If you are trying to get pregnant then a diet rich in seafood could be beneficial, a new research suggests.
According to researchers from Harvard University, couples who consume a lot of seafood tended to have sex more often and conceive faster than other couples.
For the study, researchers analysed the lifestyle of 500 Michigan and Texas couples from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study for about a year. Participants were asked to record their daily intake of seafood and sexual activity in a daily journal.
About 92 percent of couples who ate seafood more than twice a week were pregnant after 12 months in comparison with 79 percent among couples consuming less seafood, the findings revealed.
Also, when both partners consumed eight or more four-ounce servings per menstrual cycle, sexual intercourse frequency increased by almost 22 percent.
Researchers also found that the odds of couple having sex were 39 percent higher if both partners consumed seafood the same day. "One of the surprising finds was that male intake seemed just as important as the female intake," Dr Audrey Gaskins, a research associate at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, told Daily Mail Online. "We often forget about how the male component is just as important as the female component when it comes to conceiving."
Researchers were not quite sure why there was an increase in sexual activity when couples consumed more fish, but Gaskins has some theories.
"There is a popular culture belief that seafood might be an aphrodisiac, but there is really no evidence to suggest that," she said. "Seafood intake could be a marker of couples having a nice dinner together, sharing a dinner together, so it could be a behavioral mechanism at play."
E. coli infections rose by 26% in 2024, with over 2,500 cases reported in England
Outbreaks linked to supermarket salad leaves, contaminated beef and fresh fruit
Two deaths and over 120 hospitalisations reported in largest outbreak
Children aged 1–4 most affected, with 357 confirmed cases
Experts advise strict hygiene and food safety measures to curb spread
Cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) rose by over a quarter in England last year, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A total of 2,544 cases were confirmed in 2024, up from 2,018 in 2023—a 26% increase.
The rise is partly attributed to multiple foodborne outbreaks, with supermarket salad leaves identified as the leading cause of the largest incident.
Salad-linked outbreak leads to deaths and hospitalisations
The UKHSA investigated five outbreaks of STEC last year, involving 467 confirmed cases, of which 348 were in England. Contaminated salad leaves, beef and fresh fruit were among the sources.
The largest outbreak, linked to pre-packaged salad leaves, resulted in 196 confirmed cases in England alone. Across all outbreaks, 126 individuals required hospital treatment and two people died. More than a dozen supermarket products were recalled as a precaution.
Young children and travellers among the most affected
Children aged one to four years old were the most impacted demographic, accounting for 357 cases. Experts cite lower immunity, less developed hygiene practices, and a higher likelihood of seeking medical care as contributing factors.
STEC cases linked to foreign travel also rose sharply, increasing by 60%, with 183 travel-related cases reported last year.
Health experts issue hygiene warning
Dr Gauri Godbole of the UKHSA urged the public to take preventive measures, emphasising the importance of hygiene at home and abroad.
“STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022, and therefore it’s important for people to take steps to prevent infection.”
She added that symptoms—including diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration—should be taken seriously.
“Wash your hands with soap and warm water, clean surfaces with bleach-based products, and avoid preparing food for others if you are symptomatic or within 48 hours of recovery.”
Parents are advised to ensure children wash their hands thoroughly, especially before eating, after playing outdoors, or after visiting petting farms.
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Oxfordshire is classed as a TB “edge area”, with recent local cases reported
Jeremy Clarkson confirms TB has been detected at Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire
The infected cow is reportedly pregnant with twins
Infected or suspected cattle must be slaughtered under official regulations
Bovine TB spreads between animals and can affect humans
Oxfordshire is classed as a TB “edge area”, with recent local cases reported
Government maintains commitment to ending badger culling before next election
Clarkson confirms farm infection on social media
TV presenter and farming advocate Jeremy Clarkson has announced that his farm, Diddly Squat, in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Clarkson’s Farm host said, “We’ve gone down with TB,” adding that everyone at the site is “absolutely devastated.”
Clarkson later revealed that one of the infected cows is pregnant with twins.
What is bovine TB and how does it spread?
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease that affects cattle and other mammals, including humans. It is primarily a respiratory infection, passed on through nose-to-nose contact, as well as via saliva, faeces, urine, and milk.
Cattle typically become infected through close contact with other infected animals or their waste. The disease spreads both from cow to cow and from wildlife—particularly badgers—to cattle.
Legal and veterinary response to TB detection
Under UK regulations, cattle that test positive for TB, or those with inconclusive results across two consecutive tests, must be classed as “reactors.” These animals are isolated and then sent for compulsory slaughter to help prevent further spread of the disease.
