Joan MacDonald, a 79-year-old fitness influencer with over 2 million Instagram followers, exemplifies a growing trend of older women embracing intense strength training. Other notable examples include 89-year-old Ernestine Shepherd, a competitive bodybuilder, and Nora Langdon, who recently deadlifted 225 pounds in her 80s. These women challenge stereotypes of aging and frailty, demonstrating that older individuals are capable of significant physical feats. Their experiences highlight the benefits of strength training for bone health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, particularly for women who may have internalized negative messages about exercise.

Many of these women initially worried about appearing "manly" but overcame those concerns, emphasizing the importance of dispelling societal biases against women lifting weights. The increasing popularity of strength training among older women is reflected in the inclusion of powerlifting in the National Senior Games for the first time this year, with 88 women aged 50 to 82 participating. Experts like Elaina Manolis, a physical therapist, stress the importance of strength training for maintaining independence and functionality in later life, while acknowledging that it's not a solution for all health challenges.

Impact Statement: The growing visibility of older women excelling in strength training challenges societal perceptions of aging and promotes the importance of physical activity for healthy aging.

Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe (55) died by suicide on August 4, 2024, after being struck by a train in Surrey, a coroner concluded. Surrey Coroner Jonathan Stevens stated there were "shortcomings" in Thorpe's care in the months leading up to his death, particularly after he expressed suicidal thoughts to his wife and a care coordinator on June 28, 2024. While the coroner found failings in the care provided, he couldn't definitively say whether earlier intervention would have changed the outcome. The last time healthcare professionals saw Thorpe in person was March 20, 2024.

An investigation by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust found that Thorpe's presentation on June 28th wasn't perceived as a crisis situation, and a two-week delay in follow-up was deemed appropriate at the time. A consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Shriti Burgul, later acknowledged that, in hindsight, a home visit would have been clinically indicated. Thorpe's widow attributed the decline in his mental health to the "real shock" of losing his job as a batting coach with the England and Wales Cricket Board. A neuropsychological impact was also considered a possibility that could have affected his engagement with appointments.

Impact Statement: The inquest highlights concerns regarding the provision of mental healthcare, specifically the assessment and response to individuals expressing suicidal ideation.

Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore returns in a sequel 29 years after the original. The film opens with Happy, now married with five children, accidentally killing his wife with a golf shot. This leads to his retirement and a descent into alcoholism, before his daughter's ballet aspirations motivate him to return to professional golf. The sequel features cameos from numerous professional golfers, including Lee Trevino, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples, John Daly, Scottie Scheffler, and Will Zalatoris, along with returning cast members like Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, and new additions like Bad Bunny.

The film pays tribute to deceased actors from the original, notably Carl Weathers, and incorporates recurring gags and familiar Sandler comedic elements. While not reaching the heights of the original, the sequel focuses on Happy’s redemption, his daughter’s ambitions, and the evolving world of professional golf. The film also includes cameos from other celebrities outside the golf world, such as Travis Kelce and Kelsey Plum.

Happy Gilmore 2 is available now on Netflix.

Rewind, a new brand launching in Europe, has released a limited-edition 9V battery-flavored corn chip. The chips, described as having a sharp, acidic flavor with a mineral tang, are intended to evoke the nostalgic memory (for some) of licking a 9V battery. Chef Mattias Larsson used citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and mineral salts to create the flavor profile.

While licking a 9V battery is generally considered safe, Rewind explicitly discourages ingesting batteries. The company offers sample packs worldwide via a request form on their website. The chips themselves are thinner than some prefer but are otherwise palatable according to one taste-tester.

Impact Statement: The release of this unusual flavor is generating significant social media attention and curiosity.

Fountains, with a history spanning millennia, have served diverse purposes across cultures. From Minoan Crete (2000 BCE) where they were integrated into religious rituals, to ancient Egypt with their lion-head spouts, and the Islamic gardens symbolizing paradise, fountains held cultural and practical significance. The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw them become symbols of political power, exemplified by Rome's Fountain of Four Rivers and Trevi Fountain. In Ottoman Istanbul, public fountains served as charitable acts and community gathering spaces. Modern iterations, such as the Bellagio Fountains and Dubai Fountain, have evolved into spectacular performances. However, concerns remain regarding water waste, especially in drought-prone areas. Modern designs are addressing this with recirculated water and solar-powered pumps. Research confirms the localized cooling effect of fountains, particularly those with fine sprays or mist. Cities across Europe, facing rising temperatures, are adapting existing fountains with misting nozzles and expanding access to drinking fountains. The restoration of ancient fountains, such as one in Kibyra, Turkey (23 CE), highlights their enduring cultural value.

