Search

Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, according to an official statement released by the Vatican press office. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, with underlying health conditions also contributing to his death. In a statement signed by Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a previous episode of acute respiratory failure, along with arterial hypertension and type II diabetes. Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief Easter blessing to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. Unable to finish reading his address, the ailing pope sat as an aide delivered the rest of the speech, which called for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. Following his death, the Vatican also made public the burial wishes outlined in the pope’s will. Francis requested a simple burial in the ground at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – marked only with the Latin inscription Franciscus. This will be the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican. According to the will, an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the costs of his burial. With the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church now enters a traditional period of mourning known as the Novendiales, lasting nine days. During this time, Pope Francis will lie in state as preparations for his funeral are made. The conclave – the sacred process to elect a new pope – is expected to begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following his death. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, progressive stances and a deep focus on global humanitarian issues. Images: Wikimedia Commons

Caring

"It's not our way": Young Indigenous woman speaks out against Acknowledgment of Country

A young Indigenous woman has sparked controversy by criticising the Acknowledgement of Country, claiming the practice is 'made up' and not representative of Indigenous Australian culture. Kiescha Haines Jamieson was asked on social media whether the formal observation is an 'actual traditional practice' or a 'modern white saviour thing'. 'It is a made up protocol by Reconciliation Australia,' she claimed. 'It's not culture. It's not our way.' The Acknowledgement of Country is a relatively recent practice, emerging in the 1990s during what the Keating Government called 'the Reconciliation Decade'. It was formalised as part of efforts to improve Indigenous-state relations, with former Labor senator and Yawuru man Pat Dodson playing a key role in its establishment. 'The work of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation encouraged strangers to recognise country, then, as people got stronger, the welcome developed,' Dodson explained. The practice is distinct from a Welcome to Country, which is a ceremony performed by a traditional owner to formally welcome visitors to their land. Acknowledgement of Country, by contrast, is often delivered by non-Indigenous people or organisations to recognise traditional owners. Ms Jamieson argued that the practice has now been 'institutionalised to make people think that it is our culture'. Her comments resonated with some social media users, who agreed that the protocol was 'made up'. 'Finally someone with the guts to tell the truth,' one user wrote. However, others pushed back, arguing that acknowledging country has deep cultural significance for some Indigenous groups. 'It's a traditional thing for our mob, but not as grand as it's shown on TV,' one commenter noted. 'It's not really a welcome, it's more like a way to notify the spirits and ancestors that mob are travelling.' Another person added: 'You don't speak for all mobs and you don't speak for mine.' Yawarllaayi/Gomeroi elder Barbara Flick Nicol has previously stated that welcoming and acknowledging visitors has existed for thousands of years in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 'It's always been something that we did as a people, understanding and observing the fact that when you are in somebody else's country, that you acknowledge them,' she told NITV in 2020. Ms Flick Nicol said that formal acknowledgments began appearing in New South Wales after the landmark Mabo decision in 1992, with councils raising Aboriginal flags and formally recognising traditional owners at meetings and conferences. Former federal politician and Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney, who was involved in the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, defended the practice, saying it evolved organically. 'It wasn't strategised or planned. Once it got out to civic life it was something that people saw as an important way to tell the truth of the Australian story,' she said. Images: Instagram

Legal

Grief as European royal passes away at just 46

Archduchess Estelle de Saint-Romain of Austria has passed away at the age of 46. A statement published in Le Figaro's Carnet du Jour confirmed that Estelle Lapra de Saint-Romain, wife of Archduke Carl Christian of Austria, died on March 4, 2025. Her family laid her to rest at the Monastère de Cimiez in Nice, France, a week later. "Her husband, Archduke Carl Christian, their children, her parents, and her in-laws are deeply saddened to announce that Archduchess Estelle of Austria, née Lapra de Saint Romain, was called to God on Tuesday, March 4, 2025," the statement read in translation. The cause of death was not disclosed, though reports indicate she had previously been diagnosed with cancer. Born in 1979, Estelle married Carl Christian in 2007. He is the great-grandson of Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Together, they had five children: Zita, 17, Anezka, 15, Anna, 12, Paola, 10, and Pier-Georgia, 4. The funeral service, attended by several European royals, took place at the historic Monastère de Cimiez. Among those in attendance were Belgium's Princess Astrid, Luxembourg's Princess Marie-Astrid, the Duke of Castro, and Ferdinand of Habsburg. Brother Antonio Basso led the ceremony, remembering Estelle for her "loving wisdom" and recalling how she and her family regularly attended Mass at the monastery. Despite the dissolution of the Austrian monarchy in 1918, the Habsburg family remains prominent in European society. Estelle and Carl Christian’s wedding in 2007 attracted significant attention, with crowds gathering to witness the event. Three hundred distinguished guests attended, including Princess Astrid, Liechtenstein’s Prince Gundakar, and Jean-Christophe, Prince Napoléon. Carl Christian, the eldest son of Archduke Rodolphe de Habsbourg-Lorraine and Archduchess Marie-Hélène, née Baroness de Villenfagne de Vogelsanck, is part of an extensive noble lineage. His cousin, Archduke Karl von Habsburg, is the current head of the Austrian Imperial House. Archduchess Estelle’s passing marks a great loss for the Habsburg family and the European aristocracy, as she is remembered for her grace, devotion, and dedication to her family and faith. Image: Instagram

