on — and as a bonus, it opens up to reveal a sneaky hidden storage spot inside. Promising review: 'Love these. Perfect size for individual footstool or an extra seat. Bought three for my living room — loved the look and functionality so much ordered another for our smaller sitting room.' —DaniellePrice: $47.99+ (originally $50.99+; available in four colors) A full-length mirror with an elegant, arched frame that'll help open up even the smallest of spaces. Whether wall-hung or propped up on the floor (with or without the included stand!), this piece's unique shape even lets you fake a window easily if your place doesn't have many of them. Promising review: 'Love the size of the mirror! I'm 5'6", and I have it leaning on my living room wall in my studio apartment, and it's still taller than me. It opens up the space a lot! It is nice and sturdy as well. Great quality. I compared the dimensions and price with other stores, and this one was bigger, cost less, and had the best reviews!!' —Cassia LeBron-Williams Price: $71.99+ (available in four sizes and three colors) A couple of thermal blackout curtain panels that'll actually, y'know, darken the room — and help it stay a comfortable temperature, to boot. This year, give yourself the gift of saving on your climate control bills and getting better sleep. You're worth it, you awesome human, you. Promising review: 'Great quality. Very thick and luxurious. Many compliments from friends. Really block out the light. Bought more for other rooms!' —LorriePrice: $11.99+ per panel (originally $39.99+; available in 11 sizes and 33 colors) A gorgeous boho duvet cover to give your bedroom's aesthetic a refreshing reset. This tufted, geometric cover packs tons of texture for visual interest, along with a bunch of colorways and designs to choose from that'll work with almost any palette. I don't know about you, but maximum impact plus minimal effort is a winning combination in my book. For the curious, the duvet cover is made of microfiber. It also comes with one or two pillowcases, depending on the duvet review: 'Arrived super prompt — easy to wash and insert duvet! It's super cozy, and the design is minimal but nice. My only complaint is it's so cozy I've been having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning!' —DaniPrice: $23.99+ (available in sizes twin, queen, and king and in 22 colors and patterns) And a really good mattress because you deserve to sleep the sleep of the unbothered, and now is a great time to make that happen. Made of gel memory foam, this medium-firmness, 12-inch pick is a boon for folks who run hot while they sleep (hi, hello, it's me, I am a furnace), thanks to its breathable construction and cool-to-the-touch cover. Promising review: 'Game-changer for my sleep quality! I couldn't be happier with the Nora Medium Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress. The cooling gel layer truly works wonders, keeping me cool throughout the night — no more waking up sweaty! The medium firmness strikes the perfect balance between soft comfort and proper support, especially for my back and joints. The cooling cover is a nice bonus, adding an extra layer of comfort and breathability. It was easy to unbox and expanded quickly with no lingering odors. I've noticed a significant improvement in my sleep since switching to this mattress. Highly recommend it to anyone who values a good night's rest!' —BeePrice: $349.99+ (available in sizes twin–king) A soothing, botanical-patterned shower curtain to brush up your bathroom. Resistant to stains, mildew, and fading, it's also machine washable for easy care. Your shower should be a place of relaxation, not stress, right? Right. Promising review: 'Pretty, vibrant colors helped lighten up a dark bathroom. Goes well with beige white or seafoam green.' —AnonymousPrice: $39.99 (originally $63.99) And a soft bath rug for your toesies that'll make for the easiest bathroom improvement ever. (Trust me: It is far nicer to step out of a hot shower onto a pile of plush warmth than onto cooooooold tiles.) This fun, nubbly rug is super absorbent and backed with a nonslip treatment, too — exactly what you'd want for something that's going to be hanging out in a wet environment. Promising review: 'OK, imagine stepping out of the shower/tub and your feet sinking into a very plush, soft rug… wait… you don't need to imagine it. This is the rug that wants to come home with you. The rug that your feet have been dreaming of. It's a match made in heaven, but only if you buy it…' —LauraPrice: $19.99+ (available in four sizes and nine colors) AND a rainfall showerhead because, I mean, if we're talking about resetting your home, nothing beats making it so you start each and every day with the best shower of your life. This one even includes a hand shower for extra versatility. Pro tip: It's actually a lot simpler to swap out faucets and fixtures than you probably think, and if you've