#Non-Proliferation

[mousumikhatun]

International Disarmament And Non-Proliferation Awareness Day: Significant Role

What Is Disarmament And Non-proliferation

According to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), disarmament involves eliminating all Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and reducing armed forces and conventional weapons in a balanced way.

This approach aims to ensure that all parties maintain their security while promoting stability with lower military forces. Non-proliferation focuses on limiting the production and spread of nuclear and chemical weapons, preventing them from falling into the hands of non-state actors and rogue states.

Why Is Disarmament And Non-Proliferation Awareness Day Important?

This observance holds immense significance in the realm of international relations and security. With the proliferation of nuclear weapons posing a grave threat to humanity, raising awareness about disarmament initiatives is crucial for fostering dialogue, cooperation, and collective action towards a safer world.

Significance Of International Day For Disarmament And Non-proliferation Awareness

The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness reminds us of the ongoing threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.

It serves as a platform for global action and promotes international cooperation on disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

By raising awareness and promoting dialogue, this day helps build a safer world for everyone.

[midwesternkim]

A new wave of Imperialism

"for my friends everything, for my enemies the law" this the western policy when it comes to human rights. I am of the opinion that every country with nuclear weapons is in violation of Article 3 of the UDHR. Why? because nuclear weapons are a threat to the security of persons around the world. Should nuclear war occur, the loss of life would be unprecedented, this is why I am fundamentally opposed to nuclear weapons.

But this article is interesting because two of the three countries trying to censure Iran for enriching uranium have nuclear weapons. Why should Iran abide by the nuclear arms deal signed in 2015 when the United States under Trump backed out? Clearly the criticism is pointed in the wrong direction. Why should the people of Iran be under constant threat of nuclear attacks while us in the West are not? If we want to say that human rights are for all, we should mean it.

[airwavesdotblog]

Deadly Russian Missile Strike on Odesa: Escalation and International Outcry

A Russian missile strike targeted civilian infrastructure in the Ukrainian city of Odesa, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries. This attack marks the deadliest assault on the Black Sea port city since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The incident unfolded as follows: Initial Strike: Around 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. ET), Russia fired a missile…

[nucleartestsday]

[1st meeting] First session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will hold its first session from 31 July to 11 August 2023 at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria. This will be the first of three planned sessions that will be held prior to the 2026 Review Conference.

[peoples-media]

Ukraine Strikes Back: Significant Territorial Gains Made in Ongoing Conflict with Russia

In a significant turn of events, Ukraine has announced the recapture of approximately 100 square kilometers (40 square miles) of its territory during the 68th week of Russia’s invasion. This progress marks a crucial milestone in Ukraine’s long-planned counterattack, which is now gaining momentum and posing a challenge to the Russian forces. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed…

[lizbethborden]

For some reason I want to do this so. At risk of losing my limited "good Jew" credentials:

1. Jews have historical and genetic ties to the Levant. Pretending we don't is just willful stupidity. Pretending that the Hebrew names for cities in Israel are evil and fake is willful stupidity. Shit's in the damn Bible. People who talk about "indigeneity" re: this issue are trying to utilize a framework that emerged from the study of modern colonized peoples. Meanwhile we have been diasporic and colonized for over 2,000 years and I don't believe that this framework is valuable in this specific instance. So I am simply not going to wade into any part of that, especially bc I have a strong impression that people use the term "indigenous" in purely buzzword fashion on this issue.

2. Jews aren't going anywhere. I'm sorry, but the population of Israel is not going to get up and "go back where they came from," not least because we're talking about multiple generations now that were born in Israel. There is also no "back where they came from" for the Jewish populations of other countries that fled to Israel, much less for the descendants of Holocaust survivors whose homes and property were stolen by gentiles. "Go back to Poland" is hateful, idiotic, and antisemitic. If you wouldn't tell an Italian American dude to "go back to Italy" in the name of US politics you can understand why this is stupid, but with Jews it is a side order of denying our history, which makes it antisemitism.

3. The majority of Jews all over the world believe that we, as a people, are the people of Israel. "Israel" is a collective noun for Jewry and has been for thousands of years. Even Jews who do not believe the state of Israel should exist typically do acknowledge that our culture and history originate there. These beliefs do not come from some "manifest destiny" type thinking. They are historical facts. They're digging ancient stele with Protohebrew on them out of the ground every day in Israel. If you deny any of these legitimate, established historical facts regarding the history of the Jews in Israel, you are an antisemite. Period. This is why many Jewish people consider "antizionists" to just be flat out antisemites, given the rampant misinformation and denial regarding Jewish history in the Levant. This is also why there is broad distrust of "antizionists" as the general antizionist standard is that Jews shouldn't even think of themselves as related to Israel historically.

