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Unexpected side-effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Ozempic and Wegovy have been hailed as wonder drugs when it comes to weight loss. But as the drug has become more widely used, a number of unintended side-effects have become apparent – with the weight loss drug affecting the appearance of everything from <a href="https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/ozempic-butt-rcna164286">your butt</a> to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14621617/hollywood-feet-ozempic.html">your feet</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2148-6321">“Ozempic face”</a> is another commonly reported consequences of using these popular weight loss drugs. This is a sunken or hollowed out appearance the face can take on in people taking weight loss drugs. It can also increase signs of ageing – including lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.</p> <p>This happens because semaglutide (the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10092593/">active ingredient</a> in both Ozempic and Wegovy) isn’t localised to act just on the fat we want to lose. Instead, it targets all of our body’s fat – including in the face.</p> <p>But it isn’t just the appearance of your face that semaglutide affects. These drugs may also affect the mouth and teeth, too. And these side-effects could potentially lead to lasting damage.</p> <h2>Dry mouth</h2> <p>Semaglutide effects the salivary glands in the mouth. It does this by reducing saliva production (<a href="https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-023-03192-8">hyposalivation</a>), which can in turn <a href="https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/why-ozempic-cause-dry-mouth-taste-changes-3575056/">lead to dry mouth</a> (<a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth">xerostomia</a>). This means there isn’t enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.</p> <p>It isn’t exactly clear why semaglutide has this effect on the salivary glands. But in animal studies of the drug, it appears the drug <a href="https://www.jbtr.or.kr/archive/view_article?pid=jbtr-24-4-139">makes saliva stickier</a>. This means there’s less fluid to moisten the mouth, causing it to dry out.</p> <p>GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs (such as semaglutide) can also <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16809911/">reduce water intake</a> by affecting <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3233845/">areas in the brain</a> responsible for thirst. Low fluid intake further <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3233845/">reduces saliva production</a>, and may even cause the saliva to become <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10754586">thick and frothy</a> and the tongue to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38206684/">become sticky</a>.</p> <h2>Bad breath</h2> <p>One other commonly reported unwanted effect by semaglutide users is <a href="https://www.perioimplantadvisory.com/clinical-tips/article/14298799/how-ozempic-has-the-potential-to-cause-halitosis">bad breath</a> (halitosis).</p> <p>When there’s less saliva flowing through the mouth, this <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10439028/">encourages bacteria</a> that contribute to bad breath and the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10439028/">formation of cavities</a> to thrive. These bacterial species include <em><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6615571/">Streptococcus mutans</a></em> and some strains of <em><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4547204/">Lactobacillus</a></em>.</p> <p>Another species that has been shown to thrive in conditions where saliva is reduced is <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/femsle/article-abstract/333/1/1/586464?redirectedFrom=fulltext">Porphyromonas gingivalis</a></em>. This bacteria is a significant contributor to the production of volatile sulphur compounds, which <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2871590/">cause the foul odours</a> characteristic of halitosis.</p> <p>Another factor that might explain why semaglutide causes bad breath is because less saliva being produced means the tongue isn’t cleaned. This is the same reason why your “morning breath” is so bad, because we naturally produce less saliva at night. This allows bacteria to grow and produce odours. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10754586/">Case report images</a> show some people taking semaglutide have a “furry”-like or coated appearance to their tongue. This indicates a build up of bacteria that contribute to bad breath.</p> <h2>Tooth damage</h2> <p>One of the <a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/209637s020s021lbl.pdf">major side-effects</a> of Ozempic is <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183">vomiting</a>. Semaglutide slows how quickly the stomach empties, delaying digestion which can lead to bloating, nausea and vomiting.</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10573129/">Repeated vomiting</a> can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12139263/">damage the teeth</a>. This is because stomach acid, composed primarily of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279304/">hydrochloric acid</a>, erodes the enamel of the teeth. Where vomiting occurs over a prolonged period of months and years the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4125596">more damage will occur</a>. The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4125596/">back surface of the teeth</a> (palatal surface) closest to the tongue are more likely to see damage – and this damage may not be obvious to the sufferer.</p> <p>Vomiting also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/">reduces the amount of fluid</a> in the body. When combined with reduced saliva production, this puts the teeth at even greater risk of damage. This is because saliva helps <a href="https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(82)80286-2/pdf">neutralise the acid</a> that causes dental damage.</p> <p>Saliva also contributes to the dental pellicle – a thin, protective layer that the saliva forms on the surface of the teeth. It’s thickest on the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220345990780120901">tongue-facing surface</a> of the bottom row of teeth. In people who produce less saliva, the dental pellicle <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oral-health/articles/10.3389/froh.2023.1260442/full">contains fewer mucins</a> – a type of mucus which helps saliva <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/10454411900010040201">stick to the teeth</a>.</p> <h2>Reducing the risk of damage</h2> <p>If you’re taking semaglutide, there are many things you can do to keep your mouth healthy.</p> <p>Drinking water regularly during the day can help to keep the oral surfaces from drying out. This helps maintain your natural <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34642755/">oral microbiome</a>, which can reduce the risk of an overgrowth of the bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth damage.</p> <p>Drinking plenty of water also enables the body to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5052503/">produce the saliva needed</a> to prevent dry mouth, ideally the recommended daily amount of six to eight glasses. Chewing sugar-free gum is also a sensible option as it helps to encourage saliva production. Swallowing this saliva keeps the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542251/">valuable fluid within the body</a>. Gums <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20594055/">containing eucalyptus</a> may help to prevent halitosis, too.</p> <p>There’s some evidence that probiotics may help to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36600415/">alleviate bad breath</a>, at least in the short term. Using a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8173312/">probiotic supplements</a> or consuming probiotic-rich foods (such as yoghurt or kefir) may be a good idea.</p> <p>Practising good <a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene">basic oral hygiene</a>, tooth brushing, reducing acidic foods and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25227396/">sugary drinks</a> and using <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10690548/">a mouthwash</a> all help to protect your teeth as well.</p> <p>Women are <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7567832/">twice as likely</a> to have side-effects when taking GLP-1 receptor agonists – including <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8950819/">gastrointestinal symptoms</a> such as vomiting. This may be due to the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which can <a href="https://time.com/7020911/women-gut-health-ibs-ibd">alter the gut’s sensitivity</a>. To avoid vomiting, try eating smaller meals since the stomach stays fuller for longer while taking semaglutide.</p> <p>If you are sick, don’t immediately brush your teeth as this will spread the stomach’s acid over the surface of the teeth and increase the risk of damage. Instead, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash to reduce the strength of the acid and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.</p> <p>It isn’t clear how long these side effects last, they’ll likely disappear when the medication is stopped, but any damage to the teeth is permanent. Gastrointestinal side-effects can last a few weeks but <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9821052/">usually resolve on their own</a> unless a higher dose is taken.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257859/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, Professor of Anatomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dry-mouth-bad-breath-and-tooth-damage-the-effects-ozempic-and-wegovy-can-have-on-your-mouth-257859">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Mart Production</em></p> </div>

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The surprising power of photography in ageing well

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Older adults are often faced with lifestyle changes that can disrupt their sense of place and purpose. It may be the loss of a partner, downsizing their home, or moving to residential aged care. And these changes can come with loss of identity, uncertainty, disconnect and isolation.</p> <p>But what if I told you a simple camera could help alleviate some of these pains? I’ve been working with older adults for the past decade, using photography as a way of connecting with place, and the results have been transformational.</p> <h2>The value of creative ageing</h2> <p><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1288760/full">Research has shown</a> arts engagement can significantly enhance the mental wellbeing and overall health of older adults.</p> <p>Australia has responded by developing <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/engage-nsw-arts-and-culture/resource-hub/creative-ageing">Creative Ageing Frameworks</a> and the <a href="https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/images/documents/artsqld/Research/National-Arts-and-Health-Framework-May-2014.pdf">National Arts Health Framework</a>, which position creative activity as valuable components of productive and healthy ageing.</p> <p>But while creative ageing programs are expanding, there are still many barriers to participation, including cost, accessibility, participants’ self-doubt, and a lack of skilled facilitators.</p> <p>This highlights a need for more inclusive approaches that use familiar tools – and that’s where photography comes in. Photography is a multi-sensory embodied practice. It allows us to be mindful, slow down, and look for beauty in everyday life. It can also prompt us to see the world differently.</p> <p>Recent research by my colleagues and I documents how taking photographs can increase older adults’ <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.70040">connection to place, creativity and overall wellbeing</a>.</p> <p>Specifically, we explored the impact of photography as not so much a structured “art activity”, but as a practice of connecting to place and other people through group photo walks.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/866929737" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Over the past 18 months we’ve been working with several groups of older adults who live in aged care and community settings. We found that framing the world through a lens can powerfully transform a photographer’s relationship to the environment, and their sense of agency within it.</p> <p>This practice of intentional “seeing” creates opportunities for discovery in even the most familiar surroundings.</p> <p>As one aged care resident, Kathleen, put it:</p> <blockquote> <p>It’s given me a new sense of enjoyment and purpose and changed how I look at both life and seeing places in here that I’ve never seen before.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Easy, meaningful and social</h2> <p>So what makes photography particularly suited to older adults? Our research highlights some key factors.</p> <p><strong>It’s accessible and familiar</strong></p> <p>Photography has become one of the most democratic of creative pursuits. Most people carry a camera via their phone or tablet and know how to operate it. Older adults <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-digital-divide-small-social-programs-can-help-get-seniors-online-99082">are no exception</a>.</p> <p>This familiarity removes common barriers, such as the need to learn a new skill, and instead builds on existing knowledge. This makes photography an ideal creative expression; it requires no special training or equipment, and there is little room for doubt one’s capability.</p> <p><strong>It’s meaningful</strong></p> <p>Unlike many other creative activities offered to pass time, photography constitutes a meaningful activity for older adults. According to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32022414/">research</a>, “meaningful” activities for older adults are those that are enjoyable, engaging, suited to individual skills, related to personal goals, and <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1472586X.2021.1963828">connected to identity</a>.</p> <p>Photography can be exploratory, fun, and deeply personal. The outcomes can be <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajag.70040">shared with others</a>, discussed, displayed and privately revisited, allowing connection to one’s self and the surrounding world.</p> <p><strong>Seeing the familiar differently</strong></p> <p>Photography honours a photographer’s life experience and perspectives. Each photograph becomes both a creative expression, and validation, of their unique viewpoint – and allows them to see the world through new eyes.</p> <p>During group <a href="https://www.collaborativephotography.com/projects/photowalks">photo walk</a> sessions held for my research, participants expressed delight in sharing the same experience of visiting a familiar place, while capturing their own distinct vision of it.</p> <p>When we returned to discuss the sessions, the group formed collective narratives, with each person adding their own unique contribution. Photography offers social and community connection while celebrating individual creativity and perspective.</p> <p>The different versions of Russell Anderson’s “iDIDIT!” sculpture on a walk on the Sunshine Coast.</p> <p><strong>Being outside in the world</strong></p> <p>While photography can be done anywhere, most people will head outside when exploring with a camera. This was particularly important for people living in aged care, who often didn’t venture out into the gardens.</p> <p>One participant, Margaret, was relearning how to walk after a stroke, and enjoyed our creative walks together.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> <p>She grew more confident with each walk, her purpose being to see parts of the residential aged care facility that she’d never accessed and photographed before. Going outside with a camera allowed her to connect to her new home.</p> <h2>Putting it into practice</h2> <p>The beautiful thing about photography is that anyone can do it, and there is no right or wrong. You can simply start by slowing down and looking for interesting shadows, textures, or details.</p> <p>For those working with older adults, photography is an adaptable, low-cost activity that works across various settings and abilities. You can do it indoors, from a wheelchair, sitting on a wheelie walker, or while getting some exercise.</p> <p>Photo walks, in particular, are a great way for photographers to share experiences and connect. <!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257344/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tricia-king-1025874">Tricia King</a>, Senior Lecturer in Photography, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-surprising-power-of-photography-in-ageing-well-257344">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Kampus Production</em></p> </div>

