Latest news with #FIC
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
New emergency block planned for FIC
FAISALABAD: Under the health-friendly policy of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Divisional administration is consistently striving to provide the best facilities to heart patients. In this regard, a new emergency block comprising 150 beds is planned at the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology (FIC) with the cooperation of donors. In the first phase, 50 beds will be added to the new emergency block, which will be equipped with all essential facilities including a Radiology Department and Primary Angiography. The number of screening and ECG rooms will also be increased. Commissioner Maryam Khan visited the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology and was briefed on the steps for the construction of the emergency block. She also inspected the proposed site. Former MNA Abdul Manan, donor Seth Iftikhar, Additional Commissioner Coordination Amir Raza, and MS FIC were also present. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Extreme Skittishness in Your Cat Could Be a Sign of a Mysterious Disease
Researchers in Canada have found that anxiety could be a key warning sign that a cat is at risk of developing a disease known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Being idiopathic, the cause of FIC is currently a mystery. Yet the discovery of heightened skittishness in kitties with recurrent forms of the condition might be the evidence scientists need to understand the pathology and its triggers. Symptoms of FIC tend to mimic those of a typical lower urinary tract infection. Affected cats may strain to urinate, pee in small amounts more frequently, or vocalize their discomfort while using the litter box. In more severe cases, their urine may even contain blood. Unlike bacterial infections, however, urine samples from cats with FIC are sterile. Vets will usually rule out infection and other causes before landing on FIC as a likely culprit. Roughly half of all cats unfortunate enough to receive a diagnosis will experience the disease again at some point in their life. And given one in five cats with recurring FIC are eventually put to rest by their owners, a means of distinguishing the illness from other conditions might go a long way to saving our beloved cats from ongoing pain. "Some cats end up being euthanized because of it," says zoological medical scientist Marion Desmarchelier from the University of Montreal. "The disease itself is not fatal, but the cost of repeated emergency treatments can be too much for some families." Past studies suggest the condition's roots may be found in the nexus between the body's hormonal and nervous systems. Specifically, in an imbalance between stimulations and responses related to the neurotransmitter adrenaline. The going theory suggests an exaggerated dumping of adrenaline damages junctions in the bladder's wall, exposing sensory nerves that cause pain and trigger inflammation. If the poor moggy lacks an ability to tune down their adrenal response because of the damage, they just might expect episodes of discomfort to repeat. While the full picture is still unclear, the role of adrenaline points to a psychological component – perhaps not just as a red flag for FIC, but a cause of it. The research team contacted owners of cats diagnosed with FIC during the pandemic and asked them to fill out a questionnaire on their cat's behavior, potential recurrences of the disease, and whether they complied with certain environmental recommendations. Among the 33 surveys that were returned, the scientists noticed a clear difference between cats who had experienced just one instance of FIC and those with recurrences – just over half of the one-offs were reported to be skittish around strangers, compared with nearly all of those with repeat episodes. A range of other behaviors could be ruled out as related, including aggression on behalf of the cats or whether they themselves were victims of aggression. "We initially thought that anxious, aggressive cats would be more prone to recurrent cystitis, but it's actually the fearful, withdrawn ones that seem to be at greater risk," says Desmarchelier. The researchers suggest FIC be seen more as a consequence of a cat's mental well-being rather than a bladder condition. Helping anxious cats feel calm and safe just might reduce their risk of inflammation in their urinary tract, they claim. Calming tactics include ensuring your cat has access to multiple safe hiding places they can use to escape other household members when they desire. Pheromone therapy can also help lower their stress levels. Further research could provide crucial evidence that helps pinpoint how a cat's anxiety and comfort in their home affect functions as seemingly unrelated as their ability to urinate comfortably. Meanwhile, pet owners are encouraged to pay close attention to their cat companions when company is around and help them feel at ease. Their anxiety could be having a bigger effect on them than we ever realized. This research was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. Rare Black Iceberg Goes Viral – So What Is Going on Here? Humpback Whale Bubble Rings May Be an Attempt to Communicate With Us New Tyrannosaur Species Could Be a Missing Link to The Giants
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Is Your Kitty Anxious? Be Aware of This Condition, Say Vets
