People

People who live in noisy urban areas are more likely to have a stroke than those close to green space, according to research. A study of more than 2,700 people in Spain found the risk of stroke rose by almost a third among people in areas with the most traffic noise. The research couldn't explain whether the danger came from the noise itself or whether the noise was simply a sign of living in a more polluted, less healthy area. But the scientists suggested people living in noisy areas may be more likely to be stressed out or have high blood pressure, or be less likely to exercise. The Barcelona researchers explained that it wasn't clear whether traffic noise itself actually raised the risk of stroke or if the sound was just a sign of living in an area which made it more likely people would be unhealthy (stock image) A team from Barcelona's Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Brown University in the US and other universities in Barcelona carried out the study. They used … [Read more...] about People living in noisy traffic areas may be 30% more likely to have a deadly stroke ‘because they’re more stressed and less likely to exercise’

At least 33 people are dead and 16 missing after the powerful Typhoon Hagibis ripped through Japan triggering deadly landslides and flooding rivers, with hundreds of homes evacuated. The destruction forced Rugby World Cup organisers to cancel the third match of the tournament, though the key Japan-Scotland clash will go ahead. By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off land, but serious flooding was reported in central Japan's Nagano, where a burst levee sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.  Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, an emergency official in Nagano city said: 'Overnight, we issued evacuation orders to 427 households, 1,417 individuals.'  The government has deployed 27,000 troops and other rescue workers to take part in operations after some 376,000 homes were left without electricity, and 14,000 without running water. Hagibis smashed into the main Japanese island of Honshu … [Read more...] about At least 33 people are dead and 16 missing after powerful Typhoon Hagibis ripped through Japan triggering deadly landslides and flooding rivers with hundreds of homes evacuated

China's wealthiest 1,800 people saw their fortunes rise by 10 per cent last year, despite a trade war with the US, with the average net worth at £1.1billion.   Jack Ma, who retired last month as chairman of e-commerce giant Alibaba, tops the list with a net worth of £31.6 billion, according to the Hurun Report. Ma Huateng of Tencent, a games and social media company, is second with £30 billion. The results reflect the growing importance of China's consumer market at a time when US tariff hikes have battered export-oriented manufacturing.  Jack Ma, CEO, Alibaba Group at a conference in Paris last month - he made his first million in under a year and took another decade to haul in a billion The number of business people on the list from the tech, pharma and food industries rose while those in manufacturing declined. Rupert Hoogewerf, the report's founder and chief researcher, said: 'Wealth is concentrating into the hands of those who are able to adapt to … [Read more...] about China’s wealthiest 1,800 people saw their net worth rise 10 per cent last year – despite US trade war – with the average fortune now £1.1billion

Peter King, of Nockolds solicitors, says local authorities personal budgets for the elderly are 'intensive' and there may be an increase in people being put in care home further away Families are being torn apart because councils are placing the elderly in care homes miles away from their relatives. Town halls are supposed to try to use local homes, even if they are more expensive than those further afield. However lawyers say tight budgets mean the rules are often waived. ‘Local authorities usually take a blanket approach and say 'we will pay this much' even if there are no homes in the area with fees that low,’ said Michael Culver of Solicitors for the Elderly. Peter King, of Nockolds, a firm of solicitors, added: ‘Local authorities have to devise a personal budget for each recipient of care and match that to available accommodation. ‘This is resource intensive, so it’s difficult to see how a “one-size-fits-all” approach won’t prevail. … [Read more...] about Elderly people are put in care homes miles away from their families because budget concerns mean councils are waiving their usual rule of forking out extra cash to keep relatives close

A square jaw, strong brow, thin lips and a broader nose are seen as signs of talent and competence, a new study has found. The features, associated with increased levels of the male hormone testosterone,  are seen as assertive and markers of virility indicative of professional prowess.  Members of the public were asked to rate images on a range of criteria, with men scoring more highly for competence than women. Experts say their study highlights the prejudice ingrained in society that women face on a daily basis. Scroll down for video    Increased levels of testosterone - the male hormone - creates a square jaw, strong brow, thin lips and a broader nose. All of these features are seen as assertive and markers of virility First author Dr DongWon Oh, from Princeton University, said: 'Our research sheds light on the pernicious gender bias in how we perceive others. 'We judge masculine looking people as competent - a judgement that can affect our leadership … [Read more...] about People with masculine features like a square jaw, strong brow and a broad nose are viewed to be better at their job than those with feminine looks