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Volcano breath test helps scientists predict deadly eruptions

Humanity has a long history of living in the shadows of active volcanoes. Prized for their rich, fertile soils – ideal for cultivating crops – and their local topography, it isn’t hard to see why living in active volcanic regions remains a worthwhile gamble. Volcanic eruptions, however, are notoriously difficult to predict but improving our diagnostic abilities is crucial for developing early warning procedures and evading disaster. External indicators such as earthquakes and deformation of the Earth’s crust are traditional methods of identifying an imminent eruption, however, not all eruptions give these early warning signs. But now a research team from the University of Tokyo has gained better insight into the relationship between changes in the magma composition and eruption, by studying the ratio of specific chemical isotopes in gas and steam emitted from fumaroles — holes and cracks in the earth’s surface. “When you compare a volcano with a human body, the conventional geophysical methods represented by observations of earthquakes and crustal deformation are similar to listening to the chest and taking body size measurements”, said Professor Hirochika Sumino from the Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology, who led the study. “In these cases, it is difficult to know what health problem causes some noise in your chest or a sudden increase in your weight, without a detailed medical check. On the other hand, analysing the chemical and isotope composition of elements in fumarolic gases is like a breath or blood test. This means we are looking at actual material directly derived from magma to know precisely what is going on with the magma.” Previous research on gas associated with an eruption from a volcano in the Canary Islands in 2011 showed an increase in the ratio of heavier helium isotopes which are typical of mantle material. “We knew that the helium isotope ratio occasionally changes from a low value, similar to the helium found in the Earth’s crust, to a high value, like that in the Earth’s mantle, when the activity of magma increases,” said Sumino. “But we didn’t know why we had more mantle-derived helium during magmatic unrest.” Sumino and team sought the answers in fumerole gas around Kusatsu-Shirane, an active volcano 150 km northwest of Tokyo. Taking samples of the gas back to the lab every few months between 2014 and 2021, the researchers were able to ascertain precise measurements of the isotopic components, discovering a relationship between the ratio of argon-40 to helium-3 ( a ‘high value’ isotope of helium) and magmatic unrest. “Using computer models, we revealed that the ratio reflects how much the magma underground is foaming, making bubbles of volcanic gases which separate from the liquid magma,” explained Sumino. The extent to which the magma is foaming “controls how much magmatic gas is provided to the hydrothermal system beneath a volcano and how buoyant the magma is. The former is related to a risk of phreatic eruption, in which an increase in water pressure in the hydrothermal system causes the eruption. The latter would increase the rate of magma ascent, resulting in a magmatic eruption.” The research collaboration is now developing a portable type of mass spectrometer which could be used in the field for real time analysis, reducing the need to constantly collect and transport samples back to the lab – a challenging a time-consuming process. “Our next step is to establish a noble gas analysis protocol with this new instrument, to make it a reality that all active volcanoes — at least those which have the potential to cause disaster to local residents — are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Sumino. This article originally appeared on cosmosmagazine.com and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/volcano-breath-test-predict-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clare Kenyon</a>. Image: Getty

Travel Trouble

Real reason boy struggled to breathe for over half his life

A young boy who from the age of two began to struggle with his breathing must now undergo major surgery after being misdiagnosed by doctors. Marley was just two years old and had a lingering cough, which his parents didn’t think much of until a few years later when it got considerably worse. The young boy was eventually diagnosed with asthma, the treatment for which was expected to help him breathe. Unfortunately, Marley’s condition kept getting worse and his father Jay Enjakovic wanted to get to the bottom of it. Mr Enjakovic explained that his son was playing football and basketball and his health “went downhill pretty quick”. “He couldn’t run out his games, coughing a lot more, bringing a lot of food up, bringing water up every time he ate,” the worried father said on The Today Show. Then, together with his wife Skye, the pair were determined to find out what was wrong with their son, who was struggling for more than half his life. The now eight-year-old was in and out of hospitals when his condition turned critical in December 2021. X-rays of Marley’s oesophagus and trachea were done and it was there the family were shocked to be told that their son possibly had tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheoesophageal fistula is when the oesophagus is connected to the trachea which makes food, drink and saliva enter from the trachea. Doctors were ready to do a surgery on Marley but were unable to due to the inflammation. They then decided to do another X-ray, which is when they were even MORE shocked to see that something was in fact lodged in the young boy’s throat. “A few hours later I received a phone call to meet his surgeon at recovery where they pulled a piece of plastic, an arts and craft plastic flower, from his airway,” Ms Enjakovic said. “I honestly couldn’t believe it! This was the whole cause of everything! I was relieved I finally had an answer. “We are unsure how long this price of plastic was lodged in his airway, but my guess is at least five years as that’s when we started noticing small issues, which became worse over time.” The flower has since been removed and Marley is due to undergo further surgery to help repair the airway and oesophagus. Images: The Today Show