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"Ignorant": Steve Price hits out after The Project's axing

<p>Veteran broadcaster Steve Price has hit out at critics celebrating the axing of <em>The Project</em>, following Channel 10’s confirmation the long-running panel show will end later this month.</p> <p>The network officially announced on Monday morning that <em>The Project</em> will wrap up on Friday, June 27, after 16 years on Australian television. The show’s current hosts, including Sarah Harris and Waleed Aly, later addressed the decision in an emotionally charged segment on Monday night.</p> <p>But it was longtime contributor Steve Price who offered the strongest response, using his <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/steve-price-those-dancing-on-grave-of-woke-the-project-expose-their-own-ignorance/news-story/501e7571691910f519c6664883a7c036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest Herald Sun column</a> to condemn those who have mocked the show’s demise.</p> <p>“Those ignorant people doing the ‘glad they got sacked’ dance over the cancellation called the show woke and leftie – hello, I am the exact opposite of that description – and have been there from almost the start,” Price wrote.</p> <p>“Show me that sort of political balance on any ABC TV show – you can’t,” he added, defending the program’s diversity of viewpoints and insisting<em> The Project</em> was “the best resourced media show I have ever worked on”.</p> <p>Price also expressed dismay over Channel 10’s decision to base the upcoming replacement show in Sydney, lamenting the impact on <em>The Project</em>’s Melbourne-based crew.</p> <p>“Behind the scenes was a gifted, hardworking crew of young producers, comedy writers, editors, journalists, camera operators, make-up artists and wardrobe assistants,” he wrote. “Most if not all these talented crew are now out of work as the replacement show moves to Sydney.”</p> <p>“Melbourne and Australia has lost something unique this week – a live TV show with passion, courage, humour and a heart. It’s sad.”</p> <p>During Monday night’s broadcast, co-host Sarah Harris also fought back tears as she paid tribute to the production team that made the nightly show possible.</p> <p>“I am so grateful that I got to sit on this desk and play TV with all of you,” Harris said. “But it is the people who make a show, and <em>The Project</em> isn’t just the people on this desk. It is the cast and crew behind the scenes… They’re the real stars.”</p> <p>She went on to praise the unsung workers who kept the show running night after night: “The producers, editors and cameramen and women, the floor crew, the people in the control room, the director and the hair and make-up team – all of them who work their guts out every night, six nights a week to get us on air.”</p> <p><em>The Project</em> launched in 2009 with a fresh take on news and current affairs and became a staple of the primetime lineup. It featured a rotating panel of journalists, comedians and commentators, with a mix of hard-hitting interviews and light entertainment.</p> <p>While its ratings have fluctuated in recent years, the show retained a loyal audience and played host to high-profile guests, including world leaders, Hollywood stars and prominent Australians.</p> <p>Its cancellation marks the end of an era for Channel 10, and a major shift in Australia’s TV landscape as the network retools its primetime strategy in a fiercely competitive market increasingly dominated by streaming platforms.</p> <p><em>Image: Network 10</em></p>

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‘Not available in your region’: what is a VPN and how can I use one safely?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>“This video is not available in your location”. It’s a message familiar to many people trying to watch global content online. But beneath this frustration lies a deeper question – how do we navigate digital borders safely and ethically?</p> <p>As our digital lives expand, so too does our desire for access. Maybe you want to see the latest streaming shows before they arrive in your country. Maybe you’re a sports fan wanting to watch live broadcasts of international events. Or perhaps you need to log into your company’s secure intranet while at home or overseas.</p> <p>Enter the virtual private network (VPN) – a technology that’s become as essential as antivirus software for many. With many commercial and free VPN providers on the market, interest in these services <a href="https://www.comparitech.com/vpn/vpn-statistics/">has grown in recent years</a>.</p> <h2>How does a VPN work?</h2> <p>A <a href="https://computingaustralia.com.au/5-minute-helpdesk-what-is-a-vpn-and-why-should-i-use-one/">VPN</a> is like a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your <a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/encryption">internal traffic is scrambled into unreadable data</a> and routed through a remote server, which also masks your real IP address.</p> <p>Think of it like this: instead of sending a postcard with your return address, you send it in an envelope to a trusted friend overseas who mails it on your behalf. To anyone looking at the envelope, it looks like the message came from your friend and not you.</p> <p>This technique shields your identity, protects your data from snoopers, and tricks websites into thinking you are browsing from another location.</p> <p>While often marketed as <a href="https://www.le-vpn.com/australia-cyber-privacy-vpn/">tools for online privacy</a>, VPNs have grown popular for another reason: access.</p> <p>Many people use VPNs to access geo-blocked content, secure their internet activity, work remotely – <a href="https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/staying-secure-online/security-tips-remote-working">especially when handling sensitive data</a> – and protect against online tracking and targeted advertising.</p> <h2>VPNs are legal, if a bit grey</h2> <p>VPN services are offered by dozens of providers globally. Companies such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer paid subscriptions with strong security guarantees. Free VPNs also exist but come with caveats (more on this in a moment).</p> <p>In <a href="https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/are-vpns-legal">most countries</a>, including <a href="https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/staying-secure-online/connecting-to-public-wi-fi">Australia</a>, using a VPN is completely legal.</p> <p>However, what makes it murky is what one might use it <em>for</em>. While using a VPN is legal, engaging in illegal activities while using one remains prohibited.</p> <p>Streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ license content by region. Using a VPN to access a foreign catalogue may violate their terms of service and potentially be grounds for account suspension.</p> <p>Australian law does not criminalise accessing geo-blocked content via VPN, but the copyright act does prohibit circumventing “technological protection measures” in certain cases.</p> <p>The grey area lies in enforcement. Technically, copyright law does ban getting around certain protections. However, the <a href="https://www.copyright.org.au/browse/book/ACC-Geoblocking%2C-VPNs-%26-Copyright-INFO127">latest advice does not mention</a> any cases where regular users have been taken to court for this kind of behaviour.</p> <p>So far, enforcement has mostly targeted websites and platforms that host or enable large-scale copyright infringement; not everyday viewers who want to watch a show a bit early.</p> <h2>Beware of ‘free’ VPNs</h2> <p>Not all VPNs are created equal. While premium services invest in strong encryption and privacy protections, free VPNs often make money by collecting user data – <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/internet/connecting-to-the-internet/buying-guides/vpn-services">the very thing you may be trying to avoid</a>.</p> <p>Risks of unsafe VPNs include data leaks, injection of ads or trackers into your browsing, and malware and spyware, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-25/viruses-spyware-found-in-alarming-number-of-android-vpn-apps/8210796">especially in free mobile apps</a> that claim to provide a VPN service.</p> <p>Using a poorly designed or dishonest VPN is like hiring a bodyguard who sells your location. It might give the impression of safety, but you may actually be more vulnerable than before.</p> <h2>Okay, so how do I choose a VPN?</h2> <p>With so many VPNs available, both free and paid, it can be hard to know which one to trust. If you are considering a VPN, here are five things to look for.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.expressvpn.com/what-is-vpn/policy-towards-logs">No-log policy</a>.</strong> A trustworthy VPN should have a strict no-log policy, meaning it does not store any records of your internet activity, connection time or IP address. This ensures even if the VPN provider is hacked, subpoenaed or pressured by a government, they have nothing to hand over.</p> <p><strong>Strong encryption standards.</strong> Encryption is what makes your data unreadable to anyone snooping on your connection, such as hackers on public WiFi or your internet provider. A somewhat technical thing to look out for is <a href="https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/aes-256-encryption/">AES 256-bit encryption</a> – it’s extremely secure and is used by banks and governments.</p> <p><strong>Independent audits.</strong> Reliable VPN services <a href="https://vpncentral.com/nordvpn-reaffirms-no-log-claims-with-fifth-deloitte-audit/">voluntarily undergo third-party audits</a> to verify their privacy claims and the security of their infrastructure.</p> <p><strong>Kill switch.</strong> A kill switch is a critical safety feature that automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address and data from being exposed, even momentarily.</p> <p><strong>Jurisdiction.</strong> VPNs are subject to the laws of the country they are based in. The countries in the <a href="https://cyberinsider.com/5-eyes-9-eyes-14-eyes/">Five Eyes intelligence alliance</a> (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand) may legally compel providers to hand over user data. If a VPN service has a strict no-log policy and does not collect information about what you do online, then even under legal pressure, there is nothing to hand over. So, you are safe.</p> <p>In an era of growing surveillance, cybercrime and corporate data collection, VPNs are essential tools for reclaiming your online privacy and data.</p> <p>But like any tool, the effectiveness (and ethics) of VPNs depend on how you use them. Next time you fire up your VPN, ask yourself – am I just dodging a digital border, or actively protecting my online freedom?<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/256559/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/meena-jha-542776">Meena Jha</a>, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-available-in-your-region-what-is-a-vpn-and-how-can-i-use-one-safely-256559">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Technology

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"Star power": Dancing with the Stars salaries leaked

