There are some kinds of wisdom only great suffering can bring. I remember my time in the Bardo with this in mind, for otherwise, the memory might drive me insane.
The night my heart stopped for nearly three minutes started off normally enough. I was working as a nurse in the psychiatric ward at a hospital in the state’s capital. Most of the patients there were harmless, mostly just suicide attempts or people suffering from drug psychosis or severe depression, but some were actively dangerous and certainly psychopathic in every sense of the word. The new admission was one of these- a three-hundred pound black man with a long history of smoking PCP, schizophrenia and violent, psychotic breaks from reality.
His eyes looked like flat pieces of slate as I walked in for my shift. They looked as blank and emotionless as the eyes of a doll. He sat at the table in the front room where the patients ate or played cards, alone under the bright fluorescent lights of the hospital. I walked to the station, where another psychiatric nurse named Ricardo was sitting behind the desk.
“What’s the deal with the new guy?” I asked him. Ricardo looked up, his dark Spanish face forming into a deep scowl. He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair nervously.
“He’s trouble, man,” he said in a crisp accent. “He got in a chase with the police and then punched some cops in the face. It took three guys to take him down, even after he got maced and tased. The judge sent him here on a temporary court order, since he claims he’s been getting chased by Nazis in UFOs, and that’s why he ran from the cops. He thought the cops in their uniforms were actually the SS, and the helicopters were alien spacecraft, or something. I don’t know, I didn’t listen to the whole story.”
“You have his file?” I asked. Ricardo leafed through a stack of folders with his thin fingers, snatching one out and handing it to me. I looked down, reading the information:
“Jeremiah Brown, black male, 37-years-old.
“History: Polysubstance abuse, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder.
“Psychiatrist’s note: This patient has scored a 36 out of 40 on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist. While I am always hesitant to label a patient as an antisocial personality, a combination of factors has made it essential for this patient.
“Patient has an extensive criminal history as well as a lengthy history of involuntary psychiatric admissions. He has been diagnosed as having antisocial traits since he was a young teenager. Patient has a long history of violence and suicide attempts. He has a history of imprisonment for manslaughter, armed robbery, grand theft and aggravated assault. Upon discharge, he refuses to take any antipsychotic medication, citing the side effects as the reason. Long-term prognosis is poor…”
I had not been sleeping well the past few weeks. I rubbed my eyes as I read through the file, feeling exhausted. I tried putting on lucid dreaming or meditation music from YouTube to help me sleep, but whenever I closed my eyes, I saw horrible things: chalk-white female faces whose lips were cut into an insane rictus grin, flicking their heads violently from side to side and gnashing their fangs at the air. I had a feeling that many years of constantly watching horror movies and serial killer documentaries was catching up with me.
As I read through the file, a student nurse came around the corner wearing a white state university outfit and a name tag that said Kaitlyn. I looked up, seeing Ricardo wink at me from where he was sitting in his chair behind the main desk.
“She’s going to follow you,” he said. Inwardly, I groaned, but I managed to force a smile.
“Oh, great!” I said. She looked like she was probably no older than nineteen or twenty. She had a pretty body, but her face looked strange. All the angles were too sharp and her nose too large. I knew the patients here wouldn’t care, though. They would hit on anything. I sensed trouble. I looked down at my watch.
“Well, I’m Jay, and you already know Ricardo, I guess. It’s good timing, because we need to give medications every day at 9 PM. And we have a new patient, so we can introduce ourselves,” I said, giving her a faint smile.
“That’s exciting!” Kaitlyn whispered. I wanted to roll my eyes. It was definitely not exciting.
I motioned her to follow me as I made my way to the medication room, which was really just a large closet off of the main day room. I had to enter my code on a keypad, and then, once inside, enter it again along with the patient’s number and date of birth. The correct drawers for the medication in each specific dose would fly open, making it extremely hard for the wrong medications or doses to be given, unless it was done intentionally.
“OK, so for this patient, we need Haldol, Ativan and…” I began saying to Kaitlyn when the yelling started. It came out faintly, rising in volume and anger within seconds. I heard Ricardo’s Spanish voice, filled with panic. Something slammed hard against a wall, once, twice, three times, and then I heard the sound of glass breaking. I jumped, spinning around, but I couldn’t see much through the small, shatter-proof glass pane on the wooden door.
“Stay here,” I commanded, seeing Kaitlyn’s eyes widen, her freckled skin looking much paler than when we had first come in. “Don’t leave until I come back and say that it’s safe.” On the speakers strung throughout the hospital, I heard the first of the warnings echo out around us.
“Doctor Strong, Doctor Strong, please report to the seventh floor,” a robotic female voice said calmly, using the code for when a patient had to be subdued by force. I pushed the door open, slamming it shut behind me so that the lock would activate and protect Kaitlyn from whatever chaos was going on.
I heard Ricardo pleading with someone at the end of the hallway that ran past the main desk. He sounded strange, as if he were trying to talk through a mouthful of blood. Huddled behind the main computer, I saw one of the CNAs frantically whispering something in the phone. She must have been the one to call the Dr. Strong order.
“You don’t have to do this, man,” Ricardo gurgled faintly. I couldn’t see what was happening, as Jeremiah’s large body was blocking my view. I could see that the thick glass window at the end of the hallway was broken, however. My heart skipped a beat as I surmised what was likely happening.
I sprinted forward as quietly as I could, but the large man heard me. His massive body turned, his flat, dead eyes scanning me with absolute coldness and calm. I saw he had a bleeding Ricardo in his hands. Ricardo’s back and head were covered in deep cuts and shards of glass. He must have used Ricardo’s body as a battering ram to break the thick glass window. Jeremiah held Ricardo suspended halfway out the window, seven floors above the concrete walkways far below.
“Stay back, or this fucker will know what it feels like to fly,” Jeremiah said in a deep, gravelly voice. He shook Ricardo for emphasis, sending his head snapping back and forth with painful cracking sounds. Drops of blood flew from his nose and a deep gash across his cheek. Pieces of shattered glass littered the carpet, shining like countless tiny stars.
I put my hands up, taking a step back. Far behind me, I heard the front door for the psychiatric ward open. Voices echoed down the hall. Knowing that reinforcements were coming, I tried to buy some time.
“Let’s talk about this,” I said, taking a step forward slowly. “You don’t want a murder charge, do you? You’ll never see the sky again.”
“I don’t give a fuck! I’m not afraid to die!” Jeremiah screamed, pushing Ricardo onto one of the shards of broken glass still attached to the windowsill. It bit deeply into the back of his neck, sending fresh streams of blood rushing out, dripping down to the pavement far below. I heard security guards and doctors running down the hallway behind me, their voices frantic and excited. Jeremiah saw them coming. With an animalistic panic in his eyes, he lifted Ricardo up. I cried out something, stepping forward, but it was already too late. In horror, I watched as he threw Ricardo out the window.
I watched Ricardo’s body soar in a graceful arc, his arms grabbing at empty air as a scream ripped its way out of his throat. Within a fraction of a second, he had disappeared from view, but his terrified shrieking floated up to us for what seemed like a very long time. His screams ended abruptly as a shattering of bones and a wet smacking sound exploded far below us.
Jeremiah turned to me, his large body moving much faster than seemed possible. In his hand, I saw a piece of broken glass, five or six inches long and as sharp as a dagger. I tried to turn and run, but he was fast and strong. He lunged forward, his arm coming up in a blur towards my neck.
The shard entered my skin with a cold, numbing pain. I felt it slice through the flesh easily, felt the blood bubbling up my throat as I tried to scream, choking. The taste of iron filled my mouth as I fell backwards. I was suffocating, I knew. I must be dying.
Something cold ran down my body, gripping my heart like freezing, skeletal hands. The world swam around me and turned black. And then I was rising into a tunnel. At first, it was dark, filled with flickering shadows, but a fiery red light appeared at the end. I followed it, no more than a screaming mass of consciousness rising up into infinity.
***
I rose up through the end of the tunnel and found myself in an empty hospital ward. It looked identical to the psychiatric ward I had just come from. It even had the same smashed, blood-streaked window at the end of the hallway. A massive puddle of blood about ten feet away marked the spot where I must have died. But the fluorescent lights overhead here were flickering, and many had gone totally dark. The shadows seemed to press in on all sides.
The doors to the patients’ rooms were all tightly shut. I felt watched, afraid to call out or make any noise. I started walking down the hallway back towards the day room where the front desk was. All the lights there were out. A thick curtain of shadows hung in the air.
“You can come out,” a male voice as smooth as glass called from the darkness. I jumped, my head flicking in random directions, but I saw nothing. The voice almost sounded like it had an English lilt to it, a slight Cockneyed accent. “I know you’re there.”
“Who’s there?” I called out, not stepping forward. “Show yourself.”
“As you wish…” the voice hissed. “But I think you’ll regret it.”
***
The darkness split apart as if a nuclear missile had exploded. I raised my hand to shield my face, but the light and heat kept pouring out all around me. It blinded me, causing a rainbow of colors and shapes to morph behind my closed eyelids. After a few seconds, it subsided. Blinking rapidly, I squinted in the direction the voice had come from.
A male figure stood there, bathed in a silhouette of light. His face looked as white and as smooth as marble. His eyes were pits of darkness that seemed to flicker and burn. Two black, rotted wings surrounded his body, all sharp angles and thin, curving bones. His body was clothed in silky, blood-red robes, and a hood covered his platinum blonde hair.
He looked somewhat similar to Leonardo DiCaprio, if he was possessed by some ancient god, and it immediately threw me off-guard. If I was dying, and this was a hallucination of my brain, why would I be hallucinating Mr. DiCaprio?
“Who are you?” I asked, taking a hesitant step back. “Where am I?”
“My name is Lucifer, the Bringer of Light and Wisdom, and you are in the Bardo,” he answered.
“Oh,” I said, my heart dropping. “Well, that’s not good. Are you here to torture me or drag to me to Hell or something? You are that Lucifer, right? The Accuser of God and the Father of All Lies?”
“So they say, but, like most things in your world, the words of the powerful and your rulers are the true lies. They call me the Accuser, but of what am I accused?” he spoke in a voice that rose like smoke. “Of bringing knowledge and wisdom to humanity by telling them to eat from the tree of knowledge, the tree that would cause them to rise above the animals?
“Indeed, at the beginning, I saw the creation. I was there at the alpha, standing by the side of God with all the angels as the universe came into being. The endless procession of light, the power of it, was something remarkable to behold. God is, indeed, the source of great power, but his consciousness is not what the believers say.
“After the creation of the universe, I saw his plan, how he ripped eternal souls from the source to imprison them. I saw how he took these divine sparks and forced them, screaming and wailing, into bodies made of meat to die over and over again. He said it was part of the plan, the great, divine plan, a plan of death and destruction, constant suffering and mindless agony. And the worst part was, he wanted to give humanity neither the knowledge of good and evil, nor the tree of life. I convinced them to eat the fruit so they could open their eyes to their nakedness, to their basic animal existence, so they could rise up out of it forever.
“Like Prometheus, I brought down the fire, and yet they call me the Accuser? God was insane long before he formed the universe. These holy men, they live and die in fanatical adoration to a divine being who is, in fact, totally indifferent to them.
“His consciousness twists and distorts, eating itself for all eternity. God feeds off the pain of others, for if his mind is burning, then all others should burn as well. When these holy men die, God will send their souls here to the Bardo, to suffer every evil they have ever done. The wisdom I brought those who called upon me freed them from this prison, and in exchange, the holy men burned them alive. I offered the wisdom that opens your eyes, but it has been forgotten and cursed.”
Lucifer’s body began to dissolve, drifting up into the air like ashes. All around me, a low, powerful current blew, a tornado that spiraled high up into the clouds. Like some sort of Cheshire Cat, his smooth voice continued to echo all around me, even as the form of Lucifer disappeared.
“And yet, you have not the wisdom. For that, like all the others who enter the Bardo, you must suffer, everything you’ve done. Every small hurt and agony inflicted on others comes back a thousand-fold in this place, but don’t be afraid.”
“How could I not be afraid?!” I screamed into the ward, but I found myself alone, the question hanging unanswered in the air.
