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Soon after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders that could reshape science at home and abroad. The orders — which direct the actions of the federal government but cannot change existing laws — are designed to shift policies and priorities on several scientific issues, including climate and public health. They also aim to cut the government workforce, which includes…

Blockbuster obesity drugs such as Ozempic have been celebrated for their ability to treat weight loss and a surprising range of other conditions, from heart issues to Parkinson’s disease. Now, an analysis of data from nearly 2 million people is revealing new insights into the effects of these medications — including the risks they pose. · The findings, published in Nature Medicine on 20 January1, confirm that these drugs, called glucagon-like…

Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring that the US government will recognise only two sexes, male and female, as part of a wider campaign to end “radical and wasteful” diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. · The 47th US president rattled off a flurry of executive orders to kick-start his second term, including swathes of legislation under his so-called “restoring sanity” agenda. · The orders roll back efforts by the Biden…

The New Zealand Company’s first settler ship, the Aurora, arrived at Petone on 22 January 1840 to found the settlement that would become Wellington. · Named for the first Duke of Wellington, the victor of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, the new town was part of the New Zealand Company’s systematic model of colonisation developed by Edwin Gibbon Wakefield. Central to his scheme were packages of land comprising a town acre (0.4 ha) and an…

Kiwi borrowers hoping for cheaper mortgages in 2025 might face disappointment, according to economist Tony Alexander. The real wildcard lies in the United States. · Shifting US Federal Reserve policies, spurred by a strong jobs market and potentially unpredictable economic policies from the incoming president, could ripple through to New Zealand’s economy. · Businesses are ramping up price hikes, with 43% planning increases over the next year,…

After fifteen months of Israel’s war on Gaza killed over 64,000 Palestinians, predominantly children and women, and eliminated top commanders of Hamas, a ceasefire has been reached. · Without reaching a lasting peace, the end of this round of hostility leaves the ceasefire fragile, uncertain and vulnerable to the next round of provocation. · This ceasefire, like previous ones, will nonetheless secure the release of hundreds of Palestinian…

Prunes have been out of favour for decades, only emerging from the kitchen cupboard to alleviate a bout of constipation, but this may change as we rediscover the health benefits of this much-maligned dried fruit. · They’re affordable, packed with fibre (yes, they keep you regular) and only 20 calories per dried prune. Not only that they contain cancer-protective antioxidants and essential micronutrients such as vitamin K, potassium and boron,…

Every bite of this crowd pleasing, easy bake sultana loaf is filled with juicy, plump sultanas. The addition of a few basic pantry staples also enhances the flavour beyond that of just a traditional sultana loaf cake. · This recipe doesn't require you to coat the sultanas in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. The batter is firm enough to hold them in place. · It's great for morning or afternoon tea, as a snack in…

21 January 1859 · Enjoying a cold drink on a hot afternoon was not always as simple as adding ice from the freezer to water from the refrigerator. At one time the ice made a much longer journey. · On 22 January 1859, advertisements in the Nelson Examiner proclaimed: · SHERRY COBBLERS, ICED LEMONADE, Soda Water, Ginger Beer, for the first time in the Settlement. To be had of Robert Disher, Star and Garter Hotel, Richmond. · ICE. – JUST…

Each night, our brains execute a "wash and rinse" routine that clears away harmful protein waste linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Now, new research shows that a common prescription sleep aid can disrupt this essential process. · In 2012, neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) described a unique system used by the brain to rid itself of waste. Termed the "glymphatic system,"…