by Ferry Bayu | Apr 30, 2025 | Health and Wellness
“Get the heads up on tech neck!” – National Spinal Health Week is from 26 May to 1 June 2025.
With over 5.3 million Australians suffering from neck pain, including Tension Neck Syndrome—commonly referred to as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck’—National Spinal Health Week aims to promote spinal health and prevent the prevalence of tech neck among Australians of all ages. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect joints, bones, muscles, and various body areas, including the neck. These disorders cost the Australian economy over $55 billion annually due to direct health expenses, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life.
Dr. Billy Chow, President of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA), emphasized the growing significance of tech neck as a global public health issue. He stated that the anticipated rise in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) over the next two decades will significantly affect both the health of Australians and the economy. With over 34 million mobile phone connections and 95% of Australians accessing the internet via smartphones, the ACA’s annual National Spinal Health Week, scheduled from May 26 to June 1, 2025, aims to encourage Australians to change their mindsets and take proactive steps to improve their spinal health, thereby preventing the debilitating effects of tech neck.
Dr. Chow noted that while tech neck previously primarily affected seniors, the increasing use of smart devices has led to a rise in cervical spine disorders among younger patients in their 30s and 40s. This trend is now impacting all age groups, including children.
Research has demonstrated that using smartphones and computers can significantly influence the severity of pain in individuals suffering from tech neck. The most common symptoms, including neck and back pain, are closely linked to how long a device is used and the level of discomfort experienced. Tech neck, caused by poor posture and prolonged or improper use of digital devices, can lead to headaches, as well as pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, these issues may alter the natural curve of the cervical spine.
A recent study titled “The Association Between Mobile Phone Usage Duration, Neck Muscle Endurance, and Neck Pain Among University Students,” published in Nature on August 29, 2024, investigated the relationship between mobile phone use, duration, addiction, neck muscle endurance, and neck pain among university students.
“Although the study focused on mobile phone use among university students, it is important to note that almost 87% of Australians are regular smartphone users, and 75.5% use computers daily. Therefore, the findings may be applicable to the general population, especially young people who have grown up with smartphones and tablets,” said Dr. Chow. “While more research is needed to fully understand the implications of improper and excessive technology use on spinal health, it is essential for us to rethink how we use these devices, particularly for young people who often spend extended periods with their heads bent forward, looking at a smartphone.”
“When it comes to smartphones, we not only need to monitor how long we use our devices but also recognize that overuse and poor usage can negatively impact both our spinal health and mental well-being,” Dr. Chow emphasized. “The Australian Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends limiting recreational screen time to two hours per day, holding devices at eye level to avoid bending the neck forward, changing posture frequently, and taking regular breaks every ten minutes to look away from the device and move the neck side to side.”
“Computer use is another significant cause of tech neck. While it is most common among office workers—75.5% of Australians aged 16 to 64 use computers daily—improper use and setup can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Whether using a laptop or a desktop at home, school, university, or work, it is crucial to take postural breaks every 30 minutes for movement and stretching, as well as to ensure workstations are ergonomically set up. This practice helps prevent tech neck, enhances productivity, and maintains overall spinal health and well-being.”
“During Spinal Health Week, we encourage all Australians to rethink how they use smartphones, tablets, and computers to help prevent ongoing head, neck, and upper back injuries that can hinder productivity at home, school, and work,” he added.
For those suffering from tech neck, it is important to note that while medications may provide temporary relief from neck and back pain, academic studies—including one from Sydney University—show that opioids are not effective for individuals with acute neck or back pain lasting up to 12 weeks and do not play a beneficial role in treatment. Research has demonstrated that starting treatment for tech neck promptly is vital to prevent further functional decline and reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition.
Effective treatment outcomes can be achieved by combining strengthening and stretching exercises, manual therapy, and postural correction.
“Every week, over 400,000 chiropractic healthcare consultations help create well-adjusted Australians, as ACA chiropractors play a crucial role in improving the spinal health of everyday Australians,” said Dr. Chow. “This Spinal Health Week, we invite Australians to join the movement to learn and share practical strategies that can help prevent tech neck, promote overall spinal health and well-being, and reduce the economic and personal burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs),” Dr. Chow stated.
As a leader in musculoskeletal health, the ACA has invested over $2.3 million to advance research that supports evidence-based practices for chiropractic healthcare. They emphasize the importance of maintaining spinal health through their annual flagship campaign, National Spinal Health Week, which is Australia’s longest-running and award-winning health awareness initiative aimed at improving the spinal health of Australians of all ages.
Stay informed about tech neck by downloading ACA’s FREE resources, including the Avoiding Tech Neck Factsheets and Electronic Device Checklists for adults, parents, and students, the Ergonomic Checklist, and the Stand Corrected Stretching Poster, all of which are available for download at www.spinalhealthweek.org.au.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 30, 2025 | Business
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART” and a Premium Partner of the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As part of its participation in both pavilions, Glico held a press briefing on April 30 to share two key announcements: a newly obtained patent related to its “Cellular-care” research, and the development of “Rice soft candy” for the Expo 2025. At the “Osaka Healthcare Pavilion”, Glico is presenting an exhibition focused on “Cellular-care”. The company has been accelerating research on aging prevention and has announced that it has obtained a patent for demonstrating the senescent cell–removing effect of Persian silk tree. In addition to the details of the research that led to the patent, the briefing also covered the story behind “Rice soft candy”, which is being distributed exclusively at the Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART”. This newsletter provides a summary of the press releases announced today.