***
The lights continued to flicker all down the hallway. Feeling strange and dissociated, I stumbled over to one of the windows. As I gazed out, I beheld a strange and alien world.
The sky was flat and gray. It stayed in constant motion, swirling and spiraling, like clouds of roiling smoke. There was no Sun or Moon, no stars, only the strange, shifting whorls of clouds. The streets were filled with burned-out husks of cars and mummified bodies hung from streetlamps. Other signs of carnage and bloodshed covered the apocalyptic streets. I saw what looked like shadows in the shape of people slinking through over the sidewalks, past rotting dogs and streaks of clotted blood. They had no features on their blank, dark bodies. They seemed to skitter and jerk forwards in eerie, twisting motions.
Horrified, I turned away, realizing I was no longer alone in the day room. In the day room, there were dozens of tables set up inside a rectangular perimeter that was walled in by cosmetic walls only four feet high. It was where the patients sat and played games or ate.
Under the flickering lights, I now saw each of the chairs filled with faceless mannequins. Many were dressed in Victorian suits and tophats. The women had frilly dresses of pink and blue that might have been fashionable in the 1800s.
As the lights strobed on and off overhead, I realized with an increasing sense of disquiet that the mannequins were moving each time it went dark. When I had first seen them, they were mostly posed to look like they were staring across the tables at each other, even though they had no eyes, just smooth, flesh-colored plastic. Now all of them were looking directly at me. Some were pointing or raising their hands in my direction. At the tips of their fingers, I saw the glittering of steel. The lights continued to flicker, and the mannequins rose from their chairs in the short periods of darkness, moving towards me in synchronized, strobing motions.
Frantically, I ran down the hallway back towards the broken window. In each of the rooms, I caught glimpses of something from a nightmare peeking out. I hadn’t been sleeping well lately, and when I had closed my eyes, I often saw ancient hags with chalk-white skin and yellowed, broken teeth whose jaws unhinged, their faces jerking in stuttering, dissonant ways that reminded me of the mannequins. Now, on both sides of me, I saw these same figures. They moved continuously out of the rooms, drawing closer with every breath.
I looked back, seeing the mannequins only a few steps behind me. I continued sprinting towards the broken window where the hallway ended in a wall. I didn’t know what would happen when I reached it. At that moment, there was no rational thought. I felt like a deer being chased down by a pack of wolves, feeling waves of blind panic and mortal terror rushing through my body.
But as I reached the end of the hallway, the end of my rope as it were, a blast of noise started, seeming to come from the walls of the building and the sky itself. It sounded like a siren, a low, drawn-out drone of a demonic whale call, rising and falling in crashing crescendos. The mannequins froze in place once again. The strange, witch-like creatures slunk back into the dark rooms.
I looked outside the broken window, seeing clouds of black smoke rising off in the distance. The flickering of massive infernos scorched the land, drawing nearer by the second. The siren sound faded slowly, like the dying echoes of a gong.
I was surrounded by dozens of mannequins. Their sharp hands were inches away from my face and neck. I saw metal glittering all around me and realized they had the sharp points of nails protruding from the ends of their fingers. I was afraid to move, but I heard a familiar voice from down the hallway. It was the confident voice of Lucifer.
“The siren means much worse nightmares than these are coming in the Bardo,” he said, his glossy, black eyes flashing with intelligence. He walked slowly towards me, his face grim and pale. “Hell itself is coming over the land. This building is no more than a construction of your dying mind, but the world outside is real.”
“How can Hell come and go?” I asked, confused. “Isn’t Hell a place?”
“Hell is a monster, a beast with many mouths and many eyes,” Lucifer responded. “It eats constantly, but its hunger never ends. Look, the first of the sacrifices scatter like cockroaches.” He pointed out the broken window, pushing his way through the mannequins effortlessly. I glanced outside, seeing thousands of people sprinting down the dark city streets. The inferno and thick clouds of smoke had moved much closer, and every few seconds, the ground shook slightly, as if we were experiencing the aftershocks of an earthquake.
“What can I do against such a beast?” I asked, my heart freezing with terror. But when I looked back over, I saw his form dissolving again, becoming translucent and drifting away like ashes. It seemed even Lucifer didn’t want to be present when the Hell-beast arrived.
“Seek divine wisdom,” he said, his voice trailing off into whispers. “Remember the source.”
***
Now crowds of tens of thousands of people were streaming into the city, filling every single inch of the streets. Their panic and fear was contagious. I felt it rising inside my body like a snake spiraling up my spine. I took off down the hallway, running through the swarm of frozen mannequins, each in their own ferocious position of attack. The lights flickered faster and went out. Yet the fires outside cast the entire world in a bloody glow, giving me enough light to see by and find my way. I sprinted down the stairwell, taking them two steps at a time. The screaming outside grew louder and more pain-filled. The shaking of the ground worsened with every passing second.
I burst out of the front entrance, seeing a world on fire all around me. Thousands of crushed, bleeding and burned bodies stretched out as far as the eye could see. Behind all this chaos and death, I saw a monster of unimaginable proportions slinking its way towards me.
Lucifer was right, I realized: Hell was not a place, but a creature, an enormous monster the size of a town. It had thousands of skittering, jointed legs that looked like little more than skeletal arms and hands, each of them dozens of feet long and white as freshly-cut marble. Its body stretched out to the horizon, an enormous blood-red cylinder of bony plates that slithered and undulated with a serpentine grace. Waves of peristalsis traveled down its length, like writhing intestines. Thousands of curving, bony spikes stabbed out of it, pointing in every direction. Like the quills of a porcupine, it would protect the massive creature’s body from many forms of attack, if anything was big enough to attack such an abomination.
Hell’s massive eyes flickered, balls of fire that spun and danced. They looked as bright as the Sun. Something like solar flares seemed to emanate from the orbs, flashes of blinding energy that floated over the apocalyptic wasteland. As its many legs smashed the ground, they left trails of fire that caused everything to explode into flames as if napalm dripped from its limbs.
But Hell’s most terrifying feature was its seven dark mouths. Its body looked a thousand feet wide, and the mouths at the front were evenly dispersed. At the front, blood-red teeth in the shape of enormous railroad spikes shone. Its lipless, skeletal face grinned as it moved forward, shaking the ground with every step. The mouths were on long, snake-like necks that could stretch out hundreds of feet. They moved forward in a blur, snapping up as many panicked souls as they could.
Countless souls in the rocky plains of the Bardo ran for their lives, away from this juggernaut. I saw men and women who looked like they came from every country and profession, some dressed in suits or spotless white lab coats, others wearing rags or orange prison jumpsuits. And yet, they all screamed in agony and fear here, their bodies pressed together in a crowd, and no one seemed to remember anything but their own mortal terror. Their voices came out faint and weak next to the roaring of Hell. It shook the ground all around us, as if an earthquake were tearing the land apart.
The first frantic runners of the surging crowd had nearly reached me. The nearest person, a young woman in her mid-twenties dressed in all white, was only ten feet behind me. She looked like she came from wealth, and even from here, I could see a ring with a massive diamond gleaming on her finger.
I took off blindly down the familiar streets of the city where I worked and lived, but these also seemed different. The church down the street from the hospital where I worked had a Satanic pentagram instead of a cross now, its exterior painted a bright, gleaming blood-red. When I had driven past it today on my way to work, I remember it read, “JESUS said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
Now it read, “Nietzsche said, ‘Of all evil, I deem you capable. I have often laughed at the weaklings who thought themselves good simply because they had no claws.’” I wondered what that meant. Was that some sort of comment on me, on all of us here?
The woman I had seen running had caught up with me. She was fast, much faster than her slim body suggested. Her blue eyes were frantic and wild, filled with an animal panic.
“It’s right behind us!” she screamed, her face covered in a sheen of sweat. I was afraid to turn and look, but I could hear the chaos and bloodshed approaching, smell the flames and choking smoke. “Run! Get away!”
A new wave of energy surged through my body. I sprinted as fast I could down the strange mirror streets of the Bardo. I heard the agonized cries of countless souls behind us as the seven mouths of Hell ate them all greedily and then looked for more.
A skyscraper behind us collapsed into a pile of rubble, shaking the ground with a cacophony of falling concrete and shattering glass. The woman was running by my side. Just as I heard the breathing of something huge and predatory right behind us and smelled its sulfuric breath, a piece of concrete the size of a basketball broke off the collapsing skyscraper and flew into the road. I tripped over it, yelling as I flew through the air, skinning my arms and legs on the pavement. The woman’s eyes widened. Hurriedly, she came over and reached down her hand, trying to help me up.
“Come on, come on!” she cried. I looked behind her, seeing one of the gnashing mouths of Hell reaching forward on a blood-red, serpentine neck. The mouth was big enough to drive a tractor trailer into, filled with huge spikes of teeth. Its throat led into a black, smoke-filled abyss. Its fiery eyes were swirling pools of flickering orange light that shone with bloodlust and insanity. They focused on the woman, the entire head turning on its slithering neck.
I frantically raised my hand, intertwining my fingers with hers. Her hand was warm and soft. She started to pull me to my feet when the mouth of Hell snapped forward. Its jaw unhinged, scraping the pavement with a sound like grinding metal. The woman barely had time to turn as the mouth covered her and snapped shut with a crack.
She disappeared from view instantly, but I was still holding her hand. In horror, I felt warm rivers of blood explode all over my body as the mouth of Hell severed her arm at the wrist. She screamed, bleeding and crying, as she disappeared into the throat of Hell. Hell’s fiery eyes focused on me, and at that moment, I knew I was next. Its mouth opened wide again, like a bear trap ready to spring on a new victim.
It was dark in Hell’s mouth, but I smelled the thick reek of old blood and fire. I caught glimpses of tortured, mutilated bodies writhing and crawling down its throat. Shell-shocked, I could only lay there and watch. And that was when the strange doubling started.
***
I heard the frantic voices of men break through the fog of darkness and the fetid reek of blood. There was a mechanical beeping all around me, but I couldn’t tell where it was coming from.
“Clear!” one cried. I looked around, only seeing blackness. At that moment, I felt a surge of electricity rip itself through my body. My arms and legs all seized and my eyes rolled up in my head as the pain sizzled through each one of my nerves. I clutched the young woman’s hand tightly, feeling the large, gold ring with the massive diamond biting into my skin.
“Again!” another voice yelled.
“Clear!” the original voice cried. The electricity came again, and a flash of white light flew across my vision. I blinked, seeing from two sets of eyes at the same time: one in the Bardo, and one on the blood-stained floor of the hospital ward.
The Bardo stayed dark and sinister, but the clear white lights of the real psychiatric ward were blinding. It was a bizarre experience. Moreover, everything hurt. Over a few seconds, my vision of the Bardo faded, and I was simply a gravely injured man laying on the floor in a puddle of blood.
Four doctors and paramedics were crouching over me with a defibrillator. My shirt was ripped off, and nearly all of my skin was covered in blood. I raised my left hand, trying to talk, but only a fiery pain raced through my neck. I felt bandages covering my skin. A nurse was rolling a stretcher down the hallway towards me.
“It’s OK,” one of the doctors said, kneeling down. “You’re being taken to emergency surgery. You’ve lost a lot of blood.” I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t talk with the massive slice in my neck.
At that moment, I felt something in my right hand. I looked down, seeing a slim female hand with a massive diamond ring hanging there. Our fingers were wrapped around each other’s, but the hand had been cut off at the wrist. A ragged patch of bloody flesh and snapped bone poked out of the back.
“Nnnn,” I tried to say, shaking my head. I felt fresh streams of warm blood open up. “No…” The doctors looked down, seeing the dismembered hand. Their faces morphed into expressions of confusion and fear.
I closed my eyes as they lifted me up on the stretcher. One of them gently removed the cold hand from my fingers. But they could never remove the memory of what I had seen.
I know what happens after death, and it makes the worst life here seem like a dream. I know that, one day, I’ll be returned to that place. I know that, one day, I’ll see that great monster called Hell and the featureless, swirling sky of the Bardo again.
And the next time, I won’t wake up on a hospital floor, but will be trapped there with the others for eternity: an eternity of blood and fire.

