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In a strong-worded statement this week, the Human Genetics Commission criticised home genetic testing kits by saying that they were ‘no more precise than reading tea leaves.’ While many people have relied on the accuracy of home genetic testing kits, it turns out that they’re just not one of the medical devices that can give precise information outside of a doctor’s office. Now, the Commission wants to put new, stricter guidelines in place for this kind of testing. (more…)

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Nothing says summer like a juicy, sticky slice of watermelon. While you may be able to find watermelon on the shelves year-round, now is the time to get this fruit at its freshest – and healthiest. (more…)

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The way we speak about things affects the way people respond to them. Recently UK Health minister, Anne Milton, motivated health workers and the public not to use the term ‘obese’ but rather to say ‘you’re fat’. The idea is that a less politically correct word will motivate people to take their health personally. Not everyone agrees with her, but there may be something to this stand for brutal honesty. (more…)

Photo: hdptcar / Wikimedia Commons

Receiving an expensive gift from an alleged war criminal could have serious consequences. And attending a dinner party where someone receives this gift can land you in court as well, even if it’s 13 years later. Sounds confusing? That must certainly be how Mia Farrow feels after being called to testify in a war crimes trial against Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia. (more…)

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A recent study has shown a surprising possible way to delay the onset of dementia – or at least to prevent its symptoms from making themselves known. The study showed that those who had more education were less likely to have shown signs of dementia during their lifetime – but that they may have been physically affected by dementia nonetheless. (more…)

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Student life is known for being frugal and somewhat less than luxurious. Most students live in shared homes or even shared rooms where space is limited. After paying for studies, books and a student’s busy social life, there is not much left over for decorating. But whether your small apartment is cosy or cramped depends more on a bit of effort and clever planning than on having an extensive budget. So here are a few tips on how to maximise your space without blowing the bank. (more…)

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For most people exercising means driving through traffic after work and spending a token hour at the gym running on a treadmill or doing the weights circuit. The modern workout is more about losing calories than about enjoyment. Getting in shape is usually a chore rather than a way of life. But hikers experience something different. The sheer joy of moving through the great outdoors is a fantastic way to reconnect with your body in a natural, healthy way. (more…)

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Everyone wants a perfect white smile, but some of us have to work harder than others to get it. If you want to get your teeth white and keep them looking great, start off by using a good toothbrush and brushing at least twice a day, with whitening toothpaste. If you’ve got more serious staining or you don’t understand why your teeth aren’t quite the shade you want them to be, read on. (more…)

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Who would have thought that the inverted triangle silhouette of 80’s power dressing would ever make a comeback. But take a look at the runways in 2010 and there you have it – big shoulders are back! From sharp and pointy, to round or square, designers are having fun bulking up everything from t-shirts, to dresses and the more conventional power suits. And this trend begs the question: is it simply a part of the fashion’s constant revamping of retro styles, or is there also an underlying message for women as we enter the next decade? (more…)

Photo: kampol likitkanjanakul, pop. FASHION STYLIST / Flickr

Getting a dress on the cover of a leading magazine is a big deal even for the most established design names, so the people of Prada had their lucky day when a Miu Miu dress appeared on the covers of British Vogue, UK Elle, and the American W in the same month. For the magazines, the coincidence was a less pleasant surprise, but the gorgeous dress certainly deserves its place in the spotlight. (more…)