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Patients undergoing radiation therapy for certain types of cancer at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute will be the first in Delaware to benefit from a cutting-edge treatment system that increases accuracy and precision, enhances patient comfort and minimizes side effects. ChristianaCare expects to begin scheduling patients in early 2026 to receive treatment with the Varian Ethos™ system equipped with HyperSight. The innovative radiotherapy system leverages artificial intelligence and the fastest on-table imaging in the field to enhance precision and increase the likelihood of effectively treating tumors. “As leaders in cancer treatment and care, we continually strive to stay at the forefront of medicine for our patients, and this new technology is a game-changer,” said Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., Bank of America endowed medical director of ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute. “Adaptive radiation therapy enables members of the patient’s treatment team to create a new treatment plan every day in real-time based on the patient’s needs and anatomy in that moment as well as any changes observed during their therapy.” In traditional radiotherapy, a plan is established at the beginning of treatment and followed through the treatment course. Adaptive radiotherapy allows for real-time modifications to the plan based on periodic assessments while the patient is on the radiation table. Human anatomy changes quickly through normal bodily function even during treatment. In the context of radiation therapy, even slight shifts or alterations in the body while being treated can significantly impact effectiveness. The advanced technology in the system enables real-time imaging on the radiation table to be completed in seconds, rather than minutes – a dramatic improvement that transforms targeting accuracy and patient comfort. “This advancement will allow us to deliver personalized treatments, enabling radiation oncologists to make necessary treatment decisions even more quickly and accurately,” said Lindsay Romak, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Graham Cancer Center. “This will provide clinically meaningful benefits for patients who require radiotherapy for a wide range of cancers, including those of the prostate, bladder, abdomen and head and neck.” Artificial intelligence powers patient treatments Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to capture and analyze rapid images in real time, the technology quickly detects changes in the patient’s anatomy and tumor size, shape or position. Using real-time imaging data, the system automatically suggests adjustments to the treatment plan to account for these changes, which is key to achieving better patient outcomes. The system also uses artificial intelligence when determining the distribution of the radiation dose, ensuring the tumor receives the optimal amount of radiation. This streamlines the workflow making the entire process of adaptive radiotherapy more efficient. "The integration of artificial intelligence into our treatment processes underscores our dedication to incorporating the most innovative treatments for our patients. With this technology, our patients can anticipate shorter treatment times and potentially fewer sessions, significantly enhancing their overall experience,” Laura Doyle, Ph.D., chief clinical physicist at the Graham Cancer Center said. Adaptive radiation therapy is covered by Medicare and most insurance carriers. The system will be located in the radiation oncology suite at the Graham Cancer Center. Equipment installation is expected in the fall of 2025 with patient use starting in early 2026. ChristianaCare’s Radiation Oncology Department is recognized by the American Society of Radiation Oncology Accreditation Program for Excellence. Its radiation oncologists are leaders in adapting the very latest imaging and treatment advances into clinical practice. The team also helps write the standards for best practices in care delivery and teaches other doctors and health care professionals in this specialty. With this latest advancement, ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute continues to solidify its position at the forefront of cancer care in Delaware and beyond, underscoring its commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Villanova Professor Releases Study on Gender Dynamics in the Beer-Drinking Community
Earlier this month, thousands of revelers donned dirndls and lederhosen to mark Oktoberfest, the annual celebration of Bavarian fare, oompah music and, above all else, beer. The fall festival is just one of many occasions, including happy hours, brewery tours and sporting events, where Americans enjoy the beverage. In fact, based on a recent report by the Pew Research Center, the U.S. population consumes approximately 6.6 billion gallons of beer each year, which averages out to about 26.5 gallons per adult of legal drinking age. However, while ales, lagers and stouts remain popular choices that bring people together, not everyone feels equally included. A new study by Shelly Rathee, PhD, the Diana and James Yacobucci '73 Assistant Professor of Marketing and Business Law, highlights a gender-based divide within the beer-drinking community, with female consumers often feeling overlooked and left out. "Due to the structure of the beer industry and marketplace, there is reason to believe that firms overproduce products that appeal to male audiences and