Caring

Prince Robert of Luxembourg announces youngest son's death

Prince Robert of Luxembourg has announced the heartbreaking loss of his youngest son, Frederik, at the age of 22. Frederik is Prince Robert's youngest son with wife Princess Julie of Nassau. According to a statement shared on the <a href="https://polgfoundation.org/frederik/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POLG Foundation's</a> website, Frederik died on March 1 in Paris, France, from POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive multiple organ dysfunction and failure. "It is with a very heavy heart that my wife and I would like to inform you of the passing of our son, The POLG Foundation Founder and Creative Director, Frederik," the statement, written by Robert began. Frederik, was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, on March 18, 2002, with POLG Mitochondrial disease, but was only diagnosed at the age of 14. He and his father later co-founded the POLG Foundation, with Frederik serving as Creative Director while Robert served as Chair. "Last Friday, February 28th, on 'Rare Disease Day', our beloved son called us in to his room to speak to him for one last time," the statement continued. "Frederik found the strength and the courage to say goodbye to each of us in turn." That included his brother, 27-year-old Prince Alexandre, his sister, 29-year-old Princess Charlotte and her 27-year-old husband, Mansour Shakarchi. Frederik also said his final goodbyes to his father's sister, Princess Charlotte, her husband Marc Victor Cunningham, and their three children: Charly, Louis, and Donall. "He had already spoken all that was in his heart to his extraordinary mother, who had not left his side in 15 years," Robert continued. "After gifting each of us with our farewells – some kind, some wise, some instructive – in true Frederik fashion, he left us collectively with a final long-standing family joke. "Even in his last moments, his humour, and his boundless compassion, compelled him to leave us with one last laugh….to cheer us all up." Prior to his other goodbye messages, Robert said, Frederik asked him: "Papa, are you proud of me?" "He had barely been able to speak for several days, so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound," Robert wrote. "The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times, but at this time, he needed reassurance that he had contributed all that he possibly could in his short and beautiful existence and that he could now finally move on." "Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends," Robert continued, noting how his son "was born with a special capacity for positivity, joy, and determination." "When he was little, I would always say that if there is one child of ours that I would never need to worry about, it was him," he continued. "He has social skills like no other, an amazing sense of humour, an emotional intelligence and compassion that were off the charts, a sense of justice, fairness and decency that knows no bounds. He was disciplined and organised beyond belief. " "Frederik is particularly headstrong (at times, I might have used the word stubborn). This serves him well. I cite him as being here in the present because I know that, though physically absent, he is still here, inspiring us and pushing us forward. His mission is not complete, and we all have much work left to do." Robert then thanked their family for their "messages of support and love", before asking those reading the tribute to volunteer with or donate to the POLG Foundation in Frederik's memory. "With our Superhero's help we hope to turn our deep grief into positive results and therewith follow his unwavering example," he wrote. "His ultimate message is one of hope, compassion, and resilience! We are all so very proud of you, Frederik. I am so very proud of you! We love you!" Images: The POLG Foundation

