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  • The best gins for G&Ts, martinis and negronis, from our taste test of 50 | Spirits

    The best gins for G&Ts, martinis and negronis, from our taste test of 50 | Spirits

    Gin and tonic has been a mainstay of British drinking culture since the 17th century, when its initial medicinal use soon turned recreational. It has seen several notable explosions in popularity over the years. The effects of the 18th-century “gin craze” were famously immortalised in Hogarth’s satirical artwork Gin Lane – though some might say worse crimes have been committed in the name of gin more recently.

    A centuries-old ban on small-scale distilling was finally lifted in the UK in 2009, fuelling a huge boom in “craft gin” and record sales between 2015 and 2019. It also led to an incredible variety of bottles, flavours and colours, which were sometimes more weird than wonderful: Vegemite or Jaffa Cake gin, anyone?

    So, what is gin? Unlike scotch whisky, there are few legal requirements for a spirit to be sold as gin. Essentially, it needs to be made from a neutral spirit (usually derived from grain); it must have a predominant juniper flavour and must be bottled at 37.5% ABV minimum.

    These loose criteria give distillers plenty of room to play around with ingredients, infusions and distillation methods – creating a huge range of gin styles. And there are myriad ways to enjoy them: whether your go-to is the classic G&T, a martini, negroni or another cocktail, gin’s versatility means it’s no surprise it has endured.

    As a long-term member of the mother’s ruin fanclub – and having written about drinks for almost a decade – I have collected and tried hundreds of different gins. For this test, I revisited my home-bar favourites as well as trying many new-to-me gins to bring you this selection of delicious and interesting gins for your drinking delectation. I considered 50 gins from 40 brands, testing each one for aroma, before sipping it straight and drinking it in a gin and tonic with ice and lemon. If the brand suggested a specific serve, I tried that too.

    Making my way through a refreshing gin flight in my garden (during a heatwave), I was once again struck by gratitude that this is classed as actual work – but work it is, and I hope my thorough testing results in more gin enjoyment all round.

    These gins are mostly British, which wasn’t intentional; there are fantastic Scandinavian, Japanese and Italian gins, and both Papa Salt and Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz from Australia almost made the list. Ultimately, though, classic British ingredients and techniques still hold their own. So ice at the ready: here are the 10 best gins to enjoy a summer of beautifully botanical serves.


    The best gins in 2025


    Best sustainable gin

    Bullards Coastal gin, 70cl

    £45 at Jarrolds

    From Norwich comes this clean, citrussy gin filled with the saline seaside flavours of the Norfolk coast. Infused with hand-foraged sea purslane, marsh samphire and Douglas fir, this is a bracing, salty joy to drink in a gin and tonic. Bullards suggests serving with blackberries and a twist of fresh lime, but a sprig of samphire is even better, in my opinion. This gin edged ahead thanks to its innovative eco-pouch format: buy a bottle for life and top up with more affordable pouches of gin, made from sugarcane, to reduce its carbon footprint – why don’t more brands do this? The brand’s Strawberry & Black Pepper gin is also wonderful with only a touch of sweetness, a sensible 40% ABV and a hefty thwack of warming black pepper.


    Best pink gin

    That Boutique-y Gin Company Proper Pink gin, 50cl

    £26.95 at Master of Malt
    £35.89 at Amazon

    The definition of pink gin has become a little muddled in recent years. Traditionally, it refers to a navy-strength gin with added Angostura bitters (which gives the pink hue), but it’s evolved to include any pink-coloured gin – whether that’s due to colouring, berry or rhubarb flavours, or spangly mermaids. Not in my book – or That Boutique-y Gin Company’s. Its Proper Pink gin is a throwback to the 18th century: a 46% concoction of gin, lemon and vacuum-distilled Angostura, finished with even more Angostura. This is sophisticated stuff, best enjoyed in a martini with a twist.


    Best Old Tom gin

    Hernö Old Tom gin, 50cl

    £34.50 at Master of Malt
    £35.99 at Drink Supermarket

    Sweden’s award-winning gin distillery Hernö was named gin producer of the year in 2024 at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge. Hernö’s Juniper Cask gin (the first gin to be matured in juniper wood) and Six Rivers gin (with an aroma of verdant Icelandic moss) are both standout – but the brand’s Old Tom gin is a shining example of this category. Old Tom gins are named after the black cat symbol that signalled an 18th-century illegal distillery, and are sweeter than London dry, with sugar traditionally added to offset the harsher base spirit used in bootleg gin. The style proved popular, and Hernö’s naturally sweet botanicals – including vanilla, honey, lingonberries and generous amounts of almondy meadowsweet – give it a fresh update. It’s sweet and smooth enough for sipping, or perfectly at home in a Tom Collins.