overly communicate masculine aspects of beer consumption," says Dr. Rathee. "As a result, female consumers are made to feel (and may continue to feel) excluded by beer culture, on average. From a business standpoint, the beer industry may be limiting its total market potential in the process." As Dr. Rathee explains, the beer industry and marketplace are predominately populated by men, and academic literature has long indicated that male dominance in a social or business setting can alter the behaviors of women in myriad ways. In her project, "The Female Consumer Response Implications of Male Dominance in a Product’s Online Community," the professor sought to understand how this trend might manifest itself in an internet forum for beer aficionados, hobbyists and critics. By examining customer review data from the online community BeerAdvocate and conducting tests aimed at assessing gender-based differences in contributions, Dr. Rathee found that female consumers are inclined to defer to the male majority in such settings. In general, women either refrain from sharing their perspectives on products or adopt language characterized by what are commonly referred to as "masculinity themes." "Masculinity and femininity themes were drawn from the text of the online reviews and were identified using dictionaries derived from previous research on these topics," shares Dr. Rathee. "For example, if the consumer liked the taste of the beer, a more feminine way of describing this might be 'pleasant,' while a more masculine way might be 'strong.'" In these terms, the difference in expression might seem subtle. However, as Dr. Rathee contends, the prevalence of tens of thousands of reviews that lean toward a more masculine tone, with few offering a counterbalance, can have noticeable effects. A quick look at the beer aisle in your local supermarket reveals its impact, with bottles and cans featuring images of axe-wielding warriors, dinosaurs and gargoyles. "We found in our research that male dominance in a marketplace leads to lower trial intentions [plans to try or buy something] and brand attitudes among women," elaborates Dr. Rathee. "Therefore, we can argue that companies are likely to produce products, and marketing appeals, that are more targeted at male audiences." Although men are currently more than twice as likely as women to name beer as their preferred alcoholic beverage, Dr. Rathee suggests that there is potential to create opportunities that encourage more female drinkers to engage with beer culture. By fostering environments where women can express their preferences and perspectives, she believes the beer industry can become more inclusive and representative, ultimately enriching the community as a whole. "When featuring reviews on websites, an effort to balance out the presentation of ideas from male and female voices could be helpful," Dr. Rathee says. "Special categories could also be created to drive interest based on demographic characteristics that may include gender, among other factors. A more extreme measure would be to simply avoid including gender as a reviewer characteristic that is publicly viewable." Much like opening tents beside a beer hall, these steps could provide the necessary space and conditions for a more open and robust discussion of products to take place—to the benefit of both consumers and the industry. In the event they're increasingly pursued, that's something to which we can all raise a toast.
Summary: Retirement is being redefined as more retirees embrace "re-wirement"—pursuing new passions and purpose instead of settling into a passive lifestyle. This shift helps retirees maintain emotional, psychological, and physical well-being by staying engaged and mentally stimulated. Re-wiring offers practical benefits like enhanced self-esteem, social connections, and mental health. By engaging in activities like volunteering, lifelong learning, or passion projects, retirees can experience a fulfilling post-career life, redefining their sense of purpose and contribution. Retirement has long been framed as the final chapter of our professional lives—a time to rest, relax, and enjoy the fruits of years of labour. For decades, the traditional narrative has been that individuals reach a certain age, wrap up their careers, and then move into a quieter, more passive stage of life. However, this concept is being fundamentally reimagined. Today, more retirees are rejecting the conventional notion of retirement. Instead, they opt to "re-wire" their lives, discovering new passions, purposes, and contributions that continue to bring vitality and meaning to their lives. The decision to re-wire after retirement is more than just filling time or avoiding boredom. It's about finding another calling that reignites the spark of purpose and connection that so many retirees fear they will lose once they leave the workforce. This shift in perspective is crucial not only for practical reasons but also for retirees' emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Let's explore why the notion of “re-wiring” instead of retiring is so powerful and how it can transform the post-work experience. The Emotional Challenges of Traditional Retirement For many, the decision to retire comes with mixed emotions. After decades of working, a person's career often becomes deeply intertwined with their identity, self-worth, and daily structure. When the day finally comes to step away from the workforce, it can leave some individuals grappling with a sense of loss—loss of routine, purpose, and, sometimes, relevance. The