A team of scientists from Harvard Medical School has made a significant breakthrough in the field of aging by identifying a combination of drugs that can reverse the aging process within a week.
The treatment involved administering three different drugs to mice: growth hormone, Metformin, and a drug that activates the enzyme AMPK, Business Today reported.
Adenosine 5′ monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) serves as the body's "master regulator of energy metabolism" due to its role as an energy sensor within our cells.
As we age, researchers have observed a notable decline in AMPK activity.
This decrease in AMPK activity is believed to be one of the factors contributing to changes in appetite, body weight, energy levels, and other metabolic processes experienced as we grow older.
The study showed rejuvenation in aged muscles, liver tissue, and other organs.
Harvard researcher David Sinclair shared the discovery on Twitter and in the medical journal Aging.
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The findings have garnered widespread attention, with Sinclair's explanation of the findings receiving over one million views.
Further research conducted by a genetics professor and his team at Harvard Medical School involved developing chemical cocktails containing agents known for their treatment of various disorders.
The research spanned over three years and successfully identified molecules that can reverse cellular aging and revive human cells.
“We’ve previously shown age reversal is possible using gene therapy to turn on embryonic genes,” Sinclair tweeted.
David Sinclair recently spoke at the India Today Conclave 2023, emphasising the importance of identifying biological switches that control the aging process - Image Credit: Twitter
He added, “Now we show it’s possible with chemical cocktails, a step towards affordable whole-body rejuvenation."
This discovery offers promising rejuvenation possibilities in combating the effects of aging in humans.
Sinclair recently spoke at the India Today Conclave 2023, emphasising the importance of identifying biological switches that control the aging process.
He believes that manipulating these switches could potentially reverse aging effects and extend lifespan.
Sinclair's groundbreaking research has challenged traditional perspectives on aging, offering hope for future anti-aging therapies.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown has led to more than 65,000 holiday rental listings being removed from the platform, as the Spanish government takes firm action to address breaches in national regulations and respond to growing housing concerns.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs ordered the mass delisting due to thousands of properties lacking valid licence numbers, having unclear ownership records, or showing discrepancies between listed information and official housing databases. The government said these violations warranted immediate removal from Airbnb’s platform.
This action is part of a wider effort to bring order to Spain’s short-term rental sector and alleviate the country's worsening housing affordability crisis, especially in major tourist destinations such as Madrid, Andalusia and Catalonia, where the volume of tourist rentals has surged.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the government aimed to end what he described as a “lack of control” and growing “illegality” in the holiday rentals market. “No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country,” he said during a press briefing.
The decision follows a broader trend of local authorities in Spain cracking down on tourist rentals. In 2023, the city of Barcelona announced a plan to eliminate all 10,000 of its licensed short-term lets by 2028, arguing that housing must be prioritised for long-term residents rather than tourists.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown reflects rising pressure on public officials to act, as protests continue over high rents and property prices, particularly in cities with large tourism industries. Many residents and campaigners argue that the expansion of short-term rentals has significantly reduced the availability of affordable housing.
- YouTubeYouTube/ WGN News
According to official data, there were approximately 321,000 licensed holiday rental properties across Spain as of November 2023, representing a 15% increase compared to 2020. Authorities believe many more operate without licences, prompting the Consumer Affairs Ministry to open a formal investigation into Airbnb in December.
In response to earlier scrutiny, Airbnb said it requires hosts to confirm they have permission to rent their properties and that they follow local laws. However, the company also claimed the government had not provided a clear list of non-compliant listings. It added that not all owners are required to hold a licence and questioned whether the ministry had the authority to regulate digital platforms.
Airbnb has yet to issue a formal response to the latest action.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown aligns with similar efforts across Europe, including in Portugal, the Netherlands and parts of Italy, where governments are introducing stricter regulations on short-term rentals in a bid to balance tourism with long-term housing needs.
As Spain continues to grapple with housing shortages and rising costs, the government has made clear that further measures may follow to ensure platforms and property owners comply with national laws.
Passengers set to embark on a 35-night Caribbean cruise aboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura have had their plans disrupted, after the cruise was cancelled due to “operational reasons”. The voyage was scheduled to depart on 4 January 2027 and was to take travellers across multiple Caribbean destinations.
The cancellation marks the second recent long-haul voyage to be pulled by the cruise line. Earlier, a 14-night sailing on Iona, set to leave on 30 August 2026, was also cancelled, citing the same reasons.
Why was the cruise cancelled?
P&O Cruises has not provided detailed reasons for the decision, only stating that it was made for “operational reasons”. In a statement, a company spokesperson said: “On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published, and we are very sorry that Ventura’s 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing 4 January 2027 has been cancelled.”