<p>Break out the sequins and brace for the paso doble – <em>Dancing With The Stars</em> is back for its 22nd season on Sunday June 15, and while the celebrity cast is polishing their foxtrots and fake tans, the real drama has already begun… in their bank accounts.</p> <p>Twelve familiar Aussie faces will take to the floor in a blur of feathers, fringe and footwork, all in the name of charity (and, let’s be honest, a shot at the gloriously glittery Mirror Ball Trophy). But thanks to a <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/reality-tv/dancing-with-the-stars-australia-2025-salaries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cheeky little leak by <em>Woman's Day</em></a>, we now know what else they’re dancing for: a surprisingly tiered pay system that splits the cast into three star-powered salary brackets.</p> <p>According to an “insider” who clearly missed the memo about NDAs, <em>Woman’s Day</em> has revealed that the 2025 cast is being paid based on a heady mix of legacy status, Logie nominations and possibly how many times Sonia Kruger has said their name on TV.</p> <p>Sitting pretty at the top of the pyramid (and we imagine, in the nicest rehearsal rooms) are national treasures Rebecca Gibney, Osher Günsberg and Shaun Micallef, each reportedly waltzing away with a cool $100,000. Between them, they’ve got decades of TV experience, Gold Logie nods and more charm than a Bunnings sausage sizzle.</p> <p>In the mid-range tier – the cha-cha-<em>ching</em>, if you will – are Olympic gold medallist Susie O’Neill, AFL great Trent Cotchin and 7NEWS stalwart Michael Usher, each allegedly earning $47,000. Not quite six figures, but still a pretty decent reward for risking public humiliation in Lycra.</p> <p>And finally, rounding out the glitterati is the budget-conscious brigade, earning a still-respectable $27,000: radio personality Brittany Hockley, influencer Mia Fevola, boxer Harry Garside, comic Felicity Ward, <em>Home and Away</em> heartthrob Kyle Shilling and 7NEWS’ Karina Carvalho. If enthusiasm and willingness to wear rhinestones were currencies, they'd all be millionaires.</p> <p>This tiered approach marks a departure from the great equal-pay kumbaya of 2023, when every one of the 14 celebrity contestants – including Matt Preston and Paulini – reportedly took home “just under $50,000”. Democracy in action... or perhaps just a simpler year for Channel 7’s payroll department.</p> <p><em>Dancing With The Stars</em> premieres Sunday, June 15, with sparkly stalwart Sonia Kruger and fresh-faced co-host Dr Chris Brown returning to oversee the glittery chaos. Expect tears, twirls and at least one dramatic tumble — hopefully not from the top earners.</p> <p><em>Image: Channel 7</em></p>

TV

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Most of us will leave behind a large ‘digital legacy’ when we die. Here’s how to plan what happens to it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Imagine you are planning the funeral music for a loved one who has died. You can’t remember their favourite song, so you try to login to their Spotify account. Then you realise the account login is inaccessible, and with it has gone their personal history of Spotify playlists, annual “wrapped” analytics, and liked songs curated to reflect their taste, memories, and identity.</p> <p>We tend to think about inheritance in physical terms: money, property, personal belongings. But the vast volume of digital stuff we accumulate in life and leave behind in death is now just as important – and this “<a href="https://digitallegacyassociation.org">digital legacy</a>” is probably more meaningful.</p> <p>Digital legacies are increasingly complex and evolving. They include now-familiar items such as social media and banking accounts, along with our stored photos, videos and messages. But they also encompass virtual currencies, behavioural tracking data, and even AI-generated avatars.</p> <p>This digital data is not only fundamental to our online identities in life, but to our inheritance in death. So how can we properly plan for what happens to it?</p> <h2>A window into our lives</h2> <p>Digital legacy is commonly classified into two categories: <a href="https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/digital-wellbeing/what-happens-to-your-digital-accounts-after-you-die">digital assets and digital presence</a>.</p> <p>Digital assets include items with economic value. For example, domain names, financial accounts, monetised social media, online businesses, virtual currencies, digital goods, and personal digital IP. Access to these is spread across platforms, hidden behind passwords or restricted by privacy laws.</p> <p>Digital presence includes content with no monetary value. However, it may have great personal significance. For example, our photos and videos, social media profiles, email or chat threads, and other content archived in cloud or platform services.</p> <p>There is also data that might not seem like content. It may not even seem to belong to us. This includes analytics data such as health and wellness app tracking data. It also includes behavioural data such as location, search or viewing history collected from platforms such as Google, Netflix and Spotify.</p> <p>This data reveals patterns in our preferences, passions, and daily life that can hold intimate meaning. For example, knowing the music a loved one listened to on the day they died.</p> <p>Digital remains now also include scheduled <a href="https://go-paige.com/memories/">posthumous messages</a> or <a href="https://www.hereafter.ai">AI-generated avatars</a>.</p> <p>All of this raises both practical and ethical questions about identity, privacy, and corporate power over our digital afterlives. Who has the right to access, delete, or transform this data?</p> <h2>Planning for your digital remains</h2> <p>Just as we prepare wills for physical possessions, we need to plan for our digital remains. Without clear instructions, important digital data may be lost and inaccessible to our loved ones.</p> <p>In 2017, I helped develop key recommendations for <a href="https://accan.org.au/files/Grants/Death%20and%20the%20Internet_2017-web.pdf">planning your digital legacy</a>. These include:</p> <ul> <li>creating an inventory of accounts and assets, recording usernames and login information, and if possible, downloading personal content for local storage</li> <li>specifying preferences in writing, noting wishes about what content should be preserved, deleted, or shared – and with whom</li> <li>using password managers to securely store and share access to information and legacy preferences</li> <li>designating a <a href="https://www.tonkinlaw.com/resources/digital-estate-planning-victoria-safeguarding-online-assets/">digital executor</a> who has legal authority to carry out your digital legacy wishes and preferences, ideally with legal advice</li> <li>using legacy features on available platforms, such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/1070665206293088">Facebook’s Legacy Contact</a>, <a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en">Google’s Inactive Account Manager</a>, or <a href="https://digital-legacy.apple.com">Apple’s Digital Legacy</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>What if your loved one left no plan?</h2> <p>These steps may sound uncontroversial. But digital wills remain uncommon. And without them, managing someone’s digital legacy can be fraught with legal and technical barriers.</p> <p>Platform terms of service and privacy rules often prevent access by anyone other than the account holder. They can also require official documentation such as a death certificate before granting limited access to download or close an account.</p> <p>In such instances, gaining access will probably only be possible through imperfect workarounds, such as searching online for traces of someone’s digital life, attempting to use account recovery tools, or scouring personal documents for login information.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WmQH27MNLz8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>The need for better standards</h2> <p>Current platform policies have clear limitations for handling digital legacies. For example, policies are inconsistent. They are also typically limited to memorialising or deleting accounts.</p> <p>With no unified framework, service providers often prioritise data privacy over family access. Current tools prioritise visible content such as profiles or posts. However, they exclude less visible yet equally valuable (and often more meaningful) behavioural data such as listening habits.</p> <p>Problems can also arise when data is removed from its original platform. For example, photos from Facebook can lose their social and relational meaning without their associated comment threads, reactions, or interactivity.</p> <p>Meanwhile, emerging uses of posthumous data, especially AI-generated avatars, raise urgent issues about digital personhood, ownership, and possible harms. These “digital remains” may be stored indefinitely on commercial servers without standard protocols for curation or user rights.</p> <p>The result is a growing tension between personal ownership and corporate control. This makes digital legacy not only a matter of individual concern but one of digital governance.</p> <p><a href="https://www.archivists.org.au/community/representation/standards-australias-committee-it-21-records-management-and-archives">Standards Australia</a> and the <a href="https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/media-releases-archive/2022/reform-to-allow-data-access-after-death.html">New South Wales Law Reform Commission</a> have recognised this. Both organisations are seeking <a href="https://lawreform.nsw.gov.au/documents/Current-projects/Digital%20assets/Preliminary%20submissions/PDI10.pdf">consultation</a> to develop frameworks that address inconsistencies in platform standards and user access.</p> <p>Managing our digital legacies demands more than practical foresight. It compels critical reflection on the infrastructures and values that shape our online afterlives.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257121/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bjorn-nansen-102356">Bjorn Nansen</a>, Associate Professor, School of Computing and Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/most-of-us-will-leave-behind-a-large-digital-legacy-when-we-die-heres-how-to-plan-what-happens-to-it-257121">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Mart Production</em></p> </div>

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The surprising ways that coffee can interfere with medication