    Best aged gin

    Renais Grand Cru Cask-Aged gin, 70cl

    £75 at the Spirit Co

    Actor Emma Watson’s family have been winemaking in Burgundy for more than 30 years, and Renais – a grape-based gin – is the creation of Emma and her brother, intended to show off the estate’s viticultural heritage. Pressed grape skins from winemaking are repurposed to create the Renais base spirit and limit waste (Renais is carbon-neutral and B Corp-certified), before infusing with botanicals showcasing the terroir: linden flowers, grains of paradise (aromatic citrussy, peppery seeds) and acacia honey mingle with juniper. This Grand Cru Cask-Aged gin is then rested for a year in French oak Chablis casks, giving it a divinely silky finish and layer upon layer of vanilla-spiced complexity. It felt sacrilegious to mix this into supermarket tonic, so I’d suggest trying the Renais Old Fashioned. Only 720 bottles were produced for the UK market, so be quick.


    Best London dry gin

    Gordon’s London Dry gin, 1l

    £25.50 at Waitrose Cellar
    £20.50 at Amazon

    When you want a classic gin and tonic with no surprises or messing around, it’s hard to beat the refreshing taste of Gordon’s and tonic. It’s deservedly the category leader in gin, and the one many top bartenders reach for when mixing a G&T (they also invariably recommend Schweppes tonic – and never slimline). Made since 1769, its juniper-forward recipe is crisp, citrussy and the quintessential example of a London dry gin, winning it a swathe of spirit industry medals and a Great Taste award too.

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    Best coastal gin

    Edinburgh Gin Seaside, 70cl

    £35 at John Lewis
    £30.95 at Master of Malt

    I’m a sucker for a coastal gin – they have a more obvious sense of provenance than some others. This coastal dry gin from Edinburgh Gin (now the UK’s seventh-biggest gin brand) is abundant with bladderwrack seaweed and Scottish marine plants, and well balanced with spiciness from coriander seed and cardamom. Subtle breezy seaside flavours emerge in a gin and tonic, but the natural saline tang of this gin makes an epic dirty martini. Honourable mentions to the entire Salcombe Gin range, Fishers Original Gin and Skagerrak Nordic Dry, who also deserve a place on your bar cart.


    Best low-alcohol gin

    Cotswold Dry Gin Essence, 100ml

    £17.50 at Master of Malt
    £18.50 at Cotswolds Distillery

    I love the standard higher-alcohol Cotswold Dry gin – a worthy Great Taste award winner with its natural woodiness, zingy grapefruit, lime and fresh floral flavours of Cotswold lavender – but I love the Cotswold Gin Essence version even more. Housed in a cute 100ml apothecary-style bottle with pipette, just five drops of this concentrated botanical essence in 200ml of tonic makes for a lighter but equally satisfying serve, with just 14 calories, 0.23 units of alcohol and all the natural flavour intact. If you like this approach, Hayman’s Small gin is also delicious – and comes with an adorable thimble for measuring out your gin.


    Best flavoured gin

    Bathtub Gin Grapefruit & Rosemary, 70cl

    £34.95 at Master of Malt
    £34.45 at Amazon

    Flavoured gin has a well-deserved bad reputation. From bizarre juniper-jarring flavours to synthetic ingredients, there are plenty of bad examples to fall foul of. But not Bathtub’s Grapefruit & Rosemary: here, the natural botanical components of Bathtub Gin – which already has a punchy herbaceous citrus profile – are amplified by the extra infusion, so the bold grapefruit is extra zesty and the rosemary greener and more woodsy. This gin is creamy, vibrant and perfect for a G&T, with a sprig of rosemary and a dried grapefruit slice. (Agnes Arber’s Pineapple gin and Sipsmith’s Chilli & Lime Gin were close runners-up in this category.)


