A poor diet may worsen mood disorders like anxiety and depression, according to a study which is the most up to date overview confirming that certain foods can influence mental health condition.
According to the researchers, including those from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, there are some areas where this link between diet and mental health is firmly established.
Citing examples, they said, the ability of a high fat and low carbohydrate diet to help children with epilepsy, and the effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on fatigue, poor memory, and depression, are well established in previous research.
The current study, published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology, also found found that a Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables and olive oil, shows mental health benefits by offering protection against depression and anxiety.
However, for many foods such as vitamin D supplements, it noted that the evidence is inconclusive.
Foods believed to be associated with autism also do not have any evidence of being associated with improving mental health conditions, the researchers noted.
"With individual conditions, we often found very mixed evidence," said Suzanne Dickson, study co-author from the University of Gothenburg.
"With ADHD for example, we can see an increase in the quantity of refined sugar in the diet seems to increase ADHD and hyperactivity, whereas eating more fresh fruit and vegetables seems to protect against these conditions. But there are comparatively few studies, and many of them don't last long enough to show long-term effects," Dickson said.
While certain foods are linked to specific mental health conditions, the researchers said little is known about why a diet involving them causes this effect.
"There is a general belief that dietary advice for mental health is based on solid scientific evidence. In reality, it is very difficult to prove that specific diets or specific dietary components contribute to mental health," Dickson said.
Citing an example of how some food may specifically improve mental health, the researchers said nutrition in the womb and in early life can have significant effects on brain function in later life.
However, they said proving the effect of diet on mental health in the general population was more difficult.
Dickson added that the dietary effects on mental health in adults are fairly small, making it difficult to detect these effects.
The scientists speculated that dietary supplementation may only work if there are deficiencies due to a poor diet, with genetics also playing a part.
Subtle differences in metabolism between people may mean that some respond better to diet changes that others, they added.
Practical difficulties also exist which need to be overcome while testing diets, which set them apart from the routine clinical trial process.
The researchers explained with an example that participants in a clinical trial can be given dummy pills to see if there is an improvement due to the placebo effect, but they can't be easily given dummy food.
"Nutritional psychiatry is a new field. The message of this paper is that the effects of diet on mental health are real, but that we need to be careful about jumping to conclusions on the base of provisional evidence. We need more studies on the long-term effects of everyday diets," Dickson said.
Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
The chain made the announcement via social media
Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments
All branches are permanently closed
Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.
Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.
Social media announcement thanks customers and staff
In a post shared on Instagram, the company wrote: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you.
“You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
“To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you. It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
Customers express sadness over sudden closure
Regular customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and nostalgia. Many expressed shock over the sudden news and the lack of notice.
One Instagram user commented: “Noooo, we’ve made some amazing memories there, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The food was always so amazing.”
Another said: “WHAT?? WE HAD NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE! NO WARNING.”
Others fondly recalled the restaurant’s atmosphere and signature dishes, with one writing: “The food and the lychee cocktails will be sorely missed.”
Ping Pong had multiple locations across London and was known for its contemporary take on traditional Chinese dim sum. The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches, casual dining experience, and cocktail offerings.
No further information has been shared regarding the reason behind the closure or whether the brand will return in a new format.
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Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain
A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection
Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK
A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.
Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.
Mutations help Stratus spread despite immunity
Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, noted that certain mutations in the spike protein could help the virus bypass antibodies generated by previous infection or vaccination.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” said Dr Khan. However, the symptoms tend to remain mild to moderate, with hoarseness being one of the most noticeable.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, “It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,” adding that there is currently no evidence that the XFG or XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous strains.
Waning immunity raises infection risk
According to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, the reduction in Covid-19 infections in recent months, along with lower booster jab uptake, could increase the risk of infection.
“Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3,” he told MailOnline.
He warned that this could lead to a new wave of infections, though the scale remains uncertain.
Global monitoring of the strain
Globally, Stratus accounted for 22.7 per cent of Covid cases as of 22 June, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The strain has been designated as a “variant under monitoring”, with WHO currently assessing its public health impact as low risk.
The emergence of Stratus follows the spread of another recent variant called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), first detected in China and Hong Kong in January and now present in parts of the US and Australia. Nimbus has been associated with more severe sore throat symptoms.
Reduced testing levels since the pandemic’s peak make it difficult to track the true spread of these new variants, health officials have noted.
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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who grew up in Brenchley
Day one of the Kent County Show begins at Detling Showground near Maidstone
The Duchess of Edinburgh visits the event for the first time in 16 years
Organisers expect up to 70,000 visitors over the weekend
Farming and rural life are at the centre of the three-day programme
Highlights include live camel racing, equine sports, livestock displays and more
Kent County Show opens with royal visit
The Kent County Show returned to Detling near Maidstone on Friday, marking the start of a major three-day celebration of farming, food, and rural living. The event opened with a special visit from the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is attending for the first time in 16 years.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who grew up in Brenchley near Tunbridge Wells and serves as patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), met with farmers, equine exhibitors, and local businesses on her tour of the showground.