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>For many of us, the day doesn’t start until we’ve had our first cup of coffee. It’s comforting, energising, and one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. But while your morning brew might feel harmless, it can interact with certain medicines in ways that reduce their effectiveness – or increase the risk of side-effects.</p> <p>From common cold tablets to antidepressants, caffeine’s impact on the body goes far beyond a quick energy boost. Tea also contains caffeine but not in the same concentrations as coffee, and doesn’t seem to affect people in the same way. Here’s what you should know about how coffee can interfere with your medications – and how to stay safe.</p> <h2>1. Cold and flu medicines</h2> <p>Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it speeds up the central nervous system. Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant found in cold and flu remedies such as Sudafed, is <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682619.html">also a stimulant</a>. When taken together, the effects can be amplified – potentially leading to jitters or restlessness, headaches, fast heart rate and insomnia.</p> <p>Many cold medications already contain added caffeine, increasing these risks further. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/10/5146">Some studies</a> also suggest that combining caffeine with pseudoephedrine can raise blood sugar and body temperature – particularly important for people with diabetes.</p> <p>Stimulant effects are also a concern when combining caffeine with ADHD medications such as amphetamines, or with <a href="https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/coffee-and-asthma/">asthma drugs</a> such as theophylline, which shares a similar chemical structure to caffeine. Using them together may increase the risk of side-effects such as a rapid heartbeat and sleep disruption.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9eL16Exry48?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>2. Thyroid medication</h2> <p>Levothyroxine, the standard treatment for an underactive thyroid, is highly sensitive to timing – and your morning coffee can get in the way. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/7909703">Studies show</a> that drinking coffee too soon after taking levothyroxine can reduce its absorption by up to 50%.</p> <p>Caffeine speeds up gut motility (the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract), giving the drug <a href="https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(16)00200-8/abstract">less time to be absorbed</a> – and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8002057/#:%7E:text=Several%20studies%20on%20patients%20with,Benvenga%20et%20al.">may also bind</a> to it in the stomach, making it harder for the body to take in. These effects reduce the drug’s bioavailability, meaning less of it reaches your bloodstream where it’s needed. This interaction <a href="https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2022/drinking-coffee-does-not-hinder-the-absorption-of-liquid-thyroid-medication">is more common</a> with tablet forms of levothyroxine, and less likely with liquid formulations.</p> <p>If absorption is impaired, <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/">symptoms of hypothyroidism</a> – including fatigue, weight gain and constipation – can return, even if you’re taking your medicine correctly.</p> <p>The same timing rule applies to a class of osteoporosis medications called <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601011.html#precautions">bisphosphonates</a>, including alendronate and risedronate, which also require an empty stomach and around 30-60 minutes before food or drink is taken.</p> <h2>3. Antidepressants and antipsychotics</h2> <p>The interaction between caffeine and mental health medications can be more complex.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/ssri-antidepressants/overview/">Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors</a> (SSRIs), such as sertraline and citalopram, are a type of antidepressant medication <a href="https://purehost.bath.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/225886346/Lalji_McGrogan_and_Bailey_JADR_2021.pdf">widely used</a> to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/7909703">Lab studies</a> suggest caffeine can bind to these drugs in the stomach, reducing absorption and potentially making them less effective.</p> <p>Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline and imipramine, are a class of older antidepressants that work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They were among the first antidepressants developed and are <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/antidepressants/overview/#:%7E:text=Tricyclic%20antidepressants%20(TCAs),to%20treat%20chronic%20nerve%20pain.">less commonly used</a> today, compared with newer antidepressants such as SSRIs, due to their potential for more side-effects and higher risk of overdose.</p> <p>TCAs are broken down by the liver enzyme <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/7909703">CYP1A2</a>, which also metabolises caffeine. The competition between the two can slow drug breakdown, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/7909703">increasing side-effects</a>, or delay caffeine clearance, making you feel jittery or wired longer than usual.</p> <p>Clozapine, an antipsychotic, is also processed by CYP1A2. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/7909703">One study showed</a> that drinking two-to-three cups of coffee could increase blood levels of clozapine by up to 97%, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a691001.html#side-effects">potentially increasing risks</a> such as drowsiness, confusion, or more serious complications.</p> <h2>4. Painkillers</h2> <p>Some over-the-counter painkillers, such as those containing aspirin or paracetamol, include added caffeine. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003088-200039020-00004">Coffee can speed up</a> how quickly these drugs are absorbed by accelerating how fast the stomach empties and making the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/7909703">stomach more acidic</a>, which improves absorption for some medications such as aspirin.</p> <p>While this may help painkillers work faster, it could also raise the risk of side-effects like stomach irritation or bleeding, especially when combined with other sources of caffeine. Though no serious cases have been reported, caution is still advised.</p> <h2>5. Heart medications</h2> <p>Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, typically lasting three-to-four hours after consumption. For people taking blood pressure medication or drugs that control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), this <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8101832/#:%7E:text=Table%20I.&amp;text=The%20next%20stage%20of%20hypertension,response%20to%20calcium%20channel%20blockers.&amp;text=The%20potential%20for%20caffeine%20to,Table%20II%20summarizes%20these%20recommendations.">may counteract</a> the intended effects of the medication.</p> <p>This doesn’t mean people with heart conditions must avoid coffee altogether – but they should monitor how it affects their symptoms, and consider limiting intake or switching to decaf if needed.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-YwCCNDOy0?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>What can you do?</h2> <p>Coffee may be part of your daily routine, but it’s also a potent chemical compound that can influence how your body processes medicine. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t interfere.</p> <p>Take levothyroxine or bisphosphonates on an empty stomach with water, and wait 30-60 minutes before drinking coffee or eating breakfast.</p> <p>Be cautious with cold and flu remedies, asthma treatments and ADHD medications, as caffeine can amplify side-effects.</p> <p>If you’re on antidepressants, antipsychotics, or blood pressure drugs, discuss your caffeine habits with your doctor.</p> <p>Consider reducing intake or choosing a decaffeinated option if you experience side-effects like restlessness, insomnia or heart palpitations.</p> <p>Everyone metabolises caffeine differently – some people feel fine after three cups, while others get side-effects after just one. Pay attention to how your body responds and talk to your pharmacist or GP if anything feels off.</p> <p>If you’re ever unsure whether your medicine and your coffee are a good match, ask your pharmacist or doctor. A short conversation might save you weeks of side-effects or reduced treatment effectiveness – and help you enjoy your brew with peace of mind.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/256919/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dipa-kamdar-1485027">Dipa Kamdar</a>, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/kingston-university-949">Kingston University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/coffee-can-interfere-with-your-medication-heres-what-you-need-to-know-256919">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Jonathan Borba</em></p> </div>

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"Truly blessed" Irwins celebrate 33 years of love, legacy and wildlife

<p>Australia’s beloved wildlife family is celebrating a milestone today, with Terri Irwin marking 33 years since she married the late Steve Irwin – the larger-than-life Crocodile Hunter who captured hearts across the globe.</p> <p>On June 4, 1992, Steve and Terri tied the knot in Terri’s grandmother’s church in Oregon. That day, Terri says, was the beginning of her “happily ever after”.</p> <p>Now, more than three decades on – and nearly 20 years since Steve’s tragic passing – the Irwin family continues to live and thrive in his memory, sharing love, adventure and a deep dedication to wildlife conservation.</p> <p>Terri took to Instagram to honour her wedding anniversary, sharing a heartfelt tribute to Steve. “Today, 33 years ago, Steve and I were married in my grandmother’s church in Oregon,” she wrote. “And it was the first day of my happily ever after.”</p> <p>While she admits she still wishes Steve were here, Terri said she wakes each day “with beautiful memories, so much love in my heart, and the promise of continuing his incredible legacy. I am truly blessed.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKdBcfpz_9p/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKdBcfpz_9p/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Terri Irwin (@terriirwincrikey)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Daughter Bindi shared her own tribute soon after, reposting her mother’s words and adding: “Happy anniversary to my beautiful mum and dad.” She called the pair “soulmates”.</p> <p>Bindi was just eight when her father died in 2006, and Robert, only two. But both children have grown into strong voices for conservation, public figures in their own right, and torchbearers of their dad’s legacy.</p> <p>The family has also grown, with Bindi marrying husband Chandler Powell and welcoming daughter Grace Warrior – making Terri a grandmother, and Steve a granddad in spirit.</p> <p>Reflecting on the past month, which included both joyful and challenging moments, Bindi shared a touching update this morning with photos from family travels and her recent hospital stay.</p> <p>“‘I love you’ will never be enough for my family,” she wrote. Her post included sweet snaps from a Disneyland trip, quiet family moments, and scenes from her recovery following surgery.</p> <p>Terri commented lovingly on the post: “We are truly blessed”.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKc9d58zD2l/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKc9d58zD2l/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Why do some people need less sleep than others?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Have you ever noticed how some people bounce out of bed after just a few hours of sleep, while others can barely function without a solid eight hours?</p> <p>Take Margaret Thatcher, for example. The former British prime minister was known for sleeping <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22084671">just four hours a night</a>. She worked late, rose early, and seemed to thrive on little sleep.</p> <p>But for most of us, that kind of sleep schedule would be disastrous. We’d be groggy, unfocused, and reaching for sugary snacks and caffeinated drinks by mid-morning.</p> <p>So why do some people seem to need less sleep than others? It’s a question that’s fascinated scientists for years. Here’s what we know so far.</p> <h2>Natural short sleepers</h2> <p>There is a small group of people who don’t need much sleep. We call them <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6879540/">natural short sleepers</a>. They can function perfectly well on just four to six hours of sleep each night, often for their entire lives.</p> <p>Generally they <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/44/Supplement_2/A154/6260529">don’t feel tired</a>, they don’t nap, and they don’t suffer the usual negative consequences of sleep deprivation. Scientists call this the natural short sleep phenotype – a biological trait that allows people to get all the benefits of sleep in less time.</p> <p>In 2010 researchers discovered genetic mutations that help explain this phenomenon. Natural short sleepers carry rare variants <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884988/">in certain genes</a>, which seem to make their sleep more efficient.</p> <p>More recently, a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/epub/10.1073/pnas.2500356122">2025 study</a> assessed a woman in her 70s with one of these rare mutations. Despite sleeping just six hours a night for most of her life, she remained physically healthy, mentally sharp, and led a full, active life. Her body, it seems, was simply wired to need less sleep.</p> <p>We’re still learning about how common these genetic mutations are and why they occur.</p> <h2>Not everyone who sleeps less is a natural short sleeper</h2> <p>But here’s the catch: most people who think they’re natural short sleepers aren’t. They’re just chronically sleep-deprived. Often, their short sleep is due to long work hours, social commitments, or a belief sleeping less is a sign of strength or productivity.</p> <p>In today’s hustle culture, it’s common to hear people boast about getting by on only a few hours of sleep. But for the average person, that’s not sustainable.</p> <p>The effects of short sleep build up over time, creating what’s known as a “sleep debt”. This <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763417301641">can lead to</a> poor concentration, mood swings, micro-sleeps (brief lapses into sleep), reduced performance and even <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945716301381">long-term health risks</a>. For example, short sleep has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke).</p> <h2>The weekend catch-up dilemma</h2> <p>To make up for lost sleep during the week, many people try to “catch up” on weekends.</p> <p>This can help repay some of the sleep debt that has accumulated in the short term. Research <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352721823001663?via%3Dihub">suggests</a> getting one to two extra hours of sleep on the weekend or taking naps when possible may help reduce the negative effects of short sleep.</p> <p>However, it’s not a perfect fix. Weekend catch-up sleep and naps may not fully resolve sleep debt. The topic remains one of ongoing scientific debate.</p> <p>A recent <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/11/zsae135/7696120">large study</a> suggested weekend catch-up sleep may not offset the cardiovascular risks associated with chronic short sleep.</p> <p>What’s more, large swings in sleep timing can disrupt your body’s <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03171-4">internal clock</a>, and sleeping in too much on weekends may make it harder to fall asleep on Sunday night, which can mean starting the working week less rested.</p> <p>Increasing evidence indicates <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/1/zsad253/7280269">repeated cycles of irregular sleep</a> may have an important influence on general health and the risk of early death, potentially even more so than how long we sleep for.</p> <p>Ultimately, while moderate catch-up sleep might offer some benefits, it’s no substitute for consistent, high-quality sleep throughout the week. That said, maintaining such regularity can be particularly challenging for people with non-traditional schedules, such as shift workers.</p> <h2>So, was Thatcher a true natural short sleeper?</h2> <p>It’s hard to say. Some reports suggest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/aug/27/from-aristotle-to-einstein-a-brief-history-of-power-nappers">she napped during the day</a> in the back of a car between meetings. That could mean she was simply sleep-deprived and compensating for an accumulated sleep debt when she could.</p> <p>Separate to whether someone is a natural short sleeper, there are a range of other reasons people may need more or less sleep than others. Factors <a href="https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/how-much-sleep-do-you-really-need">such as age</a> and underlying health conditions can significantly influence sleep requirements.</p> <p>For example, older adults often experience changes in their circadian rhythms and are more likely to suffer from fragmented sleep due to conditions <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-019-02067-z">such as arthritis</a> or <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11886-023-01939-x">cardiovascular disease</a>.</p> <p>Sleep needs vary from person to person, and while a lucky few can thrive on less, most of us need <a href="https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/how-much-sleep-do-you-really-need">seven to nine hours</a> a night to feel and function our best. If you’re regularly skimping on sleep and relying on weekends to catch up, it might be time to rethink your routine. After all, sleep isn’t a luxury – it’s a biological necessity.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/256342/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kelly-sansom-2390567">Kelly Sansom</a>, Research Associate, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Research Associate, Centre for Healthy Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-eastwood-2316718">Peter Eastwood</a>, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/murdoch-university-746">Murdoch University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-some-people-need-less-sleep-than-others-a-gene-variation-could-have-something-to-do-with-it-256342">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em></p> </div>

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What is mantle cell lymphoma? Magda Szubanski’s ‘rare and fast-moving’ cancer explained