If you're about to ask me some question or send me some gotcha related to Palestine, please examine that urge and ask yourself why your assumption is that these statements are incompatible with a belief in Palestinian human rights. Ask yourself why the Italian American dude saying his ancestors are from Forli gets a pass from you and you don't make him disavow Mussolini to prove he's not a fascist, but a Jew says their ancestors built Jerusalem and you're suddenly telling them their responsibility is to disavow the atrocities of the IDF to prove they're not a Zionist. Thanks.

[redpenship]

tails is a maoist. perhaps even one with third worldist characteristics

[bulldog-butch]

my tumblr cancelable opinion: (as a trans masc) so many trans mascs on tumblr are afraid to call themselves men because they don’t want to admit that they can be oppressors. especially if they are white

Gonna have to suck on this one like a lozenge

[protoslacker]

The world quietly becomes more dangerous as the post Cold War great power promises fail, and it’s not getting harder to build a nuke. A post-Budapest proliferation world could be terrifying, especially as it is pushed into political chaos by Russia, the Middle East, and most of all, Climate Change. It is exactly the world everyone has wanted to prevent since the Trinity test. The old cold warriors aren’t supplying Ukraine out of the kindness of their hearts, but out of the cold calculus of the deal with the Devil we all made in New Mexico.

Quinn Norton at Emptywheel. Ukraine, Russia, and the Long Shadow of Nuclear Proliferation

[thetruearchmagos]

Right, got some reading to do in my spare time!

[man-and-atom]

The Bulletin finally acknowledges two key points :

The decision to use nuclear weapons, like the decision to build nuclear weapons, is a political decision. Neither of them is an automatic process, triggered by some deterministic course of events — there are numerous countries with far greater scientific, technical, and industrial capabilities than North Korea, which have not chosen to build nuclear weapons. And the people who make those political decisions (especially those who choose to start wars) are not machines whose behavior is determined by simple sets of rules with consequences that can easily be modeled.

The concentration on nuclear war as the ultimate catastrophe, and on nuclear disarmament and non–proliferation, has led to a neglect of the danger of war as such, and with it, of conventional disarmament and conciliation. Meanwhile, the Russian invasion of Crimea, in defiance of solemn pledges to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine’s renunciation of nuclear weapons, and the near total–lack of action by the other powers to enforce those pledges and uphold their own, has led directly to the current conflict. At this point, all commitments made by the nuclear weapons states in the name of non–proliferation must seem extremely suspect. That is over and above the way that the USA, in particular, has for decades been in open breach of its obligations under the Non–Proliferation Treaty to assist the Non–Weapons States in the peaceful uses of atomic energy.

What the Bulletin does not say, is that the response of the world must be two–fold. Firstly, measures military and otherwise to support Ukraine against Russian aggression must be greatly increased. Europe is still sending more money to Russia in payment for fossil fuels every month, than to Ukraine as military and economic assistance. And secondly, the commitment to the peaceful uses of atomic energy must be renewed and redoubled. Only atomic hope is powerful enough to help us escape atomic fear.

Thanks to @mgrgfan for the link.

[byeaf]

LETS KEEP GIVING A DAMN ABOUT LIFE ON EARTH!!!

If you aren't familiarized yet about FFT, it basically calls out the hushing about fossil fuels in existing environmental treaties worldwide. It calls out for the final stop on the fossil fuel industry, that has silenced science and stopped climate positive initiatives (public transit, electric sovereignty)

Read and endorse:

fossilfueltreaty.org

[filosofablogger]

78 Years Ago - 6 August 1945

[mala--draws]

i think folks need to take things less personally, and when they do, get less defensive and more introspective/curious about Why that person doesnt want em to touch em. it might not be about you, that person may be touch adverse or feeling overstimulated or any plethora of reasons. equally, it might be about you and you don't get to decide whether you follow that. you do get to decide how u react and whether u take it as an attack or something to consider.

You should be able to say “don’t touch me” to anyone ever in any context and not have it be considered in the realm of surprising or insulting imho if we ever needed to normalize something it’s this

[blueoaknx]

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction

Mitochondria, essential for cellular energy metabolism, play a crucial role in bioenergetics and metabolic homeostasis. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key pathophysiological factor in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), contributing to insulin resistance, metabolic inflexibility, and beta-cell dysfunction. This review explores the intricate mechanisms underlying mitochondrial impairments in T2DM, including defective oxidative phosphorylation, disrupted mitochondrial dynamics, impaired mitophagy, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, with a focus on potential therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial pathways.

