Author: Abhirami Priya

Adelaide: South Australia has reported seven new suspected cases of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu in wild seabirds, raising concerns that the virus may now be spreading among local bird populations. The suspected cases involve greater crested terns, with one bird found at Cape Jaffa, five near Southend Jetty close to Beachport, and another at Port MacDonnell, about 20 kilometres from the Victorian border. The latest discoveries follow two confirmed H5 bird flu cases in greater crested terns over the weekend, including the first confirmed detection in metropolitan Adelaide. If laboratory testing by the CSIRO confirms the new suspected cases,…

London: Restricting meals and snacks to a nine-hour daily window and avoiding food for at least four hours before bedtime may help protect cognitive function as people age, according to new research. A pilot study involving older women living with overweight or obesity found that those who limited their eating to a shorter timeframe showed signs of improved mental performance compared with participants who spread their meals over a longer period. Although the findings are preliminary and based on a small group of participants, researchers believe the approach could become a simple lifestyle strategy to help maintain brain health if…

Berlin: German authorities have launched a manhunt for a 21-year-old suspect following the deadly attack near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) Pride festival. Police and prosecutors on July 26 issued a wanted notice identifying the suspect as Abdul B. Investigators believe he drove a vehicle into a crowd on the night of July 25 before one or more people fled the scene. Authorities also noted that several victims appeared to have been stabbed during the incident. The public has been urged not to approach the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous, and instead report any information on his whereabouts…

London: Spotify users are being warned about a sophisticated phishing scam that tricks subscribers into revealing their login credentials and payment details through fake emails claiming there is an issue with their subscription payments. The scam begins with an email stating that a recent payment could not be processed and urging recipients to update their payment method to avoid service interruption. Because many users regularly renew or replace their payment cards, the request can appear legitimate. Clicking the ‘Update Payment Method’ button takes users to a fraudulent website that closely resembles Spotify’s official login page. Victims are prompted to sign…

Harare: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed his maiden Twenty20 International half-century to help India register a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of their three-game T20I series at Harare Sports Club. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum, finishing on 125-7 from their 20 overs. All-rounder Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 39, while Tadiwanashe Marumani remained unbeaten on 27 after the pair shared a 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket. India made light work of the chase, reaching 126-3 with 40 balls to spare, thanks to a stunning innings from the…

Cleveland, Ohio: A US study has found that replacing gas stoves with electric alternatives may significantly improve asthma control, with researchers reporting benefits comparable to those seen with some commonly prescribed asthma medications. The research, led by Case Western Reserve University and carried out through Ohio’s publicly owned MetroHealth system, began in December 2024 to examine whether switching from gas to electric cooking could improve asthma in 1,200 residents living near Cleveland. However, the project was cut short after funding was withdrawn by the incoming Trump administration, limiting the study to just 72 households. Despite the reduced sample size, researchers…

Zentangle has emerged as a simple yet powerful art form that combines creativity with mindfulness. More than decorative doodling, it is a structured drawing method that uses repetitive patterns to promote focus, relaxation, and self-expression. Unlike traditional art, Zentangle requires no artistic experience, making it accessible to people of all ages. The Zentangle Method was created in 2003 by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas in Massachusetts, USA. Maria, a calligrapher and botanical artist, discovered a deep sense of calm while drawing intricate patterns. Rick, who had experience in meditation, recognised similarities between her experience and mindfulness practices. Together, they developed…

Music is often seen as a source of entertainment, but research shows it can also play a role in healing. From reducing stress to supporting memory and pain management, music affects both the brain and the body in remarkable ways. When people listen to music they enjoy, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward. At the same time, calming music can lower cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. This helps explain why many people feel relaxed after listening to their favorite songs. Types of music for different moods People often choose different types of music…

Human memory is not always reliable. At times, the brain creates unusual sensations that make reality feel distorted for a few seconds. Two of the most fascinating psychological experiences connected to memory and perception are déjà vu and jamais vu. While they appear to be opposites, both reveal how complex the human brain truly is. What is Déjà Vu? Déjà vu is a French term meaning ‘already seen.’ It describes the strange feeling that a current situation has happened before, even when it clearly has not. A person may walk into a room for the first time yet feel as…

The humble power nap has emerged as a surprisingly effective tool for maintaining energy, focus, and overall well-being. Far from being a sign of laziness, short naps, typically lasting between 10 and 30 minutes, are increasingly backed by science as a smart strategy to recharge both body and mind. What is a power nap? A power nap is a brief period of sleep taken during the day, designed to restore alertness without leaving you groggy. Unlike longer naps that can lead to sleep inertia (that heavy, disoriented feeling upon waking), power naps are carefully timed to keep you in the…