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822"> </a></em>Beloved Australian actor Magda Szubanski has revealed she’s been diagnosed with a “very rare, very aggressive, very serious” blood cancer called mantle cell lymphoma.</p> <p>In a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magda_szubanski/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/">post on social media</a>, Szubanski said she would be starting treatment in a few weeks for the stage 4 cancer, which she called “one of the nasty ones, unfortunately”.</p> <p>So, what is mantle cell lymphoma? And how is it treated?</p> <h2>What is mantle cell lymphoma?</h2> <p>There are more than 100 subtypes of blood cancers, but they are commonly divided into one of two groups. These are <a href="https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/leukemia-vs-lymphoma-what-is-the-difference">based on</a> where they originate: leukaemias develop in the bone marrow, and lymphomas develop in the lymphatic system.</p> <p>Lymphomas develop from white blood cells (lymphocytes), which circulate in the blood and lymphatic system and help fight infection.</p> <p>You may not have heard of the <a href="https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/lymphatic-system">lymphatic system</a>, but it plays a key role in your immune response.</p> <p>The lymphatic circulatory system is responsible for transporting fluids (lymph) around your body. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymph#:%7E:text=Listen%20to%20pronunciation,the%20body%20in%20lymph%20vessels.">Lymph</a> comes from blood plasma, and helps remove waste from your tissues.</p> <p>As part of the lymphatic system, tissues like the spleen and thymus help produce many of the immune cells you use to fight infections.</p> <p>These cells are then housed in specialised organs called lymph nodes – small pea-sized glands located throughout your body.</p> <p>Lymph nodes are kind of like the “war room” of your <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/">immune</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/">system</a>.</p> <p>Your body contains hundreds of lymph nodes, and each contains millions of lymphocytes. These include the T and B cells – the main fighting cells in adaptive immunity.</p> <p>If B cells in an area of the lymph node known as the “<a href="https://www.lymphoma.org.au/types-of-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/aggressive-fast-growing-b-cell-nhl/mantle-cell-lymphoma-mcl/">mantle zone</a>” become cancerous, it is called mantle cell lymphoma.</p> <h2>How rare is it?</h2> <p>In 2020, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e">there were 330 cases</a> of mantle cell lymphoma diagnosed in Australia, accounting for a small fraction (5%) of lymphoma cases.</p> <p>Overall, lymphomas account for around <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lymphoma/lymphoma-australia-statistics">one in twenty</a> new cancer diagnoses. This makes mantle cell lymphoma quite rare.</p> <p>Mantle cell lymphoma is about <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e">three times more common in men than in women</a>, and mostly affects people over the age of 60.</p> <h2>Is there a cure?</h2> <p>Unfortunately, mantle cell lymphoma is largely <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajh.26523">considered incurable</a> with the therapies currently available.</p> <p>Like many cancers, mantle cell lymphoma can vary in how quickly it develops and its severity.</p> <p>As Szubanski’s cancer has been described as “fast-moving” and is already stage 4, it appears that it is a more serious case.</p> <p>Stage 4 is the most advanced stage – meaning the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-cancer-spread-to-other-parts-of-the-body-219616">cancer has spread</a> (metastasised) to other tissues.</p> <p>Treatment at this stage can be more complicated than when the cancer is caught earlier. But treatment can still help people go on to live for many years.</p> <h2>What does treatment involve?</h2> <p>In her social media post, Szubanski said she will be receiving “one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol)”.</p> <p>This is one of the most common treatments for an aggressive lymphoma.</p> <p>The main component is “R-CHOP” – a <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/r-chop">combination therapy</a>. It involves a mixture of different drugs, including chemotherapy, to attack the cancer from multiple angles at the same time.</p> <p>Different strengths of the drugs can be used (the maximum strength is sometimes called R-maxi-CHOP).</p> <p>A stem cell transplantation may also be included in the regimen.</p> <p>How effective this treatment is will depend on many different factors, including the type and stage of the lymphoma.</p> <p>The aim is to kill as many cancer cells as possible, and therefore extend a patient’s life for as long as possible.</p> <p>Therapy also focuses on providing a high quality-of-life for patients.</p> <h2>How is it diagnosed?</h2> <p>Szubanski’s mantle cell lymphoma was detected during a breast cancer screen where, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magda_szubanski/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/">she says</a>, “they found my lymph nodes were up”.</p> <p>Imaging techniques, such as a mammogram or MRI, may detect tell-tale signs of lymphoma, such as swollen lymph nodes.</p> <p>However a biopsy – <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/biopsy/art-20043922">a small sample of tissue from the affected area</a> – would then be required to confirm the presence of cancer cells and identify what type.</p> <p>Blood cancer symptoms can be vague, but it’s good to know what to look for.</p> <p>As well as swollen lymph nodes, <a href="https://www.leukaemia.org.au/blood-cancer/blood-cancer-signs-and-symptoms/">symptoms of lymphoma</a> include nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, fevers, gastrointestinal issues, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats.</p> <p>If you have any concerns, you should consult a doctor.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257821/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-eddie-la-marca-1503690">John (Eddie) La Marca</a>, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822">WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) </a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-diepstraten-1495268">Sarah Diepstraten</a>, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822">WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) </a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-mantle-cell-lymphoma-magda-szubanskis-rare-and-fast-moving-cancer-explained-257821">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: ABC / Instagram</em></p> </div>

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“We miss her every day": Arrest made in 30-year cold case breakthrough

<p>In a major breakthrough in a decades-old missing persons case, a 64-year-old man has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder in connection with the disappearance of Illawarra mother Pauline Sowry, last seen in 1993.</p> <p>Sowry, also known by her married name Pauline Lawrence, was 49 years old when she vanished from the northern suburbs of Wollongong in December 1993. Despite an unconfirmed sighting in 1994, a 2008 coronial inquest concluded she had likely died. Her case was reopened in 2022 under Strike Force Anthea, leading to Thursday’s arrest at a unit on Murphy's Avenue in Gwynneville.</p> <p>Police allege the man charged had a connection to Ms Sowry. He has also been charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.</p> <p>“The reason for his arrest is specifically in relation to the suspected disappearance of Pauline,” Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar said during a press conference. “This is a significant development, and we wanted to tell the public as soon as possible.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Cassar declined to provide details about what led to the arrest but confirmed that investigations would continue “until we can locate Pauline”.</p> <p>Earlier this year, police and the Sowry family announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. While the reward has not yet been paid, Cassar acknowledged it acted as a catalyst for new leads in the case.</p> <p>One such lead included the discovery of clothing in bushland in Wollongong’s south, uncovered during a search nine months ago. The garments are still undergoing forensic examination, and authorities have not confirmed if they belonged to Ms Sowry.</p> <p>“We’ll continue to analyse that clothing and any additional items recovered from today’s search warrant,” Cassar added.</p> <p>Ms Sowry had recently separated from her husband at the time of her disappearance. He has since been ruled out as a person of interest. Her son, Jason Lawrence, welcomed the news of the arrest in a statement released Thursday.</p> <p>“We have waited more than 30 years to hear today’s news,” he said. “We miss her every day, and her disappearance has taken a huge toll on myself and our entire family. We thank the police officers for never giving up hope and we look forward to the outcome of this investigation.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Cassar acknowledged the emotional weight of the developments, calling it a “bittersweet time” for the family.</p> <p>The investigation remains active as police continue to search for answers and work towards justice for Pauline Sowry.</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police</em></p>

Family & Pets

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What’s the difference between ageing and frailty?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Ageing is a normal part of the life course. It doesn’t matter how many green smoothies you drink, or how many “anti-ageing” skin care products you use, you can’t stop the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685272/">ageing process</a>.</p> <p>But while we’re all getting older, not everyone who ages will necessarily become frail. Ageing and frailty are closely related, but they’re not the same thing.</p> <p>Let’s break down the difference between the two.</p> <h2>What is ageing?</h2> <p>On a biological level, ageing is the result of the build-up of <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health">cellular and molecular damage</a> in the body over time.</p> <p>The ageing process causes a gradual decline in physical and mental function, a higher risk of disease, and eventual (and unavoidable) death.</p> <p>Still, some people think they can cheat the system, <a href="https://fortune.com/well/article/bryan-johnson-live-longer-unrecognizable-anti-aging-procedure/">spending millions</a> trying to stay young forever. While we may be able to reduce the <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-these-three-popular-anti-ageing-skincare-ingredients-work-heres-what-the-evidence-says-182200">appearance of ageing</a>, ultimately there’s <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44324-024-00040-3">no magic pill</a> to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685272/">increase our longevity</a>.</p> <p>Around one in six Australians are over the age of 65 (<a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile">16% of the total population</a>). Yet <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03601277.2024.2402056">as individuals</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/fear-of-ageing-is-really-a-fear-of-the-unknown-and-modern-society-is-making-things-worse-220925">a society</a> many of us still have a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/we-ve-been-constructed-to-think-a-certain-way-the-psychology-of-ageing-20231213-p5er6a.html">fear of ageing</a>.</p> <p>But what is it about ageing we are so afraid of? When it comes down to it, many people are probably less afraid of ageing, and more afraid of becoming frail.</p> <h2>What is frailty?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.afn.org.au/what-is-frailty/">Frailty</a> is defined as a state of vulnerability characterised by a loss of reserve across multiple parts of the body.</p> <p>Frailty is generally characterised by <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/frailty-declared-a-medical-condition">several physical symptoms</a>, such as weakness, slow walking speed, exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, and low activity level.</p> <p>Lower bone density and osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become weak and brittle) are also <a href="https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-024-04875-w">associated with frailty</a>, increasing the risk of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770723020250">falls and fractures</a>.</p> <p>Notably, someone who is frail is less able to “bounce back” (or recover) after a stressor event compared to someone who is not frail. A stressor event could be, for example, having a fall, getting a urinary infection, or even being admitted to hospital.</p> <p>Frailty is more common in older people. But in some cases, frailty can affect younger people too. For example, people with advanced chronic diseases, such as <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurjcn/article/22/4/345/6775229">heart failure</a>, can <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.5694/mja15.00801">develop frailty</a> much younger.</p> <p>Frailty is dynamic. While it can get worse over time, in some cases <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037851221830478X">frailty can also be reversed</a> or even prevented through health and lifestyle changes.</p> <p>For example, we know physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)31786-6/abstract">significantly increase a person’s risk</a> of becoming frail. On the flip side, evidence shows doing more exercise can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36746389/">reduce frailty in older adults</a>.</p> <p>There are other lifestyle modifications we can make too. And the earlier we make these changes, the better.</p> <h2>Preventing frailty</h2> <p>Here are some <a href="https://youtu.be/41cMkvsaOOM">key things</a> you can do to <a href="https://www.self.com/story/how-to-avoid-frailty-old-age">help prevent frailty</a>:</p> <p><strong>1. Get moving</strong></p> <p>Exercise more, including resistance training (such as squats and lunges, or grab some stretchy resistance bands). Many of these sorts of exercises can be done at home. YouTube has some <a href="https://youtu.be/XDQo4wslr7I?si=FAoyHLDZgSG5AN1r">great resources</a>.</p> <p>You might also consider joining a gym, or asking your GP about seeing an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. Medicare <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&amp;q=10953&amp;qt=item">subsidies may be available</a> for these specialists.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-older-australians-65-years-and-over">physical activity guidelines</a> for older Australians recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days or preferably every day.</p> <p>The guidelines also highlight the importance of incorporating different types of activities (such as resistance, balance or flexibility exercises) and reducing the time you spend sitting down.</p> <p><strong>2. Stay socially active</strong></p> <p>Social isolation and loneliness can <a href="https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/64/10/gnae114/7734069">contribute to the progression of frailty</a>. Reach out to friends and family for support or contact local community groups that you may be able to join. This might include your local Zumba class or bridge club.</p> <p><strong>3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to regularly check your medications</strong></p> <p>“Polypharmacy” (when someone is prescribed <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-variation/fourth-atlas-2021/medicines-use-older-people/61-polypharmacy-75-years-and-over">five or more medications</a>) is associated with an increased <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6005607/">risk of frailty</a>. The presence of frailty can also interfere with how the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637419300387">body absorbs medicines</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/home-medicines-review">Home medicine reviews</a> are available for older adults with a <a href="https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&amp;q=900">chronic medical condition or a complex medication regimen</a>. These reviews aims to help people get the most benefit from their medicines and reduce their risk of <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/fourth_atlas_2021_-_6.2_medications_management_reviews_75_years_and_over_0.pdf">experiencing adverse effects</a>.</p> <p>Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your current medications.</p> <p><strong>4. Eat a protein-rich diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables</strong></p> <p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/61/6/589/589472?login=true#9578331">Low nutrient intake</a> can negatively impact physical function and may increase your risk of becoming frail. There’s some evidence to suggest eating more protein may <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/49/1/32/5618813">delay the onset of frailty</a>.</p> <p>A food-first approach is best when looking to increase the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7598653/#:%7E:text=Many%20studies%20have%20described%20an,are%20necessary%20to%20prevent%20frailty.">protein in your diet</a>. Protein is found in <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/protein#protein-foods">foods such as</a> lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts.</p> <p>Adults over 50 should aim to eat <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/protein">64 grams of protein</a> per day for men and 46g per day for women. Adults over 70 should aim for 81g per day for men and 57g per day for women.</p> <p>Ask your GP for a referral to a dietitian who can provide advice on a dietary regime that is best for you.</p> <p>Supplements may be recommended if you are struggling to meet your protein needs from diet alone.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/247450/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julee-mcdonagh-1525476">Julee McDonagh</a>, Senior Research Fellow of Frailty Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/caleb-ferguson-72">Caleb Ferguson</a>, Professor of Nursing and Director of Health Innovations, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-ageing-and-frailty-one-is-inevitable-the-other-is-not-247450">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Mikhail Nikov / Pexels</em></p> </div>

