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Van Weel to question Amsterdam mayor over Hamas support at protest

Justice Minister Van Weel will discuss a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Amsterdam with Mayor Halsema after Hamas flags and expressions of support for the group appeared there. He wants consistent rules for handling such protests.

“Dit ging ver over mijn grens”
Van WeelJustice Minister

Nearly 5,000 Dutch students have debts of at least €100,000

Nearly 5,000 students and former students in the Netherlands had study debts of €100,000 or more in 2026, up from more than 3,000 a year earlier. High debts can reduce how much borrowers can get for a mortgage.

Two-way shipping resumes on the IJssel between Arnhem and Zutphen

Ships can again travel in both directions on the IJssel after rising water levels ended a one-way restriction. The change means inland vessels no longer need to make long detours.

Dutch official must review whether three pig farms broke tail-docking rules

A Dutch court ruled that the state secretary for agriculture must assess whether three pig farmers met the conditions for docking piglets’ tails and whether enforcement is needed.

Wadden Sea centre faces bankruptcy after public funding offer withdrawn

The municipality of Het Hogeland and Groningen province say they will not help keep the Wadden Sea centre in Lauwersoog financially afloat. Its directors will seek a rescue plan over the next two weeks or apply for bankruptcy.

First stone laid for Agnetentuin redesign in Sittard

A first stone has been laid for the redesign of Agnetentuin in Sittard. No details about the changes or timetable are given.

Dutch cabinet maintains ban on takeover of DigiD manager Solvinity

The Dutch cabinet is holding to its ban on a takeover of Solvinity, which manages DigiD.

The Dutch cabinet is keeping its ban on a takeover of Solvinity.

Solvinity is identified as the manager of DigiD.

The decision means the takeover remains prohibited.

The information available does not name the proposed buyer or explain the cabinet’s reason.

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Dutch domestic violence hotline warns it cannot keep up with reports

Veilig Thuis says rising reports and staff shortages are causing long waits to assess possible domestic violence and child abuse, and is asking the government for more funding.

Veilig Thuis received 136,000 reports, more than 90,000 of them concerning families it had not previously worked with.

Veilig Thuis warned that rising reports and limited resources were preventing it from handling reports on time.

Dutch government legal costs rose 14% to €51.1 million in 2025

The Dutch government spent 14% more on law firm Pels Rijcken in 2025, bringing the total to €51.1 million. Justice and Defence were among the ministries paying more.

Year
2025
Legal firm
Pels Rijcken
Government spending
€51.1 million
Increase
Nearly 14%

The Netherlands will not add more dental school places despite a growing shortage

Education Minister Rianne Letschert rejected advice to expand dentist training, citing its cost. The government will instead add places for dental hygienists from 2027-28.

Dutch government Capacity Body and ACTA dental faculty

Expansion

The minister rejected the recommendation to increase annual dental school places to 386, saying expansion would cost €30.1 million per year.

The Capacity Body recommended 386 places annually, and ACTA education director Etienne Verheijck said the recommendation should have been followed, at least in part.

Need for more places

The minister’s decision leaves the current plan at 270 places, rising to 290 next year.

The Capacity Body has advised increasing places since 2009, citing future need; Verheijck said the schools have room to train more students.

Column says Pim Fortuyn’s rise cost politics a valuable tool

A weekly political column says Pim Fortuyn’s rise coincided with the loss of a valuable political tool and argues that behind-the-scenes politics could use support.

World

MI5 chief says Iran is seeking to target UK military sites

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. A suspected plot at RAF Fairford is under investigation, and seven men have been arrested and released on bail.

“The incident at RAF Fairford “is not unique. There have been other examples, not just in the U.K. but around the world,”
Ken McCallumMI5 director general

Explosives spill from truck carrying mortar grenades in Granada

A truck carrying mortar grenades and other explosives spilled part of its load onto the A-4002 in Granada. Authorities activated a pre-emergency phase and closed the road.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Ukraine investigates whether missile malfunction caused MiG-29 crash

A Ukrainian MiG-29 crashed in Odesa region in August 2026. Investigators are examining whether a missile malfunction caused the crash; the pilot ejected safely.

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

Drone attacks damaged three Yandex data centers in Russia, disrupting the company’s cloud and consumer services. Yandex has not given a reliable timeline for restoring full service.