Spotlight on farming and rural life
Organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, the show brings together people from across the county to highlight the importance of agriculture and rural industries. Chairman Matthew Cullen said there was a "real buzz in the air" and called the royal visit a “great achievement”.
“There’s lots on offer,” he said. “From the livestock section with all the animals, young farmers, equine sports and food halls. We’ve also got something a little unusual this year – live camel racing. It isn’t what you’d normally get to see.”
Mr Cullen added that the event offers an opportunity for farmers to network and for the public to better understand how food is produced. “We all know Kent as the Garden of England, so for the rural and farming sector, it's a proud moment to come together and show off to the general public.”
Boost in interest following farming TV series
According to Mr Cullen, the farming sector has seen a noticeable spike in public interest, partly due to the popularity of the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm. “It has brought farming to the forefront of people’s minds,” he said, noting a broader uptick in engagement at agricultural shows across the UK.
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Friday highlights at the showground
The opening day features a packed programme of events across multiple rings. Highlights include:
09:30 – Kent Youth Trials (Heritage Ring)
10:00 – Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs (Countryside Ring)
11:15 – Camel Racing (John D Wood & Co Astor Ring)
11:45 – Sheep Dog Display (Countryside Ring)
12:15 – Hypo Hounds Diabetic Assistance Dog Display (Countryside Ring)
13:15 – Heritage Parade (John D Wood & Co Astor Ring)
15:05 – British Novice Showjumping with 90cm Open (Standen Ring)
17:30 – Donkey In Hand Championship (Pam Nesfield Ring)
Performances from Rock Choir and various vehicle and dog displays are also scheduled throughout the day.
Visitor information and tickets
Attendance for the weekend is expected to range between 60,000 to 70,000 people, depending on the weather. Tickets are still available to book online or can be purchased at the gate.
Adult tickets: £22 (in advance)
Child tickets: £3 (in advance)
Under 5s: Free entry
The Kent County Show continues through the weekend with a wide range of attractions, from local produce to equestrian competitions and entertainment for all ages.
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Heehs’s biography is grounded in extensive archival research across France, England, India and Israel
My friend and colleague, the American historian Peter Heehs, who has lived in Pondicherry, India, for decades, recently published a compelling new biography, The Mother: A Life of Sri Aurobindo’s Collaborator (2025). Heehs previously authored The Lives of Sri Aurobindo (2008), which remains one of the most balanced and scholarly accounts of Aurobindo’s life.
According to Heehs, most previous biographies of the Mother were written for devotees and relied on secondary sources, often presenting her as a divine incarnation without critical engagement. “Such biographies are fine for those who see the Mother as a divine being,” Heehs said, “but they can be off-putting for readers who simply want to understand her life – as an artist, writer, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Ashram and Auroville.”
Heehs’s biography is grounded in extensive archival research across France, England, India and Israel, along with digital collections of historical newspapers and journals. He examined all of her published works in both French and English, even uncovering essays written under a pseudonym that had not been seen since 1905. He traces her early life within the vibrant world of Belle Époque Paris (1871–1914), where she moved in artistic and esoteric circles.
Heehs describes two principal approaches to biographyAMG
Born in 1878 into a moderately wealthy Sephardic Jewish family – her father was Turkish-Egyptian, her mother Egyptian-Jewish – Mirra Alfassa grew up in an intellectually rich and cosmopolitan environment. Tutored at home, she later studied painting at the prestigious Académie Julian and exhibited at the Paris Salon. Her first husband, Henri Morisset, was a painter of the Intimist school, more traditional than contemporaries like Henri Matisse, Édouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard. Though he never gained their level of fame, he moved in similar artistic circles, and Mirra herself knew and associated with figures like Auguste Rodin.
At the same time, she was deeply engaged in the French occult revival, serving as managing editor of the Revue Cosmique, an esoteric journal. Her spiritual journey intensified when she encountered the Bhagavad Gita under the guidance of Indian lecturer G N Chakravarty and later engaged with eastern spiritual teachers such as Inayat Khan and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
In 1910, her second husband, Paul Richard, travelled to Pondicherry and met Sri Aurobindo. In 1914, Mirra joined him in India, and together with Aurobindo, they launched the monthly review Arya, which published most of Aurobindo’s major writings. The First World War forced their return to France, followed by a sojourn in Japan. They returned to Pondicherry in 1920, after which Paul Richard departed. Mirra remained and became Aurobindo’s closest spiritual collaborator.
