Children’s Brain Reward System May Help Explain Weight Gain Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods

Children’s Brain Reward System May Help Explain Weight Gain Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods

Researchers found that children who consumed more ultra-processed foods tended to show stronger activity in a brain region involved in reward and motivation when they looked at pictures of appealing foods.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that the brain's response to food cues could be one factor helping explain why higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with increases in body fat during childhood. However, researchers stress that the study does not prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause changes in the brain or weight gain.

7-Day High-Fibre Meal Plan for Insulin Resistance: Foods That Support Healthy Blood Sugar

7-Day High-Fibre Meal Plan for Insulin Resistance: Foods That Support Healthy Blood Sugar

If you are trying to improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, what you eat each day can make a meaningful difference. One nutrient that deserves special attention is fibre. A new dietitian-created meal plan from EatingWell focuses on high-fibre foods throughout the week, offering a practical way to build meals around ingredients that support metabolic health.

The seven-day plan provides approximately 35 to 38 grams of fibre each day, along with protein and other nutrients.

Why Israel’s Global Image Is Not a Major Election Issue for Israeli Voters

Why Israel’s Global Image Is Not a Major Election Issue for Israeli Voters

As Israel prepares for its October 27, 2026 election, the country is facing an unusual political reality: its international reputation has deteriorated sharply, but that issue does not appear to be a major factor in how many Israelis plan to vote.

Reports of hostility towards Israelis abroad have increased in recent months, while Israel has faced growing criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and policies in the West Bank. Yet for many voters, security, the October 7 attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wider political divide between right and left remain much more important than Israel's global standing.

Brazil’s Lula Wins Presidential Election Runoff for Historic Fourth Term

Brazil’s Lula Wins Presidential Election Runoff for Historic Fourth Term

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won the 2026 presidential election runoff, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely fought contest. Lula’s victory gives him an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive term as president of Brazil and represents a major political comeback after he finished behind Bolsonaro in the first round.

According to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court, Lula received 51.79% of valid votes, while Flávio Bolsonaro secured 48.21%. Lula’s victory was confirmed by Brazil’s electoral authority after a highly competitive election that highlighted the deep political divide between the country’s left and right.

Trump Says Decision Time Nears on Iran Deal or Renewed Attacks

Trump Says Decision Time Nears on Iran Deal or Renewed Attacks

US President Donald Trump has warned that a major decision is approaching over the future of the conflict with Iran, saying Washington may either reach an agreement with Tehran or resume military action. His latest comments come as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and concerns grow over attacks on American personnel, commercial shipping and regional infrastructure.

Trump said in a Fox News interview that he now faces a choice between making a deal with Iran and “finish[ing] it off”. The remarks suggest that the White House is increasingly focused on whether diplomacy can produce a workable agreement or whether military pressure will return.

Dark chocolate is often described as a healthier alternative to other sweets

Dark chocolate is often described as a healthier alternative to other sweets, but what really happens if you eat it every day? According to registered dietitians, a small amount of dark chocolate can fit into a balanced diet and may provide some potential health benefits. However, the type of chocolate, cocoa percentage and portion size all matter.

Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavanols, plant compounds that have been studied for their effects on blood vessels and cardiovascular health. Recent nutrition guidance suggests that choosing dark chocolate with around 70% to 85% cocoa can provide more cocoa solids while generally containing less added sugar than lower-cocoa varieties.

Seven Killed and 40 Injured After Gunmen Open Fire at Jordan Church Funeral

Seven Killed and 40 Injured After Gunmen Open Fire at Jordan Church Funeral

A deadly shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in southern Jordan has shocked the country after gunmen opened fire during a funeral, killing seven people and injuring 40 others. The attack took place on Friday in the Karak governorate, about 180 kilometres south of Jordan’s capital, Amman.

The violence occurred at a particularly sensitive moment, as mourners had gathered for a funeral ceremony. Witnesses described hearing intense gunfire shortly after the funeral began, sending people fleeing from the church in panic. Jordanian authorities have described the incident as a terrorist attack linked to extremism, although no group has claimed responsibility.