been dealing with a less-than-stellar shower, it is absolutely worth the effort. (Source: Me; my spouse and I installed a new showerhead when we moved into our place seven years ago, and it is a decision neither of us has ever regretted.)Promising review: 'Great showerhead that also tilts. The pressure is great, and the handheld is a must!! Just got to make sure you wipe the chrome after showering so it doesn't leave water spots.' —AndreaPrice: $387.22+ (originally $747+; available in four finishes) Plus, a compact yet effective towel warmer, so you can wrap yourself up in a nice, warm towel when you're done getting your rainfall on. Just pop your favorite, plushest bath towel in, hit the one-touch button, wait up to 60 minutes, and voilà: The best finish to your morning shower ever. All cozy, all the time. Heck yes. Promising review: 'I am truly impressed how this towel warmer turned my bath routine into a pampering spa experience. The warm towel feels amazing after a long bath. It was super easy to use with just a touch of a button. It's safe to use and shuts off automatically. Even my kids use it and put their clothes in to warm them up with their towels. It's worth every penny and the best purchase ever.' —Mother of DragonsPrice: $99.99 (originally $156.26) A set of 10 sleek, modern cabinet pulls that'll upgrade your cabinetry in a big way — without breaking the bank. Just switching out your old, outdated hardware for something with a more contemporary feel can work wonders when it comes to freshening up your kitchen or bathroom — and these streamlined pulls are more than up for the job. Promising review: 'Beautiful color! Perfect for kitchen color and not too bright.' —MelissaPrice: $28.99+ for a set of 10 (originally $71.91; available in four finishes) Or a set of buzzy bee cabinet knobs if you're looking to infuse your space with a bit more whimsy. The best improvements are the ones that make you smile when you see them, no? I mean, just look at them. So cute. How could you not want these in your life? Promising review: 'Fun and beautiful accent! Larger than I anticipated, but a fun accessory for our first bath cabinets.' —JessicaPrice: $13.99+ per knob (originally $17.16; available in seven finishes) A solid wood console table with smooth, clean lines, so you can finally get your entryway in order. Add a couple of baskets, trays, or other assorted organizers, and bam — no more mess, no more lost keys, and no more forgetting to drop that card in the mail for your Great Aunt Agatha's birthday. Promising review: 'Really gorgeous and elegant-looking. It's exactly the size we were looking for, height, width, and depth, but I really made sure to measure exactly how large it'd be before placing the order. It's sturdy, it's holding up a ton of decor and a heavy mirror despite being quite slim.' —JadePrice: $162.99+ (available in two sizes and seven finishes) A set of floating wall hooks to complete your brand new front door drop zone. Each hook can hold up to seven pounds, so whether you want to use them for coats, hats, or other outerwear, or you'd rather, say, hang a basket or two from them for sorting and organizing purposes, they'll be more than up for the job. Promising review: 'These were of good quality, very attractive and were easy to install. They look gorgeous on our newly remodeled entryway.' —NicholasPrice: $31.99 for a set of five hooks (available in four colors) A versatile pegboard kit that'll help you find places for everything, in the event that you're making this year your 'everything in its place' year. Reconfigurable in all manner of different ways, this set from Wall Control comes in TONS of shades that'll suit color palettes of all kinds. Your hobby supplies have never had it so good! Promising review: 'This installed so easy, looks great, and helped get a lot of cutter off my workspace. Great craft room addition, highly recommend!' —JeanaPrice: $114.99+ (originally $179.99; available in 34 color combinations) An adjustable standing desk if one of your goals this year is to spend less time sitting down. The five-button controller on this pick makes it super simple to adjust — you can raise it, lower it, or put it at one of three pre-programmed heights — and, uh, folks? It is just so nice to look at. Having a desk you actually like makes aaaaaaall the difference when it comes to how you feel when you clock in for the day, doesn't it? Promising review: 'Was easy to put together — very sturdy, motor raises desk with ease. Easily goes up and down — love it for my home office!' —AnonymousPrice: $108.99+ (originally $350+; available in four sizes and four colors) A ridiculously pretty dry-erase board to help get you on track — in ~style.