job provided a paycheck, social interaction, mental stimulation, and a sense of accomplishment. Many retirees may feel isolated or adrift without these elements, unsure how to fill their days meaningfully. Some may experience depression, anxiety, or a deep sense of emptiness after their working years conclude. The emotional toll of this transition can be overwhelming, leading to a decline in mental health and well-being, not to mention very confusing for the people around them. However, by shifting their mindset from retirement to re-wirement, individuals can bypass these emotional pitfalls and instead focus on new opportunities to grow, engage, and contribute. This rewiring process doesn’t just stave off feelings of uselessness—it can bring new levels of fulfillment, joy, and emotional stability. Redefining Work and Purpose in Retirement The traditional view of retirement often suggests that we leave behind productivity in favour of leisure. However, re-wirement challenges this notion by suggesting that retirement can be a time to transition into new, fulfilling endeavours that aren't necessarily tied to a career but still provide purpose and structure. Purpose is a fundamental human need. Research shows that a strong sense of purpose is linked to better emotional health, increased longevity, and greater happiness. For many, the purpose in life was tied to their career; their job was where they made an impact. Re-wiring is about finding new avenues for that impact, whether through volunteering, hobbies, mentorship, creative pursuits, or even part-time work in a different field. The transition from traditional work to new pursuits isn't about downgrading one's efforts; it's about reshaping how we define meaningful work. Instead of seeing retirement as a time to disengage, re-wirement allows retirees to reinvent themselves by pursuing activities that align with their passions, values, and interests. These activities don’t have to generate income or adhere to the traditional concept of a "job"—they need to add value to the retiree’s life and others, giving them the same emotional rewards that their careers once did. The goal is to acquire a sense of achievement, impact, relevance and contribution. The Emotional Benefits of Re-Wiring 1. Renewed Sense of Purpose Purpose is more than just staying busy—it’s the reason to get up in the morning. For many, a career provides a strong sense of purpose, and losing that can feel disorienting. Re-wiring allows retirees to channel their energy into new roles where they feel needed, whether volunteering in a community, starting a passion project, or mentoring others. The emotional reward of having a purpose is enormous, contributing to a more profound sense of fulfillment and overall happiness. 2. Enhanced Mental Stimulation One of the most significant emotional benefits of re-wiring is staying mentally active. Engaging in new activities and challenges stimulates the brain, keeping it sharp and agile. Whether learning a new skill, teaching, or tackling a project, staying mentally active helps stave off cognitive decline and creates a sense of accomplishment. This mental engagement can increase emotional resilience and a stronger sense of self-worth. 3. Improved Social Connections Retirement can sometimes lead to isolation as individuals lose the daily social interactions that come with their jobs. Re-wiring offers opportunities to meet new people and build new social networks. Whether volunteering, joining a club, or starting a small business, staying connected to others is essential for emotional health. Social solid ties reduce feelings of loneliness and depression and increase feelings of support and belonging. Re-wiring encourages retirees to maintain or even expand their social circles. 4. Greater Self-Esteem and Confidence Accomplishing new goals and learning new skills in retirement can foster renewed self-confidence. When retirees take on new roles or responsibilities, they prove to themselves that they still have valuable contributions to make. This boost in self-esteem can carry over into all areas of life, helping individuals approach their post-career years with a positive mindset and confidence. 5. Positive Emotional Health Re-wiring can combat the negative emotional states that sometimes come with traditional retirement. Boredom, loneliness, and a sense of purposelessness can lead to mental health issues, but by staying engaged, retirees can ward off depression and anxiety. New challenges, goals, and social interactions help balance the mind and emotions, providing a more stable and positive emotional state. Practical Ways to Re-Wire So, how can retirees flip retirement to re-wirement? There are countless avenues for re-engaging with life in meaningful ways, but it all starts with identifying passions, values, and interests. Here are some practical ideas: 1. Pursue Lifelong Learning Learning doesn’t have to stop when your career does. Many retirees find that they have more time to explore subjects that they’ve always been curious about. Expanding your knowledge can be incredibly rewarding, Whether through online courses, local college programs, or personal study. Learning new things keeps the mind sharp and opens opportunities for engagement and social interaction. 2. Volunteer Your Time Many organizations rely heavily on volunteers, and retirees are uniquely positioned to offer their time and expertise. Whether working with local schools, non-profits, or community centers, volunteering allows retirees to give back while maintaining a sense of purpose. This can be an enriching way to spend time, as it connects individuals with meaningful causes and new social networks. 