Body

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Karl fires up on Sussan Ley over “ruthlessly personal” purge

<p>A major reshuffle of the Coalition’s frontbench has erupted into political controversy, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley facing accusations of conducting a “ruthlessly personal” purge in her first major test since taking the reins from Peter Dutton.</p> <p>In a fiery interview on the <em>Today</em> Show, host Karl Stefanovic grilled Ms Ley over her decision to dump high-profile Senator Jane Hume – architect of the Coalition’s controversial work-from-home policy – and Victorian MP Sarah Henderson from the shadow cabinet.</p> <p>“I am not saying this is a bad thing, but you are ruthlessly personal,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“That’s not my view, Karl,” Ms Ley replied, defending the overhaul as part of building a “fantastic team” focused on challenging the Labor government. “Our job is to take the fight up to Labor to be the strongest possible Opposition on behalf of the Australian people.”</p> <p>When asked if she simply didn’t like Senator Hume, Ms Ley deflected: “Jane is a fantastic colleague and contributor and will remain in exactly the role she has as senator for Victoria.”</p> <p>The exclusion of Senator Hume, alongside the demotions of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and other senior women, has fuelled discontent within the party, especially amid concerns over gender representation. Ms Ley insisted that 40% of her shadow ministry are women when the outer ministry is included, but the shadow cabinet now includes just eight women out of 27 – fewer than under Peter Dutton.</p> <p>The removal of Senator Price from the shadow cabinet, now relegated to the defence industry portfolio in the outer ministry, has also raised eyebrows. Ms Ley said Price was “excited” about the new role and emphasised the Coalition’s focus on national security under Angus Taylor, who has moved from Treasury to Defence.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Senate leader Michaelia Cash has taken on the powerful foreign affairs portfolio, squaring off against Labor’s Senator Penny Wong. Ted O’Brien has replaced Taylor as Treasury spokesman, while Senator James Paterson has been elevated to the finance and government services portfolio.</p> <p>Leadership hopeful Andrew Hastie also earned a promotion, stepping into the home affairs role after requesting a shift from Defence.</p> <p>But the reshuffle has created clear winners and losers, with former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack both axed from the front bench. Mr McCormack hinted at ongoing tensions in the Nationals over their separation from the Liberals, telling <em>Sky News</em> he had more to say on key issues like net zero.</p> <p>Asked if his demotion was due to past criticisms of party leadership, McCormack replied, “You would have to ask David Littleproud.”</p> <p>That leadership is now under fresh scrutiny. Nationals MP Colin Boyce has accused Mr Littleproud of misleading the party room over negotiations with Ms Ley, saying, “How can you support a bloke that misleads the partyroom? I’m calling him out.”</p> <p>Senator Matt Canavan, who recently challenged Mr Littleproud for leadership, also weighed in, warning the Liberals to stay out of National Party business.</p> <p>Back in Liberal ranks, Senator Hume’s dumping remains one of the most contentious decisions. While Ley allies insist there’s no bad blood, others suggest a falling out between the two women and suspicions over Hume’s factional allegiances played a role.</p> <p>“She’s just collateral damage,” one Liberal MP said, hinting that internal tensions and past disagreements – including Hume’s controversial remarks during the last election – contributed to her downfall.</p> <p>The reshuffle, intended to position the Coalition as a stronger force heading into the next election cycle, has instead exposed deep rifts within both the Liberal and National parties. Whether this bold shake-up will unify the Opposition or deepen divisions remains to be seen.</p> <p><em>Images: Today show</em> </p>

TV

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Man charged with murder over house fire that killed 80-year-old

<p>A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly house fire that claimed the life of an 80-year-old man in Sydney’s inner west.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to the scene of the ferocious blaze on Irrara Street in Croydon at around 4am on Wednesday. The fire was so intense that it caused the roof of the single-storey brick home to collapse, forcing firefighters to retreat as they battled the flames.</p> <p>The body of Ted Grantham, 80, was found inside the property. He has been remembered by loved ones as a gentle and devoted family man who dedicated his life to music and service in the church, where he played the organ.</p> <p>Following the fire, a major police operation was launched to locate a man who also lived at the residence and was related to the victim. He was tracked down overnight in Woy Woy, on the NSW Central Coast, and was found to be carrying a concealed machete at the time of his arrest.</p> <p>The man has since been charged with murder.</p> <p>“This has been an intensive few hours to locate a man we believe can assist with our inquiries into what we allege is a suspicious fire,” said Superintendent Christine McDonald. “It really is tragic.”</p> <p>An elderly woman, believed to have left the home about three hours before the fire began, is also assisting police with their investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the victim, the arrested man, and the elderly woman are all related.</p> <p>Six fire trucks and nearly two dozen firefighters responded to the emergency, gaining entry through the back of the property due to the “intense” flames engulfing the front of the house. Video footage taken after the blaze shows the roof collapsed and extensive fire damage throughout the home.</p> <p>Superintendent McDonald said police are in contact with devastated family members. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continue.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Is it OK to leave device chargers plugged in all the time?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>How many chargers do you own? We’re surrounded by rechargeable electronic devices – mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, headphones, e-bikes and more.</p> <p>You might have a phone charger plugged in next to your bed without ever bothering to switch it off at the wall or unplugging it when not in use. The same might go for a laptop charger by your desk.</p> <p>But is that risky to do? And are there hidden costs associated with leaving chargers plugged in all the time?</p> <h2>What’s inside a charger?</h2> <p>Naturally, not all chargers are the same. Depending on the application and power requirement, their internal structure can range from very simple to complex.</p> <p>However, a typical charger takes in the AC (alternating current) from the wall plug and converts it to a low-voltage DC (direct current) suitable for your device’s battery.</p> <p>To understand the difference between DC and AC, consider the flow of electrons in a wire. In a DC circuit, electrons move in one direction and keep rotating in the circuit. In an AC circuit, electrons doesn’t circulate and only move back and forth.</p> <p>The reason for why we use both types of current goes a long way back, to the time when inventors Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla battled over which type <a href="https://www.history.com/articles/what-was-the-war-of-the-currents">would become the default standard</a>. Today, we are <a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/war-currents-ac-vs-dc-power">still stuck between both</a>. Electricity is traditionally generated in AC form, but modern appliances and batteries require the DC form. This is why almost every electrical appliance comes with an AC–DC converter.</p> <p>To do the conversion from AC to DC, a typical charger needs several electrical components such as a transformer, a circuit for doing the actual conversion, filtering elements to enhance the quality of output DC voltage, and control circuitry for regulation and protection.</p> <h2>Chargers consume power even when not charging</h2> <p>“Vampire power” is real. If you leave it plugged in, a charger will continuously draw a small amount of power. Part of this power is used to keep the control and protection circuits running while the rest is lost as heat.</p> <p>When we look at an individual small charger, the vampire power – also known as standby power – is negligible. However, if you add up all the chargers in your home for various devices, over time the wasted energy can be significant. Standby power is not exclusive to chargers, either; other electronic devices such as TVs draw a little bit of standby power, too.</p> <p>Depending on how many things you leave plugged in, over the course of the year it could amount to several kilowatt hours.</p> <p>That said, modern chargers are designed to minimise standby power consumption. These chargers come with smart power management components that keep them in sleep mode until an external device attempts to draw power.</p> <h2>There are other risks, too</h2> <p>Chargers wear out over time when electricity flows through them, particularly when the electricity grid voltage temporarily rises above its rated value. The electricity grid is a chaotic environment and various voltage rise events happen from time to time.</p> <p>Leaving your chargers exposed to these events will shorten their life. This premature ageing shouldn’t be alarming for modern devices, thanks to their improved design and control. But it is particularly concerning for cheap, uncertified chargers. These often lack appropriate levels of protection and can be a fire hazard.</p> <h2>How should I treat my chargers?</h2> <p>Although modern chargers are generally very safe and should be drawing minimal standby power, consider unplugging them anyway – if convenient.</p> <p>If a charger gets warmer than usual, makes noise, or is damaged in any way, it is time for a replacement. And it definitely shouldn’t be left plugged in.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/255016/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glen-farivar-2373201">Glen Farivar</a>, Lecturer in Power Electronics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-it-ok-to-leave-device-chargers-plugged-in-all-the-time-an-expert-explains-255016">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: </em><a class="source" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; text-align: center;" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-black-power-strip-YrdSQ_1gYRE"><em>Kit/Unsplash</em></a></p> </div>