Caring

Gene Hackman's cause of death revealed

The cause of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, has finally been confirmed, more than a week after they were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sad-new-details-emerge-in-gene-hackman-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discovered in their Santa Fe home</a>. The couple was found deceased in their residence on February 26, prompting an investigation by authorities. Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, disclosed at a press conference that Hackman succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died around seven days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease contracted through exposure to rodents and their excrement. Authorities found evidence of rodent intrusion in the couple’s home, believed to be the source of Arakawa’s infection. Based on her movements and email communications, Dr Jarrell determined that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman was likely at home with his deceased wife for seven days before his own death. Dr Jarrell noted that Hackman was in "very poor health", and it was unclear how he managed in his final days without his wife's assistance. Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, Jarrell suggested that it was possible he was unaware that his wife had passed away. “There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had no evidence of dehydration,” she stated. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe and often fatal respiratory disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, it begins with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progresses to serious lung and heart complications. The best prevention is avoiding contact with rodents and properly managing rodent-prone areas. Dr Jarrell’s findings confirmed that Hackman had severe heart disease, with evidence of multiple prior heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure. A full-body post-mortem examination showed no signs of trauma. He tested negative for COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as well as hantavirus and carbon monoxide poisoning. Similarly, Arakawa’s autopsy revealed no external or internal trauma. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of hantavirus, ruling it as the cause of her death. Other tests for respiratory viruses and toxins returned negative results. Dr Jarrell said that there were “no other significant natural disease findings” in either case, and that all medications found in the home were taken as prescribed and did not contribute to their deaths. The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marks the end of an era for Hollywood, with fans mourning the loss of the two-time Academy Award-winning actor. Hackman, known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven and The Royal Tenenbaums, retired from acting in 2004. The couple had been residing in Santa Fe for many years, enjoying a quiet life away from the public eye. Image: Instagram

Caring

"Why are you attacking my dad?": I'm A Celeb finalist reveals behind-the-scenes heartbreak

The emotional on-air reunion between I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here contestant Matty J and his wife, Laura Byrne, along with their two children, Marlie-Mae and Lola Ellis, was a heartwarming moment <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/abrupt-viewers-stunned-by-i-m-a-celeb-winner-s-reveal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during Sunday’s finale</a>. However, behind the scenes, Byrne has opened up about the significant challenges she faced while participating in the momentous event. In the lead-up to the finale, Byrne undertook an exhausting journey from Sydney to South Africa with their two young daughters. Speaking on the Life Uncut podcast, she detailed the arduous travel experience, which involved “three separate flights” and 24 hours of transit. “That in itself was really hard," she said. "It was like 24 hours by the time we got door to door. Midnight transfer with two children who were absolutely f***ing ropable.” The long journey was only the beginning of the difficulties though. Upon arrival, Byrne and the children had to share a single room with inadequate sleeping arrangements, all while preparing for a demanding day on set. Byrne also revealed that the experience of managing two young children on a chaotic production set was overwhelming. “I felt like I was the emotional buffer between the children and production … I felt like I’d just been flogged for days. It was hard. It was really hard for me,” she said. During the finale, Matty J and his fellow top three contestants – Big Brother star Reggie Bird and retired NRL player Sam Thaiday – were reunited with their families before participating in the final challenge. While this was an exciting moment for viewers, it was an emotionally challenging experience for the family. Matty J recalled the moment he had to part ways with his children soon after reuniting. “When we had our reunion, it was maybe half an hour I think where we had time together and then they’ve got to pull us apart,” he said. “The kids don’t get it, the kids don’t understand. They’re like, ‘I’ve just met my dad, and then I’ve got to go.’ And then we did that trial where we had to have s**t poured on our heads, and Lola’s in tears being like, ‘Why are you attacking my dad?’” Byrne explained that their children were repeatedly reunited with their father, only to be separated again. This happened three times – during the initial reunion, the final trial and then the announcement of the winner. The constant cycle of emotional reunions and abrupt separations took a toll, particularly on their youngest daughter, Lola. After the winner was announced, Byrne and the children expected Matty J to return home with them, but he was kept on set for several more hours. “They kept Matt on set until 6 o’clock and we went home earlier. And it was so hard on Lola particularly,” Byrne revealed. “And then I had to deal with her big emotions around ‘Why is my daddy not coming home?’ And it felt like this unfair false start.” She admitted that the combination of exhaustion, sleep deprivation and trying to manage the emotional needs of their children made the experience incredibly difficult. Byrne also shared that she had been against Matty J’s participation in the reality show right from the outset. “I wasn’t a supporter of it in the first place,” she admitted, reinforcing that the experience had only confirmed her concerns. Even Matty J himself struggled with the demands of the show. He confessed that he broke down early in his time at camp, an emotional moment that wasn’t shown on TV. “I just burst out crying, and I was like, ‘I f**king cannot do this,’” he recalled, explaining that a moment of solitude while washing dishes left him questioning his decision. “What have I f**king done? This is a nightmare.” It appears that, for the Byrne-Johnson family, what seemed like a joyful televised reunion was, in reality, a deeply exhausting and emotional ordeal. Images: Network 10