Body

‘Breathing’ mountains could help us understand earthquake risks

As the Earth’s surface shifts over time, oceans have opened and closed while new mountains climb towards the sky. But mountains can also sink back to Earth, usually due to stress caused by the same collisions of tectonic plates that triggers earthquakes. These events happen in cycles, and you could imagine it like the chest of a rocky giant breathing unevenly, explains Luca Dal Zilio, a geophysicist at the California Institute of Technology. The best example of this phenomenon? The 2,200 kilometres of peaks that make up the Himalaya. By understanding the complex forces driving this cycle, the local risk of earthquakes that threaten millions of people living nearby can be more well-understood. Since similar geological ‘breaths’ have been documented worldwide, the review Dal Zilio and colleagues recently <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-021-00143-1">published in Nature Reviews</a> could be the key to understanding the processes behind many of Earth’s mountain ranges - and the risks they might pose. Compiling more than 200 studies of Himalayan geology, the paper looks to lay out the intricate mechanisms behind this ‘breathing’. The lengthy expanse and geologic complexity of the Himalaya make it a terrific natural laboratory, says study co-author Judith Hubbard, a structural geologist at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Inhaling and exhaling over time The Himalaya formed from a tectonic pileup about 50 million years ago, when the Indian continental plate crashed into the Eurasian plate. To this day, India continues moving northward by almost two inches every year. However, the land doesn’t slide under Eurasia, instead causing the Eurasian plate to bulge and bunch and drive the mountains slightly higher in a long inhale. Eventually, this pressure will hit a breaking point, where the land masses will shift in an earthquake in a geologic exhale, or cough. A deadly example of this exhalation came in 2015, when a 7.8-magniture earthquake caused a part of the Himalaya to sink by almost 600 centimetres. Different parts of a mountain range can exhale at different intensities. While some cough violently, others might experience a series of hiccoughs. They might not exhale the exact same way each time either. “Even the same patch can have different behaviours at different times,” says Rebecca Bendick, a geophysicist at the University of Montana. “And pretty much nobody has the foggiest clue why.” Putting the pieces together To understand how this process works, scientists have to piece together mountain-building processes that happen on varying scales of time - from slow moving tectonic plates to near-instantaneous shifts of earthquakes. Since these phenomena are measured differently, looking at the shape of the fracture between the two plates can help scientists bridge the gap. In the Himalaya, the fault spanning 2200 kilometres has several kinks and bends remaining from the original collision that formed the range. These features have continued to slowly evolve and can influence how an earthquake progresses today. In the recent review, Hubbard found a paper suggesting that structures surrounding the fault - such as bends beneath the surface - limited the magnitude of the 2015 quake. Dal Zilio says that other structures that might be present across the rest of the range could similarly limit how far a quake might spread. “The ultimate goal is to know what kinds of earthquakes we can expect and what kinds of damage they will produce,” Hubbard says. “If we’re trying to learn about that exhale or cough process but the earth isn’t exhaling or coughing, it’s really hard to learn about it.” To fill in the gaps, some researchers are looking at the scars left from past earthquakes. But there are many challenges that present major obstacles, especially when the terrain is too difficult to measure using current technology. Shifting forward As the cycle of inhalation and exhalation continues, the system will also change and make understanding it even more difficult. Some of the accumulated stress from every inhale will permanently deform the rock, even after the next exhale, as the release of all of the stress would mean that no mountain would still be standing, Hubbard notes. As India continues to inch closer under Eurasia, other landscape features will also change. Bendick says, “at some point, Nepal will cease to exist”, as the Indian plate’s movement over the next tens of thousands of years will cause the southern border to move ever northward and slowly squeeze Nepal. “At that very long time scale, nothing is fixed,” she says. “‘Set in stone’ is not the right phrase.”

International Travel

"She's not breathing": Family dog kills baby on New Year's Eve

A baby has passed away after it was reported the family dog was lying on top of her. Four-month-old Raelynn Larrison was found dead with the animal lying on her on New Year's Eve in the US. Police revealed that emergency dispatchers were contacted by a man at around 7 pm on Thursday in Montgomery County, Ohio. Dayton Daily News reported that he woke up to find the animal on top of the baby, who was not breathing and unconscious. “She’s not breathing. My baby ain’t breathing,” a man told the dispatcher, according to the outlet. Raelynn was quickly rushed to the local children's hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police are currently investigating the cause of death with an autopsy to take place. A <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/raelynns-fuberal" target="_blank">GoFundMe page</a> has been established in the wake of the child’s death to raise money for her funeral.