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cats are known to be skittish—but if yours is noticeably anxious, researchers are warning that you might want to be aware of one particular feline health condition. New research from the University of Montreal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has revealed a critical link between anxiety/stress and recurring bouts of a painful bladder condition—feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The team are urging cat owners and veterinarians to prioritize stress reduction for our more anxious furry companions. FIC is a leading cause of emergency vet visits and is characterized by acute bladder inflammation, painful and sometimes bloody urination in cats, according to the researchers. Traditionally, without detectable bacterial infections, stones or tumors, the condition is labeled as idiopathic—that is, with no "organic" cause. However, the team's study of 33 cats challenges this. A tabby cat hides and appears nervous. A tabby cat hides and appears nervous."A similar condition with the same symptoms occurs in women and is often linked to high levels of stress or anxiety," said veterinary behaviorist professor Marion Desmarchelier in a statement. "Some cats end up being euthanized because of it. The disease itself is not fatal, but the cost of repeated emergency treatments can be too much for some families." FIC has a high recurrence rate, with about half of affected cats having repeat episodes. A Connection With the COVID-19 Pandemic The University researchers also shed light on the connection between stress and cat health observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. When human companions stayed home, many cats—who are often known for their love of routine—found themselves disrupted. "We were home all the time during the pandemic," said paper co-author Marianne Caudron in a statement. "Dogs were thrilled because they got lots of walks, but we saw twice as many cases of idiopathic cystitis in cats." This observation prompted the team to launch their study, the results of which are published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. The research involved 33 cats diagnosed with FIC. Their owners completed a questionnaire about their cat's behavior—including their levels of aggression and fear—and details about their living environment. "We initially thought that anxious, aggressive cats would be more prone to recurrent cystitis, but it's actually the fearful, withdrawn ones that seem to be at greater risk," explained Desmarchelier. Treatment Should Focus on Mental Well-Being The study's authors advocate that the scope of FIC treatment should be expanded to include addressing cats' mental health. "We believe this condition is caused by stress and anxiety— and therefore should no longer be called idiopathic cystitis, but instead 'cystitis secondary to anxiety,'" Desmarchelier said. The study offered several practical ways to reduce feline stress, including increasing water sources in the home for cats, setting up an extra litter box than the number of cats in the home, offering a variety of toys and providing safe access to the outdoors. While these changes weren't shown to prevent all recurrences of cystitis, researchers believe they are crucial for risk reduction and overall well-being. Desmarchelier concluded with a hopeful message: "Taking a cat to the vet twice a year for a urinary blockage costs a fortune. But it doesn't have to be this way—there are solutions. That's the message we want to get across." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about cats? Let us know via science@ Reference Caudron, M., Laroche, P., Bazin, I., & Desmarchelier, M. (2025). Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline "idiopathic" cystitis. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 78, 90–96.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
The Hindu FIC, AMNS painting competition for schoolchildren tomorrow
M The Hindu Future India Club (FIC) and AMNS are jointly organising a Painting Competition for school students from across Visakhapatnam, in connection with the World Environment Day. Students from the city and its surrounding areas can participate in the competition to be held at Visakhapatnam Public Library in Dwaraka Nagar on June 5. This competition will be held in English in two categories —Juniors and Seniors. Students of 5th class to 7th class are considered as juniors while the students of 8th class to 10th class are considered as seniors. Participation in this competition is free of cost. A total of 12 students can participate from each school. All registered participants need to report at the respective venue in their school uniforms by 8.30 am on the date of the event. They must carry their school ID cards. The competition will be held in one round (Paintings & Chart) and followed by extempore-elocution. The top three students from each category will compete for the top three prizes and the prize distribution will be held on the same day at the venue. The decision of the judges will be final in all quiz-related matters. For further information, schools can contact G.A. VIswanadh by dialling 9346134324 or Akash Panda by dialling 8985061765.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
From Floods to Fires: Cisco Is Investing in Technologies That Make Communities More Resilient
