Author: sukena Zaidi

New research suggests that listening to music on a regular basis may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia in older people. A study of older adults found that those who reported listening to music on most days of the week had a 39 per cent lower risk of developing dementia than non-listeners. Study Overview A group of researchers undertook a study of 10,800 older adults to examine the lifestyle links to diseases including dementia. The people who generally listened to music on a more regular basis had the greatest decrease in the risk of developing dementia from those who…

TikTok has introduced a feature called “bulletin board,” which provides brands and creators with a way to disseminate one-to-many snippets to their fan base. The format is similar to Instagram’s broadcast channels, where only the creator may post, while followers may respond with emoji replies.  How the Feature Works A bulletin board accepts text, images and videos. Creators may send quick snippets of information without incorporating them into their feed. The communications are sent directly to followers, allowing it to be a more focused communication. Eligibility Requirements It is available to creators who are 18 and older and have 50,000…

Simple Dietary Habit With Powerful Effects Recent studies suggest that eating just two eggs a week may cut the risk of dementia by an astonishing 47 per cent! This astonishing fact illuminates how minor, consistent dietary changes can make a great difference to mental health in the long term. All eggs are complete food, containing a unique combination of nutrients that directly support the workings of the brain and protect it from decline due to old age. Choline: The Brain’s Building Block Choline, found in eggs, is a nutrient that helps the brain work properly. It produces acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter…

A Breakthrough for Eco-Friendly Materials China has made a significant advance in combating the world’s plastic pollution epidemic with its development of a biodegradable bamboo-based plastic that is strong, durable, and waterproof. This new material, produced by scientists at Northeast Forestry University, has heat-resistant and strong properties similar to those of the similar petroleum-based plastic but possesses the capability of complete degradation within 50 days in natural soil conditions. Bamboo Cellulose: The Reinforcing Agent of Nature The basis of this new innovation is bamboo cellulose, a natural polymer possessing strength and flexibility. The investigators successfully regenerated cellulose fibers and then…

Redefining Convenience in the Customer Journey For McDonald’s, self-order kiosks represent not only a technological advance but a measurable ROI that changes the way customers deal with their brand. Because of this, the kiosk system has become the model for QSR and retail brands to create better efficiencies, greater sales, and better customer experiences. Reducing Queues, Increasing Engagement At the heart of kiosks is the elimination of one of the main bug-a-boos of the customer: waiting. Long lines create inconveniences, lost sales, and hurried orders. Kiosks eliminate that problem by allowing the customers to control the pace of play. They…

A Natural Sweetener with a Purpose Dates aren’t just candy from nature, they’re loaded with good stuff your body actually needs. Sure, they taste sweet, but they also pack in fiber, natural sugars, and key minerals. You get a quick energy lift, and at the same time, they quietly help your gut stay healthy and strong. Antioxidants That Fight Harmful Bacteria On top of that, dates are full of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids. These little defenders go after oxidative stress in your digestive system. They don’t just keep inflammation down; they also slow the growth of bad bacteria…

Racket Sports and Longevity Researchers in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined the impact of staying active on heart health, and the results are striking. People who play racket sports such as badminton or tennis have a 47% lower risk of dying early from heart disease compared to folks who don’t play. That’s a big difference. Racket sports aren’t just fun; they seriously boost your odds for a longer, healthier life. Why Badminton? Here’s what makes them special: racket sports mix both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. You’re sprinting for the shuttlecock or chasing down a tennis ball, then catching…

What Is Menopause? Menopause is when a woman’s period stops for good, usually somewhere between 45 and 55. Doctors call it menopause once you’ve gone a full year without a period. It happens because the ovaries slowly make less estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that keep your cycle going. Basically, it’s the body’s way of wrapping up the reproductive years. Common Signs and Symptoms Every woman goes through menopause a little differently. Some barely notice, while others really feel it. Here’s what a lot of women deal with: The Emotional and Physical Impact Menopause isn’t just about what’s happening physically;…