Family & Pets

The surprising step you've been missing from your oral care routine

Three quarters of Australian adults were warned against chewing gum as a child. But this Dental Health Week (3-9 August 2020), Australian dentists are saying quite the opposite. According to new YouGov data on the chewing habits of Australians, almost a third of Australian adults were told as children that chewing gum was rude, and nearly a quarter were told it was bad for your teeth. But leading dentists say sugarfree gum actually plays a key role in looking after your dental health. In the midst of a global pandemic it would be no surprise some of us are hesitant to keep up regular dental checks. In fact, the ADA's Oral Health Tracker found that just under half (48.8%) of adults surveyed had visited a dentist for a check-up in the last 12 months - a number that is anticipated to get worse as Australians avoid the dentist due to fears of proximity to others, job losses result in people spending less on their health and people are stuck at home eating sugary foods more regularly. Sydney dentist Dr Jalal Khan says there are some simple ways all Australians keep up their oral health even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Khan says more Aussies should consider chewing sugarfree gum after eating or drinking when brushing isn’t possible, because it helps to neutralise plaque acid and maintain tooth enamel. “Oral hygiene and looking after our teeth isn’t something we should do just once or twice a day, in the morning and night, because we eat and snack so frequently throughout the day,” Dr Khan said. “Chewing sugarfree gum helps to fill the gaps between brushing and flossing creating a healthy environment for our teeth.” A recent scientific literature review by King’s College found chewing sugarfree gum could help reduce the incidence and growth of dental caries by up to 28 per cent. Despite being preventable, tooth decay is one of Australia’s most common oral health problems and is on the rise among Australian adults and children. Maintaining good oral health is fundamental to overall health, reduces risk of chronic diseases and improves mental wellbeing. This week, Dr Jalal Khan drilled down into new YouGov research on Australia’s chewing habits to bust some long-held myths about chewing gum: <ul> <li>Bad manners or healthy habit? - The main reason Aussies don’t chew gum is because they think it’s rude (29% of adults). </li> </ul> Dr Khan: “The fact is chewing sugar-free gum is a healthy habit that helps look after your teeth. The act of chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which clears food particles, and protects the teeth by neutralising any acidity in your meal. Only 17% of Aussie adults chew gum after eating and drinking to look after their teeth.” <ul> <li>Not all gums are equal - A quarter (25%) of Australian adults avoid chewing gum because they believe it contains sugar.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “Most gum (93%) on the market is sugarfree and endorsed by national dental bodies. I recommend looking for gum that displays the Australian Dental Association or FDI World Dental Federation logos on the back of pack.” <ul> <li>Is there a right (or wrong) time to chew? - While 17% of adults chew before eating to prevent snacking or over-eating, dentists say chewing after a meal has more benefits. </li> </ul> Dr Khan: “If you are on the go, it’s best to chew gum after you’ve finished a meal to stimulate saliva flow, which clears food particles and protects the teeth by neutralising any acidity in your meal. It’s important to chew for at least 20 minutes as this has been shown to help maintain the enamel on your teeth.” <ul> <li>What happens if you swallow gum? As children, over half of us (55% of Australian adults) were told that if you swallow gum it stays in your stomach.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “It’s an old wives’ tale that’s been passed down by each generation. The truth is if you swallow gum it will NOT stay in your stomach. Although chewing gum is not designed to be swallowed, it simply passes through your body’s digestive system after a few days.” <ul> <li>Brushing and flossing isn’t enough to maintain fresh breath - Almost three quarters (74%) of people that chew gum, do it to freshen their breath.</li> </ul> Dr Khan: “Brushing, flossing and chewing gum all help to keep your breath fresh but so does your diet. I’m not just talking about avoiding garlic. Our mouth is the front end of our gut and it’s lined with bacteria. The mix of the bacteria in your mouth and gut can directly influence the smell of your breath.” To keep your teeth healthy, Dr Khan recommends five simple steps: <ol> <li>Get regular check-ups from your <a href="https://www.ada.org.au/Find-a-Dentist">dentist</a> (once every six months is generally recommended)</li> <li>Brush twice a day</li> <li>Floss daily</li> <li>Eat a healthy, balanced diet </li> <li>Chew sugarfree gum after eating or drinking and when on-the-go </li> </ol> Issued on behalf of the Extra Oral Healthcare Program Dr Jalal Khan is a Sydney-based dentist and a member of the NSW Australian Dental Association. Dr Khan has a North Sydney dental clinic and runs a mobile dental truck to provide dental services to regional communities in need.

Body

“I just can’t breathe”: Smoke chokes tennis stars as they slam decision to play Australian Open qualifiers