    Best gin for sipping

    Still GIN, 70cl

    £31.25 at the Whisky Exchange
    £34.99 at Master of Malt

    You’re allowed to be sceptical about Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre making a gin – but brilliantly, it’s decent. Designed to be smooth enough to drink straight up (though surely they’d approve of some juice), this is a very gentle, harmonious gin, with a soft balance of orange citrus fruit, jasmine flower and angelica root, dialling down on the juniper. It’s copper pot-stilled, which distils more slowly and evenly – accounting for the extra smoothness. I genuinely enjoyed sipping it straight with plenty of ice (go for bigger ice cubes to avoid dilution) and a garnish of orange peel.


    Best unusual gin

    Hendrick’s gin, 70cl

    £33 at Waitrose Cellar
    £25.98 at Amazon

    Is Hendrick’s unusual? Not so much these days, now craft gins are doing all sorts of things – but it was one of the first to do things a bit differently. The brand still occupies this space, and it does it well. Hendrick’s is made in an unusual way too: two base spirits are created in different stills – one rich, one delicate – before both are infused with classic gin botanicals, along with less classic ingredients such as chamomile, elderflower and cubeb berries (like allspice). The spirits are then blended and steeped in rose and cucumber, which provide the prominent top notes of the finished product. The original serve – with tonic and sliced cucumber – continues to hold up, and is still the most refreshing G&T for summer.


    Joanne Gould is a food, drink and lifestyle writer with a decade of experience. As well as enthusiastically eating her way through London’s best bars and restaurants, she’s also a keen home cook and can often be found trying a new recipe or kitchen gadget, while taste-testing anything from South African wines to speciality coffee or scotch. Luckily, she also enjoys walking, running and keeping fit and healthy in her spare time – for balance


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  • Government plans to ‘proceed at pace’ to introduce new UK framework for captive insurance companies : Clyde & Co

    Government plans to ‘proceed at pace’ to introduce new UK framework for captive insurance companies : Clyde & Co

    A captive insurer is an insurance company set up by a business, typically a sizeable corporate group, to self-insure against risks the business is exposed to.

    In November 2024, HM Treasury (HMT) launched a consultation on a proposed new regulatory framework for captive insurance companies.  The consultation noted, among other points, that “the UK is not currently perceived to be an attractive destination for the establishment of captive insurance companies” and sought feedback, broadly, on ways to foster the growth of the UK’s captive insurance market.  The consultation set out various questions covering issues including capital and reporting requirements and authorisation processes, for example. The consultation closed on 7 February 2025.

    On 15 July 2025, HMT published its consultation response[1] confirming that, “the government, working closely with the financial regulators, intends to proceed with the introduction of a new UK captive insurance framework.”  The response comes alongside the Chancellor’s Mansion House 2025 speech setting out the Leeds Reforms and launching a Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

    Points from HMT’s consultation response include:

    • “The government also acknowledges and agrees with the feedback from the majority of insurance sector respondents, who called for a broader scope than originally proposed—specifically, to allow a wider range of firms to establish captives and to permit a broader set of risks to be insured through them.”
    • While detailed rules will be for the PRA and the FCA to consult on and establish, “the government anticipates that these will include proportionately lower capital and reporting requirements and facilitating faster authorisations for captive insurers. The government’s view is that these changes do not require new legislation.”
    • “The government does not intend to create a bespoke regulatory framework for captive managers, as it considers that the existing regulatory framework for insurance intermediaries is sufficient…”
    • “The government also sees the case for broadening the range of companies who may be able to benefit from captive insurance arrangements. This could include smaller companies who may not wish, or have the means, to establish a standalone captive insurer, but who may prefer to establish a captive through a Protected Cell Company (PCC).”
    • The government is of the view, as originally outlined in its consultation, that the new framework “should initially differentiate between two types of captive, direct-writing and reinsurance”. It will be for the PRA and the FCA to establish the rules on this, which “will include considering the appropriate capital, reporting and other regulatory requirements for these different models of captive.” Further details are in Chapter 3 of the consultation response.
    • The government agrees that “there is a case for allowing financial services to establish their own captives for specific, limited purposes (e.g. to manage first party only risks, such as a building owned by a firm).” And that that captives should be excluded from writing compulsory lines on a direct basis

    HMT’s response notes that the government has, also on 15 July 2025, published a consultation on proposed reforms that cover the issuance of insurance linked securities (ILS) and the use of PCCs: “The consultation seeks views on how the government can improve the wider regulatory framework for risk transformation, including the future role of PCCs and how they can be established to facilitate captive insurance business instead of risk transformation. The government expects that legislative changes will be necessary for this.”