Dave Hughes reveals I’m A Celeb weight loss

Dave Hughes spent 25 days in the jungle for this year's season of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and despite being eliminated, his three-and-a-half weeks of camp life had a staggering effect on his body. “I lost eight kilos and I’m stronger now than when I went in there,” he told news.com.au. He explained that when he first joined the show he struggled to do laborious tasks like carrying a crate of firewood back to camp without assistance. “I’d be holding one side of the crate while my fingers almost snapped off, with another burly bloke like (former NRL player) Sam Thaiday on the other side,” he said. “But by the end of the month, I’m carrying the whole crate on my own. My fingers are loving the task. I’m just living my best life.” He also made progress in the "jungle gym" a workout station contestants could use to keep fit. “There was a bench press there and on the first day, the heaviest weights, I could do 20 (reps). On the day I got kicked out, I did 52," he said. “Sam (Thaiday) says I now look like a pregnant greyhound … I think that’s a compliment, so I’m happy," he said. Image: I'm A Celeb/ news.com.au

Body

Hollywood legend's cause of death revealed

Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, best known for directing Dune, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and the unforgettable Twin Peaks series passed away on January 16 at the age of 78. Now, his cause of death has been officially confirmed. According to TMZ, which obtained Lynch’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the legendary director died from cardiac arrest due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dehydration was also listed as a significant contributing factor. Lynch’s family shared the news of his passing on social media last month: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the family’s statement on Facebook read. “There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the doughnut and not on the hole.’” In the days leading up to his death, Lynch had been affected by the deadly wildfires near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. However, his longtime producer, Sabrina Sutherland, confirmed that he had safely evacuated his home at the time. Lynch had been battling health issues for years, having been diagnosed with emphysema in 2020. In a November 2024 interview with People, the filmmaker admitted that he relied on supplemental oxygen for daily activities. He also reflected on his decades-long smoking habit, which began at the age of eight and ended in 2022. “What you sow is what you reap,” Lynch said at the time. “You’re literally playing with fire. It can bite you. I took a chance, and I got bit.” His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars, including actor Kyle MacLachlan, who worked with Lynch on Dune, Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks. “Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big-budget movie,” MacLachlan wrote on Instagram. “While the world has lost a remarkable artist, I’ve lost a dear friend who imagined a future for me and allowed me to travel in worlds I could never have conceived on my own.” Naomi Watts, who starred in Mulholland Drive, also paid tribute, sharing her heartbreak over Lynch’s passing: “My heart is broken. My Buddy Dave… The world will not be the same without him,” she wrote on Instagram. She praised his “exquisite storytelling, which elevated cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers across the globe.” While Lynch will be dearly missed, his legacy as an innovative and visionary filmmaker will continue to influence the world of cinema for years to come. Images: Instagram

Caring

Readers response: What does ‘self-care’ look like for you now compared to earlier years?

We asked our readers what self-care looks like for them during their retirement years. Here's what you said. Anne Henderson - More time and focus on my strength and fitness, and all of those things that will help with independence in old age. More saying no to society’s expectations … (including whether my 70 year old face and my clothing are acceptable to others)…. my routine has become simpler for this reason, not more complicated. Self care in older age to me is liberation from the shackles of all of the above. Marie Jones - Definitely focusing on strength and balance hence exercise class and walking. Happy with my grey hair but always moisturising and have toned down make-up. I wear what's comfortable for me. Dawn Dominick - Endless moisturising of my entire body not just my face any more. Margie Buckingham - Love having long baths to relax in. Going to the podiatrist every month. Moisturising twice daily. Not wearing makeup unless it’s a special occasion. Wearing comfortable clothes. Considering stopping the every 5 week hair colouring. <div dir="auto" style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; caret-color: #080809; color: #080809; font-size: 15px;">Image credits: Shutterstock </div>

