
Ukraine Recap: EU Readies Diamonds Export Ban in Sanctions Plan
The European Union is finalizing a 12th package of sanctions against Russia that includes an export ban on
1970-01-01 08:00

US airstrikes target more Iran-backed bases in Syria
The Pentagon says these "self-defence strikes" are in response to attacks on its bases.
1970-01-01 08:00

USMNT rumors: Cardoso pulls out, Frankfurt target America, Dest and Tillman link up
Today's USMNT rumors include Johnny Cardoso pulling out of the Stars and Stripes roster. Eintracht Frankfurt are targeting the American market and Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman link up in a PSV Eindhoven win.
1970-01-01 08:00

At long last, Browns fans finally got what they paid for with Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson put together a masterpiece of a second half to complete the comeback win over the Ravens in Week 10.
1970-01-01 08:00

Breakthrough device cleans dirty water and turns it into fuel
Scientists have built a breakthrough device that can clean dirty water and turn it into clean hydrogen fuel. The “simple” device could be used in areas without resources or places where people live off the grid. And it is just one example of the many solutions that will be required to respond to pollution and give people access to both clean fuel and water, the researchers behind it say. The system is inspired by photosynthesis, the process where plants turn light into food. But previous versions of those “artificial leaves” have required clean water sources – whereas the new device can be used with polluted water and even produce clean drinking water at the same time. As such, scientists believe that it could help solve two problems at once: making green fuel and cleaning water so that it is ready to drink. “Bringing together solar fuels production and water purification in a single device is tricky,” said Chanon Pornrungroj from the University of Cambridge, the paper’s co-lead author. “Solar-driven water splitting, where water molecules are broken down into hydrogen and oxygen, need to start with totally pure water because any contaminants can poison the catalyst or cause unwanted chemical side-reactions.” The system uses a carbon mesh to absorb light and heat, creating water favour that is then turned into hydrogen for fuel by a photocatalyst. That carbon mesh also repels water, so that the system can float and its important parts can be kept from being damaged by water. The device is also able to harness more of the Sun’s energy than previous examples, which have used only a small portion of the spectrum of light. The new system has a white layer on top to absorb UV rays, with the rest being used lower down to vaporise the water. “This way, we’re making better use of the light – we get the vapour for hydrogen production, and the rest is water vapour,” said Dr Pornrungroj. “This way, we’re truly mimicking a real leaf, since we’ve now been able to incorporate the process of transpiration.” The researchers behind the breakthrough noted that the system was simple to make, and was especially able to deal with very polluted water. As such, it could be a key way of working towards a sustainable future, they said – even though it is just a proof of concept for now. “The climate crisis and issues around pollution and health are closely related, and developing an approach that could help address both would be a game-changer for so many people,” said Cambridge’s Erwin Reisner, who led the work. The device is described in a new paper, ‘Hybrid photothermal-photocatalyst sheets for solar-driven overall water splitting coupled to water purification’, published in Nature Water today. Read More First carbon capture plant opens in the US to help avoid climate catastrophe Breakthrough solar system outperforms military-grade diesel generator Solar panel world record smashed with ‘miracle material’
1970-01-01 08:00

The Whiteboard: Trae Young struggles, Tyrese Maxey goes off, NBA In-Season Tournament standings
Today on The Whiteboard — Trae Young can't hit the side of barn, Tyrese Maxey can't miss and a look at what's wrong with the NBA In-Season Tournament.
1970-01-01 08:00

This SNL sketch featuring fake excerpt from Britney Spears' memoir has caused outrage
An SNL sketch that featured a fake excerpt from Britney Spears' memoir is causing a stir, after many claimed it was 'mocking' the trauma the star had been through. In the clip, comedian Chloe Fineman takes on the role of Britney, while her co-stars 'audition' to be the audiobook reader. Ice Spice (played by Punkie Johnson), The B-52s‘ Fred Schneider (Bowen Yang), and Martin Scorsese (Timothee Chalamet), all took turns to mockingly read chapters - including one fake account of 'Spears' sleeping with someone when she was young. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter
1970-01-01 08:00

Sadio Mane vs Son Heung-min vs Robert Pires: Who was the better player?
Assessing who was the better player between Sadio Mane, Son Heung-min and Robert Pires during their time in the Premier League.
1970-01-01 08:00

Why Wendy's Quietly Got Rid of Its Elegant Sunrooms
Solariums are nostalgic for many customers, but Wendy's thinks they’re dated.
1970-01-01 08:00