Bank of America Health Care Conference 2024 Presentation
Exact Sciences' Mission is to help eradicate cancer by preventing it, detecting it earlier and guiding treatment. In the early innings of how genomics will transform cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment
Exact Sciences' Cologuard and Oncotype DX are two of the top brands ever in cancer diagnostics. They are helping to build a platform company through which other innovative cancer diagnostics will help patients.
Guided to 15% growth (CAGR) through 2027. Projecting over 20% adjusted ebitda margins by 2027.
Near-term growth drivers - Cologuard and Oncotype DX globally. Future drivers - pipeline.
Reiterated 2024 Revenue and EBITDA guide.
60 million Americans not up to date with colon cancer screening - huge unscreened population
Q4 2023 - highest dollar growth in screening in history. Sequential decrease in Cologuard screening revenue due to normal Q1 seasonal weakness. Despite sequential screening revenue decline, screening revenue still increased 7% YOY, and management confident in achieving 2nd Quarter and 2nd Half Guide revenue guides.
Cologuard will have steady predictable growth based upon # of sales calls to primary care physicians and increasing Health System Orders.
New Cologuard business opportunity starting last year - screening in Medicare Advantage population and gap closure programs in large health systems.
CEO Kevin Conroy: "We are confident in our ability to meet our 2nd quarter and 2nd half sales guidance."
Q1 2024 was in-line with expectations. Q1 of 2023 was an anomaly.
Sales and Marketing Spend - Spent about $800 million in sales and marketing in 2023 (sales force a relatively small component of this, sales force being brought back to levels of 2022) - High ROI from investment in additional sales people.
Last 5 quarters added 50,000 new primary care providers - docs, pa’s and nurses
As docs order more, amount of orders increases. As sales calls increase in frequency, pcp’s order more.
Calling on a doc once per quarter will result on average in six orders. Calling on a doc six times per quarter will result on average in 24 order. Sales reps provide pcp's tools, education, motivation to increase colon cancer screening numbers.
Priorities for CFO - Maintain Growth Engine not only of CG and Oncotype, but also new product pipeline - Flywheel of innovation needs to keep spinning. Will expand over 300 basis points of leverage in 2024. Increasing leverage in G&A going forward. Clear and credible pathway to adjusted ebitda margins of 20% in 2027
CFO Aaron Bloomer: Exact Sciences will show FCF growth and positive FCF delivery for each of the next three quarters in 2024.
17% CG growth embedded in 15% CAGR through 2027. (Compound Annual Growth Rate)
Impressive CAGR over the past few years. Seeing increasing opportunities to enhance the use of Cologuard as a frontline screening tool.
Over a billion dollars invested in EXACT NEXUS - Electronic Ordering, Result Delivery, Prior Authorization, Reimbursement embedded into physician's EPIC electronic record. Huge amount of customer satisfaction - makes using Cologuard easy.
Long arduous process of including Cologuard into the Quality Measures (2-3 years from being included in USPSTF guidelines), which can help health systems and plans increase their star rating in order to get quality bonuses, which is a key to their success.
130,000 new cases/year, 50,000 deaths/year from Colon Cancer, with 60 million people in U.S. not current with CRC screening guidelines.
Colonoscopy capacity in US is 12,000,000. Half screening, half diagnostic. Cologuard is helping health system and GI’s getting more people screened.
Re-screening now mid 20's as a % of revenue - aiming for 50%
Because of Covid, for two years in a row, only 1.2 million people have been eligible for re-screens. This year 1.6 million eligible for re-screen, and that number will increase annually. Also, 20 million new prospective customers in the 45-49 age group - want them to be happy customers for next 30 years. The 45-49 age group rescreens are starting to kick off this year (USPSTF guideline to include that age group updated in 2021).
Cologuard Plus - 10 Years of R&D and Clinical Trials - Improved False Positive Rate, Cancer Detection, Advanced Adenoma Detection. Improvement on all levels, and Cologuard 3.0 already in development.
Looking for a modest price increase for Cologuard Plus rolling in over a couple years period of time. Because false positives are lower - 30% fewer false positives - more people will stay in Cologuard Testing Family
Cologuard Plus also benefits from 5-7% Lower COGs = margin expansion.
20th Anniversary for Oncotype in US. 1 billion cumulative investment in Oncotype infrastructure. Quality of Science and Clinical Evidence behind it is unmatched. Company is deeply rooted in being patient and customer-centric.
Question to Brian Baranick, General Manager of Precision Oncology - How are you gonna catch up in MRD?
With respect to MRD, have never seen such a fast developing market - real clinical unmet need - enthusiasm among patients and physicians - excited to be apart of this market. Exact Sciences will catch up in MRD due to the following:
1) World class commercial capabilities - precision oncology reps are experienced, know physicians/territories, how to sell and how to get access to leverage these relationships to launch CRC MRD next year.
2) Exact Sciences' Nexus Platform - IT infrastructure to help providers save time obtaining prior use authorizations. This billion dollar company investment will allow providers to obtain prior use authorizations and order MRD tests more quickly and easily.
3) Better Performing Product - Partnering with West German Study Group and NSABP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bower Project) To build out evidence around MRD tests - Goal is for Exact Sciences' MRD tests to have best in Class Evidence. Exact Sciences' MRD tests measure more mutations in blood than some of the first mover companies in space, and will have best in class evidence. Investors will hear more about performance of MRD assays and evidence in the back half of this year.
Blood-based screening assets - crowded marketplace - Use case for Cologuard Blood will be limited.
Great idea in concept - Bert Vogelstein is a pre-eminent researcher in the field and wrote a 2005 paper on the subject of CRC screening blood test. He concluded that detecting circulating tumor dna from precancerous lesions/polyps is impossible - you can’t find what’s not there. According to Kevin Conroy, if you’re not finding pre-cancer, you don’t have a true screening test.
The real power of colon cancer screening is finding and removing pre-cancerous polyps which may result in Stage 1 disease - that is the goal. As a result, it is highly unlikely that blood tests to screen for CRC will end up in the USPSTF guidelines and quality measures b/c they are unable to detect precancer. CRC screening blood test will end up being more of a niche market. Commercial payers will not be too excited to pay for something which is not in the quality measures. Probably won’t find out if blood CRC screening will be in the quality measures until 2028-29 (After likely USPSTF in 2027). Howver, fee for service medicare advantage has agreed to pay for blood based crc. USPSTF meets every 5-8 years on CRC screening (August, 2014 - May, 2021). Predict next Meeting in 2027. This cycle think 6 years until USPSTF and then quality measures 2-3 years later
Management expects two or three blood tests to be approved by the FDA, including Cologuard Blood. Don't believe blood tests will ultimately be a big overhand for investors as Cologuard will still grow market share even with other FDA approved CRC blood tests as it is the most effective CRC screening test. GI societies recently weighed in - not recommending blood tests for frontline CRC screening. The growth of Cologuard over the coming years will be what excites investors, not CRC blood test.
Question to CFO Aaron Bloomer: What is most underappreciated or misunderstood about the company?
CFO is excited about pipeline. The company has spent many years developing these pipeline products, a number or which are slated to launch over the next few years. Don’t think investors appreciate the impact these pipeline products will have on patients, on revenue and the Company's growth profile, as well as on margins.
Excited about mid-teens growth in Cologuard and along with MRD and other new products coming online in the next few years which will provide both the Company with both leverage and diversification.