Mechanistic Insights into Mitochondrial Dysfunction in T2DM

1. Defective Oxidative Phosphorylation and ATP Synthesis

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) occurs through the electron transport chain (ETC), comprising Complexes I-IV and ATP synthase (Complex V). In T2DM, evidence suggests a downregulation of mitochondrial ETC activity, particularly in Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) and Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex), leading to reduced ATP synthesis. This dysfunction is often linked to compromised NADH oxidation and inefficient proton gradient formation, resulting in cellular energy deficits and impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

2. Elevated Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Oxidative Stress

Mitochondria are a primary source of ROS, predominantly generated at Complex I and Complex III during electron leakage. In T2DM, excess substrate influx due to hyperglycemia leads to mitochondrial overactivation, driving excessive ROS production. Elevated ROS induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), lipids, and proteins, disrupting mitochondrial integrity and function. Oxidative stress further impairs insulin signaling by activating stress-responsive kinases such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and IκB kinase (IKK), contributing to systemic insulin resistance.

3. Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Transcriptional Dysregulation

Mitochondrial biogenesis is regulated by the transcriptional coactivator Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), which modulates downstream transcription factors such as Nuclear Respiratory Factors (NRF-1/NRF-2) and Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (TFAM). In T2DM, PGC-1α expression is downregulated, impairing mitochondrial biogenesis and reducing mitochondrial density, leading to decreased oxidative capacity in metabolically active tissues like skeletal muscle and liver.

4. Disrupted Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitophagy

Mitochondrial quality control is maintained through dynamic fission and fusion processes. Fission, mediated by Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), is necessary for mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy, while fusion, regulated by Mitofusin 1/2 (Mfn1/2) and Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1), maintains mitochondrial integrity. In T2DM, an imbalance favoring excessive fission leads to mitochondrial fragmentation, impairing energy metabolism and exacerbating insulin resistance. Moreover, defective mitophagy, regulated by PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin, results in the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, further aggravating metabolic dysfunction.

Implications of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in T2DM Pathophysiology

1. Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance

Skeletal muscle accounts for ~80% of postprandial glucose uptake, relying on mitochondrial ATP production for insulin-mediated glucose transport. Impaired mitochondrial function in muscle cells reduces oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, promoting a shift towards glycolysis and lipid accumulation, ultimately leading to insulin resistance.

2. Pancreatic Beta-Cell Dysfunction

Mitochondrial ATP production is essential for insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K_ATP) regulate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), with ATP/ADP ratios dictating channel closure and depolarization-induced insulin exocytosis. In T2DM, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to inadequate ATP generation, impairing GSIS and reducing insulin secretion capacity. Additionally, oxidative stress-induced beta-cell apoptosis contributes to progressive loss of beta-cell mass.

3. Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Lipid Dysregulation

Mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes contributes to hepatic insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Impaired fatty acid oxidation due to dysfunctional mitochondria leads to lipid accumulation, exacerbating hepatic insulin resistance and systemic metabolic dysregulation.

Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction

1. Exercise-Induced Mitochondrial Adaptation

Physical activity upregulates PGC-1α expression, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance exercise improve mitochondrial efficiency and reduce oxidative stress, mitigating insulin resistance in T2DM patients.

2. Pharmacological Modulation of Mitochondrial Function

Metformin: Enhances mitochondrial complex I activity, reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Activate PPAR-γ, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and improving insulin sensitivity.

Mitochondria-targeted Antioxidants: Agents like MitoQ, SkQ1, and SS-31 reduce mitochondrial ROS, preventing oxidative damage and preserving mitochondrial function.

3. Nutritional and Metabolic Interventions

Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diets: Enhance mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, reducing lipid accumulation and improving metabolic flexibility.

Intermittent Fasting: Induces mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy, improving metabolic homeostasis.

Nutraceuticals: Coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, and nicotinamide riboside (NR) enhance mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.

4. Emerging Gene and Cellular Therapies

Gene Therapy: Targeted upregulation of PGC-1α and TFAM to restore mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial Transplantation: Direct transfer of healthy mitochondria to replace dysfunctional ones, an emerging frontier in metabolic disease management.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central determinant in the pathogenesis of T2DM, affecting insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and lipid homeostasis. Targeting mitochondrial pathways through exercise, pharmacological agents, dietary modifications, and emerging gene therapies offers promising avenues for improving metabolic health in T2DM. 

[nucleartestsday]

See how the next generation envisions a world free of nuclear testing.

Experience the powerful work of CTBTO Youth Group (CYG) members for the Global Art Campaign. These parallel exhibits will be held in Vienna and New York, showcasing the winning submissions that vividly illustrate the contrast between a world with nuclear weapons tests and one without.

Vienna Exhibit

Dates: 29 August – 6 September Location: Rotunda, Vienna International Centre (VIC)

New York Exhibit

Dates: 3 – 6 September Location: Corridor Neck 1B, United Nations Headquarters

The exhibits feature a diverse range of creative expressions, including visual art, music, poetry, and performance. Free admission is available to staff of international organizations, delegates, and those with access to the VIC and UN HQ in New York.

Don't miss this opportunity to see how the next generation envisions a world free of nuclear testing.