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, intense, and costly. In 2024 alone, global natural disasters resulted in an estimated $368 billion in economic losses, with 60% of these losses uninsured, highlighting a substantial protection gap ( Insurance Business ). Looking ahead, a 2024 World Economic Forum report predicts that by 2050, climate-intensified natural disasters could lead to $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide ( World Economic Forum ). At the same time, corporate exposure to climate risks is expected to triple by mid-century, with over $1.14 trillion in market value at risk for companies listed on major global exchanges ( Axios ). However, there is also a massive opportunity on the horizon. According to a 2025 report by FIC and Bain & Company, global revenues from climate adaptation solutions are expected to grow from $1 trillion today to $4 trillion by 2050, while the investment opportunity could soar from $2 trillion to $9 trillion ( GIC, 2025). These figures highlight an investable frontier for the private sector. It is a space where impact venture capital can play a catalytic role in accelerating technologies that can save lives, protect assets, and create economic value. The Power of Adaptation & Resilience Technologies Cisco Foundation is answering this call through its Regenerative Future Fund and grants to nonprofits. The Foundation strategically invests in innovative technologies designed to help communities adapt, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. The Regenerative Future Fund's approach combines patient, catalytic capital with blended finance models, creating an enabling environment for companies to scale transformative adaptation solutions, even when immediate financial returns are uncertain. Keep reading to learn more about five startups and organizations the Foundation is supporting and how they are helping communities adapt and build resilience. Responding to Rainstorms and Hurricanes: Real-Time Flood Monitoring with Hohonu The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the costliest on record, causing approximately $200 billion in damages, with 20 named storms battering the United States and resulting in widespread damage ( New York Post/ Fox Weather ). Real-time water data at the neighborhood level is critical for life-saving decision-making. With hurricanes intensifying and moving more unpredictably, the difference of a few inches in water level can determine whether a neighborhood floods. For example, many communities affected by storms like Hurricane Helene in 2024 lacked timely and localized water level data, leading to inadequate early-warnings, delayed responses, and increased damage. Hohonu, which provides smart monitoring tools, fills this gap by delivering community-level visibility into changing water conditions. Their affordable flood-monitoring sensors deliver real-time, hyperlocal water level data to vulnerable coastal and inland communities, enabling swifter, more informed decisions around evacuations, infrastructure protection, and emergency response. The ability to track water levels on a block-by-block level can reduce emergency response times by up to 30% and has been shown to increase the efficacy of flood preparedness efforts by more than 40%. With support from the Cisco Foundation Regenerative Future Fund, Hohonu is scaling rapidly and working with both government and commercial entities to bring real-time water monitoring to every community that needs it. As Kevin Mukai, Hohonu's COO, noted, 'With Cisco Foundation's goal of building resilient and empowered communities – not to mention Cisco's strengths in networking, IoT, and digital transformation – the fit could not be better.' As of 2025, Hohonu has deployed more than 160 monitoring stations across 16 states, generating millions of hours of publicly available water level data. This open-access approach reinforces the importance of transparency and public engagement in resilient infrastructure and intelligent monitoring solutions. By helping communities build their own awareness and response capabilities, Hohonu's platform strengthens local autonomy and preparedness in the face of rising weather and environmental risks. Learn more how Hohonu helps Lee County stay ahead of flooding in the video above. Predictive AI Analytics for Wildfire Management: Vibrant Planet In 2023 and 2024, the United States experienced some of its most destructive wildfire seasons in recent memory. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires burned over 8.5 million acres nationwide in 2024 alone. In California, Los Angeles County saw multiple wildfires exacerbated by dry conditions and fuel buildup. These fires displaced thousands of residents and caused tens of billions in insured losses — much of which might have been mitigated with a $9 million investment in fuels reductions along the wild-urban interface, according to post fire analysis on the Eaton Fire conducted by Vibrant Planet. This is exactly where Vibrant Planet's platform comes in. It is a first-of-its-kind decision support system that enables fire districts, states, counties, federal agencies and utilities to understand current risk and ecological health, pinpoint priorities for risk mitigation treatments, then simulate the effects of different treatments (such as defensible space, hazardous fuels reduction, forest thinning or prescribed burns) and, over time, quantify ecological and economic benefits. The platform also supports cross-jurisdictional coordination of plans and spending for implementation. In Placer County, California, which has the highest number of structures at risk of wildfire in California, local authorities used Vibrant Planet to prioritize and plan 20,000 acres of wildfire