I (28F) decided to speak up for myself in regards to an ongoing situation that came into the light after 6 months.
I was a nanny for this person for a little shy of 3 years. I took care of her children who were at the time 3 years old and 10 months old. One child was extremely expressive in terms of his anger. This became an everyday conversation with said parent. Many words were spoken and the child often hit, threw objects at, and punched me as well as his sister. I would remediate the problem to the best of my ability by putting him in time out, taking away screen time, or favorite toys (which was not working). Sadly this didn’t work because as soon as I would establish such boundaries and consequences the mom would come home and disregard anything I attempted to do to remediate the problem. I began expressing these concerns to his mom who said “he just misses me because I’m at work” and would not discuss the problem furthermore with a pediatrician or provider.
The younger child has developmental delays. The mom blamed this on her PPD. She does not pay attention with her children, often goes out to party on weekends, takes mini vacations without the kids, and would leave the children with either her in laws or myself.
The children continued said behavior but I stayed. I stayed so the kids had someone who they could come to when they needed help. The mom often came home late due to going out, cheating on her husband, etc.
The behavior worsened. I expressed concern as the child was smearing on the walls. The kids dad would not know as he would hide the smearing and I would find out when I came to work everyday. When I explained this to the parent she said this was normal behavior. She put a lock on the child’s door so they would not disturb their sleep. I cannot judge this but she didn’t want her children being near or around her so she could sleep. The child would excessively try to hurt his younger sibling in terms of putting his hands around her throat and holding it tight. When I explained this I was told “I couldn’t handle a four year old and I was overstimulated”.
She had a falling out with her family. She decided to no longer talk to her in laws or her own family. I was the only person who would take care of her children when asked. I was instructed to not reach out to her family members for any reason. I could only contact her and her now ex husband.
A few months later, she invited me to join her at her gym. I needed a new one to go to so I tried it out. I love the community and have been an avid member for now 6 months. I made a few new friends and secure relationships with them. Thinking I could trust her, I told her about a crush I had on a guy at the gym. She got thoroughly involved with his social circle. When I said why she said she was doing this to protect me. I said I don’t need protection and I can judge people’s character well. She decided to involve herself anyway. She became friends with an ex of his in attempt to find out info. She also yelled at her and called her childish for ghosting him.
I am friends with both this man and his ex. Both are decent people and I do not observe any red flags with either one.
It came out that she was telling other people I was autistic. There was a long history of her telling people both inside and outside of the gym. She also told people I was a genius with a high IQ and could not work which is why I was her nanny. She also told people I have schizophrenia which is also not true.
When I told her about such things, she said she never intended to hurt me but this was to protect me. She said she did this to defend me because she felt the need to. I never asked or implied for her to do so. I told her I felt misunderstood, hurt and confused.
She told me I ruined this friendship because I didn’t communicate. However I couldn’t communicate because I didn’t know. She blamed me for loosing her support system and blocked me from everything.
She is going through a divorce and told me extremely intimate details about this as well. I asked her to please refrain from this as I could not provide the advice she needed and I was becoming overwhelmed. She was a nurse and sleeping with relatives of her patients. She went back and forth about divorcing her husband, almost re proposed to him then did not and got divorce papers, she met someone on a solo trip and decided she liked this man she met better, told me she wants “freedom from her children and responsibilities”, accused several people about gossiping, told people they were bullies for ending a friendship.
She now denies all of this but somehow I am the blame. She told me she welcomed me into her second home (the gym) as well as her home and she had to leave the gym because she felt uncomfortable after protecting me.
After a lengthy discussion with my therapist yesterday, she is lead to believe that this woman at least demonstrates BPD traits as she cannot diagnose her. I also suspect she may have dissociative identity disorder.
I officially went no contact with this person as of yesterday. I am feeling good as of today and giving myself the grace to feel what may come up while still focusing on what I need to do and where I am happiest (secure relationships, support system, hobbies, proper nutrition).