Two stolen Renoirs recovered in France as police suspect another heist was planned

French investigators recovered two Renoir paintings worth about €4.2 million from behind a wall after the September theft. Four men face preliminary charges, and police said they feared another museum robbery was imminent.

Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

Russia’s Federal Security Service says it arrested a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin on suspicion of gathering information about Russian defense capabilities. The journalist was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody.

Russia says it arrested a Japanese journalist in the Sakhalin region on suspicion of spying.

The man worked for Japan’s Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, but Russian officials have not named him.

Russia’s Federal Security Service alleges he gathered information about the country’s defense capabilities for a Japanese intelligence agency.

It says he was preparing to leave Russia when arrested, then was flown to Moscow and placed in custody.

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Saudi-led coalition warns civilians before reported strike on Sanaa oil site

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Yemen’s capital before a planned operation. Houthi media later reported that the site was hit.

The Houthis seized strategic territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The Houthis have attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities, according to the Straits Times.

The Saudi-led coalition urged civilians to leave the Yemen Oil Company's Sabah central station in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation.

Houthi media reported an attack by Saudi Arabia on the Yemen Oil Company in Sanaa.

Researchers search Nikumaroro for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane

A team from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University is examining a lagoon on Kiribati’s Nikumaroro island for an object that may be Earhart’s plane.

Team size
17 members
Island
Nikumaroro, Kiribati
Object under investigation
Taraia Object
Aircraft sought
Lockheed Electra 10E

US threatens to halt intelligence sharing and weapons channel over Ukraine strikes

The Trump administration warned Ukraine it could suspend intelligence sharing and the PURL weapons channel unless Kyiv stops attacks on Russian energy facilities. The warnings came as Trump announced an energy ceasefire.

US administration Ukraine

Strikes on Russian energy sites

The administration reportedly demanded that Kyiv halt strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Ukraine said it was willing to respect an energy ceasefire, but wanted details and said it should cover energy infrastructure on both sides.

Ceasefire terms

Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire.

Zelensky said the announcement was news to him and that Ukraine was awaiting details from the American side.

NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack

General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and, if needed, break an attack on alliance territory. He said conflict with Russia is not inevitable.

Business

Turkey offers entrepreneurs 1.35 million lira for a 3% stake

Turkey’s industry minister said entrepreneurs starting companies can receive 1.35 million lira in investment in exchange for a 3% stake. An entrepreneurship office has also opened in Ankara.

“We offer entrepreneurs who will establish their companies an investment of 1 million 350 thousand lira in exchange for a 3 percent stake”
Mehmet Fatih KacırTurkey’s industry and technology minister

TMSF to hire 75 staff for roles in Istanbul

Turkey’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund will recruit 75 people for three roles in its Istanbul headquarters. Applications are open until 30 October at 17:00.

Turkey expands agricultural insurance coverage for 2027

Turkey’s TARSİM agricultural insurance scheme will cover more crops and risks in 2027, including frost damage to 25 products, up from nine.

Turkey’s auto production and sales fall as domestic vehicle sales rise

In the first nine months of 2026, Turkey’s vehicle production and total market shrank, but sales of domestically made cars and light commercial vehicles increased.

Türkiye’s fresh vegetable exports reach $822.7 million in nine months

Türkiye earned $822.7 million from fresh vegetable exports between January and September, up 10% from the same period a year earlier. Tomatoes and peppers made up about 70% of export revenue.

Nine face legal action in second wave of Turkish check-fraud probe

Authorities launched operations in Ankara and other provinces in a second wave of a check-fraud investigation, identifying 11 new suspects and starting legal proceedings against nine.

Pegasus to end Sabiha Gökçen–Tuzla flights after October 23

Pegasus plans to end flights between Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, after October 23. Wizz Air is expected to be the only scheduled airline serving Tuzla this winter.

Pegasus plans to stop flying between Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Tuzla, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The last flight is scheduled for October 23, and the route will not operate in the 2026/27 winter season.

Pegasus has also paused ticket sales for next summer, though the company’s future plans for the route are not detailed.

AJet stopped flying the same route in June, so Wizz Air is expected to be Tuzla’s only scheduled airline this winter.

