NASAS Parker Solar Probe has shed new light on the previously unknown and only theorised characteristics of the sun. The probe, launched in August 2018 to study the sun up close and unlock the mysteries of its atmosphere, is designed to use Venus gravity during seven flybys over nearly seven years to gradually bring its orbit closer to the sun. (The average distance of the earth to the sun is about 150 million km.)

Parker is currently in its fourth orbit around the sun, and its present distance from the sun is about 126 million km. The closest to the sun that the spacecraft went during its initial flybys was 24.1 million km on November 6, 2018. This is already closer to the sun than Mercury is. The spacecraft will get even closer in the future, as it travels at more than 343,000 km/h, faster than any previous spacecraft.

The first results were published in a series of four papers in a recent issue of Nature. The four papers reveal new insights into the processes that drive solar windthe constant outflow of hot, ionised gas that streams outward from the sun and fills up the solar systemand how the solar wind couples with solar rotation. The mission has also examined the dust of the coronal environment and spotted particle acceleration events so small that they are undetectable from the earth.

Seen near the earth, the solar wind plasma appears to be a relatively uniform flow, one that can interact with our planets natural magnetic field and cause space weather effects that interfere with technology. Instead of that flow, near the sun, Parkers observations reveal a dynamic and highly structured system, similar to that of an estuary that serves as a transition zone as a river flows into an ocean. For the first time, scientists are able to study the solar wind from its source, the suns corona (the outermost part of its atmosphere), similar to how one might observe the stream that serves as the source of a river. This provides a different perspective compared with studying the solar wind where its flow impacts the earth.

The information Parker has uncovered about how the sun constantly ejects material and energy will help scientists rewrite the models they use to understand and predict the space weather around the earth and understand the process by which stars are created and evolve. This information will be vital to protecting astronauts and technology in space, according to NASA.

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NASA probe sheds new light on the sun - Frontline

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RICHMOND, Va. -- A Richmond homeowner had their privacy invaded Christmas morning, after someone broke into their shed and stole dozens of tools.

It was very shocking. Ive never had that happen to me before," said the homeowner.

The incident happened at a home along the 1800 block of North 20th Street in the City's East End.

The homeowner believes thieves unlocked a door to the fence surrounding their home, before breaking into the back shed Christmas morning.

Went out to the shed and it had been gone through like a movie scene," they said. There was just stuff everywhere.

The homeowner wanted to keep their identity hidden and said the suspects stole an old Honda 2000 generator.

But they said after locking things up, the suspects returned again Thursday morning.

I wake up this morning, now the 26th. Front door of the shed is wide open, I go out there and everything is gone," said the homeowner.

This time they said the suspects took tools.

Power tools, leaf blowers, tillers, edgers, hedge clippers, the whole nine yards, everything gone," they added.

This little pocket seems to be pretty safe. The neighbors are super friendly, everyone says hello to you. they added.Im more concerned that somebody will try to come back while Im here and I wont know what to do.

Richmond Police have been contacted and are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to give Crime Stoppers a call at 804-780-1000.

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Dozens of tools stolen from Richmond shed: It was very shocking - WTVR CBS 6 News

Photo by Gregory Bull AP

Above: Navy Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher had his former rank reinstalled less than a week ago. Now he could soon be stripped of his status as a Navy SEAL.

A New York Times Friday story sheds more light on how members of Eddie Gallaghers SEAL Team debated ringing the alarm on what they saw as serious misconduct by their leader.

Hours of recorded interviews with Gallaghers team members, text messages between them, and a body cam recording of the moment right before Gallagher allegedly stabbed a wounded ISIS fighter were included in the trove of documents leaked to the Times.

They paint a picture of a SEAL team that struggled with confronting their volatile leader, Gallagher, before ultimately alerting senior navy officials to his alleged misconduct during a 2017 deployment in Iraq.

They claimed he had shot at civilians and was trying to encourage violent confrontations.

Much of this came out during testimony in the military trial of Gallagher earlier this year, but its the first time the general public is getting to see it.