Understanding the Gablock System House The gablock system house is a method of building homes by implementing interlocking modular blocks (or panels) in order to build faster with less waste and possibly lower cost. Due to the fact they are large joining units that altogether build the house. Many of these also are prefabricated beforehand, thus giving great savings in time and an increased chance of consistency in quality in the finished work executed on the site. How the Gablock System Works The system would generally embrace: Advantages of the System: Challenges and Considerations for Pakistan While it is an…

Embracing Shared Roots, Recognising the Reality Amna Malik commences her comments by saying that there is no basic wrong in living in a joint family. Joint family systems, in which there are shared holding with father, brothers, their wives, children, and other relatives, have strong roots in our culture and are sources of emotional understanding, co-partnership in responsibility, and interconnection between the generations. In her view, the idea of the extended family is not outmoded by any means. It is a valid and significant life. When Growth Introduces Complexity However, she remarks that when the family expands, and especially when…

The International Driving License (IDL) is the most practical and empowering piece of paperwork that Pakistanis may carry for ease of travel, education, or work outside their own country. This is not only convenient, it is your legal means of going on driving business in over 132 countries abroad. Whether you are contemplating a long vehicle trip to Europe, a tour of the lovely highways of one of the countries of Southeast Asia, or a residence in one of the Arabian countries for business reasons, the IDL will allow you to travel with complete confidence and without fear of breaking…

A Temporary Stop-Gap for a Permanent Problem For many years, Karachi’s University Road has been one of the busiest and most haphazardly laid out thoroughfares of the city. It connects several important institutions and localities. Frustration vented upon the commuters at the news of the closure of this thoroughfare for two months in the interest of maintenance and public utilities is thus easily perceived. The improvement of the thoroughfare is in the interest of better public service, but it touches only the fringe of the problems of travel. The barricades destroyed the conveniences of travel, but once removed, the difficulties…

Wireless AirPods have become one of the keys to modern conveniences small, efficient, and letting their owners lead a different lifestyle. But new research shows these products can emit very much more electromagnetic radiation than conventional, hard-wired headphones, as much as 150 times. This radiation comes from short wavelengths caused by Bluetooth signals that constantly transmit signals between the earbuds and the player or other receiving devices. The Radiation Factor According to scientists, all wireless devices utilize electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for communication purposes. The radiation from the AirPods is comparatively low, but the concern arises from their prolonged use in…

OpenAI has announced its formal redesignation of ChatGPT from a consulting tool to an educational tool, aiming to increase user safety and regulatory compliance globally. This major change in ChatGPT’s defined use significantly alters how the copyrightee’s AI assistant can interact with users in potentially sensitive areas, such as professional fields in medicine, law, and finance. As defined in the new guidelines, ChatGPT will no longer provide customized professional advice nor draft high-stakes documents such as legal contracts, financial plans, medical prescriptions, etc. From now on, ChatGPT will only explain general concepts, such as how taxes work, legal definitions involved,…

A new program to promote exercise and fitness among young people with free 6-month memberships to health clubs is announced by the Maltese government. This program is part of Malta’s 2026 national budget, which was made public at the end of November, and will deal with a broader age group than a previous, more narrowly applied scheme. The new effort reflects the growing concern about the health of youth in Malta, which seems to be at risk from inactivity and laziness. It is hoped that by providing some way of removing the financial barrier to participation in regular exercise, many…

According to a new YouGov survey conducted in conjunction with Google, Apple’s long-held belief that its closed ecosystem is the most secure in the world is wrong. A global study, which surveyed 5,000 smartphone users in the US, India, and Brazil, found that Android handsets, especially Google Pixel phones, can now offer more protection against mobile scams than iPhones. IPhone Suits Are More Likely To Deliver Scam Messages According to the report, iPhone users were 65 per cent more likely than Android users to receive three or more scam messages weekly. 58 per cent of Android, as opposed to 42…