While fountains alone cannot solve urban heat issues, their continued use and adaptation demonstrate their enduring relevance in a warming world.

Older adults often experience depression symptoms manifesting as physical ailments, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This is compounded by stigma surrounding mental health in older generations and a potential reluctance among both patients and physicians to address mental health concerns. Research from Pascal Schlechter at the University of Münster, Germany, and a longitudinal study involving over 11,000 individuals, reveals similar depressive symptoms in older and younger adults, although older adults often present with more somatic symptoms, attributing them to aging. Albino Oliveira-Maia, head of the Neuropsychiatry Unit at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal, highlights the challenges of medication interactions and potential toxicities in older patients, potentially influencing physicians to prioritize physical health issues. Both experts express reservations about self-diagnosis via awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals.

While awareness campaigns increase recognition of mental health issues in younger populations, older adults may dismiss symptoms or fail to seek help due to stigma and misattribution to physical aging. The study underscores the need for earlier diagnosis and intervention, improved physician training, and strategies to reduce stigma surrounding mental health in older adults. Delayed treatment due to misdiagnosis can result in chronic depression and poorer outcomes.

Dame Cleo Laine, a renowned British jazz singer known for her exceptional vocal range and diverse repertoire, passed away at the age of 97. Her career spanned decades, marked by collaborations with legendary musicians such as Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. A significant achievement was becoming the first British singer to win a Grammy Award in a jazz category. She co-founded The Stables arts center in Buckinghamshire with her late husband and musical collaborator, John Dankworth.

The Stables issued a statement expressing sadness over Laine's passing, highlighting her contributions as a founder and Life President. David Meadowcroft, chairman of The Stables charity, praised her remarkable talent and commitment to music education. Monica Ferguson, chief executive and artistic director, also lauded Laine's unique talent and influence. Laine, born Clementina Dinah Hitching in Southall, Middlesex, overcame numerous challenges, including financial hardship and societal prejudices, to build a celebrated career.

Laine's exceptional four-octave vocal range and ability to perform a wide variety of music genres, from classical to popular, solidified her place as a leading figure in British jazz. Her career included stage performances, recordings, and international tours, culminating in a Grammy win in 1983 and a damehood in 1997. She continued to perform into her 90s, driven by her passion for music and connection with her audience.

Impact Statement: The passing of Dame Cleo Laine marks the end of an era in British jazz, leaving a legacy of musical excellence and philanthropic contributions to the arts.

The first International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent was observed on Friday, following a 2023 UN General Assembly declaration. The day recognizes their contributions while highlighting the disproportionate challenges they face due to intersecting racism and sexism, leading to marginalization globally. UNFPA cites alarming maternal mortality rates, often unrelated to income or education but stemming from structural inequalities rooted in slavery and colonialism.

Patricia DaSilva, a senior UNFPA programme adviser, emphasized that these issues are solvable, advocating for stronger health systems, investment in midwifery, culturally sensitive healthcare training, and improved data collection. UNFPA supports initiatives like integrating ancestral knowledge with modern health practices in Colombia's Pacific region, including crucial birth registration.

Ms. DaSilva highlighted the importance of viewing women and girls of African descent as leaders and agents of change, not merely beneficiaries of aid. She stressed the need for global support to resource their solutions, amplify their voices, and dismantle systemic barriers hindering their progress. The day's launch coincides with the start of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2024-2034).

Impact Statement: The establishment of the International Day raises awareness of the unique challenges faced by women and girls of African descent and promotes their leadership and agency in addressing these issues.

Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park, offered a mock apology for the show's 27th-season premiere, which featured jokes targeting President Donald Trump, including a depiction of him nude in bed with Satan. The White House called South Park a "fourth-rate" show, claiming it was "hanging on by a thread." The episode, which aired on Paramount+, also satirized a recent legal dispute between Paramount and President Trump, as well as other contemporary issues.

The episode, titled "Sermon on the 'Mount," drew mixed reactions. While some critics, such as Stuart Heritage of The Guardian, lauded it as "South Park's most furious episode ever," others, like Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone, praised its satirical approach to multiple current events, including the use of lawsuits to silence opponents and the injection of religion into public schools. Parker stated that he and his team were uncertain about audience reception before its release. This episode comes after Paramount+ signed a $1.5 billion deal with the show's creators for 50 new episodes and streaming rights.

Impact Statement: The incident highlights the ongoing tension between satire and political figures, and the continued relevance of South Park despite changing media landscapes.

