Latest news with #DestinysChild
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
A New Study Targets Genetic Risk For Mental Illness
For centuries, the genetic lottery has shaped our health and our futures. In Destiny's Child No Longer: Rewriting Genetic Fate, the story is told of how science is beginning to tip the scales, offering hope to individuals once bound by the DNA they inherited. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the effort to address rare genetic conditions that dramatically raise the risk of serious mental health challenges, including schizophrenia. Some children are born missing a vital stretch of their DNA. This genetic change is known as a microdeletion. Although small, this missing segment can have far-reaching effects on development, influencing everything from the heart and immune system to facial shape and the ability to speak clearly. The range of physical symptoms is broad: some children may be born with heart defects, others with weakened immune defenses that make them more susceptible to infections, and still others with differences in facial features or palate formation that can affect feeding and speech. As these children grow and develop, they often face significant challenges in their brains. Many experience difficulties with learning, memory, and attention. Social interactions can be especially challenging, as some individuals struggle to recognize and interpret emotions and maintain healthy relationships. Emotional regulation may also be affected, leading to increased anxiety and mood swings. These issues can persist into adulthood, impacting overall quality of life. Perhaps most concerning is the sharply increased risk of severe psychiatric disorders. Among these, schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, stands out. While schizophrenia is influenced by a combination of many genes and environmental factors, research consistently shows that genetic factors account for up to 80% of the risk. In the general population, the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is about 1%. However, for those with rare genetic deletions, the risk can be higher. It's believed that the loss of specific genes in these tiny DNA segments disrupts brain development and connectivity, making the brain more vulnerable to the onset of psychiatric illness later in life. Importantly, not everyone with such a deletion will develop schizophrenia or other psychiatric conditions. Knowing this highlights the interplay between genetic vulnerability and environmental influences that together shape mental health outcomes. Still, the presence of a genetic deletion dramatically tips the odds, making early identification and intervention critical for affected families. Until recently, there were no treatments that addressed the root cause of these cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Care focused on managing day-to-day challenges, but the underlying biology remained untouched. That is why a new study published in eLife is noteworthy. It focused on the molecular consequences of this DNA deletion, specifically examining how it disrupts the brain's normal development and function. The study found that the deletion disrupts the brain's natural gene regulators. This results in the overproduction of a protein, which, when present in excess, disrupts the growth and communication of brain cells. This overproduction contributes to the symptoms observed in individuals affected by the condition. The breakthrough occurred via a gene-targeting therapy that used short pieces of synthetic genetic material designed to silence specific genes. By delivering these molecules to the brains of adult mice with the genetic deletion, they were able to reduce protein levels. The result: memory and learning improved, and the benefits lasted for more than two months after a single treatment. This research marks a significant step forward for several reasons. First, it demonstrates that the effects of a genetic brain disorder are not necessarily permanent. Intervening at the molecular level can restore function, at least in animal models. Second, the technology used here is already being used to treat other neurological diseases. This raises hopes that similar approaches could be adapted for people. Finally, the study sheds light on the broader mechanisms that link rare genetic changes to common mental illnesses like schizophrenia, offering new clues for future therapies. For families living with the daily realities of this genetic condition, the promise of a therapy that targets the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms could be life-changing. Imagine a young adult who has struggled for years with memory lapses and social difficulties is now able to participate more fully in school, work, and relationships. While much work remains to be done before such treatments become widely available, the path is more straightforward than ever before. As we stand at the threshold of a new era in genetic medicine, stories like this remind us that destiny, once written in our genes, is now open to revision. With each advance, the possibility grows that inherited risk does not have to mean inherited fate. The challenge ahead is to ensure that these breakthroughs are translated into real-world therapies, so that the promise of rewriting genetic destiny becomes a reality for all who need it.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Beyoncé's First Solo Smash Reaches A Never-Before-Seen High
Beyoncé's 'Crazy in Love' climbs to No. 11 on the U.K.'s Official Hip-Hop and R&B Singles chart, ... More scoring a new peak position 20 years after its release. FT, LAUDERDALE - MARCH 12: Singer/actress Beyonce Knowles performs onstage during the start of the "Verizon Ladies First Tour 2004" at the Office Depot Center March 12, 2004 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The countrywide tour is scheduled to run through the months of March and April 2004. Beyonce and female dancers wardrobe designed by Dolce and Gabbana and styled by Tina Knowles. Male dancers styled by Timothy White. (Photo by) When Beyoncé was preparing to break out of Destiny's Child and forge ahead with her solo career, she knew she needed a banger to kickstart things. She scored not just a hit song, but one of the most memorable solo introductions in music history with "Crazy in Love," the tune that features her future husband Jay-Z, as the track became a global sensation. More than two decades have passed since its release, and it's still regarded as one of the most impressive tunes in her catalog — and that's saying something for a woman who has been scoring massive wins for years. Somehow, even after so much time in the spotlight, "Crazy in Love" continues to climb to new heights. This week, "Crazy in Love" rises from No. 15 to No. 11 on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Singles chart in the United Kingdom. The tally ranks the bestselling titles in those genres, and Beyoncé is often found in at least one of the 40 spots. Her cut hits a new