risk reduction treatments across forested communities. The result was a cohesive, community-supported roadmap that not only reduced fire risk but also improved water security, biodiversity, and carbon storage, approved within 14 weeks, compared to typical multi-year planning processes. Vibrant Planet is now contracted as an annual subscription across 73 million acres in eight western states, including about 30 million acres in California alone. Vibrant Planet's technology reduces the time it takes to develop and approve forest management plans from years to weeks and reduces conflict in complex socioecological environments. The platform provides forecasted outcomes of different types and intensities of treatment, and models their effects on wildfire probability and intensity, which helps managers weigh and communicate tradeoffs of different plans to drive public support and funding for implementation. Through numerous partnerships, Vibrant Planet provides a comprehensive wildfire resilience solution — from house-level defensible space to wildland-urban interface hazardous fuels reductions, to watershed-scale ecosystem restoration. Cisco Foundation's investment has supported the expansion of these capabilities, enabling broader adoption of Vibrant Planet and accelerating the development of new features, including slope stabilization planning and ecosystem recovery support. As fire risk increases, platforms like Vibrant Planet will be essential for building long-term resilience and protecting people, infrastructure, and nature. Autonomous Wildfire Suppression: Rain Through Azolla Ventures — an impact-first investor supporting early-stage technology companies that can achieve large-scale impact—Cisco Foundation indirectly supports Rain, a startup transforming wildfire response through autonomous aircraft. Building on the proven Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter and MATRIX autonomy platform, Rain's AI firefighting pilot enables aircraft to autonomously perceive, understand, target, and suppress emerging wildfires, reducing response times and improving safety for human responders. This blend of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous robotics represents a cutting-edge approach to fire mitigation/management, offering communities a rapid, reliable tool to combat wildfires effectively. The autonomous technology behind helicopters equipped with Rain is crucial in tackling fires during hazardous conditions, such as nighttime or in rugged terrain, when traditional firefighting efforts face significant barriers. This advanced capability can save valuable response time and protect firefighters by reducing their exposure to extreme risks. Advanced Forest Management: Earth Force Earth Force is advancing forest management through remote-controlled machinery and real-time digital monitoring. By modernizing vegetation management, Earth Force enables safer and more efficient wildfire prevention at scale. This technology not only mitigates wildfire risks but also enhances local economic resilience by creating safer, technology-driven forestry jobs. Earth Force's remote-controlled equipment allows for safer and more precise forest clearing, significantly reducing the danger to workers in wildfire-prone areas. This modernization addresses labor shortages in forest management and positions communities to proactively address wildfire risk more effectively. Cisco Foundation Regenerative Future Fund supports Earth Force through an investment in Third Sphere, an early-stage fund backing AI-native founders transforming global systems through climate-aligned technologies. Empowering Communities to Build Resiliency: Open Future Coalition Open Future Coalition (OFC) works alongside communities to design adaptable workflows, build capacity, and foster ecosystems of practice across sectors like regenerative agriculture, watershed restoration, and Indigenous land work has been especially impactful in Western North Carolina, where OFC is partnering with North Carolina A&T State University and Warren Wilson College to support flood response efforts, citizen participation in scientific research, and regional biocultural mapping as part of broader post-disaster recovery and resilience strategies. The Regional Resilience Fellowship program—launched with grant support from the Cisco Foundation—played a key role in shaping these tools through real-world use across 35+ project sites, laying the groundwork for a 'living library' of community-published resources, templates, and curricula from projects across the OFC network. By strengthening a common infrastructure for local action, OFC is helping communities from Appalachia to the Amazon scale their impact and mobilize the resources they need to build resilient communities. Building a More Resilient Future Cisco Foundation's Regenerative Future Fund and resiliency-related grants are integral parts of the company's broader environmental sustainability strategy, the Plan for Possible, as well as our long-standing disaster response efforts. This starts with employee fundraising campaigns and grants to nonprofits that support communities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. It extends to Cisco Crisis Response deployments that use our technology to support first responders, and to longer-term resilience and recovery efforts with our technology, our people, and our resources. Learn more about how the Cisco Foundation supports resiliency on View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Cisco Systems Inc.