3. Start a Passion Project Retirement is the perfect time to dive into a passion project that may have been on the back burner during a busy career. Whether writing a book, starting a garden, or building a small business, passion projects offer a chance to engage with something that profoundly resonates personally. The sense of accomplishment and joy that comes from pursuing a passion can fuel emotional well-being for years. 4. Mentor or Coach Others Retirees often have a wealth of knowledge and experience from which younger generations can benefit. Mentoring or coaching allows individuals to share their expertise while helping others grow. Whether through formal mentorship programs or informal relationships, guiding others can be a deeply fulfilling way to stay engaged. 5. Part-Time or Freelance Work For some, retirement doesn’t necessarily mean giving up work entirely. Many retirees find joy and satisfaction in part-time or freelance work that aligns with their interests or skills. This can be an ideal way to stay active while earning income and remaining professionally engaged. The idea of re-wiring instead of retiring is a decisive shift in mindset that recognizes retirement as a new beginning rather than an end. It offers retirees a chance to continue finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment long after their professional careers. By staying engaged, mentally active, and socially connected, retirees can enjoy a rich, emotionally rewarding life that rivals the sense of purpose and satisfaction they experienced during their working years. Re-wiring is about finding another path, a new reason to wake up with excitement and curiosity each morning. It’s a reminder that the human spirit thrives on growth, purpose, and connection—no matter your life stage. Don't Retire---Rewire! Sue
Welcome to Retire with Equity: Where a New Retirement Journey Begins
Summary: A recent study reveals that 40% of Canadians over 50 feel financially unprepared for retirement. Retire with Equity aims to address this issue by educating retirees on the importance of leveraging home equity. The initiative emphasizes transparency, financial literacy, and personalized guidance to help seniors make informed decisions and achieve financial security in retirement. According to a recent National Institute of Aging study, almost 40% of Canadians over 50 feel they are not financially prepared for retirement. As a seasoned citizen myself, I know we can do better. That's why we've created Retire with Equity. It's time to help Canadians get the knowledge they need to make more informed financial decisions. My observations from my time in the industry, enriched by the research I've done over the past few years, clearly reveal a growing retirement crisis in Canada. I've worked in the banking and mortgage industry for over 25 years, specializing in equity lending, and spent the last 6 years as an executive at Canada’s largest Reverse Mortgage bank. Many people are struggling with mounting debt and no company pension. And they are living longer. Additionally, the long-term care situation in Canada has many seniors looking to age in place in their homes. Strategies like downsizing and moving in with family are often too simplistic and have little appeal to today's seniors. Some eventually, often begrudgingly, turn to home equity options such as reverse mortgages as a solution. However, Canadians are conservative by nature, and many think it is taboo to touch their equity (nest egg). Consequently, a reverse mortgage is a last resort. 76% of people over 65 are homeowners, many of which have built up a substantial amount of equity yet cannot afford to retire. (Source: Statistics Canada) Income is the only way to solve the retirement crisis. Many are choosing to work longer to delay spending savings. Some need to pay off debt to eliminate payments that will free up cash flow. Others do not have enough savings to retire. I saw the stress this caused watching my Mother “do without” in her retirement. With the benefit of experience, I now know there was a better way for her to finance her golden years. The Retirement Problem in Canada is Dire Many 55+ Seniors Don’t Have the Funds They Need: Many need an adequate budget and financial plan. And many don’t fully realize that employer and government pensions will fall short of their cashflow needs. Home Equity Unlocks Opportunities, But It's Misunderstood: Many retirees don’t fully understand the short—and long-term impacts of their home equity financing decisions. They rely on biased, incomplete, anecdotal information from friends and family. Seniors Need to Be Cautious: Homeowners are especially vulnerable targets for misinformation and fraud. However, this demographic does not have time to recover from a financial mistake. Making the wrong choices that affect how they finance retirement and protect themselves could leave seniors without enough money later when they need cash for costly expenses like health care. The Financial Industry Needs to Do More: There is a need for unbiased, transparent, and trusted sources of information on home equity options that are aligned with consumer interests. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter retirement plans and guaranteed pensions. Every Canadian needs to proactively craft their unique vision and path for retirement. Banking on My Experience The Retire With Equity mission is dedicated to helping retirees find the right combination of financial strategies to achieve their goals. The Equity Advantage One of the standout features of Retire with Equity's approach is our focus on home equity as a key component of retirement planning. For many Canadians, their home is their most significant asset, and unlocking its potential can be a game-changer. Whether through downsizing, refinancing, or reverse mortgages, Retire with Equity will offer guidance on integrating this valuable resource into a retirement strategy. The Human Touch At Retire with Equity, we promise to offer straightforward advice with a personal touch. It's not just about the numbers – it’s also about the dreams you have for retirement. We will bring patience, empathy, and respect to every conversation. And we won't forget our sense of humour, as retirement is supposed to be fun. We're committed to making things easy to access and understand, no matter where you are in life. Education is Everything Two of our core values are empowering education and epic transparency. Our online resources, webinars, and workshops will be tailored to demystify the world of finance for retirees and soon-to-be retirees, increasing their financial literacy. We will bring transparency to the vital information reserved for the small print, answering the questions retirees don't even know to ask. Whether you're a financial guru or just starting to think about your nest egg, we'll have something for you. A Senior-Friendly Approach Our approach will integrate technology with a user-friendly interface so that retirees can access their services without hassle. Gone are the worries of getting stuck in the weeds of complex interfaces or endless financial jargon. We bring "kitchen table" logic when explaining all financial details, no matter how complex the concept is. Stories that Inspire From coast to coast, Retire with Equity will share personal stories that help educate and motivate Canadians. We want to show you visible proof that it's always possible to rethink and revitalize retirement plans. Hearing from fellow Canadians who have successfully navigated the retirement waters offers hope for those still planning their way. Feelings of guilt and shame are common among retirees searching for retirement options. Learning about countless other retirees in similar situations often alleviates this guilt and shame. Join the Revolution Retire with Equity is more than just a company—it’s a movement. Canadians across the country will join in and transform their retirement years into the best chapter of their lives. Empowered by new tools and expertise at their fingertips, they will not just survive but truly thrive in retirement. As an "Equity Advocate," I pledge to help Canadians navigate the complexities of retirement in ways that educate, inspire, and entertain. I look forward to the conversation. Please subscribe to our regular updates and follow us on social media. Here's to the best years ahead! Don't Retire---Re-Wire! Sue
ChristianaCare Honored for Emergency Nursing Excellence
ChristianaCare has earned the 2024 National Certification Champion Award for health systems from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), a leading authority in nursing specialty certification across the emergency care spectrum. ChristianaCare is the only national winner in its category. “ChristianaCare is honored to be named the BCEN National Certification Champion,” said Danielle Weber, DNP, MSM, RN-BC, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive at ChristianaCare. “This prestigious recognition speaks to the passion and dedication of our incredible nursing teams, guided by our values of love and excellence, who make the difference for patients during some of their worst moments, going above and beyond to deliver quality care.” “It’s a privilege to be a part of a team that is committed to nursing excellence, practicing at the top of their license through specialty certification,” Weber continued. “This award represents the culmination of years of focused attention by nursing leadership to promote and facilitate ED nurse certification coupled with a highly motivated and passionate nursing staff who are dedicated to their patients as well as their professional development. We are so proud of our certified nurses and their commitment to lifelong learning.” According to BCEN, nursing specialty certification independently validates a registered nurse’s advanced knowledge, clinical judgment and professionalism across an entire nursing specialty. Specialty board certification of nurses helps assure patients and their families that they are receiving the highest level of nursing care. A growing body of research links nursing specialty certification to improved patient care, safety and outcomes. “We congratulate ChristianaCare on its commitment to nursing excellence,” said BCEN CEO Janie Schumaker, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, ICE-CCP, CENP, CPHQ, FABC. “The 2024 BCEN National Certification Champions show us how nursing specialty certification empowers nurses, elevates patient care and helps ensure communities of every size have access to advanced emergency and trauma care.” BCEN is an independent not-for-profit organization that offers nursing specialty certification programs for nurses across the emergency care spectrum. Over 50,000 registered nurses specializing in emergency, pediatric emergency, flight, critical care ground transport, trauma and burn nursing hold one or more BCEN certification.