Passengers received an email notification that read: “Due to operational reasons, we’re sorry to inform you that your cruise, departing 4 January 2027, is no longer going ahead. We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.”
Where was the cruise going?
The original cruise was a 35-night round-trip sailing from the UK to various Caribbean ports, though the exact route was not confirmed by the company at the time of cancellation. The Ventura has previously visited popular Caribbean destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, and St Kitts on similar itineraries.
What happens now?
P&O Cruises has arranged for affected passengers to be automatically transferred to a similar voyage, sailing G701 on board Iona. This cruise is also planned for early 2027 and includes stops across the Caribbean. However, some customers have voiced disappointment on social media, saying the alternative ship or itinerary does not match their original booking.
Can you claim a refund?
Yes. While guests are automatically rebooked, they are not required to accept the new cruise. Passengers who prefer not to travel on Iona can request a full refund. Instructions on how to claim are typically included in the cancellation email or can be obtained by contacting P&O Cruises’ customer service team.
What’s next for Ventura?
In place of the cancelled trip, Ventura will now offer three new itineraries. P&O Cruises has announced that these will go on sale from 4 June 2025, though further details on destinations and dates are yet to be confirmed.
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Her journey reflects the challenges many international healthcare workers face
A nurse from Kerala who has worked to support fellow Malayali professionals in the UK has been invited to attend King Charles III’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contributions to the NHS and international nursing community.
Prabin Baby, 45, who currently works as a patient experience nurse in Hertfordshire, received the invitation in acknowledgement of her efforts to help internationally trained nurses, particularly from Kerala, integrate into the British healthcare system.
Originally from Tiruvalla, Kerala, Prabin moved to the UK in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her experience in Malaysia and India, including roles in clinical care and nursing education, she initially struggled to adapt to the NHS system. This personal challenge motivated her to assist others facing similar difficulties.
“When I arrived in the UK, I felt uncomfortable, despite having clinical experience and the required OET qualification,” Prabin said. “Internationally trained nurses face barriers in understanding the system. They need support, both professionally and culturally, to settle in. I believe someone has to step up and help.”
She joined Lister Hospital in Stevenage as a registered nurse before being promoted to educational and corporate roles within the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust. Through her work, she has supported the welfare and development of Malayali nurses, helping them to understand the NHS structure, workplace culture, and career development pathways.
Her professional growth was further supported by a fellowship with the Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy, which provided her with opportunities to develop her leadership skills and expand her work in supporting internationally educated staff. The NHS also funded her professional nurse advocate course, enhancing her ability to guide others in similar roles.
“I have always believed in collaboration with leadership to build an inclusive and supportive environment,” Prabin said. “Our trust is diverse and inclusive, and although there are many native English staff, I was honoured to be selected to attend the garden party.”
Speaking about the event at Buckingham Palace, Prabin said she felt proud and humbled as an Indian nurse. “There were times when I stood outside the palace and wondered what it was like inside. To have the opportunity to enter and meet the royals and others who have contributed to public service was a memorable experience.”
She credited her family—her daughter, parents and sister—for their continuous support. “They are my backbone and have always encouraged me in my work.”
Prabin also highlighted the broader professional opportunities available to nurses in the UK. “If we are interested and willing to learn, there is much scope to specialise and progress here. The recognition and appreciation we receive are often greater than in India or other developed countries.”
Her journey reflects the challenges many international healthcare workers face and the importance of mentorship, institutional support and inclusive leadership within the NHS.
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The new collection arrives just ahead of the summer season
Megan Thee Stallion has unveiled her own swimwear brand, named Hot Girl Summer, marking her first foray into fashion retail with a collection that will be available both online and in stores across the United States.
The 30-year-old Grammy Award-winning rapper, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, announced the launch of Hot Girl Summer earlier this week. The name of the brand draws from the popular phrase she first coined and later trademarked in January 2022. The phrase became widely known in 2019, prompting widespread use by fans and major companies.
The swimwear line is set to go on sale from 19 May, available at nearly 500 Walmart locations across the US and on Walmart’s website. The pieces will also be offered on Megan’s official website, MeganTheeStallion.com.
“Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand,” said Megan in an official statement. “It was only right that we kick off Hot Girl Summer with this launch and provide Hotties of all body types with the official Hot Girl uniform. I used to shop at Walmart growing up, so it's a full circle to have my own line available at Walmart and I'm so grateful for their support.”
The rapper personally modelled pieces from the debut collection in promotional images shared online. In the campaign, Megan posed in a purple bikini with matching models beside an ice cream truck. The photo series also featured swimsuits with the Hot Girl Summer branding and showcased a variety of styles and cuts.