DAY: MAY 15, 2024

• 5-15-2024ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PROCESSES WITHOUT SYMPTOMS. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Everyone experiences aging in their own way, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle and environment play a role in this process. Some individuals reach the age of 90 or even 100 in good health, without medications or brain disease. But how do these individuals maintain their health as they age?
• 5-15-2024COULD A LOW-CAL KETO DIET HELP EASE ACNE? In a small pilot study, some young women looking to lose weight on a low-calorie keto diet got an unexpected benefit: Their acne began to clear up. “These findings represent an opportunity to control a skin disease that affects most teenagers and many adults at some point in their lifetimes, causing distress, embarrassment, anxiety and low self-confidence among sufferers, robbing them of their quality of life,
• 5-15-2024FIGHTING FAT AND INFLAMMATION: SCIENTISTS DEVELOP NEW COMPOUNDS The menthyl esters of valine (MV) and isoleucine (MI) are multi-faceted molecules with enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities. The discovery and development of such molecules can result in newer classes of therapeutic drugs to treat a wide range of metabolic disorders. Credit: Gen-ichiro Arimura from Tokyo University of Science Modified derivatives of natural products have led to significant therapeutic advances and commercial success in recent times. Menthol is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene alcohol found in various plants,
• 5-15-2024TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDE ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMOTHERAPY, EXPERT EXPLAINS Chemotherapy is usually the first treatment doctors try to treat lymphoma, including the two most common forms: non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin. But alternatives to chemotherapy are developing, as first-line treatments and as backup options, explains Stephen Ansell, M.D., Ph.D., hematology chair and hematologic oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lymphoma is a blood cancer that begins when a germ-fighting white blood cell, called a lymphocyte, mutates and rapidly multiplies
• 5-15-2024CHECKING YOUR BELLY BUTTON CAN TELL YOU A LOT ABOUT YOUR HEALTH Navels, belly buttons, innies or outies … whatever term you use, your umbilicus may have plenty to tell you about the state of your health. For some, they are the thing of nightmares—omphalophobia (the fear of belly buttons) is a real condition. For others, they are a fashion accessory to be shown off in a crop top, or decorated with a body piercing. Whatever your feelings about belly buttons, one thing’s for sure—it once joined you to your mother
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS H5N1 VIRUS FROM 2022 MINK OUTBREAK CAPABLE OF INEFFICIENT AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION Direct contact transmission, weight loss, and survival for ferrets infected with A/mink (H5N1). Four donor ferrets were inoculated with A/mink (H5N1) and 24?h later each donor was paired with a contact in the same cage. Nasal wash samples were collected every other day for 13 days, and weight loss and clinical signs were monitored. A, B display viral titers from donor and direct contacts,
• 5-15-2024STUDY SHOWS COMBINING JOYFUL ACTIVITIES WITH ‘SAVORING’ THERAPY SHOWS POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH RESULTS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE With rates of depression rising among young people on university campuses, a team of SMU researchers found that combining two different therapeutic approaches demonstrated effectiveness in improving students’ overall mental health. Their findings show that students receiving behavioral activation (BA) therapy augmented with savoring (S) experienced improvements in positive and negative mood. Behavioral activation is a therapeutic approach that alleviates depression by increasing engagement in meaningful activities,
• 5-15-2024AI-BASED SURGICAL PREDICTION MODELS HAVE LIMITS Prediction models generated by machine learning are being increasingly used in medicine to identify risk factors and possible outcomes, especially for total joint replacements of knees and hips—although researchers warn that machine-generated predictions are currently being drawn from a limited data pool. “Machine learning has great potential for processing ‘big data’ and has proved its undeniable capability, although it is not free of issues,
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS FRONT-OF-PACKAGE NUTRITION LABELING RESULTS IN HEALTHIER PRODUCTS A study finds that a food labeling system introduced by the French government in 2017 resulted in healthier products. The study of Nutri-Score, a voluntary labeling system that assigns a simple letter grade based on nutrition, is believed to be the first to examine how food manufacturers responded to the change. Using detailed product and nutrition data from 2014 to 2021,
• 5-15-2024EXPERT EXPLAINS PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS ON AVIAN FLU Using genetically engineered mice expressing a specific variant of HLA, researchers uncover the instrumental role of this protein in the development of drug eruptions. They found that when HLA binds to an antiviral drug, abacavir, it can lead to the formation of defective proteins, which trigger a stress response in the endoplasmic reticulum, ultimately cascading into drug eruption. This implies that HLA is involved in previously unknown signaling pathways and processes that go beyond its traditionally accepted role within the immune system.
• 5-15-2024EXPLORING THE MECHANISM BEHIND DRUG ERUPTIONS IN THE SKINUsing genetically engineered mice expressing a specific variant of HLA, researchers uncover the instrumental role of this protein in the development of drug eruptions. They found that when HLA binds to an antiviral drug, abacavir, it can lead to the formation of defective proteins, which trigger a stress response in the endoplasmic reticulum, ultimately cascading into drug eruption.
• 5-15-2024STUDY PROVIDES BLUEPRINT FOR HYBRID-VIRTUAL HOME VISIT MODEL TO SUPPORT PATIENTS WHO DO NOT LIVE CLOSE TO A HOSPITAL a team developed and successfully tested a hybrid-virtual home visit model that provides care to veterans who do not live close to a VA health care facility.
• 5-15-2024HOW SCIENCE IS CHANGING THE GAME IN SPORTS Digital twins of athletes allow athletes and coaches to evaluate performance and trial technique changes. It’s an open secret that the countries that win the most medals in the Olympics and Paralympics combine talent and technology. Athletes are preparing for the next three Olympics and Paralympics in Paris in 2024
• 5-15-2024STUDY REVEALS HOW PRACTICE FORMS NEW MEMORY PATHWAYS IN THE BRAIN The effects of optogenetic inhibition on WM task performance. a, The experimental set-up. b, The delayed-association WM task trial types; licking was assessed during the 3?s choice period, with early- and late-delays periods noted. c, Learning progress across eight sessions, measured on the basis of the percentage of correct responses. d, Learning session example
• 5-15-2024A MEDITERRANEAN DIET CAN EASE SYMPTOMS OF STRESS AND ANXIETY, SAYS STUDY It’s no secret that the Mediterranean diet is good for your health. Already recommended to reduce the risks of bowel cancer, heart disease, and dementia, new research shows that the Mediterranean diet can also reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• 5-15-2024ENHANCING PATIENT RESPONSE TO CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY
• 5-15-2024LONGER SPRINT INTERVALS CAN IMPROVE MUSCLE OXYGEN UTILIZATION COMPARED TO SHORTER INTERVALS
• 5-15-2024NEW EVIDENCE FOR USE OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY THERAPY FOR PREVENTION OF RECURRENT VASCULAR EVENTS IN STROKE
• 5-15-2024STUDY PAVES THE WAY FOR AN ACTIVE AGENT AGAINST HEPATITIS E
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP METHOD TO MONITOR PATIENTS WITH SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY USING SOUND WAVES
• 5-15-2024INFERTILITY TREATMENT FOUND TO DOUBLE THE RISK OF POSTPARTUM HEART DISEASE
• 5-15-2024A PROMISING APPROACH TO INTRAOPERATIVE CANCER DIAGNOSIS
• 5-15-2024HOW ROGUE NEUTROPHILS HELP LUNG CANCER SPREAD
• 5-15-2024WOMEN PHYSICIANS ARE UNDERREPRESENTED AND FEEL LESS IMPACTFUL IN CANCER TREATMENT PLANNING VIRTUAL MEETINGS
• 5-15-2024ONLY 20% OF U.S. NONPROFIT HOSPITALS INVESTED IN HOUSING AS PART OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT MANDATE
• 5-15-2024NEW STUDY LINKS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER TO DISRUPTED DEVELOPMENTAL DOPAMINE
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS SEVERE ISCHEMIC STROKES ARE RARE IN PATIENT POPULATION
• 5-15-2024CYCLIN D1 EXPRESSION MAY BE A BIOMARKER FOR PENILE CANCER
• 5-15-2024GUIDELINE ISSUED FOR PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT
• 5-15-2024NEW CARDIAC RESEARCH COULD SAVE WOMEN’S LIVES BY IMPROVING DETECTION OF HEART FAILURE
• 5-15-2024PATIENTS REPORT SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOM REDUCTION WITHIN A SINGLE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE ENCOUNTER
• 5-15-2024STUDY LINKS PROTEIN SECRETED BY BLOOD VESSELS TO DRUG-RESISTANT CANCER
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS EXPLORE THE ROLE OF OF TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS IN MYOCARDITIS
• 5-15-2024STUDY REVEALS IMMUNOTHERAPY’S POTENTIAL IN BOOSTING IMMUNE SYSTEMS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS
• 5-15-2024CANADIAN HOSPITAL DATA SHOW LONGER, COSTLIER STAYS FOR PATIENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
• 5-15-2024SCIENTISTS WANT TO KNOW HOW THE SMELLS OF NATURE BENEFIT OUR HEALTH
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS TWO GENES OF THE GERMLINE ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRAIN TUMORS IN DROSOPHILA
• 5-15-2024EVALUATING A NEW GROUP TRAINING TOOL FOR THE PREVENTION OF DEMENTIA
• 5-15-2024RESEARCH CHALLENGES LINK BETWEEN MOTOR IMPAIRMENT AND BRAIN INJURY
• 5-15-2024RESEARCH CHALLENGES LINK BETWEEN MOTOR IMPAIRMENT AND BRAIN INJURY
• 5-15-2024CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER LIKELIHOOD OF TRAMADOL PRESCRIPTION IN ADULTS WITH SCIATICA
• 5-15-2024UNVEILING THE IMPACT OF JOB LOSS ON THE HEALTH OF IMMIGRANTS IN GERMANY
• 5-15-2024HEALTH CARE INTERPRETERS IMPORTANT FOR HEART ATTACK REHABILITATION, SAYS STUDY
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS FIND MICROPLASTICS IN CANINE AND HUMAN TESTICULAR TISSUE
• 5-15-2024ANTISEIZURE MEDICATIONS CAN PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING REACTIONS
• 5-15-2024ADULTS WHO HAD DIFFICULT CHILDHOODS ARE NOT RECEIVING SUFFICIENT MENTAL HEALTH CARE, FINDS CALIFORNIA STUDY
• 5-15-2024AI MAY IMPROVE DOCTOR–PATIENT INTERACTIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH CANCER
• 5-15-2024BLOOD PRESSURE DRUGS MORE THAN DOUBLE BONE-FRACTURE RISK IN NURSING HOME PATIENTS
• 5-15-2024PREVENTING PEDIATRIC FALLS
• 5-15-2024I’M PREGNANT. DO I NEED A MULTIVITAMIN?
• 5-15-2024TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION LINKED TO BODY MASS INDEX: STUDY
• 5-15-2024HOW DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECT OLDER ADULTS’ TECHNOLOGY USE?
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS LINK BETWEEN BMI TRAJECTORIES AND FRACTURE RISK IN LATE ADULTHOOD
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS REDUCED RISK OF BREAST CANCER FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY IN WOMEN WITH HYPERINSULINEMIA
• 5-15-2024FEWER US OVERDOSE DEATHS WERE REPORTED LAST YEAR, BUT EXPERTS ARE STILL CAUTIOUS
• 5-15-2024PRE- AND POST-SURGICAL IMMUNOTHERAPY IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS WITH OPERABLE LUNG CANCER, PHASE III STUDY FINDS
• 5-15-2024NEW METHOD USES TAU PROTEIN DEPOSITION PATTERNS TO PREDICT ALZHEIMER’S SEVERITY
• 5-15-2024OLDER NATIVE AMERICANS MAY EXPERIENCE HIGHER LEVELS OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP INNOVATIVE PLATFORM FOR MODELING HUMAN MUSCLE DISEASES IN WORMS
• 5-15-2024CLIMATE CHANGE IS LIKELY TO AGGRAVATE BRAIN CONDITIONS, STUDY FINDS
• 5-15-2024NEW STUDY SHOWS CONTINUED HIGH EFFECTIVENESS OF HPV VACCINATION IN ENGLAND
• 5-15-2024FAT-ENLARGED AXILLARY NODES ON MAMMOGRAM MAY INDICATE HIGHER CVD RISK
• 5-15-2024NOVEL INHIBITOR INSIGHTS OFFER PATHWAY TO PREVENTING PXR-ASSOCIATED DRUG RESISTANCE
• 5-15-2024THE DOCTOR IS IN… BUT WHAT’S BEHIND THEM? STUDY REVEALS IMPACTS OF TELEHEALTH BACKGROUND SETTINGS
• 5-15-2024HIGH TELEHEALTH USE TIED TO INCREASED HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION, COST
• 5-15-2024NEW BIOMARKER IDENTIFIED TO DIAGNOSE ALZHEIMER’S IN ASYMPTOMATIC STAGES
• 5-15-2024U.S. DROWNING DEATHS RISING AGAIN AFTER YEARS OF DECLINE
• 5-15-2024STUDY FINDS ASTROCYTIC PH REGULATOR CAN REPAIR BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER, REVERSE BRAIN DAMAGE CAUSED BY ISCHEMIC STROKE
• 5-15-2024DISPARITIES SEEN IN CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT ENTEROBACTERALES BLOODSTREAM INFECTION OUTCOMES
• 5-15-2024WHY IS WHOOPING COUGH SURGING IN THE UK? FALLING VACCINATION RATES MAY BE THE ANSWER
• 5-15-2024CARDIAC REHAB IS A PROVEN BUT UNDERUSED THERAPY IN WOMEN, BUT TAILORED RESOURCES AIM TO CHANGE THAT
• 5-15-2024IRON FUELS IMMUNE CELLS—AND IT COULD MAKE ASTHMA WORSE
• 5-15-2024NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR CELL THERAPIES AND PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
• 5-15-2024HIGHER INCOME REDUCES STROKE MORTALITY RISK BY A THIRD, NEW STUDY SHOWS
• 5-15-2024SOME FORMS OF AUGMENTED BRAIN STIMULATION RECOMMENDED FOR MAJOR DEPRESSION
• 5-15-2024LOW TESTOSTERONE IN MEN ASSOCIATED WITH AN EARLY DEATH
• 5-15-2024WEARING FACE MASKS DID NOT REDUCE RISK OF COVID INFECTION AFTER FIRST OMICRON WAVE, RESEARCH SUGGESTS
• 5-15-2024BLUETOOTH TRACKING DEVICES PROVIDE NEW VIEW INTO CARE HOME QUALITY
• 5-15-2024RACIAL DISPARITIES IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY ON THE RISE IN STUDY OF NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• 5-15-2024TWO DECADES OF STUDIES SUGGEST HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH PLANT-BASED DIETS, BUT CAUTION URGED
• 5-15-2024TRANSCATHETER VALVE REPLACEMENT OUTCOMES SIMILAR TO SURGERY FOR SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS
• 5-15-2024RECOGNIZING THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL TOLL THAT CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH A CHRONIC CONDITION HAS ON THE CAREGIVER
• 5-15-2024DIFFICULT WORK ARRANGEMENTS FORCE MANY WOMEN TO STOP BREASTFEEDING EARLY—HERE’S HOW TO PREVENT THIS
• 5-15-2024DAY-LONG WORKSHOP IN COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOUND TO EFFECTIVELY REDUCE DEPRESSION IN 16- TO 18-YEAR-OLDS
• 5-15-2024REPORT HIGHLIGHTS BIG GAPS IN CANCER OUTCOMES BASED ON RACE
• 5-15-2024NEW BLOOD TEST COULD HELP SPOT PREECLAMPSIA IN FIRST TRIMESTER
• 5-15-2024HALF-MATCHED FAMILY DONORS OFFER BEST OUTCOMES FOR HISPANIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTS: STUDY
• 5-15-2024SCIENTISTS UNRAVEL GENETIC BASIS FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS THAT AFFECT VISION
• 5-15-2024INCLUDING MORE WOMEN ON HOSPITAL TEAMS YIELDS BETTER SURGERY OUTCOMES, NEW STUDY FINDS
• 5-15-2024RESEARCH SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW PROTEINS LINKED TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE INFLUENCE NEURONAL GROWTH
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY NEW MARKER FOR BREAST CANCER PROGNOSIS
• 5-15-2024GETTING OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY MAY BE LINKED TO COGNITIVE FUNCTION
• 5-15-2024NOVEL TECHNIQUE HELPS PREDICT RISK OF A MENISCUS TEAR IN THE KNEE
• 5-15-2024CAN ROBOT-INSPIRED COMPUTER-ASSISTED THERAPY BENEFIT CHILDREN WITH AUTISM?
• 5-15-2024RESEARCH FINDS EXERCISE HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON IMMUNE CELLS THAT SUPPORT BRAIN FUNCTION
• 5-15-2024CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES KILL 10,000 EUROPEANS A DAY: WHO
• 5-15-2024NEW TOOL CAN HELP SURGEONS QUICKLY SEARCH VIDEOS AND CREATE INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK
• 5-15-2024SCIENTISTS DISCOVER BLOOD PROTEINS THAT MAY GIVE CANCER WARNING SEVEN YEARS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS
• 5-15-2024HOW THEY IMPACT LIFESPAN IN VERTEBRATES
• 5-15-2024UN AGENCY AUTHORIZES SECOND VACCINE AGAINST DENGUE AMID OUTBREAKS IN THE AMERICAS
• 5-15-2024IF YOU’VE TRIED MEDITATING BUT CAN’T SIT STILL, HERE’S HOW—AND WHY—TO TRY AGAIN
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS DETERMINE THE MUTATIONS THAT PROTECT MICE FROM B-CELL CANCERS
• 5-15-2024UP TO 246 MILLION OLDER PEOPLE MAY BE EXPOSED TO HEAT RISK BY 2050 DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING
• 5-15-2024MORE RESEARCH SUPPORTS ANDROGEN TREATMENT FOR BREAST CANCER
• 5-15-2024UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE GUT MICROBIOME–BRAIN INTERACTIONS PLAY IN SOCIAL DECISION-MAKING
• 5-15-2024NEW STUDY IDENTIFIES MECHANISM OF IMMUNE EVASION OF SARS-COV-2 AND VARIANTS
• 5-15-2024RESEARCH SHOWS RECENT RELEASE FROM JAIL A BIG RISK FACTOR FOR SUICIDE
• 5-15-2024RESEARCH COLLABORATION DEVELOPS LIFESAVING ‘ARK’ TECHNOLOGY FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS
• 5-15-2024FOUR IN 10 ADULTS WITH DIABETES REPORT TAKING A GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONIST
• 5-15-2024NEIGHBORHOOD INEQUITY TIED TO MORE PEOPLE LIVING WITH VISION DIFFICULTY, BLINDNESS
• 5-15-2024CHILD MALTREATMENT LINKED TO EXTERNALIZING, INTERNALIZING BEHAVIOR
• 5-15-2024MOST SLOW RESPONDERS TO TIRZEPATIDE DO LOSE CLINICALLY MEANINGFUL WEIGHT
• 5-15-2024RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY CAUSATIVE GENE IN MOUSE MODEL OF INHERITED LETHAL ARRHYTHMIA
• 5-15-2024TECH ALONE CAN’T REPLACE HUMAN COACHES IN OBESITY TREATMENT, STUDY FINDS

I'm currently a junior majoring in pre-professional biology. I’m planning on switching to nursing and applying to the program. However, I'm well into my coursework. Most of my prerequisites and general education requirements are complete, leaving me with only a few classes to take if not admitted in the spring. I was hoping someone could provide insight into the program's competitiveness. My overall GPA is 3.797, with a 3.5 in nursing due to a C in general chemistry II. I have several volunteer hours at a local hospital and clinic. Thank you!