    The PRA has published a joint statement with the FCA[2] welcoming HMT’s plans in relation to both captives and the consultation on ILS / PCCs. The PRA and the FCA plan to launch consultations for a new regulatory framework for captives in summer 2026 with, according to HMT’s response, a target implementation date of mid-2027.

    Generally the proposals have been welcomed by the (re)insurance market who consider they would help the sector to grow and deliver wider economic benefits. The consultation response noted that the majority of insurance sector respondents to the consultation wanted to go further than the scope proposed – to allow more types of firms to be permitted to set up a captive, and to allow more types of risk to be insured by them. There was strong consensus among industry respondents on the necessity of simplifying regulatory processes, reducing capital requirements, and tailoring regulations to the unique risk profiles of captive insurers.

    The aim and benefits of the proposals

    The government intends to make the UK a more attractive destination for setting up a captive insurance company. Sometimes, captives are established in jurisdictions (such as Brazil, India, China etc) which require insurers to be domiciled and licensed in the country in which the policy is issued. The proposals are unlikely to impact the writing of that business. Instead, the main driver for reform seems to be the desire to encourage UK companies to establish captives in London, rather than opting for commonly used jurisdictions such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. There are other advantages in opting for London (beyond regulatory considerations): for example, taking advantage of the proximity to the long-established London insurance market, which is the largest in Europe.

    It is worth noting that the reinsurance of captive insurers can present unique issues, for example in relation to notification, disclosure and claims control. Some of these issues were discussed at our recent “Captive in the Middle” seminar and our experienced team in London and New York can supply further details, or present to insurers and reinsurers who are interested in this space, on request.


    [1] Captive_insurance_Consultation_Response.pdf and Captive insurance – GOV.UK (which also includes a link to the original consultation)

    [2] Joint statement by the PRA and FCA on HM Treasury’s captive insurance consultation response | Bank of England

    HMT consultation on risk transformation regime

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  • A Call for Stomach Cancer Prevention Programs

    A Call for Stomach Cancer Prevention Programs

    Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori for short, is a common bacterium that infects the stomach. Up to half of the world’s population may have H. pylori infection at some point in their lives. However, not everyone has symptoms. The infection can cause inflammation and is the leading cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Chronic H. pylori infection is also known to cause stomach cancer.

    Although the pathogen is seemingly ubiquitous, H. pylori can be effectively eradicated with antibiotics and acid reducers, all of which are available in lower-cost generic forms. A clinical guideline from the American College of Gastroenterology recommends a bismuth quadruple therapy for 10 to 14 days as first-line treatment. The cocktail includes a proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, bismuth subcitrate or subsalicylate, tetracycline, and metronidazole. Other regimens may use amoxicillin or clarithromycin.

    Stomach cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death globally and one of the five most common types of cancer, with rising incidence rates in people younger than age 50. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s estimated that about 30,300 new cases of stomach cancer in the U.S. have been detected for stomach cancer this year—affecting roughly 17,720 men and 12,580 women.

    Up to half of the world’s population may have H. pylori infection at some point in their lives.

    Since H. pylori infection is a modifiable cause of stomach cancer, it would stand to reason that treatment with antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor combinations would reduce the cancer incidence rates. Preventative measures require the implementation of screening programs to identify individuals who would benefit from H. pylori treatment.

    In a study published earlier this month in Nature Medicine, scientist Jin Young Park, from the early detection, prevention and infections branch of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, and her colleagues analyzed data on the incidence of stomach cancer from 185 countries among people born between 2008 and 2017. The researchers further estimated the number of potentially preventable cancer cases caused by H. pylori infection.

    The analysis predicted that without intervention, 15.6 million people born between 2008 and 2017 worldwide would be newly diagnosed with gastric cancer. The majority of cases (68%) would be in the Asian continent, another 13% would be from the Americas, and 11% would be in Africa.

