New study reveals medical benefits of fasting that should thrill Muslims and Christians more besides spiritual revival
Researchers have been investigating the potential health benefits of fasting for decades, and there is evidence that the practice can help to delay certain diseases and lengthen lifespan in rodents. But the underlying biological mechanisms behind these benefits have been a mystery.
Scramble for numbers in Europe’s hospitality industry ushers in new concerns of ‘overtourism’
Anyone paying attention during this summer of “overtourism” is familiar with the escalating consequences around the world: traffic jams in paradise. Reports of hospitality workers living in tents. And “anti-tourism” protests intended to shame visitors as they dine – or, as in Barcelona in July, douse them with water pistols.
Why hospitals around the world are increasingly turning to music therapy to treat depression
Scientists have found why classical music may aid the treatment of depression. Music therapy is a treatment option that may help manage many conditions, particularly different forms of mental illness. In ongoing studies, experts are interested in understanding more about why music therapy is helpful in treating certain conditions. One...
How jailed Mexican drug lord El Chapo’s son lured rival gang’s kingpin Zambada into FBI dragnet
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the two agencies who carried out the operation, scrambled agents from their local El Paso offices and barely reached the airport by the time the private plane was landing, according to a fifth source, a US official who declined to give further details on the arrests.
Food slaves: Since AGRA’s launch, African biodiversity has been severely lost, farmers tricked into dumping nutrient-dense, drought-resistant crops
In 1999, Monsanto’s CEO Robert Shapiro bragged that the company planned to control “three of the largest industries in the world – agriculture, food and health – that now operate as separate businesses. But there are a set of changes that will lead to their integration.” Today these chemical manufacturers control a huge percentage of the world’s food supply.
Nigeria’s fashion, dancing styles come alive as spotlight shines on Prince Harry and Meghan in Lagos
The couple, invited to the West African nation by its military, were treated to different bouts of dancing, starting from the Lagos airport where a troupe’s acrobatic moves left both applauding and grinning. One of the dancers, who looked younger than five years old, exchanged salutes with Harry from high up in the air, standing on firm shoulders.
How daring homeless woman lodged inside rooftop of grocery store sign with computer, coffee maker for a year
The Family Fare store is in a retail strip with a triangle-shaped sign at the top of the building. The sign structure, probably five feet (1.5 metres) wide and eight feet (2.4 metres) high, has a door and is accessible from the roof, Warren said.
Woman who stabbed classmate to please Slender Man ordered to remain in psychiatric hospital
Morgan Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide and was sent to the psychiatric institute because of mental illness. She was initially diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder but has been off antipsychotic medications since 2022 with no new symptoms, said Dr Ken Robbins.
While abortion is now legal in much of Africa, few women know and providers don’t publicise it
More than 20 countries across Africa have loosened restrictions on abortion in recent years, but experts say that like Efua, many women probably don’t realise they are entitled to a legal abortion. And despite the expanded legality of the procedure in places like Ghana, Congo, Ethiopia and Mozambique, some doctors and nurses say they’ve become increasingly wary of openly providing abortions.
American R&B icon Bruce Springsteen becomes first international songwriter to be made fellow of Britain’s Ivors Academy
Over the last half century, the Born to Run musician has sold more than 140 million records worldwide — from his 1973 debut Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ to his most recent studio album Only the Strong Survive in 2022, with a liberal dusting of top honours along the way, including 20 Grammys, an Oscar and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