The emotional and financial impact of TB outbreaks is significant, particularly for small or independent farms such as Clarkson’s.
Oxfordshire among regions at risk
Diddly Squat Farm lies within an officially designated “edge area” for bovine TB—regions that act as buffer zones between high-risk and low-risk areas. In such areas, herds are typically tested for TB every six months by default.
According to the ibTB mapping platform, which monitors TB cases across England and Wales, several recent outbreaks have been recorded near the Chadlington area.
Badger culling and the Government's stance
Badger culling has long been a controversial part of the Government’s approach to controlling bovine TB. While many farmers support the measure as a necessary biosecurity step, wildlife and animal welfare groups have consistently criticised the policy.
Last month, the Government confirmed it would not extend the cull and reiterated its intention to phase out badger culling entirely before the next general election.
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Tone, clarity, and intention matter more than following trends
Gen Z views several common emojis as outdated, overused, or passive-aggressive
Emojis like 👍, ❤️, and 😂 are still widely used, but may carry unintended tones
Cultural and generational context matters, especially in British Asian households
Alternatives like 💀, 🙌 and 🥲 are gaining popularity among younger users
Tone, clarity, and intention matter more than following trends
Emojis have long been a quick way to express tone, mood, and personality. But with each generation, interpretations change. Gen Z—roughly defined as those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—are now driving new emoji norms, and some symbols once considered friendly or expressive are now seen as outdated or awkward.
For British Asians and Indians navigating multi-generational WhatsApp groups, family chats, or workplace conversations, knowing how emojis are perceived can help avoid crossed wires. Here are 10 emojis that Gen Z reportedly considers out of fashion—and why they matter.
1. 👍 Thumbs-Up
Although intended to signal approval, Gen Z often sees this emoji as blunt or dismissive in casual chats. In workplace settings, it may come across as cold or overly formal—especially if sent alone.
2. ❤️ Red Heart
Once a universal symbol of love or support, the red heart can feel generic or overused to younger users. Alternatives like 💖 (sparkling heart) or 🥲 (bittersweet smile) are considered more expressive.
3. 😂 Face with Tears of Joy
This emoji was Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year in 2015, but many Gen Z users now associate it with millennial humour. It’s often replaced with 💀 (skull emoji), used to express “dead from laughter”.
4. 😭 Loudly Crying Face
While still widely used, this emoji has lost its emotional weight for many younger users. It’s often employed ironically or exaggeratedly, which may confuse recipients expecting sincerity.
5. 😊 Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes
Though meant to be friendly, Gen Z sometimes reads this emoji as passive-aggressive—particularly if it’s used in awkward or emotionally charged conversations.
6. 👌 OK Hand
Previously a sign of agreement or reassurance, this emoji has become less popular due to its dated tone. It’s now less common in everyday digital conversations.
7. 🙈 Monkey Covering Eyes
Once used to express embarrassment or playfulness, this emoji can come across as childish. Gen Z tends to prefer more direct or sincere expressions.
8. 👏 Clapping Hands
Often used for emphasis or celebration, it may now feel performative—especially when used between words for dramatic effect .
9. 😬 Grimacing Face
This emoji is sometimes misunderstood, with younger users finding it inauthentic or awkward. It’s fallen out of favour in favour of emojis that express clearer emotions.
10. ✔️ Check Mark
This emoji is still common in formal or list-based messages, but in casual texts it can appear impersonal. Gen Z often opts for typed responses like “noted” or “done” instead.
Cultural context matters
In British Asian households, emojis are often used across generations—from grandparents to teens. The thumbs-up or red heart, for instance, may still be seen as polite or affectionate by older relatives. Similarly, symbols like 🙏 or 🧡 are frequently used to convey blessings, gratitude, or family warmth.
There’s no need to stop using these emojis entirely—but awareness of how different age groups interpret them can help avoid miscommunication, particularly in professional or cross-generational chats.
For British Asians and Indians navigating multiple social circles—family, professional, or peer-based—it’s helpful to consider how emojis might be received. Gen Z isn’t cancelling emojis entirely, but rather reinterpreting their meaning.
The key is simple: choose emojis that match the tone of the message, the relationship you have with the person, and the context of the conversation. After all, communication—emoji or otherwise—should feel genuine.
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Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is only available via specialist NHS weight management services
Novo Nordisk loses $70bn (£52bn) in market value after major share price slump
Company cuts annual forecasts for both profit and revenue
Faces mounting competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and unauthorised compound drugs
Executive reshuffle announced as Maziar Mike Doustdar takes over as CEO
UK access to weight-loss jabs remains tightly restricted under NHS guidelines
Novo Nordisk hit by sharp fall as rivals gain ground
Novo Nordisk’s shares fell by more than 20% on Tuesday—its steepest one-day drop—wiping $70bn (£52bn) off its market capitalisation. The crash follows a revised outlook by the company, which lowered its full-year profit and sales expectations amid growing competitive pressure in the obesity drug market.