The initial collection includes 18 pieces in total and is described as size-inclusive. It features bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, monokinis, and cover-ups available in various colours. The designs reflect Megan’s signature style and were crafted under her creative direction, according to her team.
“With the introduction of Hot Girl Summer, Megan officially becomes the first hip-hop artist to launch her own swimwear brand,” read a press release issued on 14 May.
The launch follows a successful campaign by Megan to secure ownership of the phrase Hot Girl Summer, which she began using on social media in 2019. The term quickly gained traction, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Speaking to Allure magazine, Megan explained why she pursued the trademark after companies such as Wendy’s and Forever 21 began using the phrase in marketing campaigns.
The music star has expanded her career into multiple business areasInstagram/ theestallion
“I really didn't even know that it was gonna catch on how it did,” she said. “It was just me talking and telling everybody I was gonna be me for the summer, and they should be them too — like as free as they can be. When I saw Wendy’s and Forever 21 saying, ‘Hey, are you having a Hot Girl Summer?’ I was like, ‘Hell no, Forever 21, you're going to have to pay me.’”
Megan added: “I just wanted to get it trademarked because it’s me. It’s my thing.”
The new collection arrives just ahead of the summer season and appears to be strategically timed to coincide with warmer weather and holiday plans. It also builds on Megan’s established image and messaging around confidence, body positivity and empowerment, themes she frequently promotes in her music and public appearances.
The Houston-born rapper has previously collaborated with fashion and beauty brands, including Revlon, Fashion Nova and Nike, but this marks her first independent fashion venture under her own brand.
In recent years, the music star has expanded her career into multiple business areas. In addition to her music and now fashion endeavours, she has also taken roles in film and television, including a guest appearance on the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and other entertainment projects.
With Hot Girl Summer, Megan Thee Stallion is further establishing her presence in the world of business and fashion. Her entry into the swimwear market joins a growing trend of celebrities launching their own fashion lines with an emphasis on body diversity and inclusivity.
The collection is expected to appeal to a wide audience, especially her fanbase – known as the Hotties – and shoppers seeking bold, expressive summer styles backed by a major celebrity figure.
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Large size has drawn attention from across the industry
UK growers are reporting a bumper crop of unusually large strawberries this spring, thanks to a spell of bright sunshine and cool nights that has created near-perfect growing conditions. However, as the dry weather continues, experts are warning that water shortages could pose a risk to future harvests.
According to Bartosz Pinkosz, operations director at the Summer Berry Company, strawberry plants have benefited significantly from this year’s weather pattern. “We had the darkest January and February since the 1970s, but then the brightest March and April since 1910,” he said. “From March onwards, it was really kind of perfect for tunnel strawberries.”
The company, which grows fruit at its farm in Colworth, West Sussex, supplies major UK retailers. Pinkosz said the strawberries being harvested this month are consistently larger than average, with some weighing as much as 50g – around the size of a plum or even a kiwi. The average size this season is approximately 30g, still well above the norm.
He explained that the combination of abundant sunshine and cool night temperatures had slowed the ripening process, allowing more time for the fruit to develop. “The slower the development of the fruits, the more time to expand the cells and create the bigger berry,” he said. “I have genuinely never seen a harvest produce such large berries consistently in my 19 years of working in this field.”
The UK strawberries' large size has drawn attention from across the industry. Nick Marston, chair of British Berry Growers, confirmed that this year’s crop is showing excellent quality across several key characteristics. “We’re seeing very good size, shape, appearance, and most of all, really great flavour and sugar content, which is what consumers want when they buy British strawberries,” he said.
Marston cautioned that while reports of strawberries being 20% bigger are accurate for some growers, averages across the country may vary. “Some crops will be slightly smaller than others, but it would be fair to say that the very nice sunshine and cool overnight temperatures have been ideal for fruit development,” he added.
Strawberries being 20% bigger are accurate for some growersGetty
The season's early warmth also led to gluts of aubergines and tomatoes at the start of May. However, with continued dry conditions, concern is growing among farmers about the possibility of a summer drought, especially in the south-east of England. Marston acknowledged the risk but noted that strawberry crops generally use water-efficient drip irrigation systems. “Water is used very sparingly,” he said.
Despite the potential challenges, this season’s UK strawberries have started strong, and the signs are positive ahead of the summer. With Wimbledon on the horizon in June, British tennis fans may once again be treated to large, juicy strawberries during the tournament – a popular seasonal tradition.
The consistently warmer spring and its effects on UK strawberries' large size have been welcomed by consumers and retailers alike. Yet growers remain alert to the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of sustainable water management.
As the strawberry season progresses, the industry is watching closely to see whether the favourable conditions can be maintained. While the current outlook for size and flavour is positive, the warning about water supply highlights the delicate balance required to maintain crop health and quality in the months ahead.