United News of Bangladesh

A new study suggests that the human brain may remain active and conscious for some time after the heart stops beating, challenging long-held assumptions about the moments following death. The research, led by Dr Sam Parnia, examined 53 cardiac arrest survivors across 25 hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops, and it has been widely believed that the brain suffers irreversible damage within about 10 minutes due to oxygen deprivation. However, the study, published in the journal Resuscitation, detected brain activity during resuscitation efforts, sometimes lasting up to an hour after the heart stopped. Around 40% of patients reported conscious thoughts or memories during their clinical death, with some recalling conversations and events in the room. Brain scans showed spikes in brain waves linked to thinking and awareness. Dr Parnia said the findings indicate the brain may be more resilient than previously thought. He added that understanding this phenomenon could improve CPR techniques and treatment of brain injuries following cardiac arrest. The study has sparked debate among medical experts on the nature of consciousness and the definition of death. Experts urge that the results may help refine resuscitation practices and deepen understanding of how the human brain responds to extreme stress and oxygen deprivation.   With inputs from BBC

Scientific research is challenging the long-held belief that women are naturally more empathetic than men, suggesting that socialisation and environment play a major role in shaping empathy. While women often score slightly higher on empathy tests, experts say the difference is small and varies widely among individuals. Studies show that only about 10% of variation in empathy is due to genetics, with the remainder influenced by upbringing, societal expectations, and personal experiences. Researchers note that girls are often encouraged from a young age to be nurturing and sensitive, while boys are socialised to prioritise independence and assertiveness. Hormonal factors, such as prenatal testosterone exposure, may influence tendencies toward systemising or empathising, but they do not fully determine empathy. Empathy is also malleable and can be developed through motivation, reflection, and learning, experts say. Men’s empathy levels, for example, can improve when societal expectations encourage caring and emotional awareness. The findings highlight how gender stereotypes about emotional traits can affect leadership, workplace dynamics, and personal relationships, while emphasising that empathy is a dynamic skill, not a fixed trait.   With inputs from BBC

The WHO team of international researchers that arrived in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on Thursday hopes to find clues to the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.