Gallagher was acquitted on all but one count by a military jury in July, and President Trump restored Gallagher to his rank as chief petty officer in November.

Rachel VanLandingham, a professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles and a former Air Force JAG lieutenant colonel, is worried about the chilling effect this will have on SEALs who want to come forward with allegations of misconduct despite overwhelming pressure to keep quiet.

They definitely wanted to do the right thing, to turn in one of their own, and then you didnt have their own leadership backing them up, VanLandingham said.

In the videos leaked to the Times, Gallagher's team members described him as evil and toxic.

This past weekend, Gallagher and his wife met with President Trump in Mar-A-Lago, where Gallagher gave the president a gift.

So when they see someone being venerated, not only just getting away with just murdering people, not killing according to the rules but just killing for killings sake, and that person being venerated, the destructive effect on someones moral psyche, on their conscious, you can see it in those interviews, and thats what really struck me, VanLandingham said.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Gallagher was pardoned by President Trump. We regret the error.

KPBS' daily news podcast covering local politics, education, health, environment, the border and more. New episodes are ready weekday mornings so you can listen on your morning commute.

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New Documents Shed Light On How SEAL Team Turned In Eddie Gallagher - KPBS

According to a 2015 Nielsen survey, the most common New Years Resolution is losing weight/getting in shape.

Since the biggest gym in La Jolla history just opened a couple of weeks ago with more square feet than an average Whole Foods we asked Life Time, and the nine other cardio and strength-training facilities in town, for their advice on how to shed holiday pounds.

What follows are the answers from those who responded to the Lights e-mails and phone calls over the holidays:

1055 Wall St. (858) 410-7100. Open since Dec. 20, 2019.

Give yourself an adequate amount of time and consistency on behavior changes. A quick-fix approach is probably not the best option. In addition to a fitness program that suits you, I suggest nutritionally dense whole foods minimally processed as well as adequate amounts of water and protein. Michael Najera, Life Time fitness trainer and nutritional coach

About Life Time: Occupying the 46,000 feet formerly used by Brooks Brothers, this behemoth gym contains more than 200 pieces of equipment, organized into separate floor areas for cardio, strength training (four different equipment manufacturers), GTX and Alpha programs (featuring free weights, cardio and strength elements) and five group-fitness studios, which host 81 weekly classes. Life Time also offers personal training, nutrition counseling, micro-nutrient testing, a caf and daycare, and a spa featuring massages, facials and nail services.

7825 Fay Ave. (858) 456-2595. Open since: 1991.

Everyone should find out what affects their body and what does not. Start with eating whole foods and no processed items and work from there. Also, have a plan but sweat every day. Work with our professionals to outline a plan that you enjoy, therefore will stick with. Getting a workout buddy or a personal trainer to help with accountability will go a long way when you are just starting a new workout regimen. Kera and Brett Murphy, La Jolla Sports Club co-owners

About La Jolla Sports Club: The Villages largest locally owned and operated health club offers 75 classes per week, personal training, nutrition, micro-nutrient testing, a full gym, childcare, cryotherapy, massage, nutrition, fascia therapy services, physical therapy, IV therapy and intra-muscular shots.

565 Pearl St., Suite 110. Open since: 1994 (originally as Planet Fitness).

Losing 20 pounds is easy. All you have to do is physically burn 70,000 calories more than you consume! How is that easy? Because we arent going to beat the fat off your body with life-draining exercise sessions that leave you burned out, broken and back on the weight-gain train in a month or two. We take a more sane approach and focus on the habits and behaviors that provide for a strong, healthy, balanced life year after year. Jeremy Manning, La Jollas Finest Training owner

About La Jollas Finest Training: This cozy gym offers one-on-one personal training to people needing guidance, motivation and assistance in overcoming obstacles. Massage, assisted stretching, coordination and resistance-training are integrated to increase, and maintain, muscle mass, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular fitness.

5628 La Jolla Blvd. (858) 255-8457. Open since: January 2012.

Combine our cycling classes which burn up to 800 calories in an hour with a sensible nutrition plan and the results will speak for themselves. Ian Harding, Rush Indoor Cycling owner

About Rush Indoor Cycling: Here, youll find indoor and group cycling classes, led by a trained instructor and held in a concert-style atmosphere.