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Turkey sets e-notification rules and deadlines for tax groups

Turkey has set deadlines for tax groups required to join its electronic notification system, with a 30 November deadline for those not yet enrolled.

Taxpayers already enrolled could continue using the system with their existing user codes and passwords.

The regulation was published in the Official Gazette, and eligible taxpayers who had not enrolled were required to join by November 30.

The deadline for eligible taxpayers who had not yet joined the system.

Newly established taxpayers required to use the system must enroll within this period.

IMF raises Turkey’s 2026 inflation forecast to 31.2 percent

The IMF raised its forecast for Turkey’s average inflation in 2026 and cut its growth projection. It also warned that prolonged Middle East fighting could add to price pressures.

2026 average inflation forecast
31.2 percent, up from 28.6 percent
2027 average inflation forecast
26.5 percent, up from 21.4 percent
2026 growth forecast
2.7 percent, down from 2.9 percent
2027 growth forecast
3.6 percent, unchanged

Oil exploration planned in a major tourism area

A headline says oil exploration is planned in an area described as a tourism hub, but gives no further details.

Dollar trades near 49.24 lira and euro near 55 lira in Turkey

On Tuesday, October 13, the dollar traded at about 49.24 lira and the euro at around 55 lira in Turkey.

Science & Tech

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

SpaceX launches more than 6,300 pounds of cargo to the space station

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched from Florida on Tuesday with science, supplies and the final pair of roll-out solar arrays for the International Space Station. It is due to arrive Thursday.

Honey bee stingers use two pistons to pump venom continuously

Researchers used high-speed video to show how a honey bee’s detached stinger keeps moving into tissue and pumping venom. The mechanism could inspire less invasive medicine-delivery pumps.

Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple has unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, a streaming box for televisions, with a faster processor and new voice features.

The device uses an A19 chip that Apple says is 50% faster than the previous model’s processor, with twice the graphics performance.

Its three built-in microphones let users speak to Siri from across the room, and Siri AI can answer questions about what people are watching; its launch support in India is English only, with no Hindi.

The box also adds smart-home controls and lets users pair up to four compatible Apple speakers for surround sound.

Read full story →

Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Sports

Atlanta Dream still seeking venue for WNBA Finals home games

The Dream’s home games against the Golden State Valkyries are scheduled for dates when Atlanta’s State Farm Arena is booked. The team has not confirmed a larger alternative to its 3,500-seat home venue.

“finalizing details on their home venue and where we will be playing”
Morgan Shaw ParkerDream president and chief operating officer

Julius Randle says he feels valued and wants to win with the Nets

Julius Randle says he is happy with his move from Minnesota to Brooklyn and expects the Nets to compete. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. is set to make his preseason debut Wednesday in Miami.

Kawhi Leonard expected to make Raptors preseason debut against Knicks

Kawhi Leonard is expected to play for Toronto against New York in a preseason game, his first appearance with the Raptors since returning to the team.

KJ Simpson Expected to Join Galatasaray in Turkey

The former Denver Nuggets guard is expected to sign with Galatasaray, which is seeking to strengthen its roster. The club has not yet formally announced the deal.

Porzingis to meet Warriors medical staff after two-week absence

Kristaps Porzingis is expected at the Warriors’ San Francisco facility Tuesday for a medical evaluation. The team has not said when he can return to play.

Kings sign Aaron Nkrumah and Damari Monsanto to Exhibit 10 contracts

The Sacramento Kings signed undrafted wings Aaron Nkrumah and Damari Monsanto to Exhibit 10 contracts. Both are likely to play for the team’s G League affiliate in Stockton.

Four-star guard Devin Cleveland narrows choices to three schools

Devin Cleveland, a four-star shooting guard and 2027 Michigan target, has narrowed his college choices to three schools and set a date to announce his decision.

Devin Cleveland has narrowed his college choices to three schools as he considers where to play basketball.

He is a four-star shooting guard in the 2027 class.

Michigan is identified as a target in his 2027 recruiting cycle, though the available information does not say whether it is among his final three choices.

The update concerns his college decision, not a commitment already made.

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Caldwell-Pope says team chemistry will be key to Sixers’ season

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope says the Philadelphia 76ers’ success will depend on players building strong relationships and communicating on and off the court.

Caldwell-Pope agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and signed a one-year deal with the Sixers.

