Claire Rhea

Will reduced genetic diversity bring Camembert and Roquefort cheese to extinction?

Two traditional French cheeses are under threat due to a lack of genetic diversity as a result of years of asexual reproduction. If the Camembert is to survive, consumers will have to become accustomed to variations in texture, taste, and color.…

February 22, 2024

Swedish toddler in a stroller holding a tablet device.

Screen time guidelines for children deemed “unrealistic” by media researchers in Sweden

Guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend severely restricting children’s screen time to promote children’s health. Media researchers in Sweden, however, have dismissed the guidelines as "unrealistic" and contributed to the ongoing debate with a study on the digital everyday life of families with young children.…

February 21, 2024

Palace of Justice – building housing the Supreme Courts of Justice of Italy in Rome.

Italian reform on smartphone seizures for privacy sparks judicial debate

A proposed legislative reform will require longer and more stringent procedures for the seizure of mobile phones. Members of the opposition Democratic party have raised alarm, warning of a potential hindrance to mafia-related investigations.…

February 20, 2024

Javier Milei waves to crowd of Argentinians as he assumes office in December 2023.

Javier Milei’s shock therapy slows down inflation in Argentina. For how long?

Argentina’s inflation crisis cooled in January, which President Javier Milei sees as a notable achievement thanks to his shock therapy economic plan. But his controversial endeavor to reshape the Argentinian economy is anything but straightforward as he struggles to pass reforms due to resistance from Congress. The inflation rate may also see a significant rebound over the next months.…

February 16, 2024

A woman walks against a yellow wall in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

Mexican Senate approves constitutional reform to end child marriages

The Senate voted unanimously to abolish the practices of child marriage in indigenous communities in Mexico, shedding light on issues of gender inequality in rural areas where customs and traditions prevail over state legislation.…

February 15, 2024

A sticker on a pole in a street in Germany reads "No one is illegal" in German.

Germany introduces new payment card for refugees

To reduce administration costs and prevent misuse of asylum benefits, German states will replace cash benefits to asylum seekers with payment cards. But it is not uniformly adopted by all Länder and does not come without criticism and warnings of discrimination.…

February 14, 2024

A person sitting alone on some steps next to a body of water in Madrid Río park.

Unwanted loneliness in Spain: 1 in 4 young people feel alone

A rescent study by Ayuda en Accion reveals a significant problem of unwanted loneliness among Spanish youths, highlighting gender, sexual orientation, and economic disparities in the social media era.…

February 12, 2024

Norway grapples with milk shortage and a controversy over imported milk powder

Norway is facing a shortage of milk after the rise in demand for Norwegian yogurts and restraining quotas, creating controversy over a label for Norwegian products with imported milk powder from Germany.…

January 29, 2024

Claire Rhea

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