The tennis world has slammed Australian Open organisers after they chose to proceed with qualifying matches on Tuesday despite Melbourne being covered in hazardous smoke. Due to poor air quality because of bushfires, qualifying matches were forced to be delayed yesterday morning but were later on given the green light to go ahead. But the dangerous conditions affected the players, who came together to condemn the decision to let play unfold. Aussie Bernard Tomic lost in the first round of qualifying for the year’s first grand slam, which begins on Monday, and required medical attention as he struggled to breathe. The former world No. 17 was defeated by American Denis Kudla in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 at Melbourne Park where he slowly lost control after a promising start. Tomic asked to see a doctor at 1-2 in the second set, and said he was having difficulty breathing. The doctor gave him an inhaler and checked his chest with a stethoscope, before allowing him to resume. “I just can’t breathe,” he said. He wasn’t the only one who had difficulty, as Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic fell to the ground on court due to a coughing fit. She was forced to retire from the match which had gone for close to two hours. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Davila Jakupovic retires after suffering a horrendous coughing fit and breathing difficulties in the heavy, polluted air in Melbourne. Awful scenes <a href="https://t.co/EPQUlf9DpF">pic.twitter.com/EPQUlf9DpF</a> — Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/simonrbriggs/status/1216926145507033093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 January 2020</a></blockquote> Jakupovic criticised Australian Open officials, saying the conditions weren’t safe for matches to go ahead. She told CNN players were “p***ed and disappointed because we thought they would take better care of us”. “I think it was not fair because it’s not healthy for us,” she told reporters. “I was surprised. I thought we would not be playing today but we really don’t have much choice. “If they don’t put us on the court, maybe we get fined – I don’t know. “It would be maybe better to see if tomorrow is better. They still have time. “It was really bad. I never experienced something like this and I was really scared. I was scared that I would collapse. That’s why I went on the floor. Because I couldn’t walk anymore. When I was on the ground it was easier to get some air.” The Slovenian then made an appearance on Channel 9’s Today show and further reinstated that she had never faced conditions like that before. “I have no asthma or breathing problems. I never experienced something like this,” she said. “I mean, it was really scary. I couldn’t breathe. “I didn’t know what to do … I was really scared, I have to say. “I understand no one from us had these kind of conditions before. We’re used to pollution, like we play in China and play in more polluted countries. Smoke is something different. For sure we’re not used to it. “Citizens and everyone were advised to stay inside. We didn’t expect we’d be playing yesterday. “It was a bit shocking.”

Travel Trouble

Walking nightmare: Invasive fish that moves and breathes on land

US wildlife officials have warned the public to kill an invasive fish species that can survive on land upon contact. The warning came after an angler caught the northern snakehead fish this month in a pond in Gwinnett County, the first time the species was found in Georgia waters. “Thanks to the quick report by an angler, our staff was able to investigate and confirm the presence of this species in this water body,” said Matt Thomas, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division. “We are now taking steps to determine if they have spread from this water body and, hopefully, keep it from spreading to other Georgia waters.” Snakeheads are native to Asia. They are long, thin, have a dark brown blotchy appearance and can grow up to a metre in length. They can also breathe air and survive and move on land for <a href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/snakehead-fish-survive-on-land/">a few days</a>. The fish is considered invasive in the state as it affects native species by competing for food and habitat. Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources urged fishers and anglers who catch snakeheads in the area to kill it immediately, take pictures of the fish and make note of the location they were caught in, such as the waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates.