Caldwell-Pope underwent surgery to address a misalignment of his right pinkie finger.

He missed the last 31 games of the season.

Caldwell-Pope said chemistry would be central to the Sixers’ success and that team bonding had begun with dinners.

Silver says NBA Europe will proceed as merger talks with EuroLeague continue

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league is confident it can reach an agreement with EuroLeague, but will pursue NBA Europe even without one. He said bids for planned teams are worth many hundreds of millions of dollars.

Planned competition
NBA Europe
Planned franchises
12
Initial proposal
Rejected by EuroLeague shareholders, according to reporting cited by Hoops Rumors
Franchise bids
Many hundreds of millions of dollars

Pacers look to Haliburton’s return and Zubac to revive title hopes

Indiana is counting on Tyrese Haliburton’s return from an Achilles injury and new center Ivica Zubac to put the Pacers back in championship contention.

Pacers and team leadership ESPN Basketball Power Index projection

Championship prospects

The Pacers believe their core can contend again with Haliburton back and Zubac joining the team.

ESPN’s Basketball Power Index projects Indiana to win 42 games and ranks it 10th in the Eastern Conference.

Sam Hauser’s role with the Boston Celtics is not explained

The available text identifies Hauser as a Boston Celtics player but does not describe his role or report a new development.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to host weekly midterms podcast

Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch “High Stakes” on Oct. 14, discussing U.S. political issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The weekly series will run as part of Swisher’s podcast for New York magazine.

RJ Mitte’s Breaking Bad role widened disability representation on screen

RJ Mitte, who died at 34, played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad and advocated for people with disabilities. His work helped make disabled actors more visible in television.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Lucian Piane, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ composer, dies at 46

Lucian Piane, a composer and guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” died at 46 after being struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, according to authorities.

Composer and guest judge Lucian Piane has died at 46.

He was known for his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where he wrote music, helped contestants and appeared as a guest judge.

Piane was struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, on Oct.

12.

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Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

James Talarico attended Kacey Musgraves’ concert at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Talarico thanked Musgraves on social media, and Noem posted that she preferred Ella Langley and Ken Paxton.

Musgraves replied to Noem on X with a reference to Noem’s account of killing her dog, Cricket.

Sean Combs Taken From Fort Dix for Treatment of Head Injury

Sean Combs was taken from Fort Dix prison for treatment of a head injury early Saturday and returned before sunrise. How he was injured has not been confirmed.

Facility
Fort Dix federal prison, New Jersey
Reported departure
Around 1 a.m. Saturday
Reported condition on return
Conscious and able to speak
Injury
Head injury; circumstances unknown

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

Selma Blair’s defense Prosecution and court

Intent

Her lawyer said the incident was not intentional and that missed medication, a head injury and altitude left her severely confused and disoriented.

Blair faces charges alleging she assaulted a police officer and a nurse; the allegations have not been established in court.

Celebrity treatment

Not stated.

Judge Kahn said Blair should not receive special treatment because she is a celebrity.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed after early-stage detection

Pope Leo XIV is due to be admitted to hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule found at an early stage. The nodule’s size and whether it is cancerous have not been disclosed.

EU regions urge stronger local role in cardiovascular health strategy

The EU Committee of the Regions unanimously adopted recommendations calling for more prevention and greater involvement of local authorities in European cardiovascular health efforts.

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

Flu season is kicking off early. The story raises the question of whether people are getting vaccinated but gives no further details.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

Researchers followed participants and assessed changes in cognitive performance and movement symptoms.

The study was published in Neurology.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

Age
39
County
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Confirmed cases
1,136 as of Friday
Hospitalizations
219

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

Traditional view of exercise adaptation Exercise-memory research

Effects of a break

Muscle gains and insulin sensitivity can drift back toward their starting levels, often within weeks.

Cells may retain memories of earlier training during a period without exercise.

Regaining fitness

The traditional “use it or lose it” view implies that benefits fade when training stops.

People with a training history may get fit again faster, and previously trained mice grew bigger muscles when they retrained.

A transfer RNA may help restore drug sensitivity in prostate cancer

Researchers found that restoring a specific transfer RNA made treatment-resistant prostate tumors sensitive to androgen receptor-targeting drugs in experimental models.