Software
Bluesky Introduces Custom Vertical Video Feeds Amid Social Media Turmoil
2025-01-20

In a rapidly evolving social media landscape, Bluesky has announced the introduction of a custom feed for vertical videos within its platform. This development comes at a time when TikTok and other ByteDance applications are experiencing disruptions, leading to increased user interest in alternative platforms. Bluesky's new feature allows users to explore trending videos through an intuitive swipe-up interface, offering a customizable experience that can be pinned to the home screen or added to existing feeds. The company emphasized the importance of customization, inviting users to personalize their video experience. Meanwhile, other platforms like X and Meta are also capitalizing on this shift by launching their own video-centric features.

A New Chapter for Bluesky: Embracing Vertical Video Content

In the midst of autumn's vibrant hues, Bluesky unveiled a significant update to its mobile application. On a Sunday, the platform introduced a dedicated section for vertical video content, accessible via the "Explore" tab. Users can now effortlessly browse trending videos by simply swiping up, much like they would on popular short-form video apps. What sets Bluesky apart is its commitment to user customization—individuals have the option to pin this feed to their homepage or integrate it into their preferred list of feeds.

The announcement came with a warm invitation from Bluesky, encouraging users to tailor their experience according to personal preferences. For those who haven't seen the new video feed yet, the company suggested restarting the app to ensure seamless access. Additionally, Bluesky acknowledged the efforts of developers working on TikTok alternatives built on AT Protocol, such as Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, and Bluescreen.Blue. These projects are still in early stages, primarily undergoing closed testing programs.

While ByteDance's suite of apps, including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, face various challenges, Bluesky experienced a surge in user growth, surpassing 28 million accounts over the weekend. This growth reflects a broader trend as other social networks, like Elon Musk's X and Meta, introduce competing features to attract users seeking alternatives.

From a journalist's perspective, Bluesky's move underscores the growing importance of adaptability and user-centric design in the social media space. As platforms continue to evolve, the ability to offer personalized experiences will likely become a key differentiator. For readers, this shift highlights the ongoing competition among social media giants and the increasing emphasis on providing diverse and engaging content formats to meet user demands.

How to Heal the Liver: Identifying and Treating Fatty Liver Disease
2025-01-20

Experts estimate that about 25% of American adults suffer from fatty liver disease and alcohol is not the only way to acquire the disease. As the most common chronic liver disorder in the U.S., it is critical that adults are educated on the symptoms, treatment options, and potential health hazards of untreated fatty liver disease.

How to Identify a Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease can be brought on by heavy alcohol consumption, which is known as alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be caused by conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, or obesity. Both forms of the condition cause fat to build up in the liver. In many cases, it can be hard to identify signs and symptoms of a fatty liver and it might not be identified until it appears on a blood test completed for other reasons. Doctors can also perform physical exams, imaging studies, and liver biopsies to diagnose a fatty liver.

However, these are some potential signs that may point to NAFLD:

  • Pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Swollen belly
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Dangers of Untreated Fatty Liver Disease

If a fatty liver goes untreated, the condition can lead to other liver complications such as inflammation of the liver, liver failure, and cirrhosis. An untreated fatty liver also poses other health risks including increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart problems. As such, it is critical to seek treatment before the condition progresses.

Treatment Options for Fatty Liver

Damage to the liver can be reduced through lifestyle changes. In the case of an alcoholic fatty liver, the course of action involves abstaining from drinking. For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the following lifestyle changes can help reduce and potentially reverse the damage to the liver:

  • Diet: Diet is one of the biggest lifestyle changes that can help treat a fatty liver. Eating a balanced diet of healthy low-fat foods such as fish, poultry, beans, nuts, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat pasta will help immensely. Avoiding sugary foods and red meat is also beneficial to maintain a healthy diet.
  • Alcohol: Limit or completely avoid alcohol consumption as this is a leading cause of fatty liver disease.
  • Exercise: Participating in exercise weekly (if not daily) will help to prevent further damage and reduce existing liver damage. Losing body fat can also reduce fat in the liver.
  • Medications: Since the prevalence of fatty liver is so high, there are many medications being studied for the treatment of the disease. For instance, Xenical, a medication that blocks the body from absorbing some of the fats from food is being investigated for fatty liver treatment effectiveness.
  • Vitamins: Some vitamins and minerals may help in the treatment of fatty liver if taken in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle decisions. Vitamins E, B, D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and carotenoids may help protect from liver inflammation and scarring.

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A medical professional will be able to assist in performing the appropriate tests to confirm if a patient is suffering from a fatty liver and offer potential solutions to reverse the damage. With so many lifestyle treatment options, fatty liver disease can be reduced and in some cases reversed.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

National Institute of Health: Treatment for NAFLD & NASH

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Trump's Meme Coins Surge, Disrupting the Crypto Market
2025-01-20

The debut of Donald and Melania Trump’s meme coins has sent ripples through the cryptocurrency market, significantly impacting major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This launch not only boosted the wealth of the Trump family but also introduced volatility into the crypto ecosystem, affecting both new and established digital assets.

The Impact of Trump's Meme Coins on the Cryptocurrency Market

The introduction of $TRUMP and $MELANIA meme coins by the incoming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has led to a significant surge in market capitalization and trading volumes. The rapid rise and subsequent fluctuations of these tokens have drawn attention from both enthusiasts and critics alike. Initially, $TRUMP reached a peak value of $75 before settling at $60, while $MELANIA soared 3,000% on its opening day. The combined effect has been a mixed bag for the broader crypto market, with some assets experiencing substantial gains and others facing notable losses.

In detail, the debut of these meme coins has caused a stir within the crypto community. The market capitalization of $TRUMP surged to $11.74 billion, representing a 64% increase from its previous day's value. Meanwhile, $MELANIA achieved a market cap of $1.62 billion. Both coins attracted considerable investment, reflecting the public's interest in celebrity-endorsed digital assets. However, this influx of capital into the Trump tokens led to a decline in the value of other leading cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and Ethereum saw drops in their market values, with Bitcoin trading down 2.71% and Ethereum dropping 0.67%. Solana, the blockchain platform supporting the Trump meme coins, managed to fare better than other top cryptos during this period, despite a 9.23% decrease in its value.

Reactions and Future Implications

The arrival of $TRUMP and $MELANIA has polarized opinions among investors and analysts. Supporters view it as a strategic move that leverages celebrity influence to promote wider adoption of cryptocurrencies. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the ethics surrounding such ventures. Despite the controversy, the Trump family's entry into the crypto space signals a shift towards more mainstream acceptance and regulatory scrutiny.

To delve deeper, the reactions to the Trump meme coins reveal a divide in the crypto community. Investors are celebrating the potential for increased liquidity and visibility in the market, anticipating executive orders from the new administration that could reduce regulatory barriers. On the flip side, skeptics question the sustainability of meme coin hype and worry about market manipulation. Additionally, the Trump family's promise to introduce crypto-friendly regulations adds another layer of complexity. The nomination of pro-crypto figures to key positions suggests a future where digital assets might gain greater governmental support, potentially reshaping the financial landscape. Overall, the launch of these meme coins serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the growing intersection between celebrity culture and cryptocurrency.

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