Intermittent fasting: benefits or risks? Study raises questions about heart health
The text discusses a large-scale study that found a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease for individuals who confine their eating to less than eight hours a day compared to those who eat over 12-14 hours. The link between overall mortality and time-restricted eating was weaker and inconsistent, but the cardiovascular risk persisted across age, sex, and lifestyle groups. The study did not prove cause and effect, but it challenges the narrative of fasting as a risk-free path to better health.
Reeling from Trump's tariffs, India and China seek a business reboot
The text discusses the economic challenges faced by India and China, particularly due to US tariffs, and the potential for improved relations between India and China. The leaders of both countries are meeting with the aim of resetting their relationship, which has been marked by mistrust due to border disputes and other issues. Both countries are economic powerhouses, with India expected to become the third-largest economy by 2028. The text also mentions the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO), a regional body that includes China, India, and other countries, as a potential platform for cooperation between India and China.
Is Miss England's AI round dangerous or progressive?
The Miss England pageant has introduced an AI round in which contestants create digital avatars of themselves and compete for commercial contracts. Three semi-finalists have chosen to participate, with one being Jessica Pliskin, a physics graduate from the University of Bristol. The use of AI is controversial, with some models expressing concerns about losing their personality and authenticity, while others see it as an opportunity to adapt to industry changes. The contestants will work with AI company MirrorMe to create their avatars and receive business training on how to market them.
Mother and baby home archives to be digitised
Experts have negotiated access to thousands of records from institutions for unmarried mothers in Northern Ireland. These records are being assessed by the Truth Recovery Independent Panel, which aims to preserve the records in a permanent archive for relatives and survivors to research their past. The institutions were mainly run by religious organizations and include mother-and-baby institutions and Magdalene Laundries. The issues being examined include allegations of physical and mental abuse and forced adoptions. Over 5,500 records have been digitized and data-sharing arrangements are in place to address confidentiality.
Australian state to ban iconic fish-shaped soy sauce bottles
South Australia is banning fish-shaped soy sauce containers as part of a wider ban on single-use plastics, including supermarket carrier bags, plastic straws, drinks stirrers, cotton buds, and confetti. The move aims to reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions, and protect marine life. The ban applies to pre-filled 30ml soy sauce containers with a lid, cap, or stopper, but not to large soy sauce bottles or sachets. Australia is taking this action due to concerns about the increasing flow of plastic into the ocean.