Dolce & Gabbana’s Riyadh Launch Dolce & Gabbana have launched a collection of abayas and hijabs in Riyadh, a sporting event that reminded us of the power of luxury branding in modest apparel. The collection was launched with an exclusive display at the historic Hittin Palace that included apparel inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert-scapes, mountain ranges and hues of the Red Sea. Flowing silk abayas, elaborately embroidered shawls and turbans were shown, taking Italian craftsmanship and melding it into an Arabic cultural aesthetic. In Celebration of Cultural Inclusion The fashion media worldwide was quick to applaud the collection on the…

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have created a breakthrough cancer vaccine that could revolutionize cancer prevention and therapy. The new “super vaccine”, which has had astonishing success in mice, prevents entirely the creation of tumors by “educating” the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells before they become established. A New Attitude Towards Cancer Prevention The customary cancer therapy is directed at existing tumors, either diminishing them or eliminating them. However, this new vaccine is designed to prevent the disease before it begins. It is composed of a nonviral nanoparticle platform that induces the body’s immune system…

Concerts for the youth of Pakistan are a much-awaited source of entertainment, with young people taking up jobs to save money in order to watch their favourite artists perform live. But the recent concert, which took place on November 1 at Moin Khan Academy, Karachi, was a great source of disappointment for them. A concert festival was organized by Prism Events & Tours. The concert, which was eagerly awaited, had the names of top artists of the music industry, Atif Aslam, and the renowned bayan was also to perform at this concert. What was to be a night of music…

The Benefits of Learning an Instrument for the Brain Teaching a child how to play a musical instrument helps them to create pleasant sounds but more than that it actually influences the development of their brain by improving their concentration and strengthening their emotional perception. Music education has always been revered for its social and creative worth, but scientific studies are now proving it to be of equal value in its cognitive and emotional benefits. Increased Memory and Cognitive Skills Learning to play an instrument effectively is stimulating to the child’s brain in many aspects. It forces a child to…

A recent data breach involving Gmail accounts has alarmed users after computer security platform Have I Been Pwned flagged the disclosures. The breach, which occurred in or around April but is only being made known to the public now, has possibly compromised sensitive information of users such as Gmail addresses and encrypted passwords. Risks for Gmail Users While Google has not confirmed that there was a major compromise of its systems, computer security experts have pointed out that third-party data breaches may still endanger Gmail account users. Many use their Gmail credentials on other sites and if the sites were…

France Leads the World in Anti-Food Waste Legislation In 2016, France became the first nation on Earth to legally prohibit supermarkets from destroying unsold yet edible food. The groundbreaking law requires large retailers to donate surplus products to charities and to food banks rather than send them to landfills. What began as a national response to an alarming increase in food waste over the past several decades has now evolved into an international standard for sustainable and socially responsible policy. The Birth of the “Loi Garot” The legislation, known officially as the Loi Garot, was introduced after significant public concern…

Horror movie enthusiasts have a silver lining: Their next film night could be a calorie-burning affair. A study done in 2012 by researchers at the University of Westminster showed that watching a 90-minute horror film can burn as many as 184 calories, which is about the same as a brisk 30-minute walk. The calorie-burning comes from an increased heart rate, a quickened pulse, and the release of adrenaline in the body from fright or shock. These physiological responses mimic mild physical exercise and result in a temporary boost to metabolism. In practical terms, when a person jumps at a scary…

Qatar has introduced an innovative new pilot program allowing some of its female government workers, especially mothers, to spend up to 2 hours less per day working without a decrease in salary. This program is part of the country’s increasing commitment to promoting gender equality, family welfare and the empowerment of women in the workforce. The plan is designed to help working mothers better balance their business and family responsibilities. By offering more flexible working hours for women, Qatar aims to create an environment that enables women to balance their careers with the demands of raising children and caring for…