Villanova Professor at the Forefront of Work to Tackle Quantum Threats
Securing Our Future Against Quantum Threats Security and privacy are values that everyone cherishes. No tech user wants their personal information getting into the wrong hands, which is why we have security measures in place to protect our private data: face ID to unlock our phones, two-factor authentication to log into banking apps and fingerprint technology to securely enter any system—from a computer to your front door. Encryption codes are used on each of these platforms to encode private data and allow only authorized users to access it. These measures are put in place to protect us, but new advancements in technology could soon challenge these secure systems that we have come to know and trust. Quantum computers are extraordinary machines capable of solving problems far beyond the scope of today’s standard computers. Although these computers are not commercially available, scientists harness their power for experimentation and data storage. Quantum computers excel in scientific development, but they may also prove to be a threat to existing technology that we use in our daily lives. Experts predict that by 2035, quantum computers could crack the very encryption codes that secure everyday transactions and data. Jiafeng Xie, PhD, associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Villanova University, is at the forefront of this battle, using his Security and Cryptography Lab to strengthen security measures against the threat of quantum computers. The Rise of Post-Quantum Cryptography Since quantum computer advancements are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has emerged as a critical area of research and development. Scientists who study PQC are working to come up with new algorithms to encode our sensitive data, with a goal of being installed after quantum computers crack our current encryption systems. Without these new algorithms, once quantum computers break our current codes, sensitive data—whether personal, corporate or governmental—could be left vulnerable to malicious actors. The core problem of our current encryption system lies in the foundation of public-key cryptosystems. Public-key cryptography is a method of encryption where the user logs into a system using their own private “key”, and the back end of the system has a “key” as well. A “key” is a large numerical value that scrambles data so that it appears random. When a user logs in, their “key” can decrypt private information held by the public “key” in the system to ensure a secure login. This security method is safe right now, but these systems rely on mathematical principles that, while secure against classical computing attacks, are vulnerable to the immense processing power of quantum computers. At the heart of the vulnerability is Shor's algorithm, developed by MIT computer scientist Peter Shor in 1994. As Dr. Xie explained, “Shor invented an algorithm to solve prime factors of an integer that can supposedly run on a quantum computer. This algorithm, if run on a large-scale mature quantum computer, can easily solve all these existing cryptosystems' mathematical formulation, which is a problem." The realization of this potential threat has spurred an increased focus on the development of post-quantum cryptography over the past decade. The goal is clear: "We want to have some sort of cryptosystem that is resistant to quantum computer attacks," says Dr. Xie. In 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) began the process of standardizing post-quantum cryptography. In July 2022, NIST selected four algorithms to continue on to the standardization process, where they are currently being tested for safety and security against quantum computers. The standardization process for these new algorithms is intensive, and two of the candidates that were announced for testing have already been broken during the process. Scientists are in a race against time to increase the diversity of their algorithms and come up with alternate options for standardization. The urgency of this shift to post-quantum cryptography is underscored by recent government action. The White House released a national security memo in 2022 stating that the U.S. government must transition to quantum-resistant algorithms by 2035. This directive emphasizes the critical nature of post-quantum cryptography in maintaining not just personal but national security. Villanova’s Security and Cryptography Lab Once a new algorithm is selected by NIST, it will need to be embedded into various platforms that need to be secured—this is where Dr. Xie’s Security and Cryptography Lab comes in. This lab is actively conducting research into how the newly selected algorithm can be implemented in the most effective and resourceful way. The lab team is working on developing techniques for this new algorithm so that it can be embedded into many different types of platforms, including credit cards and fingerprint technology. However, there are significant challenges in this process. As Dr. Xie explains, "Different platforms have different constraints. A chip-based credit card, for example, has limited space for embedding new encryption systems. If the implementation technique is too large, it simply won’t work.” Another arising issue from this research is security. During the application of this new algorithm, there's a risk of information or security leakage, so Dr. Xie is always on the lookout for developing security issues that could cause problems down the road. The Future of Post-Quantum Cryptography The implications of PQC are widespread and extend far beyond academic research. As Dr. Xie points out, "All existing cryptosystems, as long as they have some sort of function—for example, signing in or entering a password for login—all of these systems are vulnerable to quantum attacks." This vulnerability affects everything from banking systems to small-scale security measures like fingerprint door locks. The scope of this transition is massive, requiring updates to encrypted systems across all sectors of technology. His goal is to ensure that these new cryptographic systems are flexible enough to be applied to everything from small devices like credit cards and drones to large-scale infrastructure like data centers and military equipment. Although researchers are hard at work now, the future of post-quantum cryptography is not without uncertainties. Dr. Xie raises an important question: "When quantum computers become available, will the algorithms we develop today be broken?" While the newly developed algorithms will theoretically be secure, vulnerabilities can emerge when implementing any kind of new security system. These potential vulnerabilities highlight the importance of conducting this research now so that the new algorithms can go through intensive testing prior to being implemented. Despite these challenges, Dr. Xie emphasizes the importance of being prepared for this new reality. "Society as a whole needs to be prepared with this kind of knowledge,” he says. “A new era is coming. With our current security systems, we need to have revolutionized change. On the other hand, we should not be panicked. We just need continued support to do more related research in this field.” More extensive research is required to ensure that our privacy is protected as we enter a new era of quantum computing, but labs like the Security and Cryptography Lab at Villanova are a step in the right direction. Although the “years to quantum” clock is ticking down, researchers like Dr. Xie are well on their way to ensuring that our digital infrastructure remains secure in the face of evolving technological threats.