The fall pushes Novo Nordisk behind European luxury brands LVMH and Hermès in the rankings of the continent’s biggest listed companies, just weeks after reclaiming the top spot.
Profit warning and weaker sales forecast
The Danish drugmaker revised its 2025 guidance, with sales now expected to grow between 8% and 14%, down from 13% to 21%. Projected profit growth was similarly trimmed to 10%–16%, compared to the earlier range of 16%–24%.
The downgrade is attributed to several factors, including increasing demand for cheaper compound drugs—unlicensed versions of Novo’s injections—as well as competition from Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 rival, Mounjaro (Zepbound in the US).
Leadership shake-up at a critical time
Novo Nordisk announced that Maziar Mike Doustdar, currently leading international operations, will assume the role of chief executive. He will be tasked with reviving flagging demand, especially in the crucial US market.
Doustdar pledged to “increase the sense of urgency and execute differently”, aiming to “turn the picture around” in the US where market share is slipping.
Mounjaro closes in on GLP-1 dominance
GLP-1 drugs, designed to mimic hormones that regulate appetite and satiety, have become central to the growing global demand for weight-loss treatments. A recent head-to-head clinical trial, funded by Eli Lilly, showed Mounjaro delivering 20% average weight loss over 72 weeks—outperforming Novo’s Wegovy, which delivered a 14% reduction.
In May, Eli Lilly surpassed Novo Nordisk in its share of the US GLP-1 market for the first time.
Legal battles and regulatory hurdles
Novo continues to challenge unauthorised versions of its obesity jabs in court. Despite intervention by the US FDA to limit the proliferation of these compound drugs, Novo claims that mass production persists under claims of customisation and personalisation.
The company says these imitations not only pose regulatory risks but also endanger patient safety.
Limited NHS access in the UK
In the UK, Eli Lilly has gained an advantage with approval for Mounjaro to be prescribed through GP surgeries. In contrast, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is only available via specialist NHS weight management services.
Strict eligibility applies: patients must have a BMI over 40 and at least four related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea to qualify.
Novo’s UK chief, Sebnem Avsar Tuna, recently called on the government to broaden access, suggesting the UK could “be a role model” in tackling obesity through innovation.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has echoed support for wider use, stating that access should be “based on need and not the ability to pay”. The government is now piloting accelerated schemes for rollout of such treatments.
Siddhashram in London witnessed a profound spiritual surge as hundreds of devotees marked the first Monday of Shravan, which is the sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva, with unwavering faith and devotion.
The temple gates opened at 6:00 am, and from dawn till dusk, streams of worshippers offered jal abhishek, prayers, and silent meditation. The evening’s Bhajan Sandhya emerged as the day's spiritual pinnacle, led by His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, accompanied by Saint Jentiram Bapa from Jamnagar, India. The resonant chants of Om Namah Shivay and traditional bhajans enveloped the temple, creating a divine ambience.
In his address, Guruji reflected on the inner meaning of Shravan, urging devotees to view rituals as doorways to introspection and spiritual elevation.
“Temples bring us closer not just to God, but to ourselves. Bhajans and mantras cleanse the mind and awaken the soul,” he said.
Guruji spoke about the Samudra Manthan legend, where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the cosmos, becoming Neelkanth. “Offering milk and water is symbolic,” he explained. “Milk represents the moon, while water signifies the sacred Ganga flowing from Shiva’s locks, both gestures of love and reverence.”
He also traced the origin of Shravan to the Shravana Nakshatra, associated with Lord Vishnu and the act of divine listening. The month, he added, is ideal for chanting, satsang, and spiritual practices.
Concluding the evening, Guruji left devotees with a simple but profound message:
“True peace lies in selfless service. When we serve others with love, we serve God Himself.”
Upcoming Events at Siddhashram:
To continue the spiritual fervour of Shravan, Siddhashram has planned a series of devotional events:
Saturday, 2 August: 108 Hanuman Chalisa Path (from 10 AM), followed by a satsang by Swami Mahendra Das Ji Maharaj (Ayodhya Dham – Ghar Ghar Ram, Har Ghar Ramayan).
Monday, 4 August: Shravan Bhajan Sandhya with Guruji.
Thursday, 15 August: Flag Hoisting Ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day.
15–17 August: Shivyog Workshop with Ishan Shivanand at Harrow Leisure Centre.