5705 La Jolla Blvd. (858) 459-1900. Open since: January 2015.

To see the quickest transformation, take our class three-to-four times a week. Each class addresses every muscle group. Class choreography is constantly updated to avoid muscle adaptation. Meghan Boyd, Studio Barre Bird Rock owner

About Studio Barre Bird Rock: This boutique fitness studio offers a 60-minute, calorie-torching, music-bumping, personalized barre workout for all fitness levels {no dance background needed}. Isolated movements incorporate cardio and stretching to lift and tone the body.

8355 Cliffridge Ave. (858) 453-3483. Open since: 1964 (originally as La Jolla YMCA).

7877 Herschel Ave. (858) 551-9622. Open since: 1988.

Joining the gym is a great first step. But at the Y, we consider ourselves so much more than just a gym. Like anything, consistency is key to helping lose weight, gain muscle and be your best. A good way to start is simply move more. Its important for kids to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but adults need to get at least 30 minutes, too. If you do decide to join a gym in the new year, consider the Y and its KickStart program. A wellness coach can help you attain goals in three one-on-one fitness and nutrition sessions over for your 30 days. Courtney Pendleton, YMCA of San Diego County spokesperson

About Dan McKinney YMCA: This facility offers strength machines, free weights, ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair-climbers, two outdoor pools, a spa with sauna and steam room, massage and reiki room, day care, Peloton bikes and studios for more than 100 group exercise classes per week including yoga, cycling, Zumba, Bodypump, barre and Pilates.

About Shepherd YMCA Firehouse: This facility offers strength machines, free weights, ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair-climbers, and studios for 30 group exercise classes per week including yoga, Bodypump, Tai Chi and Pilates.

7680 Girard Ave., Suite 200. (858) 551-7800. Open since: 2005.

There are many ways to lose weight, but the most effective approach is a combination of healthy nutrition and consistent exercise. From a nutritional standpoint, eating whole foods and consuming fewer calories than you expend will provide your body with the nourishment it needs to support your energy levels and workout recovery, while allowing for a calorie deficit that promotes weight loss. When exercising, you also should focus on high-calorie burn. To accomplish this goal, consider a mix of cardio and resistance training. Josh Lyon, 24 Hour Fitness director of fitness

About 24 Hour Fitness: This national chain offers a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment including free weights and a multi-functional Olympic training rig. Also found here are GX and cycle studios, and Zumba, BodyPump and POP Pilates classes.

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La Jolla fitness clubs weigh in on best way to shed pounds - La Jolla Light

How does the brain work? What is the connection between its structure and its functioning? A team of Israeli scientists from the Technion Institute of Technology, in cooperation with colleagues from the US and France, has managed to demonstrate the significance of personalized brain models, which could have a meaningful impact in the field of personalized medicine.In an academic article published Thursday in PNAS, the official journal of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, the group demonstrated that the individual map of structural neural connections, which are the physical links between regions, predicts the individual functional connectivity patterns, namely, how neural activity is spreading in the brain.As explained in a statement, the researchers took advantage of mice studies to "systematically investigate the informative content of different structural features in explaining the emergence of the functional ones."They employed structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan mice's brains, then built a virtual model of their brain and tried to simulate their functional organization based on the structural connectivity, finally comparing it to the results of functional MRI on the same mice.With this study, the scientists were able to demonstrate that individual variations define a specific structural fingerprint with a direct impact upon the functional organization ofindividual brains. This finding will potentially support future clinical trials focusing on personalized treatments in brain disorders such as epilepsy, depression and Alzheimers disease, in which the virtual brain may predict treatment outcome in individual patients.The study was conducted by Professor Itamar Kahn, director of the Brain Systems Organization in Health and Disease Lab at Technion. Graduate students Eyal Bergmann and Francesca Melozzi were lead co-authors. Kahn's work focuses on investigating brain function and behavior in health and disease. As explained in the American Technion Society's website, his research has applications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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Israeli scientists shed new light on how the brain functions - The Jerusalem Post

After a controversy over his fundraising for Donald Trump, Stephen M. Ross, the real estate billionaire of Hudson Yards infamy, has stepped down from The Sheds board of directors. Hyperallergic reported last week that The Shed, a contemporary arts center which opened this past April in Hudson Yards, confirmed Rosss departure to focus on his other philanthropic activities.