Travel Trouble

How to breathe better

Buteyko breathing dates back to the 1950’s when Konstantin Buteyko, a Russian doctor, developed a breathing technique that helped a variety of health conditions. The premise of the technique is that many conditions are the result of ‘over breathing’. So, how do you know if you are over breathing? If you regularly experience any of the following symptoms, you are over breathing: <ul> <li>Breathing through the mouth</li> <li>Sigh regularly</li> <li>Snoring</li> <li>Wheezing</li> <li>Coughing</li> <li>Yawning</li> <li>Sniffing</li> <li>Holding of breath (apnoea) during day, or sleep apnoea</li> <li>Taking large breaths prior to talking</li> <li>Heavy breathing at night</li> <li>Tight shoulders and neck muscles</li> </ul> Completely at odds to the popular view that taking big deep breaths of air is ‘good’ breathing, the Buteyko way is to minimise intake, reducing and calming the breath towards normal. Not so different to ancient yogic pranayama or Hatha yoga breathing whereby man could breathe one breath per minute for the duration of one hour. Buteyko believed that we need to increase carbon dioxide levels in the body. Carbon dioxide is often thought of as a ‘waste’ gas, but carbon dioxide is vital to life. While it is true that we breathe to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, it is also important that we retain a quotient of this gas. Depending on our genetic predisposition, the habit of breathing too much causes a reduced concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, resulting in narrowing of the airways and blood vessels. Conversely, a slight rise in carbon dioxide towards normal has several beneficial effects in the body including; relaxing smooth muscle, increasing oxygenation, switching on the relaxing nervous system, and increasing the body’s production of nitric oxide. Smooth move Smooth muscle surrounds and lines all hollow structures in the body, including the airways, blood vessels, bowel, bladder and uterus. A slight increase in carbon dioxide serves to relax smooth muscle. In the case of smooth muscle lining the blood vessels, this will dilate or widen the arteries, improving circulation and helping lower blood pressure, and the effect on the blood vessels in the head will reduce the incidence of headaches. For the respiratory system, relaxation of the bronchi and smaller airways, bronchioles, will improve airflow and markedly reduce airway spasms associated with asthma. In the case of the bowel wall, relaxed smooth muscle means relief from symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and reflux. A study on people with asthma, reported in the Medical Journal of Australia showed that after three months people practising the Buteyko technique had decreased their requirement for reliever medication by 90 per cent and the use of inhaled corticosteroids by 49 per cent. Buteyko breathing can have remarkable effects on a variety of conditions as well as helping to prevent a host of others. Oxygen increase It seems counterintuitive that higher carbon dioxide levels will increase oxygenation in the body. Yet it’s true. In fact, the Danish professor of physiology Christian Bohr sussed out how this works in 1904, and the Bohr effect has been named in his honour. As air is inhaled into the lungs, oxygen crosses over the alveolar membrane. Oxygen travels around by ‘sticking’ to haemoglobin molecules, themselves attached to red blood cells. An increase in carbon dioxide ‘tells’ haemoglobin to let go of the oxygen molecules, encouraging the precious oxygen cargo to be delivered to the organs and tissues where it is most needed. The Bohr effect proves that a slight increase in carbon dioxide levels increase oxygenation throughout the body, oxygen needed for muscles to work, energy to be produced, and the brain to function at optimum efficiency. Rest and relax The Autonomic nervous system is comprised of two parts, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) fuelled by adrenaline and known as the ‘fight and flight’ response, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), which has the opposite effect and has been coined the ‘rest and digest’ response. Most people today have an overabundance of ‘fight and fight’ hormone due to the many stresses of modern life. Increasing carbon dioxide levels helps to dampen down the SNS response and switches on the PNS. Which makes Buteyko breathing perfect for anyone who feels stressed and anxious. In the ‘old days’ a person experiencing a panic attack was advised to breathe into a paper bag. What did this do? Increase carbon dioxide levels, switch on the PNS, and switch off the SNS. Breathing boot camp All breathing exercises taught in Buteyko Breathing have one goal - to decrease breathing volume towards normal, thereby increasing carbon dioxide levels towards normal. As seen previously, reduced breathing volume does not decrease oxygen levels; in fact, it’s the reverse. Individuals who breathe heavily, with noticeable breathing during rest, or who mouth breathe or sigh regularly are usually more tired, stressed and are not as healthy as their nasal and quiet breathing peers. The best results are by enrolling in a course. Find our more here. However, following are two simple suggestions that will help restore better breathing habits and reduce symptoms of over breathing. Always breath through your nose You were given a nose for a very good reason. To breathe. Mouth breathing is the biggest cause of over breathing and is also unattractive. Written by Mim Biem. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/wellbeing/breathing-for-better-health.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Caring

Say goodbye to bad breath

If you suffer from bad breath, there are simple things you can do in addition to regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Don’t forget to brush the top of your tongue with your toothbrush, too, to get rid of food particles and bacteria. 1. Drink plenty of water Coffee, beer, wine and whisky leave residues that infiltrate the digestive system, so that for some time afterwards each breath expels traces of them. 2. Cloves, fennel and anise seeds These are effective breath fresheners. Mix together a small amount of each and carry a small bag of them so you can chew some after meals – if you don’t mind the rather strong taste. 3. Avoid highly spiced foods Foods such as garlic, onions, chillies, salami, strong cheeses and smoked foods recirculate through essential oils left in your mouth. 4. Chew a few sprigs of Mint or parsley The chlorophyll in these green plants neutralises odours. 5. Try gargling lavender Lavender is an effective mouth-freshener. Put a few drops of lavender essential oil in warm water and gargle. 6. Try a sea salt rinse Rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water after flossing. Salt’s mild antiseptic properties help to get rid of bacteria that cause bad breath. 7. Brush with tea-tree oil Use a toothpaste that contains tea-tree oil, a natural disinfectant. If you can’t find it in the pharmacy, look for it in health-food shops. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/tips/Say-Goodbye-to-Bad-Breath">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">Here’s our subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Caring

“I can’t breathe”: Serena Williams forced to retire after terrifying health scare

Serena Williams has been forced to retire from her third-round match at Indian Wells Masters after a frightening health scare that left her with “extreme dizziness". The 23-time Grand Slam Champion won the first three games of her highly anticipated clash with Garbine Muguruza in the California desert. She took the court for the second set, but soon complained of feeling ill as the match continued. She lost the next six games and decided to call it a day when she was trailing 3-6 0-1. Tournament organisers took to Twitter to explain the 37-year-old was suffering from a “viral illness". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Feel better soon! Serena Williams' third round retirement was due to viral illness.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a> <a href="https://t.co/mpBNT0snHu">pic.twitter.com/mpBNT0snHu</a> — BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1104886929403785216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote> “I’ve never seen her like that,” one commentator said. “It’s so, so rare that she ever retires from a tennis match.” The tournament was the sixth time Williams and Muguruza came face-to-face on court. The last two clashes were grand slam finals which saw Williams winning at Wimbledon in 2015 and Muguruza taking home the 2016 French Open crown. "We've played many times and it's always super-tough, super-exciting," said Muguruza, who is a former world number one like Williams. "I wish I'm going to see her soon and [she's] feeling better." Williams explained in a statement, “Before the match, I did not feel great, and then it just got worse with every second; extreme dizziness and extreme fatigue. “By the score, it might have looked like I started well, but I was not feeling at all well physically. “I will focus on getting better and start preparing for Miami.”