~ That gold frame? Gorgeous. Who says your newly refreshed organizational systems can't also be visually stunning? Promising reviews: 'These look amazing in my kitchen for a command center, important paper catchall! Love writing (and seeing) notes from my teens on these boards.' —Terri'Aesthetically-pleasing way to organize my life!' —JaimeePrice: $49.99+ (originally $57.99+; available in two sizes) A classically chic kitchen prep table, because utilizing your kitchen more is on your to-do list, this thing can definitely help with that. This piece has two open shelves perfect for stashing your most-used pieces of cookware and other supplies, a drawer at the front, and a towel rack on the side — meaning it'll beef up your storage space and your counter space all at once. I have a smaller version of this prep table in my own kitchen, and the difference it has made in my culinary landscape is palpable. I keep the pots, pans, and cutting boards I use the most on the shelves and pot holders and trivets in the drawer – and having the extra surface available for food prep and ingredient stashing while I'm working is just *chef's kiss*. review: 'This was just what I needed to fill a bit of empty space in my tiny apartment kitchen, at the same time adding much-needed storage for some bulky items. I'm using the drawer for placemats and kitchen towels. As a bonus I hadn't been expecting, the surface will provide me with the largest workspace I could have imagined! Though solid and sturdily made, I had no trouble putting this unit together.' —Lynda Price: $154.99+ (available in five colors; also available in a 23-inch size) A pack of four stackable fridge organizer bins because your groceries deserve some improvements in their lives, too. This starter set boasts two larger bins and two smaller ones — perfect for corralling bigger things like leafy greens and other produce and smaller things like salsa, jam, and other jarred faves. Bonus: They're also good for taming pantry chaos! Look. I know I write about these things all the time, but I will sing the praises of fridge organizer bins until the day I die. I, in fact, have a four-bin set like this one; I acquired them a few years ago, and now I will not stock my fridge without them. The two larger ones go on the bottom shelf, where they hold things like bundles of fresh herbs and leafy greens; stacked on top of each other, they make excellent use of the bottom shelf's vertical space that might otherwise be wasted. Then the two smaller ones go side-by-side on the top shelf, so I never have to guess where my Better Than Bouillon or pickled jalapenos went. I love them so much, friends. They bring so much joy and order into my life. Fridge bins 4 life!Promising review: 'This was perfect for our pantry! The kids have their snacks organized, and I no longer have to open the pantry and realize a box of snacks was empty... love these!' —SherylPrice: $23.99 A pull-down faucet for your kitchen sink that'll make convincing yourself to do your dishes way easier. Heck, the two spray settings, a ton of extra height, and its ultra-snazzy appearance might make you even want to do the aforementioned dishes, just so you have an excuse to use your super cool new faucet. Promising review: 'Excellent faucet! Love its design, and it looks and works very well. Cannot be happier with this purchase. Highly recommend to anyone who is renovating their kitchen and wants a modern look and well-functioning faucet.' —EllenPrice: $197.94+ (originally $560+; available in three colors) A stainless steel, double-walled French press, so you can up your home coffee game in a significant, I-absolutely-know-the-difference-between-single-origin-and-blends way. French presses are super easy to use — measure and grind your beans, add your water, stir, wait four minutes, then plunge and enjoy — but this French press from Bodum has the added benefit of being insulated, so each and every drop will stay nice and warm until you're ready to drink it. Promising review: ' My favorite! I use this French press every single day, now. It keeps coffee hot during the four-minute brew process. I use one tablespoon fresh course ground coffee per five ounces of hot water. Perfect cup every time. Love it! Worth the price if you are a coffee lover.' —JanePrice: $49.99 (originally $108.75) Plus, an automatic milk warmer and frother that'll let you latte-all-day with the best of them this year. Why settle for just pouring regular ol' milk in your coffee when you could whip yourself up a fancy-schmancy café-style drink whenever you like? Your favorite coffee mug won't know what hit it. Promising review: 'Totally worth the price! Takes approx. 