    Among all cases, about 76% are attributable to H. pylori infection, therefore potentially preventable with screening and treatment. Of these, 67% are in Asia, 13% in the Americas, and 12% in Africa. In Asia, the number of stomach cancer cases attributable to H. pylori is higher in men compared with women (71% versus 61%). In Africa, the prevalence is higher among women than among men (16% versus 9%).

    When assessing screen-and-treat strategies, Park and her colleagues found that the expected number of stomach cancer cases could be reduced by up to 75%.

    Given these results, the authors advocate for the implementation of screening and prevention programs, especially in areas where incidence rates are projected to increase the most.

    “Our results endorse the importance of making changes to the current practice and urge regional health systems to be prepared to manage the growing burden of this largely preventable disease by planning pilot and feasibility projects, including H. pylori screen-and-treat programs,” the authors wrote.

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  • Wacom says its new drawing tablet needs no setup and has a pen that can’t die

    Wacom says its new drawing tablet needs no setup and has a pen that can’t die

    Wacom

    Wacom just announced a new standalone tablet for artists and creators: the Wacom MovinkPad 11, with an 11.45-inch multitouch display and anti-glare opaque finish for a natural drawing feel.   

    Wacom says one of its main goals is for users to reach for the MovinkPad 11 as easily as they would a sketchbook when inspiration strikes. To this end, it offers Wacom-exclusive features to allow to jump right into drawing. Beyond drawing, you could use it for graphic design, note-taking, entertainment, or potentially 3D modeling.

    Also: Not sold on screenless drawing tablets? This new Wacom won me over

    The tablet runs on Android 14 and includes a Wacom Pro Pen 3, but it is also compatible with other stylus brands, such as Lamy, Staedler, and Dr Grip. The Wacom Pro Pen 3 is battery-free, so you never have to recharge it or worry about running out of battery life, and it comes with extra nibs stored within the pen’s body.  

    The MovinkPad 11 also features the Wacom Canvas, a straightforward sketching app easily accessible by long-tapping your pen on the screen while the tablet is locked, similar to a camera shortcut on a phone. Each Wacom MovinkPad 11 includes a two-year license to Celsys Clip Studio Paint Debut, a digital painting and creation software.

    The display has a 2200 x 1440 resolution and an 11.43-inch drawing area. The tablet weighs 1.3lbs and has 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM. Its front-facing camera is 5MP, while the rear camera is 4.7MP.   

    Also: I replaced my MacBook Pro with the M3 iPad Air – and I might never go back

    “The Wacom MovinkPad 11 is for people who just can’t stop drawing,” said Koji Yano, senior vice president at Wacom Branded Business. “Whether you love to doodle between classes or are moving up from drawing on a smartphone screen, this portable creative pad makes it easier and more fun to just draw.”

    The Wacom MovinkPad 11 is now available for $450, which is, admittedly, not cheap. The $450 price point makes the MovinkPad 11 almost twice as expensive as other competitors, like the Huion Kamvas 12 or the PicassoTab X, though the MovinkPad’s specifications are also far superior.  


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  • Inside MasterChef’s nightmare fortnight – and where it goes next | MasterChef

    Inside MasterChef’s nightmare fortnight – and where it goes next | MasterChef

    When Banijay, the producers of MasterChef, held a dinner attended by its top executives, programme makers and presenters almost two weeks ago, the longevity of its wildly successful cooking show was among the achievements to be toasted, alongside its move to state-of-the-art studios in Birmingham.

    Yet just hours before guests arrived, a social media post from MasterChef’s erstwhile presenter Gregg Wallace began a nightmare fortnight that has left one of the BBC’s most important shows in need of not one, but two new judges. It has also left some in the TV world wondering if the show requires a wider refresh.

    Before a long-waited report on the allegations over his behaviour, Wallace’s five-page post included an admission he had used inappropriate language, but he claimed to have been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations”. He also revealed a recent autism diagnosis and complained of facing an “incredible injustice”.

    At Banijay’s dinner, its boss, Patrick Holland, made no attempt to dodge Wallace’s outburst, instead emphasising the amount of work that had gone into the lawyer-led report. As they made small talk over the crab salad, his executives already knew the show was about to be plunged into deeper peril.

    Wallace’s fellow presenter, John Torode, was also the subject of a substantiated complaint in the report. He wasn’t named, but given the furore it seemed unlikely his identity would be kept under wraps for long.