Body

5 things you didn’t know could cause bad breath

If you’re worried that you have bad breath, or you’ve had the awkward chat where a friend informs you of the fact, it’s fairly mortifying. Nobody wants to be the person that people avoid chatting to, or worse, avoid altogether. Bad breath should not be ignored, and in fact can be a sign of (curable) disease. So be sure to visit the doctor or dentist if you have concerns that any of these factors could be causing your bad breath. 1. You might need to see the dentist Naturally it is expected that you are brushing and flossing regularly, but you still need regular teeth cleaning at the dentist too. They use tools that can between the teeth, where food particles and plaque can hide. These can cause bad breath and you might just find that a simple clean is all you needed to get rid of it. The dentist can also double check that you don’t have any infections or gum disease that could also cause breath issues. 2. You could have tonsillitis Bad breath is often a sign that something is wrong in your mouth or throat – quite often it’s tonsillitis. A quick visit to the doctor will tell you if this is the problem, and you’ll most likely have a sore throat to go with it. This can also occur when you are just recovering from illness. 3. You suffer from dry mouth There are lots of causes of dry mouth, specifically conditions like sleep apnoea or being overweight, and different types of medication. The dryness is caused by a lack of saliva, which is needed to wash away dead cells in the mouth and food particles, which can cause bad breath. 4. You might be eating too much sugar Too much sugar can cause the bacteria in our mouth to grow and multiply. Try to reduce how much sugar you eat as part of a healthy diet anyway, but if you absolutely need some soft drink or gum, ensure it is sugar free. 5. You could be drinking too much alcohol Bad breath can also be a sign of damage to the stomach and digestive system, mouth or oesophagus, which is a common concern for people that drink to excess. Alcohol affects the body in many ways, and if your consumption is causing health issues it is worth addressing sooner rather than later. Have you ever had bad breath for one of these reasons? Did it go away when you treated the cause?

Beauty & Style

"Dead" baby found breathing on way to funeral

Two new parents have been on an emotional roller coaster after they were told both their newborn twins had died – only to discover one of them in fact survived. The boy was pronounced dead mere hours after his stillborn twin sister in New Delhi, India on November 30. Incredibly, while on their way to the crematorium, the parents noticed “some movement” inside one of the bags containing their babies’ bodies. “When we opened the bag, we found the boy breathing,” the baby’s grandfather, Praveen Malik, told <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/02/asia/india-newborn-declared-dead/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>. “I was shocked. I couldn’t believe my eyes.” They rushed the newborn to the closest hospital where they were told their son was still alive. Doctors at Max Hospital, which delivered the twins, claimed in a statement that the child was “handed over without any sign of life” to the parents. As a result of the devastating mix-up, however, the hospital has fired two doctors involved – though they say this is not to be interpreted as an admission of guilt. “We wish to clarify that this action should not presuppose finding of any lapse by the expert group and should not be construed in any way to be anything other than an expression of our continued commitment to providing quality healthcare.” The baby boy is reportedly in a critical condition and receiving treatment at the Delhi New Born Centre. “He is on ventilator support, nutrition support and other supports,” the centre’s Dr Sandeep Gupta said. “We are managing to maintain his vitals at the moment but the condition is very serious.” The family remains uncertain as to whether or not their boy will survive, but say they will not be taking him back to Max Hospital for treatment. “We don’t want to keep our baby at Max Hospital," Malik said. “We don’t trust the doctors there. They betrayed us.”

Family & Pets

Western Australia’s Lake Hillier will take your breath away

Western Australia is known for its pink lakes and Lake Hillier, with its vibrant bubblegum-coloured waters, is one of the most spectacular. The lake is around 600 metres long and is fringed by a narrow strip of sand leading onto thick forest of eucalypts and paperbark trees. This is then separated by a row of sand dunes from the and deep blue waters of the Southern Ocean, making for a remarkable contrast. Why is it pink? Strangely enough, no one really knows why the water is this eye-catching colour. It could be the combination of high salinity and a specific species of algae, which creates a similar effect in other lakes around the world. However, Lake Hillier behaves differently – the water doesn’t change colour with temperature fluctuations and even retains its pink hue when bottled. Where is it? Lake Hillier is on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago off the southern coast of Western Australia. There are 105 islands sitting around 50 kilometres offshore and stretching 230 kilometres from the town of Esperance to Israelite Bay. Middle Island is the largest in the Recherche Archipelago, covering almost 11 square kilometres. Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/idkwZ-t1DVI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Can I visit it? Yes! You can join a tour from the town of Esperance, which will involve a short cruise out to Middle Island and then a walk around the lake. There are special walkways built along the shore so that you don’t damage the fragile ecosystem. Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the lake as it is used only for scientific research. For the best views of the lake, and to fully appreciate the contrasting colours of the surroundings, you’ll need to see it from the air on a scenic flight. Have you ever been to Lake Hillier?