Aston University is leading a new £5.5 million EU research project Will focus on converting fibre-optic cables into sensors to detect natural hazards Could identify earthquakes and tsunamis and assess civil infrastructure. Aston University is leading a new £5.5 million EU research project to explore converting existing telecommunication fibre-optic cables into sensors which can detect natural hazards, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and assess the condition of civil infrastructure. The project is called ECSTATIC (Engineering Combined Sensing and Telecommunications Architectures for Tectonic and Infrastructure Characterisation) and is part of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA), which aims to tackle global challenges and boost the continent’s industrial competitiveness. Converting telecom fibres into sensors requires new digital signal processing to overcome the limited data storage and processing capabilities of existing communication networks. To address this the project will use localised, high performance digital processing that will integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning. The researchers’ goal is to minimise algorithms’ complexity while providing extremely accurate real-time sensing of events and network condition. The new laser interrogation and signal processing technologies will be tested using existing fibre optic networks, including those underwater, in cities, and along railway infrastructure to assess their potential. Delivered by a consortium of 14 partners across seven countries, from academic and non-academic sectors, the research will start in February 2025 and will last three and a half years. The Europe-wide team will be led by Professor David Webb who is based in the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT). Professor Webb said: “There are more than five billion kilometres of installed data communications optical fibre cable, which provides an opportunity to create a globe-spanning network of fibre sensors, without laying any new fibres. “These traverse the seas and oceans - where conventional sensors are practically non-existent - and major infrastructures, offering the potential for smart structural health monitoring.” Professor Webb will be joined by fellow researchers Professor Sergei Turitsyn, Dr Haris Alexakis and Dr Pedro Freire. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
Expert Opinion - The Undisclosed Risks of Off-brand Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Products
The popularity -- and price -- of brand-name injectable drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound has skyrocketed. But the soaring demand for these drugs -- used for weight loss as well as to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease -- and the limited supply as well as lack of generic options has also led to a flood of non-brand alternatives in the market. In a recent article for The Conversation, UConn expert C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, issued a warning to consumers about the potential undisclosed risks of these off-brand products: High demand is driving GLP-1 wannabes The dietary supplement market has sought to cash in on the GLP-1 demand with pills, teas, extracts and all manner of other products that claim to produce similar effects as the brand names at a much lower price. Products containing the herb berberine offer only a few pounds of weight loss, while many dietary supplement weight loss products contain stimulants such as sibutramine and laxatives such as phenolphthalein, which increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer. The role of compounding pharmacies Unlike the dietary supplements that are masquerading as GLP-1 weight loss products, compounding pharmacies can create custom versions of products that contain the same active ingredients as the real thing for patients who cannot use either brand or generic products for some reason. These pharmacies can also produce alternative versions of brand-name drugs when official drug shortages exist. Since the demand for GLP-1 medications has far outpaced the supply, compounding pharmacies are legally producing a variety of different semaglutide and tirzepatide products. These products may come in versions that differ from the brand-name companies, such as vials of powder that must be dissolved in liquid, or as tablets or nasal sprays. Just like the brand-name drugs, you must have a valid prescription to receive them. The prices range from $250-$400 a month – still a steep price for many consumers. Compounding pharmacies must adhere to the FDA’s sterility and quality production methods, but these rules are not as rigorous for compounding pharmacies as those for commercial manufacturers of generic drugs. In addition, the products compounding pharmacies create do not have to be tested in humans for safety or effectiveness like brand-name products do. Proper dosing can also be challenging with compounded forms of the drugs. Companies that work the system For people who cannot afford a compounding pharmacy product, or cannot get a valid prescription for semaglutide or tirzepatide, opportunistic companies are stepping in to fill the void. These include “peptide companies,” manufacturers that create non-FDA approved knockoff versions of the drugs. From November 2023 to March 2024, my team carried out a study to assess which of these peptide companies are selling semaglutide or tirzepatide products. We scoured the internet looking for these peptide companies and collected information about what they were selling and their sales practices. We found that peptide sellers use a loophole to sell these drugs. On their websites, the companies state that their drugs are for “research purposes only” or “not for human consumption,” but they do nothing to verify that the buyers are researchers or that the product is going to a research facility. By reading the comments sections of the company websites and the targeted ads on social media, it becomes clear that both buyers and sellers understand the charade. Unlike compounding pharmacies, these peptide sellers do not provide the supplies you need to dissolve and inject the drug, provide no instructions, and