Around 6,000 websites in the UK that host pornographic content began implementing mandatory age verification checks on Friday. This follows a directive from Ofcom, the media regulator, aiming to improve online child safety. Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes stated that this represents significant action from the technology industry, unparalleled in other countries, with commitments secured from numerous platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). However, at least one major site reportedly did not comply by Friday morning, and experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these checks and the ease with which they might be bypassed. Several companies, including Pornhub, Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, and Grindr, have agreed to implement these age verification measures.

The UK's Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, described the new regulations as common sense, highlighting the existing practice of age verification in other areas of life. Supporters, such as the NSPCC, see this as a crucial step in protecting children from harmful online content. However, concerns remain about the sufficiency of the regulations, with some arguing that they prioritize the needs of tech companies over children's safety, and others expressing worry that age gates may drive users toward less regulated, potentially more harmful, content. The impact on individuals who may not wish to share their identity, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, is also a concern, along with the potential misuse of personal data collected during age verification.

Impact Statement: The long-term effectiveness of the UK's new online age verification measures for pornographic websites remains uncertain, with concerns about circumvention and potential unintended consequences.

The new Paramount Pictures CGI film Smurfs, directed by Chris Miller and featuring the voice of James Corden, has been critically panned and underperformed at the box office. The movie centers on a Smurf experiencing an existential crisis due to lacking a defining skill, a concept contrasting sharply with the original comics' ideology. French sociologist and Smurfologist Antoine Buéno points out that in the original comics by Pierre Culliford (Peyo), created in 1958, the Smurfs' society is a proto-communist collective where individual expression is discouraged, with most of the 100 original Smurfs being indistinguishable. Individuality, and particularly private property, is presented as the source of conflict and societal disruption, as seen in Le Schtroumpfissime (1965), where an election leads to an oppressive regime.

Buéno's 2011 book, Le Petit Livre Bleu, analyzed the political undertones in the Smurfs, sparking controversy. While acknowledging potential revolutionary symbolism (Phrygian caps), he now believes Peyo wasn't explicitly political, but his creation unintentionally reflected political history, creating a utopian vision resonating broadly. The film's emphasis on self-discovery contradicts this original vision. The shift away from the collective ideal, Buéno suggests, demonstrates Guy Debord's analysis of capitalism's absorption of its opposition.

Impact Statement: The film's failure and its divergence from the original comics' underlying social commentary highlight the evolution of cultural representations and the ongoing tension between individual expression and collective identity.

The Make America Healthy Again (Maha) movement, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., achieved a victory this month as the US dairy industry pledged to remove all artificial dyes from ice cream by 2028. This follows Kennedy's earlier success in persuading major food manufacturers, including Nestle, Kraft Heinz, and PepsiCo, to eliminate artificial dyes. Kennedy, citing a study showing 19% of food products in 2020 contained artificial dyes, claims these dyes contribute to health problems like cancer and hyperactivity. He stated, "The American people have made it clear – they want real food, not chemicals." While the initiative has faced minimal political opposition, including a previous FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3, the transition to natural dyes presents challenges for manufacturers.

Switching to natural dyes is a complex process, involving sourcing suitable plant-based pigments, ensuring color stability, and managing increased demand. Travis Zissu of ScaleFoodLabs highlights concerns about sufficient natural dye supply to meet industry needs before 2027. There are also concerns about consumer acceptance of less vibrant colors, as evidenced by the past failure of naturally-colored Trix cereal. However, successful transitions like Kraft's reformulation of its macaroni and cheese demonstrate that change is possible.

The shift away from artificial dyes could significantly impact food manufacturers, requiring substantial research and development, and potentially influencing food color and consumer perception. However, some experts like Jamie Alan, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology, express concerns that the focus on artificial dyes overshadows more critical public health issues, especially given simultaneous cuts to Medicaid and other vital social programs.

Sunscreen use is crucial in preventing skin cancer, with over 300,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Despite readily available and effective sunscreens, misinformation online and concerns about product safety are leading some to avoid them. Richard Blackburn, a materials scientist at the University of Leeds and Keracol Limited, UK, stresses the importance of sunscreen use for protecting against skin damage, DNA damage, and skin aging. Antony Young, a photobiologist at King's College London, UK, highlights the dangerous effects of UV radiation from the sun, which damages all living things and causes sunburn even with short exposures.

