As the winter months draw in, apples and pears become the stars of many comforting desserts. These fruits offer a delightful sense of indulgence, satisfying those with a sweet tooth while remaining light and not overly rich. The following recipe is my variation on the classic apple strudel, featuring the natural sweetness and texture of […]

This exquisite dessert combines the creamy elegance of panna cotta with the classic richness of a cheesecake base. A vibrant strawberry compote delicately infused with lavender creates a harmonious blend of fl avours and textures. I love serving these in two-cup glass dessert bowls or alternatively large stemless wine glasses. This recipe is featured in […]

A study published in New Contaminants shows that microplastics in rivers, lakes and oceans release invisible clouds of dissolved chemicals, driven largely by sunlight, that affect aquatic ecosystems. Chemical mixtures, known as MPs DOM, are often more biologically active than naturally occurring dissolved organic matter. Researchers examined four common plastics and found each emits a […]

New research suggests a daily coffee may protect against atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder that increases stroke and heart failure risk. Contrary to longstanding advice to limit caffeine, participants who drank at least one cup of caffeinated coffee daily had a 39 per cent lower risk of AFib recurrence. The findings come […]

Brazil is emerging as a key resource for studying extreme longevity, thanks to its highly diverse population, which carries millions of genetic variants absent from standard datasets. Researchers at the University of São Paulo have studied more than 160 centenarians, including 20 supercentenarians (110 years or older), many of whom remained mentally sharp and resilient […]

As Noosa eases into its most beautiful season, it’s time to spend a few days slowing down and soaking up the best of the stunning subtropical region. Noosa has been drawing Australians north for decades. There’s something about the region in winter. It’s a season when Noosa settles into its natural rhythm, revealing the golden-lit, […]

Scientists have discovered a way to turn carrot processing leftovers into a nutritious and surprisingly appealing protein. By growing edible fungi on carrot side streams, they produced fungal mycelium that can replace traditional plant-based proteins in foods like vegan patties and sausages. Taste tests showed that many volunteers preferred the mycelium based foods over those […]

A study published in Aging by researchers at King’s College London has identified a link between the cocoa compound theobromine and slower biological ageing. The researchers measured theobromine levels in the blood of more than 1600 participants from two European cohorts, including Twin Suk and KORA, and compared these with biological age markers based on […]

An updated Cochrane review suggests that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression about as effectively as psychological therapy. Led by researchers at the University of Lancashire, the analysis reviewed 73 randomised controlled trials involving nearly 5000 adults with depression. Compared with no treatment, exercise produced moderate improvements in depressive symptoms. When measured against psychological […]

Christine Broadbent reveals the plantary influences for May and June 2026. ARIES Regeneration involves perspiration, with Saturn and Neptune in Aries for years now. Saturn’s hard-work push gets creative in May and June, while Uranus and Pluto both support Neptune, inspiring imagination. Mars is in Aries until May 19, adding extra fi ery determination. On […]

In a world overflowing with complicated skincare routines, trending ingredients, and endless beauty promises, Australian skincare brand Honest Skin is bringing the focus back to what truly matters: healthy, nourished skin and complete transparency. Built on the belief that skincare should work with your skin rather than against it, Honest Skin has created a collection […]

There is a lot of talk these days about falling somewhere on the spectrum. This has almost become an integrated part of mainstream language, with the increasing awareness of what it means to have autism or Asperger’s traits. But what is still quite misunderstood and not yet widely recognised is another spectrum that shows up […]