will usually not answer questions. Peptide sellers, since they allegedly are not selling to consumers, do not require a valid prescription and will sell consumers whatever quantity of drug they wish to purchase. Even if a person has an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, the companies will happily sell them a semaglutide or tirzepatide product without a prescription. The average prices of these peptide products range from $181-$203 per month. Skirting regulations Peptide sellers do not have to adhere to the rules or regulations that drug manufacturers or compounding pharmacies do. Many companies state that their products are 99% pure, but an independent investigation of three companies’ products from August 2023 to March 2024 found that the purity of the products were far less than promised. One product contained endotoxin – a toxic substance produced by bacteria – suggesting that it was contaminated with microbes. In addition, the products’ promised dosages were off by up 29% to 39%. Poor purity can cause patients to experience fever, chills, nausea, skin irritation, infections and low blood pressure. In this study, some companies never even shipped the drug, telling the buyers they needed to pay an additional fee to have the product clear customs. If a consumer is harmed by a poor-quality product, it would be difficult to sue the seller, since the products specifically say they are “not for human consumption.” Ultimately, consumers are being led to spend money on products that may never arrive, could cause an infection, might not have the correct dose, and contain no instructions on how to safely use or store the product. Dr. C. Michael White is an expert in the areas of comparative effectiveness and preventing adverse events from drugs, devices, dietary supplements, and illicit substances. Dr. White is available to speak with media -- click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Ghoulish discovery: Exploring YouTube's role in the rise of belief in the paranormal
In recent years, YouTube has become an influential platform for various communities, notably for enthusiasts of the paranormal and ghosts. Paul Brewer, University of Delaware communication professor, set out to see how this happens and what we can learn from this in terms of how individuals perceive other messaging that may sit at the fringes of mainstream belief. During the 1990s, a big wave of research erupted on how media messages might influence people's belief in paranormal topics with popular television shows like “Alien Autopsy” and “Crossing Over with John Edwards.” A second wave of research occurred in the mid-2000s in response to cable television series such as “Ghost Hunters” and “Finding Big Foot.” Since then, the media landscape has evolved beyond traditional outlets like print, television and radio to include multimedia, such as YouTube, TikTok and other platforms. In his latest work, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Brewer looked beyond consuming paranormal television to include the use of social media, especially YouTube. “If you think about the paranormal, YouTube is a platform that seems like an especially plausible candidate to shape people's beliefs because seeing is believing—and it is a very visual storytelling medium,” said Brewer. "It’s not just a fun, kooky idea to study. About half the public believes in UFOs and almost half the public believes in ghosts and haunted houses, even though these phenomena aren't recognized by mainstream science." By way of example, Brewer pointed to a fictional documentary-style show that claimed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) knew about mermaids and was hiding evidence for them, including real video footage. The show included disclaimers, but viewers ignored them, revealing an important detail about the power of belief. Brewer is available to speak more broadly on the topic and his findings. He can be contacted by emailing mediarelations@udel.edu.
Hurricane Milton: Second major storm in two weeks could multiply danger on Florida's Gulf Coast
Now a Category 5 hurricane, Milton is making a beeline toward Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida's western coast. But it will also hit some of the same areas that Hurricane Helene decimated less than two weeks ago, amplifying the danger and need for an on-point disaster response. Experts in the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center can talk about several facets of this developing situation: Jennifer Horney: The mental and physical impacts of multiple disasters; environmental impacts of disasters and potential public health impacts for chronic and infectious diseases. She can talk about both Milton and Helene – Horney is a native of North Carolina and has done fieldwork in the state. Victor Perez: Can talk about known environmental justice issues in the Gulf Coast region that interact with climate change impacts, like hurricanes. Sarah DeYoung: Conspiracy theories and misinformation during disasters; pets in emergencies, infant feeding in disasters, decision-making in evacuation and community cohesion. DeYoung is from western North Carolina and can draw parallels from Milton to Helene. Jennifer Trivedi: Can talk about long-term recovery after large scale events – including compounding events – as well as challenges during disasters for people with disabilities, vulnerable communities and decision making. Tricia Wachtendorf: Evacuation decision-making, disaster response and coordination, disaster relief (donations) and logistics, volunteer and emergent efforts, social vulnerability. James Kendra: Disaster response activities, volunteers, and emergency coordination. A.R. Siders: Expert on sea level rise and managed retreat – the concept of planned community movement away from coastlines and flood-prone areas and the "expanding bullseye" that is contributing to the rising disaster costs in the U.S. Shanjia Dong: Research looks at smart and resilient urban systems; infrastructure systems, critical infrastructure protection, effective disaster preparedness and response, and equitable resilience planning and climate change adaptation. Joe Trainor: Post-storm housing decisions and insurance.