① Accelerating Research on Aging Prevention
Glico demonstrates senescent cell removal by Persian silk tree and obtains patent —Discovered from Glico’s Library of 6,000 Curated Ingredients —
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. conducted research to identify ingredients that act on the causes of aging, selecting approximately 6,000 candidates from its curated ingredient library, with a focus on those suitable for food applications. As a result, Glico demonstrated that Persian silk tree removes senescent cells (senolysis*1), and has now obtained a Patent (Patent No. 7659690). This marks the first patent in Japan for the removal of senescent cells using Persian silk tree. Moving forward, the Glico Group will continue its research, including validation in humans, to further explore its potential in aging-related applications.
For more information, please visit https://www.glico.com/global/news/46993/.
② Each Piece Encapsulates the Gentle Essence of Rice and a Vision for the Future of Our Planet
Glico develops “Rice soft candy” using rice-derived ingredients To be distributed exclusively inside “EARTH MART” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai from the End of May
Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. is a Silver Partner of the Expo’s Signature Pavilion “EARTH MART” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Under the pavilion’s theme, “Thinking about the lives through eating”, Glico has developed “Rice soft candy” by applying the soft-candy-making technology it has cultivated since its founding—using rice, Japan’s staple food, as the key ingredient. “Rice soft candy” will be offered free of charge to pavilion visitors exclusively within “EARTH MART”, starting from the End of May. The Glico Group will continue to share the value of Japanese food culture with the world and offer new ideas that contribute to “Healthier days, Wellbeing for life”.
For more information, please visit https://www.glico.com/global/news/47011.
*1 Senolysis: Refers to the selective removal of senescent cells. The term is derived from seno (senescence) and lysis (destruction or breakdown).
[Notes of caution]
This document is an English translation of the Japanese original. In the event of any differences or inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions, the Japanese language version shall take precedence.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 30, 2025 | Business
The SEC has approved ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs, signaling a major shift in U.S. crypto regulation. Discover what this means for XRP, Ripple’s legal battle, and the future of spot ETFs.
In a major development for the cryptocurrency sector, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) has approved ProShares’ launch of XRP futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with trading set to begin on April 30, 2025.
This move is poised to reshape the landscape for XRP investors and highlights a broader shift in U.S. regulatory attitudes toward digital assets.
Understanding XRP and Ripple
XRP is a digital token created by Ripple Labs, a company focused on revolutionizing cross-border payments. Ripple’s network aims to connect international banks, enabling instant money transfers without the inefficiencies of traditional systems like SWIFT. XRP serves as a bridge currency within this network, offering rapid, low-cost transactions. A single cross-border transfer using XRP costs just a fraction of a cent, demonstrating its utility in real-world financial ecosystems.
Ripple’s ongoing legal battles with the SEC, which began in 2020, had cast a long shadow over XRP’s price. However, a more crypto-friendly political environment under President Donald Trump and recent developments hinting at a settlement have significantly improved sentiment around XRP.
What Are XRP Futures ETFs?
ProShares, already known for its Bitcoin Futures ETF (BITO), proposed three XRP-linked ETFs back in January 2025:
- Ultra XRP ETF (2x leveraged)
- Short XRP ETF (inverse -1x leveraged)
- UltraShort XRP ETF (inverse -2x leveraged)
These futures ETFs will track XRP prices based on the XRP Index, allowing investors to speculate on XRP’s price movements without owning the actual token. This differs from spot ETFs, which require the fund to hold the underlying asset itself.
The ETFs will invest in a combination of XRP futures contracts, swaps, and cash balances in money market instruments, including U.S. Treasuries. Importantly, this offers a regulated pathway for investors to engage with XRP price trends while reducing direct exposure risks.
Why This Approval Matters
The approval of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is a watershed moment for several reasons:
1. Regulatory Recognition: It marks increasing acceptance of XRP as a legitimate asset class within regulated U.S. financial markets.
2. Institutional Interest: The move could unlock substantial institutional capital, mirroring patterns observed after the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
3. Market Sentiment: XRP prices have already reacted positively, surging over 6% to $2.28 in early trading on April 28, with daily trading volume soaring by more than 53%.
In contrast, Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies saw price declines during the same period, highlighting XRP’s relative strength.
Ripple’s Legal Saga and Future Prospects
The backdrop of these developments is Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC. However, recent reports indicate that Ripple and the SEC have reached an agreement to settle the case. As part of the settlement:
- Ripple will pay $50 million of a previously escrowed $125 million penalty.
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The SEC will withdraw its appeal regarding the “Programmatic Sales of XRP” ruling.
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Judge Analisa Torres may lift the injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors.
