
英國醫學雜誌刺胳針發布最新評估,列出17項可能造成人類滅絕的重大公共衛生風險
英國醫學雜誌「刺胳針」發布未來75年公共衛生風險評估,列出17項重大威脅。其中,人工智慧的惡意使用與核子衝突被視為最嚴重的滅絕風險,報告呼籲各國領袖及早採取行動以強化衛生體系並投資科技創新。
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刺胳針的21世紀全球健康威脅委員會針對未來75年可能導致失能調整生命年(DALY)損失超過10億的威脅進行了建模評估。
(中央社倫敦11日綜合外電報導)英國醫學雜誌「刺胳針」發布未來75年公共衛生風險最新評估報告,列出17項可能造成人類滅絕的重大威脅,其中以人工智慧(AI)的惡意使用及核子衝突居首。
英國「衛報」(The Guardian)報導,這份由「刺胳針」(The Lancet)的21世紀全球健康威脅委員會(Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health)提出的報告,是以現有發展趨勢路線為模型,來計算出各種威脅可能導致因疾病、失能或過早死亡而損失的健康年數,也就是「失能調整生命年」(disability-adjusted life year,DALY)。
報告針對各種威脅模擬了最佳與最壞情況,若是累計超過10億DALY,便會列入這份「重大災難性威脅」清單。上榜的威脅不僅可能導致大量健康壽命年損失,也要有潛在的解決方案。
報告指出,AI的惡意使用之所以能帶來重大威脅,包括用於創造生物武器;而核子衝突可能導致人類滅絕的方式,則包括若產生足夠微粒進入大氣較上層,造成陽光被阻擋,進而釀成饑荒。
其他進入名單的健康重大風險,還包括富國減少對外援助、氣候危機、兒童營養不良、抗微生物抗藥性、空氣污染、傳統衝突、高酒精攝取、高血壓、所得不均、教育普及度低、自然發生的疫情、肥胖、心理健康不良、吸菸及不健康老化。
關於國際援助部分,報告表示,若相關支出瓦解或大幅縮減,最晚到了2100年可能導致高達15億DALY,其中接近70%發生在撒哈拉沙漠以南非洲(sub-Saharan Africa),當地也是兒童營養不良問題最嚴重的地區。
報告指出,每一項威脅都有實際的解決路徑,但也互有關聯,須共同應對。其中若採取行動將全球暖化控制在約攝氏1.8度,而非任其達到攝氏4.4度,可預防18.9億的健康壽命年損失。
報告的作者呼籲各國領袖及早因應上榜風險,以免情勢惡化為危機。包括透過投資科技創新,以及強化衛生體系。

A study involving nearly 200,000 people and followed for 34 years found that cereal fiber and fruit fiber can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes, but excessive intake of starchy vegetable fiber increases the risk by 11%. Studies have pointed out that if starchy vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams are used as a supplement rather than a replacement for staple foods, they can easily lead to excess carbohydrates, and cooking methods such as frying will offset the benefits of fiber. The truly effective sugar-control vegetables are non-starchy vegetables such as green leafy vegetables and broccoli. It is recommended to prefer whole grains and whole fruits and use light cooking methods to stabilize blood sugar.

On the occasion of the 30th World Arthritis Day, Xian Siping, chief physician of the Second Department of Orthopedics, Chengdu University Affiliated Hospital, pointed out that joint injuries are trending younger and younger, and long-term sitting and standing, irregular postures and unscientific exercises are the main reasons. He corrected the misunderstanding of calcium supplementation to protect joints, and proposed scientific joint protection methods to reduce wear and strengthen muscle strength.

It has been more than a week since Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old Russian plague researcher, died of unexplained pneumonia in the Irkutsk region. The Russian authorities have not announced the cause of death or confirmed whether she was infected with Yersinia pestis. Although thousands of tests on her body and contacts found no dangerous pathogens, the WHO is working hard to identify the causative factors. The incident has triggered international attention on the lack of safety and trust in laboratories, especially in the context of the failure to trace the origin of the new coronavirus and Russia's accusation that Russia may be engaged in biological weapons research.

AI weight management tools are popular among professionals. They help users lose weight by taking photos to identify food calories, checking in and following exercises, and customizing recipes using big data. However, experts point out that its suggestions lack personalization, cannot sense physical status, and pose health risks. They emphasize that AI is only an auxiliary tool and cannot replace a doctor's diagnosis.

Elderly protection notification cases in Taiwan are increasing year by year. Experts point out that aging and younger children have led to increased family care pressure, with mental abuse being the main type. It is recommended that family members make good use of long-term care and community resources, that elders be considerate of their families, and that preventive measures be taken to reduce conflicts and abuse incidents.

Patrick Bergstedt, Global Vice President of Moderna, believes that the "Healthy Taiwan" policy promoted by President Lai Ching-te after taking office shows that the Taiwanese government has a strong political determination to attach importance to medical and health safety. Coupled with the existing CDC, medical and academic systems, Taiwan has the conditions to successfully respond to future pandemics. He also emphasized that epidemic prevention requires the establishment of a complete ecosystem rather than relying solely on vaccines.