2 mins to fully froth and is fairly silent. Works perfectly with almond milk creamer and skim milk.' —SarahPrice: $59.95 (originally $75) And lastly, a fancy toaster oven with an air fryer function, because hey, guess what? Your leftovers do not have to be soggy when you heat them back up! Your dino chicken nuggets do not have to be weirdly soft instead of nice and crispy! Your Brussels sprouts do not have to be gross and mushy! And since this option from Cuisinart is not just easy to use, but also easy to clean up, it may just become the single most-used appliance in your kitchen. My household recently replaced our agéd, extremely-not-great toaster oven (seriously, we had to rotate our toast at least twice during the toasting process in order to end up with something vaguely resembling even, all-over browning) with this exact model and friends — it is LIFE CHANGING. Not only does it, y'know, toast things nice and evenly, but it also has been a game-changer for heating up all kinds of things — a serious improvement over our previous example: I made a sheet pan phyllo pastry slab pie sort of situation that resulted in tons of leftovers. Reheating slices of this thing in the microwave works, of course, but it ends up all soggy — not crispy and flaky, the way phyllo should when I popped a couple of slices in this toaster oven, set to air fry? They crisped right back up. Honestly, it was as if I'd just pulled them out of the oven after the initial bake. A+, no notes. Yes, it is an investment. But y'all. It is 100% worth saving up for if you can swing it. I review: 'Love this toaster oven. It is made well and works beautifully whether I'm baking, toasting, or air frying. Leftovers taste better in this oven!' —LindaPrice: $219.95 (originally $330; available in three colors)
Buzz Feed
09-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
30 Walmart Products To Buy Before Your Next Trip
An adorable crinkle one-piece swimsuit so you're prepared to run right down to the beach or pool as soon as you get to your summer destination. Can't waste any time when the water is right there ready to be splashed in! Promising review: "This bathing suit covers my rear quarters wonderfully and is super comfy for water aerobics. I tried MANY other suits from many other places. This is a winner!!" —AmyPrice: $26.98 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and six colors) And some classic swim trunks to wear to your surf or scuba lessons. Get ready to shred and sightsee to your heart's content. Price: $14.98 (available in men's sizes S–3XL and seven colors) A handsome hardside carry-on suitcase so you can roll through the airport and hotel in style. Four spinner wheels make it easy as can be to roll this baby around and integrated compression straps and zippered interior compartments ensure you can keep everything organized. Promising review: "The size is great for a long trip or a plain ol' prepared overpacker!! I appreciate the two divided, separate sides, pockets, and the zipper compartments make it even better. The maneuverability of the rollers was surprisingly smooth. Great purchase!!" —KellyPrice: $58+ (originally $89, available in five colors) A travel wrinkle-releaser spray that'll keep you looking sharp and put-together even if you're caught without an iron. Ugh, packing makes clothes look so crumpled, and who has the room to pack a travel steamer? Promising review: "I was skeptical that a spray could remove wrinkles. I took it on vacation and used it to smooth wrinkles from packed clothes. I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked." —JStarrPrice: $1.50 A sweet pair of sunnies for keeping those eyes protected as you behold the sights at your chosen destination. Look! The Leaning Tower of Pisa! Man, it really is lopsided, huh. Price: $9.97 (available in two colors) An external battery that ensures no matter where you roam you'll be able to get directions, snap photos, make payments, everything! Is it troubling that our phones are our whole lives? Yes. But that means you never want to get caught without juice. Promising review: "Fast shipping and well-packaged. Tested immediately with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods overnight, performed as expected, and even had leftover charge the next morning. Impressed!" —JuliePrice: $11.88 Sun Bum SPF 50 spray for staying protected from the sun's harmful rays whether your trip is tropical, in a city, or anywhere in between. Sun Bum is what I'm currently rocking and it smells sooooo good. If you're flying, heads up that at 6 ounces this can't be taken along in a carry-on, but you can grab a 3.4-ounce SPF 45 face mist or a sunscreen stick if you don't want to check a bag!Price: $17.48 A three-pack of mini dry shampoos so you can keep you hair looking day-one fresh without having to lug all of your best wash day hair care products with you on vacay. Spritz and done! Promising review: "This dry shampoo is a lifesaver! It absorbs oil quickly, adds volume, and doesn't leave a white residue like some others do. Perfect for refreshing my hair on busy days or between washes. The travel size is super convenient too — great for keeping in my bag. Definitely a must-have!" —KellyPrice: $8.91 for a three-pack A Mini Instax Camera for capturing memories you can actually hold in your hands instead of getting sent to the cloud or the graveyard of your camera