International Travel

How to test your lung capacity

If you were caught in a situation where you found yourself in a cold river, or lake, would you be able to hold your breath long enough to survive? Last year, the city of London started a campaign called “Respect the water,” which included this realistic, point of view video, of someone in some serious danger. Take “The Breathe Test” to experience the unpredictable effects of cold water shock. Not only does it test your lung capacity in a unique way, it really makes you appreciate the importance of exercising caution around large bodies of water. How did you go in the test? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/health/body/2016/09/spring-exercise-tips-for-asthmatics/">5 spring exercise tips for asthmatics</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/09/how-cycling-reduces-your-risk-of-osteoporosis/">How cycling reduces your risk of osteoporosis</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/09/simple-ways-to-boost-your-immune-system/">7 simple ways to boost your immune system</a>

Body

10 pedestrian bridges that will take your breath away

Pedestrian bridges are often the highlight of a visit to a new city, allowing you to experience the area from an incredible perspective and take memorable phots. From Venice’s Bridge of Sighs to Newcastle’s Gateshead Millennium Bridge, here are 10 incredible pedestrian bridges you will never forget walking over. A walk over any of these bridges is one to remember. To see the bridges, scroll through the gallery above. <ol> <li>Saint Benezet Bridge – Avignon, France</li> <li>Mur Island – Graz, Austria</li> <li>Bridge of Sighs – Venice, Italy</li> <li>Capilano Suspension Bridge – Vancouver, Canada</li> <li>Gateshead Millennium Bridge – Newcastle, UK</li> <li>Stone Bridge – Regensburg, Germany</li> <li>Chapel Bridge – Lucerne, Switzerland</li> <li>Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge – Ballycastle, Northern Ireland</li> <li>Si Oh She Bridge – Isfahan, Iran</li> <li>Charles Bridge – Prague, Czech Republic</li> </ol> Have you visited any of the incredible bridges we featuring in the gallery above? If so, how did you find the experience? Let us know in the comments. Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/06/14-of-the-most-hilarious-english-translation-errors/">14 of the most hilarious English translation errors</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/06/17-year-olds-invention-will-stop-spread-of-germs-on-planes/">17-year-old’s invention will stop spread of germs on planes</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/06/13-landmarks-where-selfies-are-banned/">13 landmarks where selfies are banned</a>