    When the report finally arrived on Monday, it substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace. Meanwhile, Torode opted to reveal he was the subject of a substantiated complaint over the use of racist language, which he believes never happened.

    Richard Osman, whose House of Games show is part of the Banijay stable, said on his The Rest Is Entertainment podcast this week that Torode had been accused of using “the worst racial slur there is”. The Sun reported Torode used the word when he repeated lyrics from Kanye West’s track Gold Digger at an after-work gathering six or seven years ago. He denies the incident took place.

    BBC bosses concluded Wallace could not change his behaviour and wrote to him telling him so. Banijay and the BBC opted not to renew Torode’s contract. However, Torode will continue to be something of a spectre at the feast for the rest of the year, having already filmed Christmas specials.

    “It’s been a complete mess,” said Scott Bryan, a TV critic and broadcaster. “This is a show which features judges reviewing food. How could it result in the loss of two presenters from a really big, well-known programme so quickly? To lose one presenter is bad enough. To lose two this quickly feels shocking and surprising.

    “Particularly in light of everything that’s happened, this is an opportunity for both the BBC and Banijay to wipe the slate clean. When a show starts with a new lineup of presenters, it does attract new audiences who would want the show to feel fresh.”

    A mess it may be, but the overwhelming feeling in the television world is that even such a high-profile crisis will not dislodge the show’s status as a broadcasting behemoth.

    Grace Dent, who became a judge on Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode, is one person in a pool of potential presenters who could replace him on the main show. Photograph: BBC/PA

    The safety of its long-term status is down to its undimmed appeal, producing multiple new adaptations every year even after three decades. Four new versions were launched globally in 2024, according to analysis by K7 Media, with 25 existing versions returning to screens last year. There have so far been more than 60 versions of the show launched globally. It is a major money-spinner, even spawning its own line of kitchenware.

    For the BBC, meanwhile, it is a cornerstone of traditional schedules. In any given week, it is more likely than not that some version of the show is on the airwaves. As a result, the appetite for doing something radical – either a break or an overhaul – is low.

    Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, has already thrown his weight behind the show – the corporation is tied to production until 2028. It has also invested in moving production to Birmingham, where it is now filmed in the old Banana Warehouse building in Digbeth. The move has helped its claims to be driving jobs out of London, something the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, is watching closely.

    Other insiders say a radical rebrand is simply unnecessary, claiming there have never been questions about the format’s popularity.

    Producers are also lucky to have an ample pool of potential presenters to replace Wallace and Torode. Chefs Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing already take on those duties on MasterChef: The Professionals, while the food critic Grace Dent co-hosts Celebrity MasterChef. Saturday Kitchen Live’s Matt Tebbutt is regarded as a frontrunner for one of the roles.

    The BBC’s director general, Tim Davie, is backing the show, which will stay in production until 2028. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

    If the long-term future of the show looks safe enough, the BBC is still left with a knotty short-term problem. The latest series of MasterChef has been delivered, but not shown. Wallace appears in all of it apart from the final – Torode appears throughout.

    The BBC has already been speaking to contestants about what to do with the series. Davie is very keen to press ahead, given the effort they have put in. Figures close to the show are also pushing for it to be shown, arguing the presenters have never been the core of the title.

    “The programme is filled with warmth, support and leaves a legacy of life-changing proportions for the contestants,” said one. “The headlines really don’t share the love that there is across the incredible team and family of winners and finalists who adore and care passionately about what they do.”

    There could be one last unwelcome flurry before things improve for MasterChef’s makers. Comments from Wallace’s social media missive that began the barrage of bad news still hang over them. He made it clear he “will not go quietly”.

    While an updated post from Wallace no longer includes those remarks, both Banijay and the BBC are braced for a further media outing from one or both of their former presenters.

    Perhaps at that point they can once again focus on the programme’s strengths. As one despairing and perplexed MasterChef insider observed at the end of a bruising fortnight: “The star of the show was always the food.”

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  • Mysterious migraines after heart surgery may finally be explained

    Mysterious migraines after heart surgery may finally be explained

    After a common heart surgery, some patients experience migraines with visual auras — temporary vision disturbances, such as flashing lights and zigzag lines. The reason for this unusual complication was a mystery, but now, research hints that blood clots in the brain may be the culprit.

