Spanish bars and cafes feature the functionally useless servilleta, a thin paper napkin. Despite poor absorbency, they are a cherished part of Spanish life, sometimes thrown on the floor as a sign of authenticity. Photographer Felipe Hernandez documents these personalized napkins in his book, 'Servilletas,' celebrating their 'beauty of the useless' against homogenization.
The war in Iran has caused medicine prices in England to rise 20-30%, with paracetamol and hay fever tablets particularly affected. Pharmacists are paying 40-50% more to stock medicines, while air freight costs have doubled. The National Pharmacy Association warns prices could rise further, with 1,400 pharmacies having closed since 2020.
The war in Iran has caused medicine prices in England to jump 20-30%, with paracetamol and hay fever medication most affected. Pharmacies are paying 40-50% more to order stock, while wholesale prices for paracetamol have surged from 41p to £1.99. The conflict has doubled air freight costs and strangled supplies of petroleum derivatives used in medication manufacturing. Over 1,400 pharmacies have closed since 2020, with one or two closing weekly. Manufacturers warn of potential shortages within weeks if the conflict continues.
A major review by 65 scientists has found that climate change is extending the pollen season by one to two weeks compared to the 1990s, with pollination starting earlier for birch, alder and olive trees. The study, published in Lancet Public Health, warns this could worsen hay fever symptoms for millions of people, causing missed work days, poor sleep, and academic underperformance in young people. Experts recommend a combination of antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops, along with good hygiene practices to manage symptoms.
A major review by 65 scientists finds climate change has extended the pollen season by one to two weeks compared to the 1990s, with birch, alder and olive trees pollinating earlier. This 'pollen bomb' phenomenon impacts millions of UK hay fever sufferers, causing missed workdays, poor sleep and exam underperformance. Experts recommend a combination of antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops, plus good hygiene practices to manage symptoms.
Hay fever symptoms now last up to two weeks longer than in the 1990s due to climate change prolonging pollen seasons, according to the Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report. Research shows allergenic trees including birch, alder and olive are flowering up to two weeks earlier between 2015-2024 compared to 1991-2000. The UK has some of the highest allergy rates globally with 39% of children and 30% of adults affected, and experts warn the extended season will bring more misery and potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.