roll. There's something about instant photos that just feels romantic, special, and perfect for occasions like trips. Promising review: "Wanted one of these for so long! Definitely worth the hype and the money. My kids and I love taking pictures with this camera!" —CourtneyPrice: $67 (available in five colors) A crochet coverup skirt to help you look just as cool walking down to the hotel pool as you do when you're laying out in your favorite suit. What is vacation if not an extended fashion show? Price: $15.98 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and two colors) A soft-side cooler bag so bringing drinks and snacks to the beach or park is a no-brainer. Cracking a cold Coca-Cola and munching on a sandwich knowing you have no work to do that day? The true meaning of vacation. Promising review: "I love this little cooler. Holds a 12-pack with no ice. The insert easily removes for cleaning. Made well. I can't say enough good things. I have a few very expensive coolers but find myself grabbing this little lightweight guy to use 99% of the time." —BexPrice: $29.97+ (available in three sizes) An adhesive phone wallet pouch to keep your most important cards easily at your fingertips but still secure. Extra helpful for an airport where your hands are full of a zillion bulky things. Promising review: "This super cute card holder is so great. The adhesive is very sticky, so it won't fall off. And the top cover piece covers the card, so no one knows what is inside. The material is a fabric and great quality! Just what I was looking for!" —AnnikaPrice: $6.99 (available in nine colors) An Owala water bottle so you can stay hydrated no matter how far from home you are. Trips are when you arguably need to stay the MOST hydrated, and yet it's when I'm personally most likely to forget to drink water. If we have this in common, grab a special bottle to tuck in your bag to avoid my mistake. Promising review: "Very sturdy, can handle being dropped and banged around without any damage or dents. It keeps the liquids and ice very cold, and the ice lasts for hours and hours. The price was a little high for a drinking cup, but cheaper than Stanley cups and same or higher quality. The top closes and inner straw is removable so it's easy to clean. The ability to close the lid is better than just a straw and lid-top open like the others." —linseyPrice: $27.94+ (available in six colors) A Poo-Pourri pocket sprayer if you're planning on staying in close quarters with others. Long story short, avoid some awkward stinks, stenches, and smells with just a few sprays. Promising review: "Outstanding! Perfect odor eliminator and perfect size for travel! Love it!" —MaryPrice: $4.97 A portable door lock to give you a little extra manual assurance that your door can't be opened when you're staying in hotels, hostels, or new places. Doesn't hurt to be sure! Promising review: "I wasn't sure how well this was going to work at keeping our front door secure. After trying it on our doors throughout the house, locked and unlocked, I can definitely say this works great at keeping doors from opening. We plan on getting more in the future." —DaniellePrice: $8.75 A small pack of Clorox wipes for getting all those high-touch travel surfaces squeaky clean. Tremble, gunk on airplane trays! Your time has come. Promising review: "Love these little packs, great for on the go! I keep one in my car and in my purse. I use them all the time to wipe down my grocery cart or any mess my kids make in the car!" —ElizabethPrice: $1 for a nine-pack A handheld fan that's a no-brainer for trips to hot locations, and also for days spent at amusement parks. A Mickey-shaped ice cream bar will taste even better with a handheld breeze blowing on your face. Promising review: "Super cute, small but packs a windy punch. Stands up on table to be hands-free if needed. USB charging option, light for night vision, and cord to hang. Battery lasts very long so far." —PrincessPrice: $15.19+ (originally $26.99, available in six colors) A pack of Apple AirTags to tuck inside your bags so you can track them down in case they wander away from you. A little peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. An adjustable memory foam neck pillow, earplug, and eye mask set so you can get some blessed shut-eye on your flight or long car ride. Arriving safe and sound is priority number one. Arriving well-rested is a close second. Promising review: "This is so comfortable and fit to my neck perfectly. I ordered three more for my kids, my husband, and my sister to get ready for our long trip. It'll help support our necks during travel on planes and cars" —suwannaPrice: $19.99 (originally $49.99) A set of Sea-Band acupressure wristbands to target an acupressure point on your wrist that could help reduce nausea. Definitely worth trying if you suffer from car sickness, sea sickness, or any other travel tummy ailment. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer review: "My husband and I have used this product on big cruise ships and small tour boats, both in high seas, and we did not get seasick. Just remember to put it on before you set foot on a ship/boat and do not take off until you are permanently on dry land." —CortlandtseniorPrice: $8.96 for a two-pack (also available in larger pack sizes) A Bluetooth transmitter that allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the airplane audio jack. Not being literally tethered to the seat in front of you and covered in wires while you attempt to relax is gonna be a small but mighty improvement to the flying experience. Promising review: "Works really well for my older Toyota Prius that doesn't have Bluetooth audio capabilities. I just plug it into the aux and it works. The battery lasts a long time." —ChristopherPrice: $21.99 (originally $25.99) A waterproof car trash can so your epic road trip doesn't result in a totally trashed car. In this case, cleaning as you go is the easier option by far. Attach this baby wherever it's out of the way with its versatile strap and voilà! Clean car incoming. Promising review: "I got this for my car, and it hangs over the back of the passenger seat. It is well-made, comes with bags, has side pockets, and is my new favorite gift to buy for people." —TopNunPrice: $17.99+ (originally $20.14+, available in two colors) A digital luggage scale to ensure your baggage is in compliance with your airline's weight restrictions, avoiding some nasty fees in the process. Bring it along with you if you want to make sure you're good to go on the way home, too! All those souvenirs add up. Promising review: "I've had a few luggage scales over the years, and they all fail at one time or another. Usually, it's the battery. Not with this one. It uses regular AAA batteries. I compared what this scale was telling us versus our high-end bathroom scale, and it was very close. It also saved us from paying the overweight fees, which is easy to carry, to make sure your bags are under the required weight limit. It is surprisingly accurate, works great, compact, and easy to use. My husband loves this too and says it works perfectly for all the fish he catches. Can't beat it for the price." —MikePrice: $11.45 A pack of soap sheets so you never get stranded without a way to scrub-a-dub-dub again. Clean hands = happy trip. Promising review: "Ordered a few of these packages. They're excellent for travel when you need soap to wash your hands and the establishment's bathroom doesn't have soap" —swalmartPrice: $9.95 for 50 sheets A Master Lock portable safe that can help assuage some of your worry when it comes to traveling with valuables, especially solo. Equipped with a four-digit code and a cable to affix it to a secure spot, hopefully this'll allow you to feel comfortable enough to take a dip in the pool or ocean while leaving your essentials behind. Promising review: "This is great for carrying personal items like jewelry and cash on trips. Has a way to connect it to your purse or luggage." —dianaPrice: $19.97 (originally $44.87) Foot Glide anti-blister balm so your feet stay in tip-top shape even as you hop, skip, and jump all around the exciting city you're visiting for the first time. Price: $9.98 A pack of four TSA-approved travel bottles so it's easy as can be to decant literally all of your favorite toiletries into small, manageable containers. Promising review: "Absolutely perfect! They're easy to fill and come with labels. It's perfect for my busy traveling life!" —MorganPrice: $9.99+ (originally $16.99, available in five color combos) An eight-piece packing cube set for anyone who's ever tried and immediately failed at keeping their luggage in check while on vacation. Vacation isn't the time to fret over organization — let the cubes do it for you. Promising review: "These bags are perfect! They hold so many clothes. I bought these because they were machine washable. I've washed them a few times now, and they are holding up perfectly! I like being able to organize everything. It's so much easier to go through the luggage when everything is sorted into bags." —KristinaPrice: $14.99+ (available in two colors) A Bluetooth sleep headband that can double as a sleep mask for anyone who likes to fall asleep listening to music or podcasts. I never want to travel without the dulcet tones of my favorite celebrity gossip podcast as my lullaby. Promising review: "I was very cautious about buying earphones for sleeping, as I didn't think I'd like anything around my head while I slept. Instead, I found the headband very comfortable and the sound quality excellent. The speakers didn't need to be exactly over each ear in order to be heard well. I'm a side sleeper and didn't feel the speakers at all. They headband charged up in two to three hours and easily lasted through two nights. I like it very much." —ChinellaPrice: $8.99 (originally $12.79) A four-pack of sand removers so wiping sand off your legs and feet — the most annoying tropical vacay task — is easier than you ever imagined it could be. Just slip your hand into the strap and wipe all those little grains away. Price: $8.31+ (originally $13.79+, available in two color combos)