The development mogul, whose organization, The Related Companies, is associated with the luxury fitness brands SoulCycle and Equinox as well as the Momofuku and Bluestone Lane franchises, has been at the center of protests after it was unveiled in August that he was planning to host a fundraiser for Donald Trumps reelection campaign. Ross, a longtime Republican donor, defended his track record as an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education, and environmental sustainability.

As previously reported, in addition to facing boycott threats, several high-profile designers backed out of shows to be hosted at The Shed amid the controversy and artists staged on-site protests of Rosss history as a donor.

Stephen Ross, who is the developer of Manhattans Hudson Yards, faces backlash for planning a fundraiser for Donald Trumps reelection campaign. (Courtesy The Related Companies)

The Shed itself has also faced its fair share criticism. Itrecently announced its 2020 line-up featuring a diverse group of voices such as Claudia Rankine and British playwright Arinz Kene. In the wake of Rosss departure, a spokesperson for the art space told Hyperallergic they were grateful for his service and his important role in helping found The Shed.

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Stephen Ross steps down from The Shed's board amid Trump criticism - The Architect's Newspaper

Mrs. B came into the emergency room one night, years ago, with some stress related issue. After taking her history, I began to suspect there was something else bothering her. As I was beginning her physical exam she blurted out, I know there is a breast mass but youre not going to send me to any breast cancer doctor! She had already decided to avoid standard treatment and her next comment explained why, My aunt suffered because of awful unnecessary surgery and chemotherapy, she said. I sensed there was no changing her mind and that meant trouble for my patient.

The story evolved as my patients breast cancer grew and eroded through her skin to become a weeping and tender sore. She soon sought out unconventional treatment by a non-physician from a neighboring town with an internet degree of some kind who promised to help her. The treatment involved a curious machine with flashing lights and an unusual noise which apparently indicated which group of herbal supplements the patient needed to buy in order to cure the cancer naturally.

More women are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other malignancy, except for skin cancer. If the breast cancer hasnt spread outside of breast tissue, then, with treatment, the five-year survival is about 99 percent. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes just outside the breast, then, with treatment, the five-year survival is about 90 percent. Even if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, which happens only in about six percent of the cases, then, with treatment, more than 25 percent are still alive after five years. Since 1989, the number of people who die from breast cancer has been steadily decreasing which is the direct result of improved methods for breast cancer screening, detection and treatment.

My patient died less than a year from our meeting in the emergency room. I still regret not convincing her to get help from a science-based breast cancer physician. She may have lived years longer and in more comfort. Many people are now being saved who were previously lost to all types of cancers. Even when lifesaving is not possible, current cancer treatment can at least improve the quality of the time that remains.

Bottom line: The fear of death and the fear of suffering keep some people from seeking medical help. Please shed those fears and seek science-based help.

Richard P. Holm, MD is founder of The Prairie Doc and author of Lifes Final Season, A Guide for Aging and Dying with Grace available on Amazon. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc library, visit http://www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc a medical Q&A show streamed most Thursdays at 7p.m. central.

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Shed those fears of cancer treatment | Health - Williston Daily Herald

The Blu-ray cover for writter-director Frank Sabatellas horror-thriller, The Shed.

Actors Jay Jay Warren and Cody Kostro are set to unleash sinister destruction from The Shed on society once again, as RLJE Films will release their horror-thriller, The Shed, on January 7, 2020 on Blu-ray and DVD. The distributor will unveil the movie on Blu-ray for an SRP of $28.97, and on DVD for an SRP of $27.97. The disc release comes after the drama was unveiled on November 15 in theaters, as well as On Digital and On Demand.

