Psychiatric diagnoses used to silence Russian ‘dissenters’
The revival of punitive psychiatry in Russia signals a disturbing return to a Soviet-era practice, wherein psychiatric diagnoses are once again being used as a tool to suppress voices of opposition. Punitive psychology has seemingly made its way back to Russia and is being used against those who are going...
Current in People
Gen Z seemingly fuelling recent boost in running events
TCS London Marathon says it has seen a 105% increase in Gen Z entries this year, which seems to reflect a growing boom in running with young people. Running is all the rage with Gen Z, it seems. Big events like the TCS London Marathon have experienced a massive spike in...
The significance of Autumn Lockwood’s historic Super Bowl win
The first Black woman to a coach a team to victory in the NFL’s biggest game, Lockwood’s win is a triumph worth celebrating – and a reminder of the barriers still left to break. Autumn Lockwood, the Philadelphia Eagles’ associate performance coach, is the first Black woman coach to lead...
Japan’s White Day reflects complicated global perceptions of love
The history behind Japan’s post-Valentine’s holiday is one of miscommunication, hierarchy, and obligation. Worldwide, Valentine’s day takes on the familiar form of commercialised love. Red roses and heart shaped chocolates abound. But in Japan, the holiday follows rituals of its own – each with their own labyrinthine of social obligations. On the...
Study says gluten-free often means fewer nutrients and more sugar
A study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition has found that gluten-free products typically provide less protein and more sugar and calories than regular ones. Ironically, gluten-free usually costs more. When you go gluten-free, you aren’t paying based on nutritional content, but more the processes required to remove the protein...
Emma Raducanu pauses game after being targeted by fixated man
The 22-year-old tennis champion said she is proud of her response after spotting a man who had previously ‘exhibited fixated behaviour’ during a match at the Dubai Tennis Champions. Emma Raducanu has said she will be OK after a ‘difficult experience’ at the Dubai Tennis Championships. After two games had passed...
European leaders to re-evaluate the US-Europe relationship
Trump’s rapport with Putin has sent waves of panic across Europe, as they grapple with being sidelined while holding the fate of Ukraine in their hands. It’s another week with President Donald Trump’s perversity; this time, his antics have concerned many European leaders about the future of the transatlantic alliance due to his take on the Russia-Ukraine war. Before getting into the European side of this story, how has Trump...
Life expectancy growth slows in Europe with England worst off
Improvements in life expectancy are stalling all over Europe. England is feeling the biggest slowdown of all, with nutritionists blaming a mix of poor diet, mass inactivity and soaring obesity. Growth in life expectancy is slowing across Europe, with England currently witnessing the sharpest decline. This does not mean that life expectancy itself is declining, just the pace of improvement. Experts blame the slow down on a mix of several factors,...
Exclusive – Sophie Szew on the mental health crisis and policy reform
We spoke to activist, writer, and public speaker Sophie Szew about her community-focused approach to healing and how she is using that vision to influence the future of government mental health policies. ‘My personal experiences shape my advocacy in that my personal experiences were my path to advocacy,’ says Sophie Szew, an award-winning poet, youth mental health activist, and advocate for policy reform within the U.S. federal government. Sophie’s response to...
Tourists block rescue services to view Etna eruption
Thousands have clambered to see the dramatic eruptions of Mount Etna, but all the commotion is causing problems for local emergency services. Mount Etna is currently erupting in Sicily, offering plenty of dramatic moments that make for ideal photographs. However, while it may be perfect for images, the huge surge in tourists and onlookers has caused problems for local emergency services. Some people are reportedly blocking streets and authorities are concerned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2YvIykIZHs Sicily’s...