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
New drug could offer hope for people with incurable condition
A drug that is currently used for cancer could be the key in treating a disease that has no cure, and a life expectancy of just three to five years A lesser-known medication could potentially offer some mch needed hope for those suffering from an incurable and fatal condition, which often results in death within three years of diagnosis. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and terminal disease that causes lung scarring and increasing breathing difficulties. It's a severe and life-limiting illness affecting approximately 70,000 people annually in the UK, according to Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Amy Price, mother of Katie Price, was diagnosed with IPF in 2017 and continues to battle the disease. Sadly, there is no known cure and while existing treatments can provide some relief, they only slow down its progression. Although this is predominantly a disease associated with aging and is seldom seen before the age of 50, experts believe these findings could also offer significant hope for other similar age-related diseases. A drug currently used for cancer treatment could be the answer. According to recent research by Tulane University, scientists have discovered a potential new method to treat IPF. A study from Tulane University, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggests an existing cancer medication might help the immune system clear out cells causing lung scarring, potentially enhancing lung function for those with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The research points out that while fibroblasts, specialised cells in healthy lungs, contribute to tissue repair, in IPF patients, some fibroblasts and adjacent epithelial cells become "senescent"—cells that stop dividing but don't die as expected. These malfunctioning cells pile up, leading to the formation of stiff, scarred lung tissue. The team found that these senescent cells accumulate because the immune system struggles to remove them effectively, a problem linked to a protein known as CTLA4, which suppresses immune response like an emergency brake. To counter this, the researchers administered the cancer drug ipilimumab to mice, inhibiting CTLA4. This action released the immune system's "brake," allowing T cells, crucial for immunity, to eliminate the senescent fibroblast cells. Consequently, the treated mice exhibited better lung healing and less scarring. "The CTLA4 protein typically functions to inhibit excessive inflammation by restraining overactive T cells," explained senior author Dr. Victor Thannickal, professor and Harry B. Greenberg Chair of Medicine at Tulane University's John W. Deming Department of Medicine. "An excess of this 'blocker protein' may lead to the loss of the 'good' inflammation necessary for eliminating senescent cells. Essentially, we're blocking the blocker." The team zeroed in on CTLA4 as a potential therapeutic target after discovering elevated levels of it on T cells in the most scarred areas of lung tissue from humans and mice with IPF. Mice treated with ipilimumab exhibited improved lung healing and quicker recovery than those not administered the drug. "This paves the way for an entirely new approach to treating IPF," stated lead author Santu Yadav, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the Tulane University School of Medicine. "Rather than employing drugs to destroy senescent cells, we are reactivating our own immune system to clear them out." Further research is required to determine the efficacy of drugs targeting CTLA4 or other "checkpoint proteins" in rejuvenating the immune system. A significant hurdle is identifying a safe dosage that allows the immune system to purge ageing cells without inciting excessive inflammation. "If it works in IPF, this immune rejuvenating approach to treatment may be effective in other diseases such as Alzheimer's or cardiovascular diseases in which senescent cells are known to accumulate. "Can the right drug activate T cells in a way that clears senescent cells without causing collateral damage? If so, we may be closer to combating many aging related diseases and perhaps even aging itself." What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis? Common symptoms can include: Unexplained weight loss Clubbing of fingers and toes (swollen and rounded finger and toe tips) Shortness of breath (breathlessness) Dry cough Tiredness (fatigue) What are the risk factors of pulmonary fibrosis? Risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis can include:
