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The Breakthrough in Lupus Treatment Five lupus patients in England are in remission after being treated with a revolutionary therapy that genetically modifies their own cells, in a medical breakthrough that could offer people a cure, doctors have said. Understanding CAR T-cell Therapy CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell therapy involves removing a type of white blood cell also called T lymphocytes, which are crucial for hunting out infected or damaged cells, and engineering them to spot and destroy disease. The T-cells are then fed back into the patient via an infusion to reset their immune system. The NHS Trial In an NHS trial led by University College London hospitals foundation trust (UCLH) and University College London (UCL), nine patients with severe lupus were recruited. They had not previously responded to any treatments. Most had lupus nephritis, a serious complication involving the kidneys. Six patients received a lower dose of CAR-T and three got a higher dose. Five of those on the lower dose, who were followed up for an average of 11 months, went into remission within just a few months. The Impact on Patients One of the five patients, Katie Tinkler, said she no longer had any of the main symptoms of the disease more than three decades after her diagnosis. She has also skied for the first time in a decade and was able to dance at her daughter’s wedding. The Future of Lupus Treatment Prof Karl Peggs, the director of UCLH’s biomedical research centre, said that while larger studies were needed, CAR T-cell therapy could offer people the chance of a cure. “These findings are truly groundbreaking and offer fresh hope to people living with lupus,” he said.

The LeadJack Parlett's Flamboyance presents a serious study of the spectacular, exploring flamboyance as a form of resistance and political expression. The memoir-cum-cultural history examines how flamboyance can "burn with a resistant energy" and "put politics back into the picture," offering an alternative to ironic or cynical approaches to self-expression.The Cultural Exploration of FlamboyanceAlthough primarily concerned with the culture of gay men in the English-speaking world, Flamboyance nevertheless makes a broad set of philosophical claims about the value of sincerity, love and political commitment. Parlett finds examples of flamboyant expression in Oscar Wilde and what the cultural critic Susan Sontag once described as camp, a worldview obsessed with artifice and performance. The book moves between the low- and high-brow, observing that William Morris, whose elaborate floral wallpapers have helped define English design, was "more like a candidate for a makeover on a show like Queer Eye" than one of its chic hosts.The Historical ContextThe term flamboyance, Parlett tells us, has its origins in an architectural metaphor. From the French verb flamboyer, to blaze, it was in the 19th century used with a twinge of romantic longing to describe the gothic style of 15th-century churches whose ornate curves looked like flames rising up to the sky. He suggests that there is something erotically charged in this image, although it requires a bit of work to see the connection. "I would probably not be yelling 'slay' at the stonework around rural church windows," he tells us.The Personal NarrativeIn the memoir sections, Parlett describes his struggles with alcoholism and his gradual recognition that it is possible to "find fulfilment without the aid of intoxication". Read in the light of these revelations, it's hard not to view Flamboyance as an extended metaphor about drinking and the author's hope of finding some way of facing, rather than detaching himself from, his own life. The book makes a case for a rather austere vision of flamboyance, an outlook whose motivations become clearer through these personal revelations.The Critical AssessmentUnfortunately, the connection with cultural history is made weakly, and this in turn makes the discussion of art, literature and film seem unmotivated. The breadth of coverage can at times be overwhelming: Wilde, flamenco, the slain 1990s rapper Big L, Frank O'Hara, Lil Nas X and Donald Trump all get a look-in. Often, passages are held together more by word association than argument. Despite these shortcomings, Parlett succeeds in introducing a cast of writers, artists, dancers and musicians of which he has deep knowledge, meaning there is undeniably much to learn from Flamboyance.

The Triumphant Return of Ariana Grande Ariana Grande has made a triumphant return to the stage with a five-show run in Los Angeles, promoting her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine. The show was a testament to her growth and resilience, as she riffed on the idea of memory erasure and the importance of holding onto painful experiences. A Show of Emotional Depth and Vocal Prowess The show's 23-song setlist was a carefully curated mix of new and old hits, showcasing Grande's emotional depth and vocal prowess. From the opening notes of Yes, And?, it was clear that Grande was on a mission to prove her doubters wrong and showcase her unmatched gift. The show featured a range of performances, from the strutting dismissal of rumors in Yes, And? to the poignant moments of introspection in Eternal Sunshine's title track. A Visual and Musical Spectacle The show was a visual and musical spectacle, with Grande and her dancers delivering a high-energy performance that left the audience in awe. The use of digital looping stations, microphones, and visual projections added an extra layer of depth to the performance, highlighting Grande's innovative approach to music and storytelling. A Career-Defining Performance Grande's performance was a career-defining moment, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeper level. With hits like Positions, The Boy is Mine, and Dangerous Woman, Grande proved that she remains one of the most talented and influential artists of her generation. A Fitting End to a Memorable Night The show ended on a high note, with Grande being beamed up into light-strewn rafters, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of her talent and resilience. It was a fitting end to a memorable night, one that will be remembered for years to come as a testament to Grande's enduring legacy as a performer and artist.

The Clash Over the 'Great Israeli Real Estate Event'Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside a London synagogue on Sunday to disrupt the 'Great Israeli Real Estate Event,' organized by the My Home in Israel agency. The protest was aimed at stopping the sale of land and properties in illegal Israeli settlements within the occupied West Bank. Demonstrators shouted slogans such as 'Stop Israel's illegal sale of stolen Palestinian land' and 'Thou shalt not steal,' creating a tense atmosphere as dozens of police officers were deployed to manage the crowd.Event Location: A London synagogue, drawing criticism from Jewish Anti-Zionist Action (JAZA) for providing religious legitimacy to the event.Counter-Protest: A group of pro-Israel supporters rallied in support of the exhibition, with some shouting 'Palestine doesn't exist.'Arrests: The Metropolitan Police reported 15 arrests for a range of offences, including public order matters.Political and Legal FalloutThe event has sparked a significant political response in the UK, with nearly 100 British legislators signing a letter urging the government to halt the proceedings. The letter, signed by members of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, emphasized the need to 'uphold its obligations under international law.'Layla Moran, the first British MP of Palestinian descent and a signatory, described the event as 'unacceptable' and a 'stain on the British public and the international rule of law.' She argued that the event should have been stopped by the police and that new laws are needed to prevent such transactions on British soil.Domestic Enforcement of International LawThe protests highlight the growing tension between the UK government's diplomatic stance and domestic activism regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the UK government spokesperson previously stated that 'Israeli settlements are illegal under international law' and harm prospects for a two-state solution, the event proceeded.Activists argue that allowing such a sale to occur on British soil undermines the rule of law. The involvement of a synagogue in hosting the event has further complicated the narrative, drawing sharp criticism from Jewish groups who oppose Zionism.Future Implications for UK-Business TiesThe incident signals a potential shift in how the UK government handles businesses linked to the Israeli settlement economy. In a statement earlier this week, a government spokesperson indicated that updated guidance would be brought forward 'in the coming days' to give clarity to UK businesses on how to avoid ventures that support these illegal settlements. This suggests that the UK may be moving toward stricter enforcement mechanisms to align domestic commercial practices with international legal rulings.

Hamilton clinches historic first Ferrari victory at BarcelonaLewis Hamilton ended a 40‑race drought with a dominant drive, becoming the first driver to win for Ferrari at the Circuit de Catalunya. The win was emotional, with Hamilton thanking the team, his family and the fans on the radio after crossing the line.Race dynamics and strategic three‑stop gambleThe race unfolded around a bold three‑stop strategy employed by both Hamilton and Max Verstappen. While George Russell led early, Ferrari’s pit plan allowed Hamilton to overtake on lap 42 and build a decisive gap. A fierce battle for second saw rookie Kimi Antonelli overtake Russell with five laps remaining, only to retire moments later due to a front‑wing failure.Attendance, podium composition and points impactAttendance: 301,273 fans over the weekend; 124,870 on race day.Podium: 1. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 25 points 2. Kimi Antonelli (Ferrari) – retired 3. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 15 points – first all‑British podium since 1968.Championship shift: Hamilton extends his lead over Russell in the drivers' standings; Ferrari gains crucial constructors' points.Implications for Ferrari’s resurgence and the championship battleThe victory underscores Ferrari’s performance upgrade in Spain, suggesting the team may be closing the gap to Red Bull. For the championship, Hamilton’s win re‑establishes him as a serious contender for an eighth title, while Russell’s second place keeps his title hopes alive despite the setback.What the next races could hold for Hamilton, Ferrari and the rookie AntonelliLooking ahead, Ferrari will aim to translate the Barcelona upgrade to other circuits, especially the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. Antonelli’s retirement raises questions about his reliability, but his pace indicates he remains a threat for future podiums. Hamilton’s momentum could force Red Bull into strategic revisions, setting up a tightly contested second half of the season.

In a recent Guardian “Readers reply” piece, users asked whether a smartphone PIN or facial recognition used as a passkey can truly be safer than traditional passwords and two‑factor authentication. The Readers’ Dilemma: Passkeys vs. Passwords Commenters highlighted three core concerns: Passkeys are tied to a single device, raising questions about loss or theft. Passwords remain a “shared secret” that can be harvested if a server is breached. Recovery mechanisms for passkeys are unclear, especially after death or device loss. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has been promoting passkeys as a more secure alternative, but readers remain skeptical about real‑world usability. NIST’s Shift and the Growing Emphasis on Passkeys Since September 2024, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology has stopped recommending arbitrary password complexity and now focuses on length, a move that indirectly supports the adoption of passkeys. Complex passwords are being replaced by longer passphrases. Passkeys store a cryptographic secret locally and never transmit the secret itself. When a device is stolen, users can quickly revoke the passkey, whereas compromised passwords may go unnoticed. Why the Debate Matters for Everyday Users and the Industry Experts in the thread argued that passkeys offer a higher security ceiling because they are “unphishable” and resistant to remote attacks, yet they also acknowledged practical drawbacks such as device dependency and the need for robust backup solutions. What’s Next for Passkey Adoption and Recovery Strategies? Future guidance is likely to focus on: Standardised “emergency kit” solutions from password‑manager providers. Broader cross‑device synchronization with end‑to‑end encryption. Continued education from bodies like the National Cyber Security Centre and NIST.

