WEIRD STUFF

Singing therapy hits right note

Belting out Elvis Presley and Beatles classics could be more than just fun - it might help ease the pain of chronic lung disease. A groundbreaking study led by Monash University and the University of Cambridge found that online group singing therapy improved quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

The trial, involving 101 patients in Australia, tested a 12-week online programme called Sinfonia.

Participants sang hits such as Can't Help Falling in Love and Let It Be during 90-minute sessions, while a control group received only standard care. Results, presented in Amsterdam, showed patients in the singing group scored significantly higher on well-being surveys, especially those who attended regularly.

Professor Natasha Smallwood said the benefits may stem from better breathing control, social connection, and mood boosts. Experts hailed the findings as proof that non-medical approaches can play a powerful role in care.

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Weight-loss jabs threaten sweet treat sales

The booming popularity of weight-loss injections could spell trouble for the chocolate industry. The jabs, which contain appetite-suppressing GLP-1, are reducing cravings and leaving chocoholics less tempted.

According to Confectionery News, uptake of the drugs has been "extraordinary," pushing the global market to a value of $53.46 billion. But the success comes at a cost for confectionery makers.

Hershey admitted to a year-on-year sales dip, while Nestle, Mondelez, and Barry Callebaut have also reported weaker demand. Analysts warn that if cravings disappear, chocolate consumption could take a major hit.

Kiti Soininen of Mintel noted that the number one reason people eat chocolate is to satisfy cravings - exactly what GLP-1 disrupts.

Some companies are already trialling "GLP-1-friendly" treats to win back cautious consumers.

Meanwhile, a survey by GP Nutrition revealed one in five UK adults have tried slimming jabs, with some even sharing doses without prescriptions, sparking health concerns.

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Loose bobcat runs wild

Residents of Warroad, Minnesota, were put on alert after a pet bobcat escaped its owner's care last week. The Roseau County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Facebook that the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received reports of the animal roaming free on September 25. Authorities shared a photo of the bobcat and urged locals not to approach it, instead calling law enforcement or the DNR if spotted.

The post quickly drew over 100 comments. Some expressed admiration for the animal's beauty, while others questioned how it could legally be kept as a pet.

"I don't want it killing my little dog," one worried resident wrote.

In Minnesota, bobcats are considered regulated animals and cannot be owned as pets unless special permits are issued, typically for zoos or wildlife sanctuaries.

Officials have not confirmed whether the owner was licensed, but locals are hoping the runaway cat is safely captured.