Sunscreens are categorized as "organic" (containing carbon-based active ingredients that absorb UV rays) and "physical" or "natural" (using titanium or zinc oxide particles as a physical filter). While no sunscreen offers 100% UV protection, SPF ratings indicate the level of protection (e.g., SPF15 filters 93% of UVB). Concerns exist regarding the safety of some sunscreen chemicals, like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, which have been detected in the bloodstream. However, scientists emphasize that the dose is crucial, and toxicity studies often use levels not typically achieved through sunscreen use. Researchers advise checking expiry dates, proper storage, and avoiding mixing different sunscreens, as combining products may reduce effectiveness. Scientists are exploring naturally occurring chemical compounds from plants and other organisms as potential safer alternatives for future sunscreens.

Impact Statement: The ongoing research into sunscreen safety and the development of new, potentially safer ingredients will influence the future of sun protection products and public health messaging.

A US district court judge, Julien Xavier Neals of New Jersey, withdrew his decision in a CorMedix biopharma securities case following the discovery of multiple errors. Lawyer Andrew Lichtman pointed out "a series of errors" in the ruling, including misstated outcomes in three other cases and numerous fabricated quotes. The court docket now indicates the original opinion was "entered in error," with a revised version pending.

While the use of AI is unconfirmed, the nature of the errors mirrors those attributed to AI tools in other legal cases. This incident follows similar instances involving AI-generated citations in legal filings, highlighting ongoing concerns about the reliability of AI in legal research.

Impact Statement: This case raises concerns about the increasing use of AI in legal research and the potential for inaccuracies to impact judicial decisions.

A new World Health Organization (WHO) report reveals that social disconnection, encompassing loneliness and social isolation, is a significant global health threat, linked to over 871,000 deaths annually (2014-2019). The report, released following the World Health Assembly's adoption of a resolution on social connection, emphasizes that social health is as crucial as physical and mental health. It notes that social disconnection increases risks of heart disease, stroke, depression, dementia, and premature death, impacting economic productivity and societal well-being.

The report details successful interventions from various countries, including peer support programs, social prescribing, and integrating social connection into national policies (e.g., Denmark, Germany, Japan, Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden). It proposes a global roadmap with five key pillars: policy, research, interventions, measurement, and engagement, advocating for national policies integrating social connection into health, education, and labor agendas, increased research investment, and better data collection.

The WHO commission stresses the need for collaborative action to address social disconnection, highlighting it as essential for economic prosperity, national resilience, and social cohesion.

Impact Statement: The report's findings underscore the urgent need for global action to address social disconnection as a major public health concern with significant economic and social implications.

This article features a writer discussing their most influential and memorable books across different stages of their life. The writer recalls early favorites like the Guinness Book of Records and Michelle Paver's Wolf Brother series. Key formative works included Zadie Smith's NW, which led them to discover other authors, and Dana Stevens' biography of Buster Keaton, which changed their perspective on biographies. The writer also highlights short stories by Yiyun Li, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Toni Morrison as pivotal in their decision to become a writer. Later influences include Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, Stuart Dybek's short stories, and Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. Currently reading Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove, they also cite Sheila Heti's Alphabetical Diaries as a comfort read. The writer's latest work, Saraswati, is published by Serpent's Tail.

Impact Statement: The article offers insight into the literary influences and reading habits of a writer, highlighting the impact of various books across their life.

A new exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris, opening in October, unveils a detailed portrait of Parisian life during the 1920s and 1930s, thanks to an AI-powered analysis of 8 million handwritten census entries from 1926, 1931, and 1936. The research, conducted by the Musée Carnavalet and the CNRS (France’s National Scientific Research Centre), provides an almost complete list of Paris residents during this period, revealing a city populated by a young, single adult population with significant international diversity. The data includes details such as names, addresses, professions, and family information, illuminating the lives of both famous figures like James Joyce, Josephine Baker, and Edith Piaf, and ordinary Parisians.

The project involved training AI to decipher the handwritten census entries, with ambiguous entries verified by human researchers. This unprecedented access to historical data allows visitors to search for relatives or neighbours who lived in Paris a century ago. The exhibition will include census data, photographs, newsreels, and oral histories collected in the 1990s from Parisians recalling their experiences. The exhibition highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Paris during this era, attracting artists, writers, and individuals fleeing conflict and persecution from around the world.

The exhibition also offers comparisons between the average lifespan in the 1920s (50-60 years) and today (around 80 years). The census data for James Joyce's family, however, contains inaccuracies regarding the children's birthplaces and Giorgio's name.

Impact Statement: The exhibition provides unprecedented insight into the social dynamics and demographics of Paris during the roaring twenties, offering a rich tapestry of individual stories against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.