Meta has officially launched Urdu language support for its AI assistant, Meta AI, in Pakistan. The update allows users to interact with the platform in its native tongue, making artificial intelligence more accessible to millions of people across the country. The effort is part of Meta’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusivity and education in line with Pakistan’s “Digital Nation Vision.” By integrating Urdu into its AI tools, Meta seeks to bridge the digital divide and enhance the technological literacy of the local populace. The push also supports Pakistan’s larger vision of enhancing digital participation, innovation, and localized technology. Meta AI…

The off-the-shoulder trend demonstrates how fashion changes while remaining grounded in its history, whether it is worn as comfortable sweaters or as do-it-yourself graphic tees. Fashion has always cycled through comfort and structure, and this year, comfort reigns supreme again. The drop shoulder silhouette, where the seam falls slightly below the natural shoulder line is back in full swing. Loved for its effortless, slouchy appeal, this design is redefining both casual and polished looks across the fashion spectrum. Drop Shoulder Tees – The Streetwear essential reevaluated There’s nothing better, more versatile or effortlessly stylish than an oversized, drop shoulder T-shirt.…

A new study published in Scientific Reports has discovered a strong link between high sugar consumption and an increased risk of depression. The study followed over 8,000 participants for five years and found that men with higher than 67 grams of sugar consumed per day were 23% higher among men who drank over than 67 grams, than for another group who ate under 40 grams of sugar. The researchers feel that the elevated sugar intake causes the body to be “out of balance” in many ways. Body systems that control the sugar balance of blood are in a state of…

New research shows the human body begins to age at about 25 years of age. At this point, the body’s ability to repair itself starts to slow, and minute molecular damage begins to accumulate. These early changes are not always visible, but herald the beginning of biological aging. Scientists point out that the process is not due to age alone. The environment and life habits play an important part. A poor diet, lack of sleep, and excessive stress, lead to more rapid cellular decline. Exposure to pollution, ultra-violet rays, and toxins adds more strain to the body’s repair systems. In…

Japan has taken another major step toward sustainable urban living with the launch of solar-powered street heaters designed to provide warmth during cold nights, particularly for homeless individuals. These innovative devices collect solar energy during the day and release stored heat after sunset, helping those without shelter stay safe from harsh winter temperatures. A Smart Blend of Compassion and Clean Energy Developed by researchers at Kyoto University and the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), the street heaters use advanced materials capable of efficiently storing and releasing thermal energy. This means the heaters can maintain warmth throughout the…

The scientists at Aalto University in Finland and the University of Bayreuth in Germany have developed a new class of hydrogel with a structure that imitates human skin more closely than any previously synthesized material. This new hydrogel is flexible, durable, and capable of rapid self-repair–healing as much as 90 percent of a cut within 4 hours and regenerating completely within a day. A Fusion of Science and Nature The chemistry of the hydrogels developed at Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth provides a material with a unique structure. Ultra-thin nanosheets of clay are used together with a polymer…

In a revolutionary step towards digitalisation, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced that all airports in Pakistan will be converted to a cashless payment system. This initiative, which is being taken in collaboration with The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), will promote transparency and efficiency, as well as make for much easier payment systems and help the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy and fin-tech. Under the scope of this new service, passengers and visitors will be able to make payments at all airport service points, whether shops, restaurants, parking areas, lounges etc., through the QR code based solutions. This,…

Today, cheating has gotten so common that loyalty seems to be a rare virtue, not the basic principle it was always meant to be. Lies are considered “missteps,” and betrayal is called “human nature” in this ethical fog. Under those circumstances, telling the truth seems almost noble, not because loyalty has changed but because our conception of morality has gradually lost its form.  At one time, loyalty was considered the normal condition of love, friendship, and companionship. It was not a luxury, but it was expected. Somewhere, however, along the line, the convenience of the thing began to outbalance the…