Technology

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The Project in peril as Channel Ten plots bold news overhaul

<p>Speculation is mounting over the future of Channel Ten’s flagship current affairs program <em>The Project</em>, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14748609/Brutal-sign-Project-canned-Channel-10.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with reports suggesting</a> the long-running panel show may be on the chopping block amid a broader shakeup at the network.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/the-project-under-review-as-ten-plans-to-announce-new-show/news-story/280ab62724d67c2eed16bb04cafc3e97" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Australian</a>, <em>The Project</em> is “100 per cent” under review as Ten’s current affairs division undergoes scrutiny in response to dwindling ratings. The show, which first aired in 2009, is reportedly struggling to connect with audiences across key demographics.</p> <p>“<em>The Project</em> is a bit too old and irritating for younger viewers online… and a bit too young and irritating for older viewers on television,” the outlet reported, summarising the show’s struggle to appeal to either end of the age spectrum.</p> <p>Recent ratings appear to reflect this disconnect. Over the past week, <em>The Project</em> failed to break into the top ten most-watched programs, with Tuesday night’s episode recording its highest audience at 945,000 viewers. Friday’s episode fared worst, drawing just 626,000 viewers. In contrast, rival bulletins from Seven and Nine consistently drew more than 2 million viewers during the same 6pm timeslot.</p> <p>The program’s declining viewership comes amid broader criticism of its perceived political slant and the fallout from the departures of several high-profile hosts, including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson. Despite a relaunch in 2023 featuring Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton, Michael Hing and Waleed Aly, the shakeup has yet to reverse the trend. Michael Hing’s departure earlier this year marked another shift in the panel’s makeup.</p> <p>Adding to the uncertainty, Daily Mail Australia <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14509357/Channel-Ten-cancels-Project.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported earlier this year</a> that Channel Ten executives were eyeing a new "news magazine show" to rival established programs like Nine's <em>60 Minutes</em>, Seven's <em>Spotlight</em>, and the ABC's <em>Four Corners</em>.</p> <p>A “crack team” of producers – referred to internally as the “investigations unit” – is reportedly being assembled to lead this new venture. Dan Sutton, a seasoned Channel Ten reporter, is tipped to serve as the executive producer, with screen testing currently underway for potential reporters.</p> <p>Network Ten confirmed the formation of the investigative unit in a statement to Daily Mail Australia, saying: “Following the continued growth and success of our news brand, 10 News, we are investing in a 10 News investigative unit that will work on long-form investigative stories as part of our news offering across all our platforms.”</p> <p>When pressed about the future of <em>The Project</em>, however, a network spokesperson maintained that there were “no changes” currently planned. "The Project remains an integral part of our content line-up and rest assured, it’s not going anywhere," they reiterated, echoing a similar statement made in July of last year.</p> <p>The show has also been experimenting with new distribution strategies, including the decision earlier this year to upload full episodes to YouTube in a bid to capture younger audiences. Segments from the show continue to be shared widely across social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).</p> <p>One glimmer of hope for the embattled program came last Tuesday, when former host Carrie Bickmore made a brief return to the panel to celebrate the tenth anniversary of her charity, Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer. The special appearance helped boost ratings to 945,000 viewers – the highest for the week.</p> <p>Despite the network’s reassurances, the combination of faltering ratings, a changing panel and mounting speculation over a new investigative format suggests that <em>The Project</em> could be heading into uncertain territory.</p> <p>Whether it can reestablish its place in the Australian television landscape – or be quietly phased out – remains to be seen.</p> <p><em>Image: Channel Ten / The Project</em></p>

TV

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Could cold sores increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>A <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/5/e093946">new study</a> has found the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, may be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.</p> <p>This idea is not entirely new. Previous research has suggested there <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.1890330403">may be an association</a> between HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease, the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia">most common form of dementia</a>.</p> <p>So what can we make of these new findings? And how strong is this link? Let’s take a look at the evidence.</p> <h2>First, what is HSV-1?</h2> <p>HSV-1 is a neurotropic virus, meaning it can infect nerve cells, which send and receive messages to and from the brain. It’s an extremely common virus. The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus">World Health Organization estimates</a> nearly two-thirds of the global population aged under 50 carries this virus, often unknowingly.</p> <p>An initial infection can cause mild to severe symptoms including fever, headache and muscle aches, and may manifest as blisters and ulcers around the mouth or lips.</p> <p>After this, HSV-1 typically <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8923070/">lies dormant</a> in the body’s nervous system, sometimes reactivating due to stress or illness. During reactivation, it can cause symptoms such as cold sores, although in many people it doesn’t cause any symptoms.</p> <h2>What did the new research look at?</h2> <p>In a study published this week <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/5/e093946">in BMJ Open</a>, researchers analysed data from hundreds of thousands of people drawn from a large United States health insurance dataset.</p> <p>They conducted a matched “case-control” analysis involving more than 340,000 adults aged 50 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease between 2006 and 2021. Each Alzheimer’s disease patient (a “case”) was matched to a control without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease based on factors such as age, sex and geographic region, a method designed to reduce statistical bias.</p> <p>The team then examined how many of these people had a prior diagnosis of HSV-1 and whether they had been prescribed antiviral treatment for the infection.</p> <p>Among people with Alzheimer’s disease, 0.44% had a previous HSV-1 diagnosis, compared to 0.24% of controls. This translates to an 80% increased relative risk of Alzheimer’s disease in those diagnosed with HSV-1, however the absolute numbers are small.</p> <p>The researchers also found people who received antiviral treatment for HSV-1 had roughly a 17% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who were untreated.</p> <h2>Not a new hypothesis</h2> <p>This isn’t the first time researchers have speculated about a viral role in Alzheimer’s disease. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.1890330403">Earlier studies</a> have detected <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(96)10149-5/abstract">HSV-1 DNA in postmortem brain tissues</a> from people who had Alzheimer’s disease.</p> <p>Laboratory research has also shown <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2018.06.030">HSV-1 can trigger amyloid-beta plaque accumulation</a> in nerve cells and mouse brains. Amyloid-beta plaques are one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, so this has led to speculation that reactivation of the virus may contribute to brain inflammation or damage.</p> <p>But importantly, previous research and the current study show associations, not proof HSV-1 causes Alzheimer’s disease. These links do not confirm the virus initiates or drives disease progression.</p> <blockquote class="bluesky-embed" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:f3ph3ymzcnhpchwqiu4u37g2/app.bsky.feed.post/3lpn5axtbvj2i" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreifwdab7rnvdpu6t3vnupdymct77ojzrhjkwxcndc2lo5b4ipjkvee" data-bluesky-embed-color-mode="system"> <p lang="">Got Cold Sores? You Might Be at Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s https://gizmodo.com/got-cold-sores-you-might-be-at-higher-risk-for-alzheimers-2000603873</p> <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:f3ph3ymzcnhpchwqiu4u37g2/post/3lpn5axtbvj2i?ref_src=embed">[image or embed]</a></p> <p>— Gizmodo (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:f3ph3ymzcnhpchwqiu4u37g2?ref_src=embed">@gizmodo.com</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:f3ph3ymzcnhpchwqiu4u37g2/post/3lpn5axtbvj2i?ref_src=embed">May 21, 2025 at 8:31 AM</a></p></blockquote> <h2>Some other important caveats</h2> <p>The study relied on insurance claim data, which may not always reflect accurate or timely clinical diagnoses. HSV-1 is also frequently underdiagnosed, especially when symptoms are mild or absent. These points could explain why both the Alzheimer’s group and the control group saw such low rates of HSV-1, when population rates of this virus <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus">are estimated to be far higher</a>.</p> <p>This means many carriers of HSV-1 in the study may have gone unrecorded and therefore makes the link harder to interpret clearly. The dataset also doesn’t capture how often people had recurring symptoms, or the severity or duration of infections – conditions which might influence risk more directly.</p> <p>Another complicating factor is people with HSV-1 might differ in other ways from those without it. Differences in health-care access, the health of a person’s <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00144-4/fulltext">immune system</a>, <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">lifestyle</a>, <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)60630-3/abstract">genetics</a>, or even <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">education</a> – could all influence Alzheimer’s disease risk.</p> <h2>So should you be concerned if you have cold sores?</h2> <p>The short answer is no – at least not based on current evidence. Most people with HSV-1 will never develop Alzheimer’s disease. The vast majority live with the virus without any serious neurological issues.</p> <p>The “herpes hypothesis” of Alzheimer’s disease is an interesting area for further research, but far from settled science. This study adds weight to the conversation but doesn’t offer a definitive answer.</p> <p>Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition with <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/commissions-do/dementia-prevention-intervention-and-care">multiple risk factors</a>, including age, genetics, heart health, education, lifestyle and environmental exposures.</p> <p>Infections such as HSV-1 may be one part of a larger, interconnected puzzle, but they are highly unlikely to be the sole cause.</p> <p>With this in mind, the best thing to do is to focus on what we already know can help keep your brain healthy as you age. <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00184-9/abstract#:%7E:text=Emerging%20evidence%20suggests%20that%20sedentary,impairment%20and%20reduce%20dementia%20risk.">Regular physical activity</a>, <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-well-and-reduce-your-risk-of-dementia-and-death-2021050322508">good quality sleep</a>, <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/social-isolation">social engagement</a>, <a href="https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/dementia-risk/diet-and-dementia-risk/">a balanced diet</a> and <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress">managing stress</a> can all support long-term brain health.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257140/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joyce-siette-1377445">Joyce Siette</a>, Associate Professor | Deputy Director, The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-cold-sores-increase-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease-a-new-study-is-no-cause-for-panic-257140">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Gizmodo</em></p> </div>