Executive Overview: A Mixed Review of ‘A Life in Four Seasons’The Guardian’s critic notes that the open‑air production attempts a bold marriage of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with dancers spanning “spring to winter,” yet the result feels middle‑of‑the‑road, lacking a clear narrative thrust.Concept and Creative Team Behind the Seasonal DanceChoreography is by American Alexzandra Sarmiento, known for musical theatre, and the piece is directed by Tinuke Craig. Each season features a trio of dancers dressed in blue, pink and orange, symbolising the head, heart and gut of a person.Four seasons represented through age‑diverse performersCostume palette: blue (spring), pink (summer), orange (autumn)Stage design includes boxes labelled “HEAD”, “HEART”, “GUT”Musical Reinterpretation: Vivaldi Meets DJ WaldeThe original Vivaldi score is chopped and spliced by DJ Walde, whose hip‑hop beats sit alongside the strings, especially during the club‑scene “rave‑up” for dancer Michael Naylor. While the remix injects energy, it also underscores the production’s reliance on gimmick over storytelling.Why the Production Misses Its MarkWith a cast skilled in varied styles, the choreography settles into a generic 4/4 street‑dance feel, preventing any dancer from fully exploiting their signature strengths. The lack of a compelling storyline or character development leaves audiences without a strong emotional hook.Outlook for Future Open Air Dance CommissionsRegent’s Park’s commitment to commissioning dance is commendable, but future projects will need tighter narrative focus and clearer artistic direction to convert casual viewers into dedicated fans.

The Sanctuary Paradox: Abundance vs. Endangerment The Galápagos Islands present a striking contrast in marine conservation: while the scalloped hammerhead shark is critically endangered globally, the waters around Darwin and Wolf islands are teeming with life. Marine biologists like Carlos Robalino are witnessing massive aggregations of these T-shaped predators, yet the species faces an 80% global decline due to overfishing. Advanced Techniques for Sensitive Giants Studying these sharks is fraught with difficulty because handling them causes lethal stress. The Charles Darwin Foundation has developed innovative methods to bypass this barrier. Researchers use pole-spears to collect skin biopsies for chemical analysis and deploy baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) to monitor populations without physical contact. For tracking, senior ecologist Pelayo Salinas de León utilizes closed-circuit rebreathers to approach sharks silently, attaching satellite transmitters worth approximately $2,000 to track their long migrations. Quantifying the Migration Phenomenon Data collected from these expeditions reveals the sheer scale of the hammerhead presence in the archipelago. During the cold season, when food is abundant, the shark population can quadruple. At peak times, 150 lion-sized scalloped hammerheads can roam a single hectare of sea—roughly the size of London’s Trafalgar Square—creating a dense biomass that effectively blots out the sun. Galápagos as a Pacific Refuge The research underscores the Galápagos Marine Reserve's critical function as a sanctuary for Pacific marine life. Despite the reserve status, threats persist, as evidenced by the illegal capture of baby hammerheads and pregnant females for ceviche. The work of the Charles Darwin Foundation is essential to prove the reserve's value and to understand how these sharks utilize the islands as a nursery and feeding ground. Future Resilience in a Changing Climate The long-term survival of these species depends on their ability to adapt to environmental changes. With a major El Niño event forecast for 2026, researchers are building a decade-long data set to predict how the sharks will respond to heatwaves. The insights gained from Galápagos will be crucial for establishing global protection strategies for one of the ocean's most iconic but vulnerable predators.

Beach’s Heroics Spark Australia’s Opening WinPatrick Beach described the moment after the 2‑0 victory over Turkey as "absolute limbs" – a phrase that captured the euphoria felt by the 10,000‑strong Australian contingent in Vancouver. The goalkeeper’s decisive saves, combined with Nestory Irankunda's opening goal, turned the match into a defining start for the Socceroos.2‑0 Victory Over Turkey: Stats and HighlightsFinal score: Australia 2‑0 TurkeyGoal by Nestory Irankunda in the opening minutesKey saves by Beach: long‑range tip to the post, multiple stops preventing an equaliserAttendance: roughly 10,000 Australian fans in VancouverBoost to Australian Soccer’s Global ProfileThe win not only gave the Socceroos three points but also showcased a new generation of talent. Coach Tony Popovic praised the young group, noting the victory “puts a smile on the faces of supporters who travelled so far.” The performance is expected to raise Australia’s marketability and attract more international friendlies.What Lies Ahead for the Socceroos in Group DWith momentum from the opening match, Australia now looks to maintain its unbeaten run against the remaining Group D opponents. Analysts suggest that Beach’s confidence and the attacking flair of players like Irankunda will be pivotal as the team seeks a top‑two finish and a knockout‑stage berth.