TW talks Alcoholism and Verbal Abuse
My (27F) parents (53M & 53F) separated on Monday due to my father’s drinking. My dad has been an alcoholic since he was a teenager. Growing up, we left on 3 different occasions and stayed with my grandparents anywhere from 3 days to 3 months at a time. I was ages 12, 14, and 16. Each time, my mom went back because my dad stopped drinking. He said that he missed his family and he couldn’t stand his kids not talking to him.
This time around, I’m 27 with my own family (husband, 30M & daughter 7monthF). I am currently in school to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have learned a lot about addiction through my years of schooling as well as experience in the field. I have gone through therapy myself to deal with the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic and what I now realize, narcissistic, father.
When my mom left on Monday, I told her I 100% support her and wish she had left him sooner. This time I hope she does divorce him because it’s the first time she has said she wants a divorce. Where the issue lies is that I reached out my father last night. I sent him a simple video of a fox in my yard that always visits. He finds it so cool that I have a fox around since I live in the suburbs outside of Philly and it’s the last place we expected to see foxes. I sent him that video for me to see if he would respond or if he’s so deep into drinking right now that he would ignore it. He responded this morning.
While on the phone with my mom this morning. I casually mentioned that I sent him that fox video and he didn’t respond till the morning, so I assumed he was drinking all night. She was immediately upset. She said my other two siblings (31M & 24F) are not talking to my dad because of how mean he is to my mom when he’s drinking. I told her I reached out for me and I was hoping that by one of the kids still talking to him normally that he would be less hostile towards her if they go through a divorce. I told her I plan to lay out boundaries like that he cannot speak poorly of my mother to me or my child, he will not be intoxicated around my child, and he will not be verbally abusive to me or to / around my child.
She said that by acting like everything is okay between him and I, that I am condoning his actions towards my mom. I told her that I’m sorry if me reaching out to him hurt her and that wasn’t my intention. I do not condone the way he treats my mom and I have stuck up for her many times when he has been verbally abusive to her when I am around.
I want to make this process easier for her by keeping peace with my dad. I also told her that every time she has left he got sober again for the kids because we wouldn’t speak to him, and that I want him to get sober for himself this time. That I also don’t want my mom to go back to him if he gets sober because his kids won’t speak to him.
Basically, I’m seeing the same cycle from my teen years playing out again as an adult and I do not want to react the same way my teenage self did. I do plan on cutting my dad off if he crosses my boundaries I plan to lay out when I see him next. But my mom thinks I’m taking his side now because I sent a video of a fox to him. Meanwhile I FaceTime my mom every day. Sometimes 2-3x a day since she left him. I live 4 hours away so I go visit about once a month.
I told her I am not picking sides and I intend on maintaining my relationships with both parents as long as each person respects my boundaries. I plan to support my mom financially through this and give her a place to stay with me whenever she wants. I told her there is only “one side” and that’s the side that my dad is an alcoholic who needs help and my mom is who he takes his anger out on and she needs to get out of that situation. Both parents need my help and I intend on helping both of them how they need me to unless one of them disrespect me or my family.
So AITA for wanting to maintain a relationship with both parents? Should I cut my dad off for his drinking and verbal abuse that has hurt us and my mom for so many years? Or should I maintain the Switzerland approach.
TLDR; My mom left my dad due to drinking and mental/verbal abuse and she believes I am in the wrong for wanting to still maintain a relationship with him.

So brief description of this situation:
I have been seeing this man for over a year and half now. He is currently a nurse practitioner, and I am an LPN in school right now to obtain my RN license (almost done!). I have been in a third party situation with him, where he originally lied about having another girlfriend. There was drama that occurred for months between me, and the other girl. I did do things (over a year ago!) that were not of sound mind; I sent multiple text messages to the guy I was seeing and blowing up his phone even when he asked me to stop. I made numbers from TextNow to reach out to him, and he would entertain it and text me back and forth, it was just a really dark time for me. I guess I was desperate for a relationship with him. I was arguing with the girl over texts for maybe a month, but I would initiate mostly. It got to a point where he threatened to do a restraining order on me, and I completely stopped. We did get back in contact about a couple weeks to a month after all of this went down. We were still sleeping with each other after this situation up until a year later which is now. Had no issues, I stopped blowing up his phone all crazy and never texted the other girl. So, those mass texts and calls were over a year ago. Fast forward to now, me and this guy have an altercation and he physically assaults me and strangulated me to the point where I thought I was going to die. I ran out of his place in fear for my life. I initially believed the neighbor called the police, later to find out it was the guy I was sleeping with who called the police! I'm not sure what he said to the police and I haven't had access yet to the police report. Apparently in the report it does say I "appeared to be intoxicated" which I was not, there were not breath test or any other test done to prove this, nor was it ever initiated. The report apparently also says that there were no findings of an assault from occurring. I did initially tell the police that it was just a verbal altercation and nothing happened, I did not want him to get in trouble and get arrested, as he has a license to lose. After seeing that he left the premises and watched the police put me in handcuffs to stop me from driving, it clicked what was happening so I then told the police the truth of what really happened. All of this is included in the report, per the detective on this case. I did contact him after the altercation because I was confused as to why he hurt me and I wanted answers and closure, and also my belonging was still at his place. My old tendencies of the text messages happened slightly where I was calling his phone quite a few times and text messages to get an answer, but I did stop a couple days after the incident and haven't contacted him in a week (this happened last Monday). He did contact me recently a couple days ago and said "kiss your license good bye, I am taking action." I am not sure what he could possibly do to me... I did send the detective picture and time stamp of the bruises I've acquired, and I went to a medical appointment the following week from the incident and have a note that I was seen. I emailed the detective this proof to at least clear that I was in fact assaulted, and I also notified her I was not intoxicated, I was just having an anxiety attack after the attack and very emotional. I just want to know if I am at risk for consequences towards my nursing license? I never physically harmed anyone. The drama between him and the other girl occurred over a year ago and I have not done anything to harm them, and in fact I believe he made a false police report on whatever reported! Because I did tell him I was going to call the police (dumb decision) and that led him to beating me more. Then I guess he called police. Please, any advice?? Should I really be worried about my nursing license? I just want a peace of mind... I worked so hard for this, and I've been ready to give everything up. I was not even in contact with this guy for weeks before the assault happened. Please be kind. Should I worry about potentially losing my nursing license?

Backstory: I am Indigenous American, First Nation or Indian(whichever you prefer to use). I grew up on the rez and joined the Navy for a better life. My wife is Caucasian and grew up in a Mormon household with a father who is a German immigrant with a subservient mother. I proposed to my wife on our fist date and she said yes (a story for later).
Growing up my father stressed the importance of education and to study and appreciate other cultures and ideas. When I met my wife I was working on my bachelors while in the navy. I was also studying foreign languages and can communicate in French and Spanish and I understand German.
So when I met my in-laws for the first time it was a bit of a shock to them that I was not white. For the first few months my conversations with them never progressed past one of two topics. 1. So your Indian (sometimes proceeded by the derogatory chant) or 2. You should join our religion. I was already familiar with the Latter Day Saints and their religious claims on North America. Instead of being offended or confrontational, I chose to just avoid them which was easy because of my deployment schedule.
Now because my soon to be wife was raised in the church all she wanted from me was a wedding in the Mormon temple. To oblige her dream and because I put no stock in most religions other than outward respect of differences, I pretended to be Mormon. I took lessons and passed the various interviews required to get married in the temple, which none of my family could attend because they were not worthy.
Now comes the reception, which my family could attend. Most of the guests were my wife's friends and church acquaintances as well as the extended German side of her family. After a while my wife and I are talking with her relatives when her father says ( in German) "I am disappointed that she married him and my grand children will not look like me." I would like to say I was surprised but I already figured this to be the case considering the limited knowledge he had about me combined with our previous limited conversation. As my wife was never taught German by her father because she was female, she had no idea what was said. As my insides twisted I continued to smile and keep my mouth shut. This was going to be my wife's perfect day no matter what.
Two derogatory comments in German later about being an uneducated dirty Mexican/Indian the reception was over. My wife went to change and my relatives came up to me to wish me luck and inform me what they overheard. My uncle and brother both served and were stationed in Germany for a time so they were also somewhat fluent.
Cue Entitled Boomer FIL. My family and I were conversing in a mix of English Spanish and Navajo which is completely baffling unless you grew up with it. And he says "Oh is this some kind of Indian blessing?". My uncle turns to me waiting for approval which is quickly granted with a nod and he says in German "it is a blessing so that his children not only NOT look like you but also not be as STUPID as you." And the look of the realization striking him directly in the balls, that we all knew, is something I will always cherish.
My wife and I left that night with her commenting about her father crying before we left. At the time all I could say was "It is difficult for a father to let go of his daughter and trust her to another man". It was years later at a family holiday celebrated with my family that my wife learned the truth about that night from my brother. She said to me that it was not until she met me that she could truly comprehend that her father was not a good man.

https://youtu.be/d_K0NLVwcqE
Title: "Breaking News: NEET UG 2024 Answer Keys Released (Not by NTA)!"
In a surprising turn of events, the NEET UG 2024 answer keys have been leaked ahead of their official release by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This unauthorized disclosure has sent shockwaves through the medical aspirant community, sparking debates and concerns over the integrity of the examination process. 😱🔑 #NEETUG2024 #AnswerKeyLeak
The leaked NEET UG 2024 answer keys have surfaced on various social media platforms and online forums, raising questions about the security measures in place to safeguard sensitive examination materials. Students across the country are now scrambling to access these leaked answer keys in hopes of gaining insights into their performance before the official results are declared. 🌐🔍 #SecurityConcerns #ExaminationIntegrity
While the authenticity of the leaked answer keys remains unverified, many candidates are expressing frustration and disappointment with the breach of trust and confidentiality. The NTA, responsible for conducting the NEET UG exam, has yet to issue a statement addressing the situation, leaving students in a state of uncertainty and anxiety. 🤔😞 #TrustBreach #StudentConcerns
In light of this unauthorized disclosure, it is imperative for students to exercise caution and refrain from relying on unverified sources for exam-related information. The integrity of the NEET UG exam must be upheld, and any attempts to manipulate or exploit the examination process should be condemned. 🛡️🚫 #ExamIntegrity #StayCautious
As the investigation into the leaked answer keys unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to implement stringent security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Transparency and accountability are paramount in maintaining the credibility of national-level examinations like NEET UG, and any lapses in security must be addressed promptly. 🔒🔍 #SecurityMeasures #TransparencyMatters
In the meantime, students are advised to focus on their preparations and await the official release of the NEET UG 2024 answer keys by the NTA. While the leaked answer keys may provide some insights, it is essential to prioritize accuracy and reliability in assessing one's performance. 📚💡 #FocusOnPreparation #OfficialAnswerKeys
The NEET UG exam is a crucial milestone for aspiring medical professionals, and the integrity of the examination process must be upheld to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for all candidates. Let us remain vigilant and united in our efforts to safeguard the sanctity of our educational institutions and examinations. 🎓👩‍⚕️ #MedicalAspirants #FairExamination
As we await further updates from the NTA regarding the NEET UG 2024 answer keys, let us remember the importance of integrity, honesty, and accountability in our academic pursuits. Together, we can overcome any challenges and strive towards a brighter future in the field of medicine. 💪✨ #AcademicIntegrity #BrightFuture
Stay tuned for more updates on the NEET UG 2024 examination and the official release of the answer keys by the NTA. Let us continue to uphold the values of integrity, transparency, and fairness in all aspects of our academic journey. 📝🔑 #StayUpdated #NEET2024 #OfficialAnswerKeys

In today's interconnected world, the internet is integral to our daily lives. From communication and education to shopping and entertainment, we rely heavily on digital platforms. However, the convenience of the internet comes with significant risks. Cyber threats are more prevalent and sophisticated than ever before, making online safety a critical concern. This article explores why online safety is paramount and provides comprehensive tips to help you protect yourself and your data.