If finalized, this settlement could remove a significant overhang on XRP and further boost its market credibility.
Broader Implications for XRP Spot ETFs
ProShares has also filed for a spot XRP ETF, which is currently pending SEC approval. A spot ETF would involve holding actual XRP tokens rather than futures contracts, offering a more direct exposure option to investors.
The precedent set by Brazil — where Hashdex recently launched the world’s first spot XRP ETF — suggests that once one major market opens the gates, others tend to follow. Betting platform Polymarket now places the odds of a U.S. XRP-spot ETF approval by December 2025 at 78%, up from 68% earlier this month.
Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst James Seyffart maintains high confidence in an eventual approval, predicting final decisions by October 2025.
XRP Price Outlook
Following the SEC’s announcement and broader market enthusiasm:
- Current Price: $2.2335
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Market Cap: $136 billion
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52-Week Range: $0.39 to $3.38
XRP is currently consolidating above key support levels near $2.10, with resistance around $2.22. A decisive breakout above $2.40 could set the stage for a retest of previous highs at $3.3999 and eventually its all-time high of $3.5505.
Still, downside risks remain, particularly if the Ripple-SEC settlement faces delays or if macroeconomic conditions worsen. A bearish scenario could see XRP retreat toward the $1.50 mark.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for XRP and Crypto Markets
The launch of ProShares’ XRP futures ETFs is more than just a new investment product, it signals the maturing of the crypto industry and growing mainstream acceptance of alternative digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
With Ripple nearing a possible resolution with the SEC, rising institutional interest, and the growing likelihood of spot ETF approvals, XRP is well-positioned for a significant evolution in 2025 and beyond. However, investors should remain cautious and monitor legal and regulatory developments closely.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 29, 2025 | Business
COMINT Consulting supports more than 70 Allied countries’ SIGINT / COMINT efforts. We continually add new SIGINT solutions and tools to the many high-priority targets facing military and civilian intelligence agencies and warfighters today. With hundreds more digital signal decoders than its closest competition and parsers for extraction of maximum actionable intelligence, the software has resulted in numerous battlefield and law enforcement successes worldwide. Its digital signal decoding software for COMINT, SIGINT, Electronic Warfare – both Electronic Attack (EA) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and can be used in ANY mission platform – manned or unmanned.
Even more DECODING POWER – New features include these new decoders
and tools:
- Selex CNR-2000 Stanag5066 variant
- Codan Sentry variant Mil-Std 188-110
- CCIR493-4 variant Selcall
-Thales MSN8200 variant Mil-Std 188-141B 3G ALE
- Additional data formats added to Saab/Grintek TR2400 parser
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 29, 2025 | Business
GUESS, the iconic international fashion brand founded in Los Angeles, is bringing an exhilarating experience to the streets of Sydney with its very first experiential double-decker bus campaign in Australia. Taking GUESS fashion onto Sydney streets, this must-see event will surely captivate Sydney fashion enthusiasts and passersby alike, offering an immersive, high-impact fashion experience like no other.
A GUESS branded double-decker bus featuring larger than life images of Georgina Rodriguez, Argentinian model and reality television personality dressed in a series of stunning GUESS ensembles. The campaign, shot by renowned photographer Nima Benati, perfectly captures the combination of Georgina’s dynamic personality and the vision of winter luxury, timeless femininity, and sophistication.
The GUESS double-decker bus will roll into Sydney’s vibrant city streets, transforming a standard retail hub into a moving work of art and retail experience. This exciting activation will be the ultimate destination for all shoppers to discover GUESS’s Winter collection in a dynamic, immersive environment throughout Sydney.
The bus will be transporting a hand-curated selection of this season’s essentials alongside the Georgina Rodriguez edit, including ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, footwear, fragrances and more. Customers will have the chance to preview the collection before some of the pieces make their way in-store and online.
The lower deck of the bus will be designed with sleek, modern styling, showcasing on-trend handbags, shoes, jewellery, home products and GUESS iconic fragrances. The upper deck will house a selection of stunning ready-to-wear and iconic pieces with Instagram-opportune try-on, the perfect backdrop for photo opportunity.
What to Expect:
Exclusive Collections: Discover GUESS’s latest fashion-forward limited-edition pieces.Interactive Collection Preview:See, touch and try-on the collection in an exciting and intimate way.Exciting Giveaways: Complimentary GUESS merchandise and exclusive offers.Rich Photo Opportunities: Step into vibrant and creative installations, perfect for your social media.
BRINGING GUESS TO YOU will be a retail highlight in Sydney offering people a fresh, fun, and interactive customer experience to view and try pieces from the collection. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado or simply looking for a new way to shop, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Activation Details:
Locations and dates:29thApril – Parramatta Centenary Square -11am – 4.00pm1stMay – Bondi Beach- 11am – 3.00pm3rdMay – Overseas Passenger Terminal- 11am – 4.00pm
This experiential retail event marks a milestone in GUESS’s commitment to creating immersive, memorable experiences for consumers and fans, and is the first of its kind in Australia.
Join us for this iconic moment in fashion and get ready to experience GUESS in an entirely new way.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
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