Introduction Dean Withers challenged the traditional belief that men are biologically better suited to be CEOs than women, pointing to evidence that women cope better with stress (“Women are biologically structured to cope with pressure or stress better than men”). This framing raises an interesting question: if women are better biologically adapted to roles of high-stress leadership, why is it that women are still strikingly absent from the role of CEO? This article looks at research, including the Emerald journal article, “Women CEOs: Why they remain a rare phenomenon ?” and seeks to explain this paradox. This article will examine…

A revolutionary new injectable drug may offer a permanent solution to balding and even reverse premature graying.Called ABS-201, the treatment is the first of its kind to target the prolactin receptor, a protein rarely associated with hair loss. Developed by Absci, a biotech company using AI to accelerate drug discovery, ABS-201 reactivates dormant hair follicles by pushing them from their “resting” telogen phase into the growth-focused anagen phase. Unlike existing treatments like minoxidil, which often require daily application and may initially cause hair shedding, ABS-201 demonstrated rapid, full hair regrowth in preclinical trials, with macaques and mice regrowing their hair…

A NEW BROWSER WAR The browser wars have started again after a break of over 15 years, but this time, the battle is not over speed or design or whether the browser allows extensions. The battle is about artificial intelligence. In the midst of OpenAI’s announcement of Atlas and the announcement of Comet from Perplexity, the computer fraternity is asking the multibillion dollar question, will ChatGPT replace Google as the world’s search engine? BRIEF HISTORY In the 1990s, Netscape Navigator was the leading browser until Microsoft introduced its new operating system Windows which bundled Internet Explorer with the system and…

Groundwater Levels Are Dropping Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, is going through a grave water crisis due to rapidly declining groundwater. In Quetta and the neighbouring districts, the level of the subsoil is going down at a horrifying rate of 3–4 feet each year. This sharp slump has rendered thousands of acres of fertile land sterile the farmers have been obliged to give up agriculture altogether. Uncontrolled Tube Wells Aggravate the Issue Over 30,000 tube wells have been sunk and are operating all over the province for domestic and other necessities. But nearly half of…

High Levels of Glyphosate Detected A recent UK report found that many tampons contain glyphosate, a pesticide linked to cancer, at levels 40 times higher than allowed in drinking water. Glyphosate is widely used in farming but was declared a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization in 2015. While the detected pesticide levels fall within “safe” limits for oral intake, experts warn that chemicals absorbed through the reproductive system enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the body’s detox systems, which may pose greater health risks. Potential Hormonal and Reproductive Risks The report highlights that many chemicals found in period products,…

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders Habib University will host the eighth edition of its flagship Model United Nations conference, HUMUN VIII, from October 24–26, 2025. Organized by the Habib Debate Union, HUMUN is one of Karachi’s largest student-led conferences. It will welcome more than 1,200 participants from across Pakistan and beyond. A Milestone in Inclusivity This year’s HUMUN makes history as the first institutional-level MUN conference with an all-female Executive Council. The milestone celebrates empowerment, diversity, and leadership. The Executive Council’s goal is to inspire young women to take on roles of influence and responsibility in both academic and…

Natural Nutrition for Infants Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, said breast milk is the most natural and complete source of nutrition for infants as it provides all the essential nutrients required for development, along with antibodies and health benefits that can be enjoyed in life if the infant is breastfed. Breastfeeding strengthens the immunity of the child, reduces the chances of infection, and causes physical and mental growth. Rising Concern Dr. Bharath expressed concern over the declining trend of breastfeeding in Pakistan. More and more mothers have started feeding their infants by formula due to social pressures, lack…

A Step Toward Inclusivity In a landmark move, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) has announced the introduction of new Pakistani passports that will now include the mother’s name alongside the father’s. The decision marks a progressive step toward inclusivity and recognition of both parents in official identity documents. Addressing Long-Standing Challenges The updated format aims to resolve difficulties faced by individuals raised by single mothers or in cases where the father is absent or deceased. By including the mother’s name, the government seeks to make documentation more equitable, convenient, and representative of modern family structures. Enhanced Design…