    “These [clots] have previously not been thought to result in any symptoms or to have any clear adverse consequences,” study co-author Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, told Live Science in an email.

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  • Stomach cancer can start with a heatburn: Woman diagnosed after using weight loss injections and persistent heatburn |

    Stomach cancer can start with a heatburn: Woman diagnosed after using weight loss injections and persistent heatburn |

    Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a serious health condition that often develops silently and is frequently overlooked because its early symptoms resemble common digestive problems. A recent case reported on People.com tells the story of a woman diagnosed with stomach cancer after experiencing persistent heartburn, which initially she dismissed as acid reflux. She had also been using weight loss injections, which may have masked or worsened her symptoms. This case emphasises the importance of paying close attention to ongoing digestive issues and seeking medical advice promptly, as early detection of stomach cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

    How weight loss injections and unchecked heartburn lead to stomach cancer

    The woman, who initially sought weight loss assistance, turned to injections aimed at accelerating fat loss. While these injections can seem like a quick fix, they sometimes come with serious side effects. Over time, she developed persistent heartburn, a symptom often dismissed as a minor inconvenience or acid reflux. However, her condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of stomach cancer, a reminder of how critical it is to pay attention to digestive health symptoms.

    Understanding stomach cancer and its symptoms

    Stomach cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. Early symptoms are often vague and can include:

    • Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
    • Indigestion or stomach discomfort
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Feeling full quickly after eating

    Because these symptoms overlap with less serious conditions, many individuals delay seeking medical advice, which can result in diagnosis at a more advanced stage.

    What causes stomach cancer

    While the exact cause of this mutation is still unknown, several risk factors have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing stomach cancer:

    • A family history of stomach cancer
    • Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
    • Long-term gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
    • Epstein-Barr virus infection
    • A history of stomach ulcers or polyps
    • A diet high in salty, fatty, smoked, or pickled foods
    • Low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
    • Regular exposure to industrial substances like coal, rubber, or metal
    • Tobacco use (smoking, vaping, or chewing)
    • Heavy alcohol consumption
    • Obesity

    How persistent heartburn can cause stomach cancer

    Heartburn is common, but when it becomes frequent or severe, it may indicate more serious conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or even stomach cancer. Prolonged acid exposure can damage the lining of the stomach and esophagus, increasing cancer risk. If heartburn persists beyond a few weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or vomiting, prompt medical evaluation is essential.Also read | Not all breast lumps are cancerous: Here’s what you need to know about breast lumps


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  • The Vera Rubin Observatory could find dozens of interstellar objects

    The Vera Rubin Observatory could find dozens of interstellar objects

    Scientists and astronomers are racing to study only the third-ever known interstellar visitor to the solar system, but with a powerful new observatory coming online, these enigmatic objects may soon become routine discoveries.

    A comet, now known as 3I/ATLAS, with 3I short for “third interstellar,” sparked immediate excitement on July 1 when it was detected by the Deep Random Survey remote telescope in Chile, exhibiting a hyperbolic and highly eccentric orbit.

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  • Vision Changes on Space Station

    Vision Changes on Space Station

    When astronauts began spending six months and more aboard the International Space Station, they started to notice changes in their vision. For example, many found that, as their mission progressed, they needed stronger reading glasses. Researchers studying this phenomenon identified swelling in the optic disc, which is where the optic nerve enters the retina, and flattening of the eye shape. These symptoms became known as Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS).

    Microgravity causes a person’s blood and cerebrospinal fluid to shift toward the head and studies have suggested that these fluid shifts may be an underlying cause of SANS. A current investigation, Thigh Cuff, examines whether tight leg cuffs change the way fluid moves around inside the body, especially around the eyes and in the heart and blood vessels. If so, the cuffs could serve as a countermeasure against the problems associated with fluid shifts, including SANS. A simple and easy-to-use tool to counter the headward shift of body fluids could help protect astronauts on future missions to the Moon and Mars. The cuffs also could treat conditions on Earth that cause fluid to build up in the head or upper body, such as long-term bed rest and certain diseases.

    The Fluid Shifts investigation, conducted from 2015 through 2020, was the first to reveal changes in how blood drains from the brain in microgravity. Vision Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) began testing the role those fluid shifts and resulting increased brain fluid pressure might play in the development of SANS. This research used a variety of measures including clinical eye exams with and without dilatation, imaging of the retina and associated blood vessels and nerves, noninvasive imaging to measure the thickness of retinal structures, and magnetic resonance imaging of the eye and optic nerve. In addition, approximately 300 astronauts completed questionnaires to document vision changes during their missions.