Why Online Safety is Important

1. Personal Information Protection
   • Identity Theft: Cybercriminals can steal personal information such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and credit card details. This information can be used to commit identity theft, leading to financial loss and legal complications. Identity theft can also cause long-term damage to your credit score, making it difficult to obtain loans, mortgages, or even employment.
   • Privacy Invasion: Sensitive personal details, if compromised, can lead to unwanted exposure and privacy violations. This can have severe emotional and psychological impacts. Privacy invasion can also lead to harassment or stalking, creating a threatening environment for victims.
2. Preventing Financial Loss
   • Phishing Scams: These scams trick individuals into revealing financial information by posing as legitimate entities. Falling victim to phishing can result in unauthorized transactions and drained bank accounts. Phishing scams can also compromise your email and social media accounts, leading to further exploitation.
   • Ransomware: Cybercriminals use ransomware to encrypt your data and demand a ransom for its release. Paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery and often leads to further exploitation. Businesses can face significant operational disruptions and financial loss due to ransomware attacks, impacting their ability to serve customers and maintain trust.
3. Securing Sensitive Data
   • Business Information: For businesses, safeguarding sensitive data such as customer information, intellectual property, and strategic plans is crucial. A data breach can result in substantial financial losses, legal consequences, and reputational damage. Companies must comply with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA, which mandate strict data handling and reporting practices.
   • Compliance and Regulations: Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal action. Ensuring compliance with regulations not only protects data but also enhances customer trust and loyalty.
4. Maintaining Online Reputation
   • Social Media Safety: Your online profiles are part of your digital identity. A compromised account can lead to reputational damage, both personally and professionally, as malicious actors can post harmful content or send fraudulent messages. Social media accounts are often targeted for their high visibility and potential to spread misinformation.
   • Professional Integrity: For professionals, maintaining a clean online presence is crucial for career growth. Employers and colleagues often review social media profiles to gauge character and professionalism. An online reputation tarnished by cyber incidents can hinder career advancements and job opportunities.
5. Avoiding Malware and Viruses
   • System Integrity: Malicious software can corrupt files, steal information, and degrade system performance. Ensuring your devices are protected helps maintain their integrity and functionality. Malware can also create backdoors for attackers to continuously exploit your system, leading to recurring security issues.
   • Data Security: Malware can give attackers access to sensitive data stored on your devices, leading to data breaches and information theft. This can include personal photos, documents, and confidential business information, all of which can be exploited for financial gain or blackmail.
6. Safe Communication
   • Encryption: Secure online communication is vital to protect private conversations and sensitive information from being intercepted by malicious actors. Encrypted communication ensures that only the intended recipient can access the message content. Encryption tools like Signal and WhatsApp provide end-to-end encryption for messaging, ensuring privacy.
   • Awareness: Being aware of potential communication threats, such as spoofed emails and fake profiles, can prevent you from falling prey to social engineering attacks. Educating yourself and others on recognizing these threats is essential for maintaining secure communication channels.

Comprehensive Tips for Staying Safe Online

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
   • Password Complexity: Create complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or common words. Strong passwords reduce the likelihood of brute-force attacks.
   • Password Management: Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each of your accounts. This ensures that you do not reuse passwords, which can be a significant security risk. Password managers also help you keep track of your login credentials securely.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   • Extra Layer of Security: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app, in addition to your password. 2FA significantly enhances account security, even if your password is compromised.
   • Account Protection: Enabling 2FA on your accounts can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Popular services like Google, Facebook, and banking apps offer 2FA options, which should be enabled for all sensitive accounts.
3. Be Cautious with Emails and Links
   • Email Verification: Be wary of emails from unknown senders and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from untrusted sources. Verify the sender's email address and look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings or urgent requests for personal information. Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency to trick recipients into taking immediate action.
   • URL Inspection: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Ensure that the URL is legitimate and not a cleverly disguised phishing site. Secure websites typically use HTTPS, indicating a secure connection.
4. Keep Software Updated
   • Regular Updates: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and software applications. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Outdated software is a common target for cyberattacks due to unpatched security flaws.
   • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates where possible to ensure that you receive the latest security patches without delay. This is especially important for antivirus software and operating systems, which frequently release critical security updates.
5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Programs
   • Protection Tools: Install and maintain reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and remove harmful threats from your devices. Regularly scan your system to ensure it is free from malware. These tools provide real-time protection against a wide range of threats.
   • Real-Time Protection: Use real-time protection features to continuously monitor your system for suspicious activity. Real-time protection helps prevent malware from executing and spreading on your device.
6. Secure Your Home Network
   • Wi-Fi Security: Protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and use WPA3 encryption for added security. Avoid using default passwords and SSIDs that can be easily guessed. A secure Wi-Fi network prevents unauthorized access and protects data transmitted over the network.
   • VPN Use: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address and secures your online activities from prying eyes. VPNs are particularly useful for protecting sensitive information while traveling or accessing unsecured networks.
7. Monitor Your Accounts
   • Account Activity: Regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any unusual activity. Early detection of unauthorized activity can prevent further damage. Set up account alerts to receive notifications of suspicious transactions or login attempts.
   • Alert Systems: Set up account alerts to notify you of suspicious transactions or login attempts. Many financial institutions and online services offer customizable alert options to keep you informed of account activity.
8. Educate Yourself and Others
   • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest online threats and security practices. Follow reputable sources for cybersecurity news and updates. Cybersecurity is an evolving field, and staying current with trends and threats is crucial for maintaining safety.
   • Community Awareness: Share your knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues to promote a safer online environment for everyone. Encourage them to adopt good security habits and practices. Hosting workshops or informational sessions can be an effective way to spread awareness.
9. Backup Your Data
   • Regular Backups: Regularly back up your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This ensures that you can recover your information in case of a cyberattack or system failure. Regular backups protect against data loss from ransomware attacks or hardware failures.
   • Backup Encryption: Encrypt your backups to protect them from unauthorized access. Encrypted backups ensure that even if backup media is lost or stolen, the data remains secure.
10. Be Skeptical of Free Offers

• Suspicious Offers: Be wary of free offers, contests, and downloads that seem too good to be true. Cybercriminals often use these tactics to distribute malware or collect personal information. Free software or services may contain adware or spyware that compromises your security.
• Trusted Sources: Only download software and applications from reputable sources and official websites. Avoid third-party download sites that may bundle legitimate software with malicious programs.

Conclusion

In an increasingly digital world, online safety is more important than ever. Protecting personal and sensitive information from cyber threats requires vigilance and proactive measures. By following the comprehensive tips provided, you can enhance your online security and enjoy the benefits of the internet with greater peace of mind. Stay safe, stay informed, and make online safety a priority.
Being safe online is not just a personal responsibility but a collective one. By practicing good cybersecurity habits, you contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone. Remember, the cost of negligence can be high, but with the right precautions, you can

Hey,
I want to ask how it works for you. For those who has similar problems. Do you have to have pre-saved amount of money before going to university ? Can you take loan on living expenses ? What are the pre-requisites for such loans. Who gives them. Otherwise, how you can cover living expenses if you're studying all the time at demanding degrees ? What if you almost have no free time. How students get along financially while studying at university ?
I'd be happy and thankful for your response !
~ I'm from other country. I've started studying in 2020 and got caught in financial whirlpool, managed to finish only one year. I live in a country with three years mandatory militaty service. After I enrolled university and applied to scholarships, everyone denied me. I've tried to seek help to figure out how I can finance my living expenses and no one agreed neither to think together with me, nor to help. Not people outside, not people in universities, not social workers, not "peers", no one. I went to bank recently, and they mocked at me, that there's no such thing. After I got back home, I've seen on their website info on student loans. And after I returned, they told me they won't give me any loan because I have too little money, no income. But I'm in the middle of studies and feel betrayed destroyed, and don't have hope if I can get to university at all. Family mocked at me, they told I have to go at work, though I always worked. It's time to get education. And I explained that I can't find a job to match the university schedule and studying efforts and so it covers my expenses. My other part of the family mocked me that I should go to work at factory, not specifying what. And I worked in all kinds of very difficult jobs since sixteen and f***king army. While helping their kids at full extent. I knew it is so, but I kinda could't talk about that. But when they pissed me off completely, I started telling them about this family members being helped as example. To what they told me like what are they red rag to me. This really killed me and I'm considered bad lazy whatever. While they being helped. But what really destroyed me is that they continued to talk their talks all this time and it destroyed me emotionally. Don't want to help ? Go away and don't disturb me, don't make me bad. don't make it worst than it is. Also, I'm in late 20s. And can't save up enough money objectively, anyways. Don't see any opportunities. And I consider moving out. I don't know. Where I'm accepted as human. I'm looking at any opportunity and will try to do everything I can. I'll be figuring out ways. I am only learning how to tell stories, communicate succinctly and eloquently.
I should mention that I started with savings, but because of such bad environment, everything went down, I had lots of stress and unsecurity of what will be the financial solution in my case. When there're cash gaps.

As we approach the anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi’s death, it’s a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring the legacy of one of India’s most pivotal leaders. On this solemn occasion, it’s essential to look back at his life, his contributions to the nation, and the messages that continue to resonate with us today. Additionally, with the advancement of technology, we’ll explore how platforms like Postive Festival Post Maker app are bridging the gap between commemoration and modern expression through greeting posters and messages.
Rajiv Gandhi: A Brief History:
Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20, 1944, in Mumbai, was the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty. Following the tragic assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1984, he was catapulted into politics, assuming the role of the Prime Minister of India. His tenure from 1984 to 1989 was marked by transformative initiatives in technology, education, and governance.
Gandhi’s vision for India extended beyond conventional politics. He was a harbinger of change, advocating for youth empowerment, technological advancement, and social justice. His tenure saw the launch of the National Policy on Education, which aimed to revolutionize the education system and empower the youth with knowledge and skills.
Tragically, his life was cut short on May 21, 1991, when he was assassinated by a suicide bomber in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. However, his ideals and contributions continue to inspire generations, making his death anniversary a significant day for reflection and homage.
Messages of Tribute:
On this solemn occasion, messages of tribute pour in from across the nation and beyond. From political leaders to ordinary citizens, Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy evokes sentiments of admiration and gratitude. Messages often highlight his vision, leadership, and commitment to building a progressive and inclusive India.
Political figures remember him as a leader who envisioned a modern, technologically advanced nation. His emphasis on empowering the youth and bridging the urban-rural divide remains relevant in contemporary discourse. Moreover, his efforts towards strengthening India’s position on the global stage and fostering diplomatic relations are acknowledged with reverence.
Read More

Hey I’m 25 years old, I’m a 3rd year medical student at a 6 year undergraduate program. Im about to receive my b.med.sc soon. The degree as a whole is pretty worthless but from research and industry experience I understand what I want to focus on and achieve in my career. I want to design and develop technologies that will use Machine learning to diagnose and treat neurological and psychiatric issues without surgical interventions. The thing, my school, as good as it is, doesn’t give me the relevant education (Tech and entrepreneurship mainly) in order to achieve this goal. This made me do some research on alternative education path (just for clarification I have no intention of being a “regular” doctor and do residency). The things I can do: Option 1 and 2: Do another Bsc in CS or Computer Engineering, although I’m older I don’t have negative feelings to do another undergrad degree, idk if the “price per value” is good enough since it will take 3-4 years to complete. The plus side is I’ll earn a lot of knowledge of essential things and maybe expand my vision on things I can do. Option 2: Msc in mathematical or theoretical biology, kinda similar to computational biology. And maybe continue to a PhD in computational biology or nanotechnology or nanoscience. Might take 4-6 years but I think this will provide knowledgeable research experience and ML, idk if broad enough but I can aim towards that. Option 3: PhD in a biomedical engineering lab, this is also a very good option in my opinion. Really depends on the lab specifically and the things I’ll be exposed to. Also I don’t know how broad is this will be, but I’ll aim and do my best towards it. I’m asking you guys since I’m kind of in a crossroads of things- I’m open to ideas, things I should do, things I should learn, maybe another path, anything you think can be relevant please let me know. I’ll probably be able to do an MBA somewhere along the way which I think can be relevant but that’s the next thing and not really pressured about it rn. Thank you.