International Travel

The unexpected benefits of deep breathing

Jean Hall is one of the UK's most inspiring yoga teachers with a mass of experience through years of yoga practice, travel, body work training and spiritual disciplines. Breath is life. It is its very essence – the heart and soul of who we are and it is our constant companion throughout our lifetime. When we are born into this world, the first thing we do is inhale and this signifies the beginning of it all. Yet, despite the breath being the source of life, most of the time we don't give a second thought to how we breathe and the impact that this has on the way we live. This original blueprint, often referred to as diaphragmatic breathing, is the breath at its natural best: full, deep, generous and spacious. Within each in breath there is the opportunity to open, expand and grow and with each out breath we have the potential to release, let go and yield. Sleeping babes set us the finest example of how to breathe, their soft, relaxed belly's gently and rhythmically rising and falling with each in and out breath, respectively. They do this naturally, with no effort. This is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons we can learn: to let the breath flow naturally, effortlessly and freely. When they awaken and start moving, their breathing pattern alters to adapt to their new endeavours. Their breathing usually quickens and sharpens a little as their concentration heightens and their body becomes more active and alert. As they tire, their breathing begins to slow down, helping them to relax and prepare them for rest and sleep, returning the breath to its fullest depth and ease of the original blueprint. This natural responsiveness of the breath, which adapts its pace, rhythm, volume and depth, supports us through each new and unique situations we find ourselves in and reflects what we are experiencing. If we feel relaxed, our breathing relaxes; if we're feeling tight and tense, that's how we will be breathing. “There is one way of breathing that is shameful and constricted. Then there is another way: a breath of love that takes you all the way to infinity.” - Rumi The benefits of breathing well: <ul> <li>The body relaxes and begins to release tension, allowing for greater absorption of oxygen into every cell.</li> <li>Oxygen increases within the body, which creates, energy and improves the functionality of all the bodily systems, in particular the circulatory immune muscular: endocrine, digestive, nervous and cardiovascular systems.</li> <li>The nervous system is balanced by the stimulation of' the parasympathetic branch. This branch is often referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ system. It helps to calm and slow the heart rate, conserving energy and enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal and recuperate. The parasympathetic systems also improves gastrointestinal activity and this aids healthy digestion, helping to prevent bloating, blockages and other digestive problems.</li> <li>The heart rate lowers, the muscular system releases tensions and the blood vessels are able to dilate, allowing for improved circulations and lowering the body’s blood pressure.</li> <li>Oxygen levels flowing to the brain increase, heightening mental clarity, concentration, stamina and promoting fuller awareness and mindfulness. With increased mindfulness, we are able to notice patterns of tension and behavior that do not serve us well. These can then be addressed and changed to enhance the relationship we have with ourselves and others.</li> <li>The mind can calm and become focused, helping to steady and balance and movement so to avoid injury.</li> <li>Pent-up emotion and tension can release. Next time you’re feeling cross, try inhaling and exhaling fully, deeply and slowly several times. You may still feel cross but there will be a little more head space for your mind to calm, the rage to ease and a new perspective to appear. This can also impact on our relationships, helping to cultivate more patience and understanding.</li> <li>Stress hormones are lowered, in particular adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones are known to suppress the immune system. Through calm, easy breathing the immune system is fortified, which in turn can greatly assist healing and recovery from illness.</li> <li>The mind is harnessed so that we may be more able to do watch our thoughts rather than getting caught up in them. This can help us understand that there is always a different side or perspective. With practice and through awareness, we can develop the ability to guide our thoughts to help self-soothe and heal. This is the foundation of many traditional spiritual practices, which use the body and the breath as the pathway to healing and transformation, helping to develop inner seeing, deeper listening, clearer sensing and greater understanding.</li> </ul> How to breathe deeply and fully: <ol> <li>Lie comfortably on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor and your hands resting on your belly. Feel the shape and form of your body and let it melt into the ground. Let your thinking mind soften so that you notice your breathing</li> <li>Inhale deeply and fully through your nose and then exhale through your nose with a soft sigh. Repeat this a couple more times.</li> <li>Now let your natural breathing begin to ease and relax into its own rhythm. Listen and settle into the quietness and simplicity of your breath.</li> <li>Notice how your breath fills your body as you inhale and gently empties as you exhale, like a wave rising and falling. The lungs expand as you breathe in, causing the belly, ribs and chest to rise and when you exhale the lungs soften and deflate, causing the chest, ribs and belly to recede and sink.</li> </ol> This is an edited extract from Breathe by Jean Hall published by Quadrille RRP14.99 and is available in stores nationally. Related links: <a href="/health/mind/2016/06/5-steps-to-help-you-speak-your-mind/">5 steps to help you speak your mind</a> <a href="/health/mind/2016/05/how-to-beat-self-doubt/">How self-doubt holds you back</a> <a href="/health/mind/2016/05/self-care-essentials-to-enrich-your-life/">Self care essentials to enrich your life</a>

Mind

60-year-old’s hip hop routine will take your breath away

If you ever needed further proof that age is a state of mind, you need look no further than the Shirley Clements who recently appeared on the Ellen Show. Shirley has been teaching dance in schools for 25 years and has developed a reputation for her energetic routines and her endearing, enthusiastic attitude. In this video she briefly talks to talk show host Ellen DeGeneres before performing her favourite routine with her dance class to the popular Bruno Mars song Uptown Funk. Her moves are so good, and the routine is wonderfully choreographed. Make sure you watch this one the whole way through. The finish will take your breath away! Video credit: YouTube / The Ellen Show Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/04/cat-meets-dogs-at-dog-show/" target="_blank">Watch this friendly cat meet 50 dogs at a dog show</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/04/prince-george-president-barack-obama-photos/" target="_blank">The story behind Prince George’s presidential photos</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/04/lifeguard-helps-wheelchair-bound-veteran-surf/" target="_blank">Lifeguard helps make wheelchair-bound army vet's dream come true</a>

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Western Australia’s Lake Hillier will take your breath away

How to test your lung capacity

10 pedestrian bridges that will take your breath away

The unexpected benefits of deep breathing

60-year-old’s hip hop routine will take your breath away

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Volcano breath test helps scientists predict deadly eruptions

Real reason boy struggled to breathe for over half his life

‘Breathing’ mountains could help us understand earthquake risks

"She's not breathing": Family dog kills baby on New Year's Eve

The surprising step you've been missing from your oral care routine

“I just can’t breathe”: Smoke chokes tennis stars as they slam decision to play Australian Open qualifiers

Walking nightmare: Invasive fish that moves and breathes on land

How to breathe better

Say goodbye to bad breath

“I can’t breathe”: Serena Williams forced to retire after terrifying health scare

5 things you didn’t know could cause bad breath

"Dead" baby found breathing on way to funeral

Western Australia’s Lake Hillier will take your breath away

How to test your lung capacity

10 pedestrian bridges that will take your breath away

The unexpected benefits of deep breathing

60-year-old’s hip hop routine will take your breath away

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