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Can you treat headaches with physiotherapy?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">You might’ve noticed some physiotherapists advertise they offer treatments for headaches and wondered: would that work?</p> <p>In fact, there’s a solid body of research showing that physiotherapy treatments can be really helpful for certain types of headache.</p> <p>Sometimes, however, medical management is also necessary and it’s worth seeing a doctor. Here’s what you need to know.</p> <h2>Cervicogenic headache: when pain travels up your neck</h2> <p>Cervicogenic headache is where pain is referred from the top of the neck (an area known as the upper cervical spine).</p> <p>Pain is usually one-sided. It generally starts just beneath the skull at the top of the neck, spreading into the back of the head and sometimes into the back of the eye.</p> <p>Neck pain and headache are often triggered by activities that put strain on the neck, such as holding one posture or position for a long time, or doing repetitive neck movements (such as looking up and down repeatedly).</p> <p>Unlike in migraine, people experiencing cervicogenic headache don’t usually get nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.</p> <p>Because this is a musculoskeletal condition of the upper neck, physiotherapy treatments that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12221344/">improve</a> neck function – such as manual therapy, exercise and education – can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27497890/">provide</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38902195/">short- and long-term benefits</a>.</p> <h2>Can physio help with migraine?</h2> <p>Migraine is a neurological disorder whereby the brain has difficulty processing sensory input.</p> <p>This can cause episodic attacks of moderate to severe headache, as well as:</p> <ul> <li>sensitivity to light and noise</li> <li>nausea and</li> <li>intolerance to physical exertion.</li> </ul> <p>There are many triggers. Everyone’s are different and identifying yours is crucial to self-management of migraine. Medication can also help, so seeing a GP is the first step if you <a href="https://headacheaustralia.org.au/migraine/">suspect you have migraine</a>.</p> <p>About <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35166137/">70-80%</a> of people with migraine also have neck pain, commonly just before or at the onset of a migraine attack. This can make people think their neck pain is triggering the migraine.</p> <p>While this may be true in some people, our <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34214181/">research</a> has shown many people with migraine have nothing wrong with their neck despite having neck pain.</p> <p>In those cases, neck pain is part of migraine and can be a warning (but not a cause or trigger) of an imminent migraine attack. It can signal patients need to take steps to prevent the attack.</p> <p>On the other hand, if the person has musculoskeletal neck disorder, physiotherapy neck treatments may help improve their migraine. Musculoskeletal neck disorder is what physiotherapists call typical neck pain caused by, for instance, a sports injury or sleeping in a weird way.</p> <p>You may have heard of the Watson manual therapy technique being used to treat migraine. It involves applying manual pressure to the upper cervical spine and neck area.</p> <p>There are currently no peer-reviewed studies looking at how effective this technique is for migraine.</p> <p>However, recent studies investigating a combination of manual therapy, neck exercises and education tailored to the individual’s circumstances <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36739510/">show</a> some <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342117351_Neck_treatment_compared_to_aerobic_exercise_in_migraine_A_preference-based_clinical_trial">small effects</a> in improving the number of migraine attacks and the disabling effects of headache.</p> <p>Manual therapy and neck exercises can also give short-term pain relief.</p> <p>However, in some cases the neck can become very sensitive and easily aggravated in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15907257/">migraine</a>. That means inappropriate assessment or treatment could end up triggering a migraine.</p> <p>Physiotherapy can help with migraine but you first need a comprehensive and skilled physical assessment of the neck by an experienced physiotherapist. It’s crucial to identify if a musculoskeletal neck disorder is present and, if so, which type of neck treatment is needed.</p> <p>It is also important people with migraine understand how their migraine is triggered, what lifestyle factors contribute to it and when to take the appropriate medications to help manage their migraines.</p> <p>A trained physiotherapist can provide some of this information and help patients make sense of their condition and recommend the patient see their GP for medication, when appropriate.</p> <h2>What about tension headaches?</h2> <p>Tension type headache is the most common type of headache, characterised by a feeling of “tightness” or “band-like” pain around the head.</p> <p>Nausea and sensitivity to light and noise are not usually present with this type of headache.</p> <p>Like migraine, tension type headache is often associated with neck pain and also has different aggravating factors, not all of which are due to the neck.</p> <p>Again, a detailed assessment by a trained physiotherapist is needed to identify if the neck is involved and what type of neck treatment is best.</p> <p>There is some evidence a combination of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35236143/">manual therapy and exercise</a> can reduce tension type headache.</p> <p>Physiotherapists can also provide education and advice on aggravating factors and self management.</p> <h2>Seeking help</h2> <p>There are many types and causes of headache. If you suffer frequent headaches or have a new or unusual headache, ask a doctor to investigate.</p> <p>There is good evidence physiotherapy treatment will improve cervicogenic headache and emerging evidence it might help migraine and tension type headache (alongside usual medical care).</p> <p>If you are wondering if you have cervicogenic headache or if you have bothersome neck pain associated with headache, ask your doctor to refer you to a skilled physiotherapist trained in headache treatment. A careful assessment can determine if physiotherapy treatment will help.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/256581/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em>By </em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhiqi-liang-2392952"><em>Zhiqi Liang</em></a><em>, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julia-treleaven-2393094">Julia Treleaven</a>, Associate Professor in Physiotherapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lucy-thomas-2392963">Lucy Thomas</a>, Teaching and research academic in Physiotherapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-you-treat-headaches-with-physiotherapy-heres-what-the-research-says-256581">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Marcus Aurelius / Pexels</em></p> </div>

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Bubsie rides again: A century-old journey retraced across Australia

<p>A century ago, a humble 5-horsepower car named "Bubsie" made history by becoming the first motor vehicle to circumnavigate the Australian continent. Now, a century later, its spirit roars back to life as a devoted team of enthusiasts prepares to retrace its entire 17,500km journey – in a painstakingly restored replica of the original 1923 Citroën 5CV.</p> <p>The year was 1925. With little more than swags, spare tyres and unwavering faith, 22-year-old Seventh-day Adventist missionary Nevill Westwood and his friend Greg Davies set off from Perth in a tiny yellow car. They had a simple mission: deliver literature to the remote outback. What they accomplished was far more profound: a trailblazing voyage across Australia, at a time when roads were scarce and courage was the only constant.</p> <p>Through flooded riverbeds, makeshift tracks and across the sun-scorched Nullarbor, the young men pressed on. With knees jammed beneath the steering wheel, they bounced across the nation in what Westwood affectionately dubbed "Bubsie". The 5CV was small, simple and entirely unsuited for such a grand expedition – yet it carried them across six states, through monsoonal downpours and desolate plains, forging a path for motoring history.</p> <p>Now, exactly 100 years since that audacious journey, a new crew is preparing to retrace their route in a meticulously restored 1923 Citroën 5CV. The project, dubbed <a href="https://rightaroundaustralia.tij.tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right Around Australia</a>, is led by the faith-based media group The Incredible Journey and has brought together passionate motoring enthusiasts from across the country.</p> <p>Warren May, a car restorer from Western Australia, joined the project in mid-2023 and quickly immersed himself in the mammoth task of rebuilding a vehicle worthy of the original Bubsie. After months of searching, the team found the perfect base: a rare 1923 Citroën 5CV owned by collector Paul Smyth.</p> <p>"It was 102 years old – and in rough shape," Mr May <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/bubsie-citroen-circumnavigation-1925-retraced-in-2025/105257744" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the ABC</a>. “We had to fabricate a lot of new panels because it was just so old.” The motor, miraculously, was still in good shape. But the bodywork was another story.</p> <p>What followed was a year-long restoration odyssey, with over 1,000 hours of labour, rust cut away and replaced, and every nut and bolt sandblasted and repainted. With the help of friends Colin Gibbs and Graham Tyler, the team brought the little French car back to life – ready to relive one of Australia’s great adventures.</p> <p>The replica has been touring Australia since early 2025, and this June, it will officially begin retracing Bubsie’s route. Starting from Bickley, Western Australia – where Westwood once lived – the car will travel thousands of kilometres, mostly by trailer but driving short stretches through regional towns and historic locations.</p> <p>“It’s about commemorating the courage and determination of those early explorers,” said event organiser Kevin Amos. “Nevill and Greg didn’t have highways. Sometimes they had no roads at all. They literally bush-bashed their way across the country.”</p> <p>Indeed, from the Kimberley to Mount Isa, their journey was defined by improvisation and grit. When they came to the Fitzroy River in northern WA, locals rigged a pulley system to carry Bubsie across. In the Northern Territory, they slid through mud and monsoon rains. They stopped to help others – including a stranded trio near the Nullarbor, who were out of water and near death. Westwood gave them water, fixed their car, and saved their lives.</p> <p>For the modern team, this centennial journey isn’t just about honouring history – it’s about reliving a story of quiet faith and mateship.</p> <p>Dr Laura Cook, curator at the National Museum of Australia where the original Bubsie now rests, said Westwood’s photographs and letters provide a vivid, almost daily account of the 1925 expedition. “His story is more than just a motoring milestone,” she said. “It captures the spirit of a generation who dared to push boundaries. These weren’t professional drivers – they were people of vision and courage.”</p> <p>By December 1925, after six gruelling months, Westwood rolled back into Perth – completing the first full circumnavigation of Australia by car. His companion Greg had returned home early to resume nursing studies, but Westwood pressed on alone. When he returned from overseas the next year, he tracked Bubsie down (it had been sold) and bought it back.</p> <p>Today, Bubsie is more than a car. It’s a symbol of Australia’s pioneering spirit. And as its modern twin prepares to hit the road once more, that legacy rolls forward – not in horsepower, but in heart. So keep an eye out for Bubsie's twin as it rolls through your town, and history comes alive.</p> <p><em>Images: National Museum of Australia / Right Around Australia</em> </p>

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Lisa Curry’s emotional plea 5 years after Jaimi's tragic death

<p>Aussie swimming legend Lisa Curry has made a heartfelt appeal in memory of her late daughter, Jaimi Kenny, who tragically passed away in 2020 at the age of 33 following a prolonged and painful battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder.</p> <p>Appearing on Nine News, the 63-year-old former Olympian opened up about her devastating loss and called on Australians to participate in a groundbreaking new genetic study that aims to detect eating disorders from birth.</p> <p>“She just sort of took a breath and then her hands went cold – that was it,” Lisa recalled, her voice heavy with emotion.</p> <p>Jaimi’s struggle with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating left her mother with more questions than answers. “She’d say, ‘Where did it come from? Why am I like this?’” Lisa shared, still haunted by her daughter’s anguish.</p> <p>Now, in the midst of grief, Lisa is channelling her pain into purpose. She is urging Australians to volunteer for a pioneering genetic research project led by Queensland’s QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. The study hopes to enlist 4,000 local participants and 100,000 globally, collecting saliva samples to identify potential genetic markers linked to eating disorders.</p> <p>Professor Nick Martin, who is leading the study, explained that genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of such illnesses – a discovery that could change lives and save them.</p> <p>Lisa’s renewed call for awareness and action follows her own harrowing health battles. In recent months, she revealed she’s been in “recovery” from the unrelenting grief of losing Jaimi. After more than three years, she finally returned to the gym – a milestone made even more significant by the physical pain of a hip replacement, the result of a fall while husky sledding in Canada last year.</p> <p>Lisa’s health history also includes myocarditis, a mitral valve prolapse inherited from her mother, and a fractured sternum. "Seventeen years ago, I had 22,000 irregular heartbeats a day,” she wrote. “That was the start of a different life.”</p> <p>Since the loss of Jaimi, Lisa has committed herself to raising awareness about the silent struggles so many face – especially when it comes to eating disorders. Her message is simple but urgent: more research, more understanding and more compassion are desperately needed.</p> <p><em>If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, support is available. Contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national helpline at 1800 33 4673 or visit <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thebutterflyfoundation.org.au</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / Nine News</em></p>

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