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Researchers have identified 13 proteins in the blood that predict how quickly or slowly a person’s brain ages compared with the rest of their body. · Their study1, published in Nature Aging on 9 December, used a machine-learning model to estimate ‘brain ages’ from scans of more than 10,000 people. The authors then analysed thousands of scans alongside blood samples and found eight proteins that were associated with fast brain ageing, and five…

A few days before the 16th BRICS Summit got underway in Kazan in October, Russia, the organisers of this key conclave advised attendees to bring along US dollars and euros as Russian banks preferred these currencies to exchange rather than the ruble. At the meeting, the leaders representing the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations discussed plans to reduce their dependence on the American dollar. · Though the US…

Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 is expected to once again shake international politics, economics, trade, security, energy, and climate, given his political vision and his transactional approach to foreign policy. · Trump pledged a sharp pivot on energy and climate issues compared to Joe Biden, which could have profound implications for U.S. markets and international partners. · Early impact: COP29 and Trump's influence ·…

On July 22, 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was criticised when he invited now-former Syrian President  Bashar al Assad to visit Ankara to discuss the Turkey-Syria normalisation process.  · The relationship, fractured by opposing views on Syria’s long and bloody civil war, saw Assad quickly reject the invitation by putting in unrealistic preconditions.  · Erdogan’s conservative supporters domestically and many Syrian activists were…

On the 11 December 1931, the British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, granting complete autonomy to its six Dominions. Australia and New Zealand held back from adopting this status, but in 1947 New Zealand became the last of the Dominions to do so. · Although this country had moved from being a colony to a Dominion in 1907, few New Zealanders then wanted greater independence from the United Kingdom. Racial affinity, language,…

Ultraviolette’s forthcoming electric superbike, the F99 has achieved a new Indian quarter-mile record of 10.712 seconds. It sets the stage for the brand’s global ambitions as Ultraviolette begins retail sales in Europe – and a US release might not be too far off either. · Indian electric bikemaker Ultraviolette can’t seem to fall off the headlines … and for a good reason, too. Having just released the all-new US$10k F99 that promises a top…

Using data from twin studies conducted over many years, researchers have found a link between levels of depression and the amount of fruit and vegetables people eat each day. · Twin studies are powerful tools for untangling the roles that genetics and environment play in various traits, behaviors and conditions. Because identical twins share essentially 100% of their genes and fraternal twins share, on average, 50%, most of the differences…

Recent polling commissioned by Hobson’s Pledge shows 62% of New Zealanders support honouring the Treaty of Waitangi, provided it upholds fundamental human rights, with only 12% disagreeing. · However, the poll also found low support (13%) for the belief that the Treaty mandates 50% Māori representation in Parliament, with only Te Pāti Māori voters expressing overall agreement. · Spokesperson Don Brash argues media coverage of Te Pāti Māori’s…