    In one paper published from the research, scientists described how these imaging techniques have improved the understanding of SANS. The authors summarized emerging research on developing a head-mounted virtual reality display that can conduct multimodal, noninvasive assessment to help diagnose SANS.

    Other researchers determined that measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter shows promise as a way to identify and quantify eye and vision changes during spaceflight. The paper also makes recommendations for standardizing imaging tools, measurement techniques, and other aspects of study design.

    Another paper reported on an individual astronaut who had more severe than usual changes after a six-month spaceflight and certain factors that may have contributed. Researchers also observed improvement in the individual’s symptoms that may have been due to B vitamin supplementation and lower cabin carbon dioxide levels following departure of some crew members. While a single case does not allow researchers to determine cause and effect, the magnitude of the improvements suggest this individual may be more affected by environmental conditions such as carbon dioxide. This may have been the first attempt to mitigate SANS with inflight B vitamin supplementation.

    SANSORI, a CSA (Canadian Space Agency) investigation, used an imaging technique called Optical Coherence Tomography to examine whether reduced stiffness of eye tissue contributes to SANS. On Earth, changes in stiffness of the tissue around the eyeball have been associated with aging and conditions such as glaucoma and myopia. Researchers found that long-duration spaceflight affected the mechanical properties of eye tissues, which could contribute to the development of SANS. This finding could improve understanding of eye changes during spaceflight and in aging patients on Earth.

    The MHU-8 investigation from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), which examined changes in DNA and gene expression in mice after spaceflight, found changes in the optic nerve and retinal tissue. Researchers also found that artificial gravity may reduce these changes and could serve as a countermeasure on future missions.

    These and other studies ultimately could help researchers prevent, diagnose, and treat vision impairment in crew members and people on Earth.

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  • POWER SLAP MAKES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO ABU DHABI ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 DURING SHOWDOWN WEEK

    POWER SLAP MAKES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO ABU DHABI ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 DURING SHOWDOWN WEEK

    Last year, Power Slap hosted its first-ever international event, POWER SLAP 9: DUMPLING vs DA CRAZY HAWAIIAN in the UAE capital. A sold-out crowd witnessed an electrifying showdown between two of the world’s best strikers, as former Power Slap Super Heavyweight Champion, Da Crazy Hawaiian, defended his title against No. 1 ranked Super Heavyweight, Vasilii “Dumpling” Kamotskii, in a match that ended in a dramatic draw. 

    Power Slap saw tremendous success in Abu Dhabi last year, captivating both local and international fans. POWER SLAP 9 generated over 700 million total views across social media platforms through promotional and event coverage content and drew global influencers with 1 billion+ followers. This marked a major step in the sport’s international growth and highlighted the region’s enthusiasm for combat sports. 

    “Power Slap has had 13 straight sold-out events, and is now heading back to Abu Dhabi, one of the premier fight capitals in the world,” said Power Slap founder Dana White. “In just two years, Power Slap has exploded with nearly 30 million followers and close to 20 billion video views across our platforms. The Middle East is becoming a hotbed for Power Slap, and I’m excited to bring it back.”

    Fans are encouraged to register their interest now via https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/campaign/ufc-showdown-week for details on the upcoming fight card, as Power Slap prepares for an unforgettable line-up of bouts, along with ticket information for this event. 

    Visit PowerSlap.com for additional information and content to support your Power Slap coverage. All matches are live and subject to change. Please click hereto apply for the event’s media registration. 

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    ABOUT POWER SLAP

    Power Slap is the world’s premier slap fighting promotion, regulated and sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and other athletic commissions across the United States. Power Slap was founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Craig Piligian, in partnership with Ultimate Fighting Championship. Power Slap events stream live and free to a global audience on YouTube. For more information, visit PowerSlap.com and follow or subscribe to Power Slap on YouTube (@powerslap), TikTok (@powerslap), Instagram (@powerslap), Facebook (/slap), Snapchat (@powerslap) and X (@powerslap). 

    Press Contact for Power Slap:

    Gabriella Bain

    Gbain@ufc.com
     


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