Top 10 hacks to beat the afternoon slump
An expert has revealed how to beat the afternoon slump, including chewing gum, having a ginger shot – and watching cute cat videos. Nutritionist and mental health advocate Rosie Millen, has revealed the top 10 hacks to get yourself out of the energy lull, which also includes grabbing a colouring in book, making a ‘slump’ playlist and spraying your favourite perfume. According to Rosie, watching heart-warming videos of cats can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels, and also decreases stress. While studies show that simply chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which then makes you more alert. And drinking a shot of ginger – which is a natural energy booster – can also help you out of a slump. It comes after a study of 2,000 adults found they suffer an average of three energy slumps a day, with 2.36pm the most common time to hit the wall. But 49 per cent admitted they have no idea how to avoid the energy loss. ‘Lack of sleep was found to be the top cause of an energy slump’ Rosie, who is working with Vitabiotics Feroglobin in a bid to help people cope with the dreaded afternoon slump, said: “We’ve all been there. Some of us more than others. And when it hits, it hits hard. “We all know the obvious solutions on hand – exercise, have a cup coffee or take a nap. “But what are some of the more unconventional hacks at our fingertips that can also help bring you out of your energy lull and allow you to get on with your day.” Following the findings, a quiz has also been created to allow you to test how at risk of a slump you are, and whether you need to work to boost your energy levels. A lack of sleep was found to be the top cause of an energy slump for 45 per cent, followed by not drinking enough water (25 per cent), not exercising (22 per cent) and not having the right foods (21 per cent). But 19 per cent blamed it on having to complete a boring activity while 12 per cent suffer a slump when they are in a meeting that goes on for too long. Worryingly, 34 per cent have even had an energy slump while driving. As the result of the lull in their energy levels, 21 per cent have cried and 19 per cent have argued with their partner. Others admitted to cancelling a social engagement (19 per cent), forgetting they were meant to be somewhere (16 per cent) or shouting at their children (15 per cent). While 12 per cent have even fallen asleep in a meeting and 10 per cent have made a mistake at work. But in a bid to beat the slump, 37 per cent have turned to coffee while the same percentage has tried going for a walk outside. Three in 10 consume sugary snacks, 26 per cent splash their face with water and 12 per cent put some loud music on. It also emerged the average adult complains of feeling tired three times a day, with 39 per cent admitting their lack of energy is often a topic of conversation with friends. However, a quarter of those who suffer with energy slumps, polled via OnePoll, have been so concerned, they have visited a doctor or medical professional. To try and boost their energy levels and avoid a slump, 38 per cent have attempted to improve their sleeping pattern while 36 per cent have done more exercise. Others have changed their diet (30 per cent), taken supplements (30 per cent) or taken more breaks throughout the day (26 per cent). A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Feroglobin said: “We’ve all experienced an energy slump – and when it hits, it can be really hard to get out of it. “But as well as learning how to beat it, it’s important to learn how to avoid the slump in the first place. “Your diet and nutrition can have a huge impact on your energy levels, so making sure you are eating the right foods and getting the vitamins and minerals you need can go a long way to beating the slump.” Here are some top tips to beat the slump: 1) Watch cute cat videos Believe it or not, watching cat videos can have a profound effect on your mood and energy levels. A study from the Indiana University Media School of 7,000 people found that watching cat videos not only improves your mood but also decreases stress and re-energises you for when you return to your work. 2) Eat an iron rich snack You need iron to carry oxygen to the muscles and organs in the body. When iron levels are low, this can contribute to fatigue. So make sure you get some iron rich snacks every day to keep your levels up. Good recommendations include dried fruit and pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and houmous with chopped veg. 3) Chew gum This semi-strange tip actually has science to back it up. A study from the journal of physiology and behaviour found that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain which in turn improves alertness. 4) Grab a colouring in book Not only does colouring in alleviate stress and reduce anxiety it is like a full brain workout for your neurologic system. While colouring, you use the parts of your brain (the frontal lobe) that enhances focus and concentration. Certain colours, such as yellow and orange, are also thought to increase energy. 5) Jump into an ice bath or have a very cold shower Experts say that cold showers boost the immune system and increase energy levels. Scientists believe it improves circulation and blood flow to and from the muscles. It is also thought to improve your mood. A 2008 study found that the use of cold showers on a daily basis decreases depressive symptoms. 6) Make a playlist Music has an incredible impact on our mood and can absolutely transform your energy levels even in a short space of time. Just popping in your earphones and blasting your favourite song alters brainwaves and improves cognitive performance. New research from the British Academy of Sound Therapy found that after listening to music for just nine minutes, 65 per cent of test subjects reported they were happier and laughed more, 89 per cent had improved energy levels and 82 per cent felt more in control of their lives. So, get a playlist ready before you start to crash. 7) Turn up the lights If you’re feeling slumped turn up the lights in your house. The high colour temperature of bright and cool lights triggers the release of serotonin, which makes us more alert and energetic. Results of a study with 52 test subjects showed that people felt more alert and energized after having been exposed to bright light. Stepping out into the sunshine is also a gamechanger. The effects of vitamin D and energy are well documented. Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. 8) Spray your favourite perfume A lot of clinical research supports claims that certain essential oils increase energy and relieve fatigue. Peppermint oil, for example, is effective for preventing fatigue and improving exercise performance. And eucalyptus is thought to awaken the mind and increase mental clarity. You can either inhale essential oils directly, spray a perfume with them in, add a few drops to your shampoo or opt for an energising massage (time and finances permitting). 9) Call a friend Unsurprisingly, socialising with friends can be really lifting. Dopamine and oxytocin are released when you socialize which in turn boosts your mood, reduces cortisol levels and lowers stress. In fact, social isolation has more far-reaching negative effects. New research suggests that being alone for too long is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. 10) Have a ginger shot Ginger is a natural energy booster and may be able to give you the kick you are looking for mid-afternoon. Studies suggest it has stimulatory effects. Just make sure you go for as fresh as possible without any added sugar. Read More What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and how can it be treated? What is silent reflux? Yoga may reduce seizure frequency in epilepsy patients, scientists say Yoga may reduce seizure frequency in epilepsy patients, scientists say Jonnie Irwin says he ‘never thought’ he’d be alive to see his 50th birthday Billy Connolly shares health update on Parkinson’s disease: ‘Every day gets stranger’
1970-01-01 08:00

10 Worst NFL Teams of All-Time
The 10 worst teams in NFL history.
1970-01-01 08:00

The Wolfe Tones to quit after Belfast and Dublin gigs in 2024
The band is best known for playing Irish rebel songs and have been the source of recent controversy.
1970-01-01 08:00