all-time peak on the genre-specific list as it climbs this frame. "Crazy in Love" reaches this newly-established peak 59 weeks into its time on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Singles chart, but decades after it was first released. The tune opened on the tally in February 2004, launching at No. 40. It held on for a little over a month before vanishing, and it wasn't seen again for seven years. Since then, "Crazy in Love" has fallen off of and returned to the ranking more than a dozen times, but it has been steadily charting since February of this year. Beyoncé's first solo smash reached a new high last August when it jumped from No. 28 to No. 14. That stood as its all-time peak for almost a year. It missed out on matching that No. 14 position by one space last week, but now it's closer to the top 10 than ever before. "Crazy in Love" seems to be benefiting from the excitement surrounding Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour, which recently touched down in London for six nights. Thanks to her arrival, the singer's album of the same name rises on multiple rankings, while its lead single "Texas Hold 'Em" breaks back onto a pair of tallies in the U.K.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Blue Ivy looks just like mum Beyonce as she arrives in Paris with dad Jay Z
BLUE Ivy Carter was the mini-me of her pop superstar mom Beyonce as she stepped out in Paris with dad Jay-Z. The teen, who is Alien Superstar songstress Beyonce's eldest child, sported her parent's signature blonde wavy locks and flawless visage as she exited a cab in the French capital. 8 8 8 8 Blue Ivy, 13, who has featured on her parent's current Cowboy Carter tour, kept her face make-up free to show off her natural beauty. She dressed down in an oversized gray top, blue combat-style jean trousers and Adidas sneakers. She could well have been mistaken for the chart star as she scooted out of the back seat and onto the pavement. While Blue Ivy appeared eager to go under the radar, her rapper dad Jay-Z, 55, beamed as he waved to the crowds waiting at the Moet Hennessy in the French capital. He also opted for jean trousers and a crisp white tee, paired with Timberland boots. Bey, 43, has headed to France after wrapping the London leg of her Cowboy Carter tour. SPLASHING OUT The pair's eldest is making a name for herself in the showbiz world, with The US Sun previously reporting how Destiny's Child band member Beyonce had splashed out $300K on hair and make up for Blue and little sister Rumi, seven, during her epic tour. A tour logistics veteran close to Beyonce's entourage with over 25 years experience says the superstar shelled out $18,000 in makeup alone, with two artists dedicated just to Blue. They will cater for little Rumi when it's her turn to appear, but that works out as a whopping $4,000 per day for the specialists. With Blue set to appear on multiple dates during the 32 date tour, the bill for makeup alone is expected to exceed $120,000. Hairstylists are also hired, and two stylists are on board for a cool $5,000 a day, and they can work with $65,000 invested by Beyonce on luxury hair products, custom styles and even gold accessories. A stylist working exclusively with the girls is reportedly being paid $120,000 for the whole tour. "The tour is a not that long, but there are many shows in same cities, which simplifies a lot of things and also makes it easier for the kids to be part of the show," the source confirmed to The U.S. Sun. "For them, the expenses are pretty important. A lot of money has been spent on make-up artists, on products and stylists who are paid very well during that tour to help the girls." Bey admitted in a documentary about her Renaissance tour in 2023 that she originally told Blue 'no' when she asked to perform. But after reading some brutal online comments, Blue decided to prove everyone wrong—and totally crushed it. Even dad Jay-Z weighed in on CBS at the time, saying, 'She was born into this life she didn't ask for… everyone has an opinion. But for her to get on stage and take back her power- it's iconic.' Now in Paris for three dates from June 19 to the 22nd, she has booked suites at the luxurious Four Seasons George V in the French capital, which comes in at $15,200 a night. "They want to live a full Paris experience, and enjoy a luxury life in the city of love," said the insider. "They will have a fantastic time for sure!" Their jet-setting comes as BLUE IVY'S WORLD We previously reported how Blue could make millions by building her own empire. In January, we reported how Jay-Z and Bey were finally allowed to move forward and trademark Blue's name after a 12-year battle. She took to the stage at an American football Christmas half-time performance before bagging the role of Princess Kiara in the new Lion King movie. She is also often spotted in matching outfits to Beyonce, with the singer dubbed her mini-me's "tiger mom." Blue first joined her mum's Renaissance world tour in 2023 as a regular performer. However, Bey, recently said: 'I did not want Blue on stage. Blue wanted it for herself. She took it seriously and earned it." It is fair to say, though, that Blue was destined for fame from birth. When she was just two days old, in January 2012, her dad Jay-Z, 55, released a track called Glory, which featured Blue crying. It charted, making his daughter the youngest person to appear on a hit single. Aged three, she was part of the choir on Coldplay song Up&Up, and in 2019 was in a music video for Beyonce's song, Brown Skin Girl. Blue also plays piano, paints, writes poetry and models clothes. Beyonce's other daughter Rumi has been in her music videos. The seven-year-old's twin brother Sir prefers to stay out the spotlight. 8 8 8 8
News.com.au
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Michelle Williams admits Tonys snub ‘stung a little bit'
The former Destiny's Child singer currently stars as Viola Van Horn in the Broadway musical adaptation of the 1992 movie Death Becomes Her. While the show itself received 10 Tony nominations this year, Williams wasn't individually recognised. "It stung a little bit," she told Variety about the snub. "But I was like: Girl, you're back on Broadway after you didn't think you ever would be. Who's the winner? I'm still the winner! That fixed me." Williams explained that she didn't think she would be welcomed back into the Broadway community…
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Michelle Williams admits Tonys snub 'stung a little bit'
The former Destiny's Child singer currently stars as Viola Van Horn in the Broadway musical adaptation of the 1992 movie Death Becomes Her. While the show itself received 10 Tony nominations this year, Williams wasn't individually recognised. "It stung a little bit," she told Variety about the snub. "But I was like: Girl, you're back on Broadway after you didn't think you ever would be. Who's the winner? I'm still the winner! That fixed me." Williams explained that she didn't think she would be welcomed back into the Broadway community…