In honor of The Sheds digital release, ShockYa is offering three lucky winners a disc-one winner will receive a Blu-ray, and two winners will receive a DVD-of the film. To enter, email us at ShockyaGiveaway@aol.com. Let us know that youre entering to win the The Shed disc giveaway, and if youd prefer a DVD or the Blu-ray, in the emails subject line and message. You have until January 7, the day of the thrillers disc release, to enter, and you can enter the contest once daily. On January 7, well pick the winners at random, and notify them through email. Good luck!

Frank Sabatella wrote and directed The Shed. In addition to Warren and Kostro, the movie stars Sofia Happonen, Timothy Bottoms, Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Frank Whaley.

The Shed follows Stan (Warren) and his best friend, Dommer (Kostro), who have put up with bullies their entire lives. All of that changes when Stan discovers he has a murderous vampire living in his shed. Seeing the bloodshed and destruction the monster is capable of, Stan knows he has to find a way to destroy it. But Dommer has a much more sinister plan in mind.

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USD Blu-ray SRP: $28.97; and DVD SRP: $27.97

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Jay Jay Warren and Cody Kostro Release Destruction From The Shed In Horror Films Blu-ray and DVD Giveaway - Shockya.com

A MUM has revealed how an unflattering picture of her looking "fatter than Santa" last Christmas pushed her to shed six and a half stone in a year.

Heather Blair, from Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, weighed 19 stone at her heaviest - after developing bad habits in her 20s.

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Now a healthy 12st 7lb, the 30-year-old former healthcare administrator was horrified when she saw the pic of her obscuring the Christmas tree, taken in December 2018.

At the time, she would eat McDonald's for lunch, takeaways for dinner and do no exercise because of her desk job, Heather told the Mirror.

Her size 20 trousers were a struggle to squeeze into and Heather was often forced to buy maternity wear pre-kids, cutting out the labels so partner of 12 years Craig didn't see.

"When I look at photos of me from this time last year it's hard to imagine how I ever got that big," the stay-at-home mum said.

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There was one where I was in front of the Christmas tree and you couldnt see it behind me. I was so wide.

I was mortified... I knew I had to do something or Id kill myself. I was clinically obese and had a family to think about now.

Heather, who gave birth to son Ollie with Craig, who works on the railways, last October, lost a stone and a half while pregnant due to extreme morning sickness.

But once Ollie was born, her weight started creeping back up.

I was mortified... I knew I had to do something or Id kill myself

After the Christmas photo spurred her into action, a school friend encouraged her to join Weight Watchers (now known as WW) where she'd had success losing weight.

Heather signed up on New Year's Day and has never looked back.

She learned to cook for the first time in her life and replaced the fatty takeaways with healthy home-made versions of the same meals.

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Heather, who still doesn't exercise, is now a slim size 12 and says she loves that her diet allows the occasional naughty treat.

In more weight loss news, this mum was also spurred onto diet by a "horrific" photo taken last Christmas.

While Kate Ferdinand has revealed she fought a 15-year battle with body dysmorphia and had panic attacks so bad her hair fell out.

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Weight loss: Mum sheds SIX stone in a year after being shocked by pic of her looking fatter than Santa last - The Sun

The players with no experience in Seattles loud, raucous stadium had a huge hand in ending the 49ers long losing streak there.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, of course, came away as the games hero after his big hit stopped the Seahawks at the very edge of the goal line. He was active throughout the contest, leading all tacklers with 13 stops. So was defensive end Nick Bosa, who had six tackles and, according to Pro Football Focus, a season-high seven quarterback hurries in the game.

Bosas nine sacks on the season were the third most for a rookie behind the Jaguars Josh Allen (10.5) and the Raiders Maxx Crosby (10).

On offense, Deebo Samuel led all pass catchers on Sunday with five receptions for 102 yards. Samuel ended up finishing fourth among rookies in both receptions (57) and yards (802). His rookie receptions total is the second most in franchise history behind Earl Coopers 83 catches in 1980. His yardage trails...

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49ers Minutia Minute: Nick Bosa shed both blockers and durability concerns in a productive rookie season - The Athletic