Heehs describes two principal approaches to biography. The first – the contingent approach – follows the subject’s life chronologically, attending closely to verifiable facts. The second – the teleological approach – interprets the subject’s life as an inevitable progression towards a destined goal. “I took the contingent approach when dealing with the Mother’s early life,” Heehs explained, “and continued to do so even after Sri Aurobindo declared her to be an incarnation of the divine Shakti. As a historian, my role is not to make theological pronouncements but to present the facts of her outer and inner life, insofar as she spoke about them.”
When asked about the Mother’s lasting contributions, Heehs emphasised: “She established the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded its school – the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education – and launched the international utopian city of Auroville. At the same time, she oversaw both the inner and outer lives of the ashram’s members.”
Aurobindo Ackroyd Ghosh – the polymath Indian philosopher, freedom fighter and revolutionary yogi – was educated in England at St Paul’s School and King’s College, Cambridge, where he was trained in the Classics. Long before the term “Asian century” became popular, Aurobindo had already envisioned Asia’s re-emergence on the world stage. Today, countless volumes have been written about his extraordinary life and complex philosophical legacy.
Although it may sound like a modern geopolitical thesis, Aurobindo proclaimed in 1918: “Asia is once more rising; she is throwing off the torpor of centuries. She is recovering the pride of her past and the faith in her future... It is through the recovery of the deeper self of Asia that the world will find its balance.”
His collaborator, Mirra Alfassa, widely known as the Mother, dedicated her life to actualising this prophetic vision.
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Serious public health challenges in the decades ahead
Uterine cancer cases and deaths are projected to rise significantly in the US by 2050.
Black women are expected to experience the highest increase in incidence-based mortality.
A new model predicts incidence rising to 86.9 cases per 100,000 for Black women and 74.2 for White women.
Researchers stress the urgent need for improved prevention and early detection strategies.
Sharp increase in uterine cancer predicted over next three decades
Uterine cancer, currently the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, is projected to see a substantial rise in both cases and deaths by 2050, particularly among Black women. A new study led by researchers at Columbia University warns of worsening racial disparities in outcomes if preventative measures are not introduced.
This year alone, around 69,120 new cases of uterine cancer and nearly 14,000 deaths are expected in the United States. However, projections by the Columbia University research team, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, indicate a significant increase in both incidence and mortality over the next 30 years.
Black women to face disproportionate increase in mortality
The study found that Black women already experience double the mortality rate from uterine cancer compared to women from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Using a predictive model, researchers estimated that this gap will widen dramatically by 2050.
The incidence-based mortality rate among Black women is expected to rise from 14.1 per 100,000 in 2018 to 27.9 per 100,000 by 2050. In contrast, for White women, the rate will increase from 6.1 per 100,000 to 11.2 per 100,000 in the same period.
The incidence rate is also projected to rise to 86.9 cases per 100,000 in Black women and 74.2 cases per 100,000 in White women by 2050, compared to 56.8 and 57.7, respectively, in 2018.
About the study model
The projections were developed using the Columbia University Uterine Cancer Model (CU-UTMO), a state-transition microsimulation tool designed as part of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET).
The model simulates the disease trajectory based on age (18–84), race (Black and White), tumour type (endometrioid or nonendometrioid), stage at diagnosis, and birth cohort from 1910 onwards. It was validated using 2018 data and showed a strong fit to actual incidence and mortality statistics.
Lead author Dr Jason D. Wright, the Sol Goldman Professor of Gynaecologic Oncology at Columbia University, explained:
“There are likely a number of factors that are associated with the increased burden of uterine cancer in Black women. They more commonly have aggressive types of uterine cancer, face delayed diagnosis resulting in later-stage disease at diagnosis, and there are often delays in their treatment.”
More aggressive tumour types in Black women
The model also highlighted that while endometrioid tumours, a less aggressive form, are projected to increase in both Black and White women, the rate of nonendometrioid tumours, which have a poorer prognosis, will rise considerably in Black women alone.
These trends point to an urgent need for improved public health interventions aimed at early diagnosis and treatment, as well as research into tailored approaches for high-risk groups.
Potential for prevention and screening
In a stress test of the model, researchers incorporated hypothetical screening methods capable of detecting uterine cancer and precancerous changes before clinical diagnosis. The analysis found that such interventions could lead to significant reductions in cancer incidence, lasting up to 15 years in White women and 16 years in Black women, if introduced at the age of 55.
Dr Wright commented on the implications of the test:
“The stress testing suggests that if there was an effective screening test, we may be able to substantially reduce the burden of disease. While there is presently no screening or prevention that is routinely used for uterine cancer, we are currently examining the potential impact of integrating screening into practice.”
Call for action
With cases and deaths from uterine cancer projected to climb, the researchers conclude that immediate steps must be taken to develop and implement primary and secondary prevention strategies. Without intervention, the burden of uterine cancer, particularly among Black women, is expected to grow significantly, posing serious public health challenges in the decades ahead.