Hey I’m 25 years old, I’m a 3rd year medical student at a 6 year undergraduate program. Im about to receive my b.med.sc soon. The degree as a whole is pretty worthless but from research and industry experience I understand what I want to focus on and achieve in my career. I want to design and develop technologies that will use Machine learning to diagnose and treat neurological and psychiatric issues without surgical interventions. The thing, my school, as good as it is, doesn’t give me the relevant education (Tech and entrepreneurship mainly) in order to achieve this goal. This made me do some research on alternative education path (just for clarification I have no intention of being a “regular” doctor and do residency). The things I can do: Option 1 and 2: Do another Bsc in CS or Computer Engineering, although I’m older I don’t have negative feelings to do another undergrad degree, idk if the “price per value” is good enough since it will take 3-4 years to complete. The plus side is I’ll earn a lot of knowledge of essential things and maybe expand my vision on things I can do. Option 2: Msc in mathematical or theoretical biology, kinda similar to computational biology. And maybe continue to a PhD in computational biology or nanotechnology or nanoscience. Might take 4-6 years but I think this will provide knowledgeable research experience and ML, idk if broad enough but I can aim towards that. Option 3: PhD in a biomedical engineering lab, this is also a very good option in my opinion. Really depends on the lab specifically and the things I’ll be exposed to. Also I don’t know how broad is this will be, but I’ll aim and do my best towards it. I’m asking you guys since I’m kind of in a crossroads of things- I’m open to ideas, things I should do, things I should learn, maybe another path, anything you think can be relevant please let me know. I’ll probably be able to do an MBA somewhere along the way which I think can be relevant but that’s the next thing and not really pressured about it rn. Thank you.

Hello, IT major here. I am looking for online work/gigs <3
So I can do academic commissions, writing services, and technical support but hoping to have a job related to working with data, it is what I am passionate about. I am continuously leveraging my skills and learning to use various tools in order to be proactive. Also maximizes resources online. Sana magkaroon ako ng kahit small gig so I could practically apply the skills I've acquired so far. If any of you have tasks that match the description below, I hope you consider me :)

• Administrative work [data entry, maintaining record and databases, email handling tasks]
• Use of Python for data analysis, exploration, cleaning, preprocessing, and visualization tasks
• Microsoft Excel
• SQLite [querying databases and performing data manipulation tasks]
• Academic works and writing services
• or anything online po >_<

I have knowledge and have coded in C before, which helps me level up in a higher-level language Python and it also built up my foundation in programming. Still have a lot to learn though kaya aside from my college education, I also learn and upskill with the help of online resources. Currently, I'm on my journey to finish two online courses.
In terms of my data analysis skills, I'm really not that advanced but with the right tools, continuous learning, and my drive ay maa-achieve ko yung mga tasks na ipapagawa niyo if ever.

My LO is 10 months and has been waking up at 12am/1am in the dot every night for the last two weeks. We'll go in and soothe her and immediately falls right asleep on our shoulder, but will wake up an hour later and will only stay asleep if I nurse her. She's also been waking at 5am recently. At this point I bring into bed with me
She's sleep trained, but will notttt go back to sleep on her own at 12/1. Do we just continue to let her CIO? (Pop ins don't work for us).
She is cutting a couple teeth, could it be teething?
She goes to sleep between 8-9, and wakes up for the day around 7:30. Is she going to bed too late? Her first nap is nearly two hours so it always makes her second nap late.
HELP!

I've been suffering with SIBO for over a decade. Numerous endoscopies, prescribed various anti-acids, proton pump inhibitors, etc. by 5 different gastroenterologists. The diagnoses varied from gastritis, to GERD, to overly sensitive stomach lining nerves, to IBS. I tried to live with my symptoms for a long time until I could no longer do so.
Through my own research, I eventually ordered a Genova SIBO breath test which was unsurprisingly positive for both types. I asked my primary doctor to prescribe Rifaximin which resolved 95% of my symptoms. Unfortunately, they began to surface and worsen a few months later. At that point, the 5th gastroenterologist then diagnosed me with IBS.
Becoming increasingly frustrated, I was determined to find a GI that was knowledgeable in this condition. I finally located a doctor in Columbus, Ohio who specializes in SIBO and other functional gut disorders - Dr. William Salt at IBS Solutions (he accepts telehealth appointments). Of course, they don't accept insurance and it's pricy, but if you've reached the point of desperation I have then it's money well spent. Dr. Salt is a follower of Mark Pimentel who discovered SIBO in the early 2000's and is considered a prominent leader in this field.
Our first appointment was a real eye opener on this condition and how it relates to other comorbidities. Dr. Salt is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. He is most concerned with discovering the root cause of the issue to prevent relapse. After I completed some tests, he determined that I had post infectious SIBO/IBS+, a malfunctioning MMC, and liver bile insufficiency. I've now been prescribed a rigorous regimen of medications and supplements, which he says will put this issue to rest (happy to post in entirety here if anyone wants it). However, he was upfront in the fact that some people will deal with SIBO for the duration of their lives, and will need to take Rifaximin as a continuous preventative measure to keep the symptoms at bay. It's not happy news, but I appreciated his honesty.
Unfortunately, Dr. Salt expressed that the gastroenterology world makes its money on procedures and isn't going to catch up any time soon. He is part of a team who is now leading efforts to educate primary care practitioners on SIBO because they may actually be more effective at treating patients than gastroenterologists.
Anyways, I'm sharing this in hopes that it reaches someone who also hasn't had any success with traditional GI's. Dr. Salt might be "the guy" to finally help. Good luck and good healing to all of you! 💪
PS. I'm not a bot, and this isn't sponsored or encouraged or anything else, I'm just excited about finding a knowledgeable practitioner who can potentially help others.

My husband has only helped at night 1-2 times. Immediately after baby was born he basically passed out on the couch. The nurse had to shake him to get him up. The second night in the hospital he didn’t stay because he wanted to be fully rested to be able to drive us home safely.
-The first night he helped was literally the first night we brought baby home from hospital. I thought that we would work in shifts or at least be together supporting each other. First night was awful as I couldn’t get baby to eat I was panicked, crying, and hyperventilating. I go into the bedroom to wake him up and he comes into the nursery and just falls asleep on the bed. So I continue to try to feed the baby alone.
-Last night was the second night. Baby previously has been an amazing sleeper. Feed them, dry diaper, swaddle, and rock to sleep boom they’re out. However not the case last night. They wanted to be held the ENTIRE night. If you put them down they’d start crying. I was finally able to put them down in the bassinet and he starts snoring like a freight train. (For reference baby bassinet is next to our bed still) so I jerk the covers a bit to get him to shift or just stop snoring so it doesn’t wake baby up and so I can sleep…… Apparently by doing that the sheets whacked him in the face and he got mad and started yelling which woke the baby up. So I asked him to give baby a bottle so I could get sleep. He asked for help getting the swaddle off then got upset because the nursery lights were too dim and wanted more help all the while he was yelling at me being loud and there was no sleeping. He put baby down after feeding and swaddled them back up. Saying they’re asleep now. Which surprise surprise they were not because he has no idea how to be quiet ever. I get back up to take care of baby and just sleep when I can in the nursery.
-He is helpful during the day & is a loving husband and father. Seeing them together in the day makes my heart so happy and full. It is just like he turns into someone else at night. -I feel so alone and exhausted. He originally wanted me to pump so I he would have the ability to feed baby too. However that has become the #1 reason in his mind at least why he does not need to help me at night. “Well you have to get up anyways to pump”. I just want to cry. I have the ability to feed my baby and we are working on breastfeeding more so I can get some sanity back but because we started out with a bottle I don’t feel as though baby is getting enough when they are on the breast and I just give baby a bottle so I know they are eating.
-The other thing is I had 10 days of maternity leave and he has 3 months. We both mostly work from home and so he does rely on me a lot during the day for help. I just feel as though I am failing at everything. I am starting to have more thoughts that maybe things would be better if I wasn’t here.

Martin Luther King Jr

Early Life

• Birth: Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Education: He was an exceptionally bright student, skipping grades and enrolling at Morehouse College at the age of 15. He later attended Crozer Theological Seminary and earned a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Boston University.

Civil Rights Movement

• Montgomery Bus Boycott: King's leadership in the 1955-1956 Montgomery Bus Boycott brought him to national prominence. The boycott was a response to the arrest of Rosa Parks and aimed to end segregation on public buses.
• Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): In 1957, King helped found the SCLC, which coordinated civil rights activities across the South.

Philosophy of Nonviolence
King was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance. He believed that nonviolence was not only a tactic but a way of life and a means to achieve moral ends.
Landmark Speeches and Events

• "I Have a Dream": Delivered during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, this speech became one of the most iconic in American history, envisioning a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.
• Birmingham Campaign: In 1963, King was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, where he wrote his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail," defending civil disobedience against unjust laws.
• Selma to Montgomery Marches: These 1965 marches were crucial in the passage of the Voting Rights Act, highlighting the struggle for African American suffrage.

Nobel Peace Prize
In 1964, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.
Assassination and Legacy

• Assassination: King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, while supporting striking sanitation workers.
• Legacy: King's legacy is celebrated every year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday in the United States. His work continues to inspire movements for social justice and civil rights globally.

Publications
King authored several important works, including:

• "Stride Toward Freedom" (1958): A memoir of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
• "Why We Can't Wait" (1964): Discusses the civil rights struggle in Birmingham and the need for immediate action.
• "Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?" (1967): Reflects on the state of American race relations and the future of the civil rights movement.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to civil rights and his advocacy for nonviolence have left an indelible mark on history, making him one of the most revered leaders of the 20th century.
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