Beauty & Style

Coroner makes bombshell ruling over Jock Zonfrillo's death

A 16-month investigation into Jock Zonfrillo's death has come to an end, with the coroner making a shocking decision about the celebrity chef's cause of death. The coroner has decided not to publicly reveal the MasterChef judge's cause of death, which will now likely remain secret unless his family wish to disclose the information. Zonfrillo's body was found in a hotel room in Melbourne at about 2am on May 1st 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old. There was widespread speculation about the cause of Zonfrillo's sudden death due to his well-publicised history of drug abuse and mental health struggles. A spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14357311/jock-zonfrillo-masterchef-coronial-investigation.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> the investigation into Zonfrillo's death was completed on August 27th last year. "At the close of the investigation, the coroner determined that the finding would not be published," the spokeswoman said. In the days following Zonfrillo's death, Daily Mail Australia revealed that it was Jock's wife Lauren who made the frantic phone call to police which led them to find her husband's body. She was travelling abroad and had reportedly became concerned about her husband's welfare when Zonfrillo failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls. At the time, a senior Victoria Police source said that officers who attended the hotel found Zonfrillo unresponsive in his bed and saw no obvious signs of anything suspicious or unusual. There was no drug paraphernalia located and no one else in his room, with police at the scene forming the initial view Zonfrillo had died of natural causes. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Anthony Albanese fast-tracks cost of living relief

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to fast-track legislation to introduce new measures to help struggling families and students during the ongoing cost of living crisis. The legislation will be introduced to parliament in the next two weeks which will include a guarantee of three days of subsidised childcare each week for Australian families, and will make fee-free TAFE permanent. The Labor government said three days of subsidised childcare is “about putting in place the building blocks for a universal childcare system”, with Education Minister Jason Clare saying the policy “is fundamentally about making sure every child gets a great start in life and start school ready to learn." “At the moment the children who need early education the most can’t access it,” Clare said. “They are missing out. As a result they start school behind and often never catch up. This will help fix that. Every child has the right to go to school — and governments have a responsibility to make that possible." “We believe every child has the right to go to early education, to help make sure they don’t start school behind — and our Labor government is going to make this possible.” Passing laws to make fee-free TAFE permanent will save “students thousands of dollars to train in key occupations, while delivering the skilled workers Australia needs”, the Albanese government said. “Our focus is on Building Australia’s Future while helping with the cost of living now,” Leader of the House Tony Burke said. “This fortnight we’ll continue delivering on that agenda — securing cost-of-living support for families through childcare reforms, while setting up our future prosperity through skills, training and future industry,” Burke said. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has opposed most cost-of-living measures, claiming they will have the opposite effect by pushing up inflation and delaying interest rate cuts. However, underlying inflation is now sitting at 3.2 per cent, and most economists believe the Reserve Bank will cut rates on February 18th. Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Money & Banking

Dave Hughes spills on worst A-list celeb interview

Dave Hughes has revealed the "rudest" A-list celebrity he's ever interviewed in the latest episode of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! The radio star was talking about all his celebrity interviews throughout the years with campmate Max Balegde, who then asked him: “I want you to be honest – who was the rudest?” “If we’re going to be honest … it hurts me to say it, but it’s … Ben Stiller. I was a big fan, and he was just a pain in the a**e," Hughes replied. Hughes then joked that he might've “ruined his Hollywood career” by calling out the A-list actor and director known for films like Zoolander and Meet the Parents. The radio broadcaster didn't reveal when he'd encountered Stiller or why the actor was a "pain in the a**e" . In the latest episode of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! former MAFS star Samantha Moitzi was the first of this season's contestants to be evicted from the jungle. Last week, Aussie TV legend Sigrid Thornton was the latest celeb to join the show in its 11th season. It's the first time the actress appeared in a reality show during her 40-year career, telling news.com.au: “I felt like if I was going to say yes to a challenge like this, then this was the time for me. I mean, I’ve never done reality television; I’ve never done anything remotely like this.” “But I don’t hold any particular judgement around it; I’ve removed all potential judgement because I don’t know what it’s going to be. All I know is that it will be extraordinary, exciting, unexpected, and I hope a little bit wonderful.” Image: I'm A Celeb/ 10

You can train your nose – and 4 other surprising facts about your sense of smell

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lynn-nazareth-1650578">Lynn Nazareth</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> Would you give up your sense of smell to keep your hair? What about your phone? A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8946147/">2022 US study</a> compared smell to other senses (sight and hearing) and personally prized commodities (including money, a pet or hair) to see what people valued more. The researchers found smell was viewed as much less important than sight and hearing, and valued less than many commodities. For example, half the women surveyed said they’d choose to keep their hair over sense of smell. Smell often goes under the radar as one of the least valued senses. But it is one of the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsob.200330">first sensory systems vertebrates developed</a> and is linked to your mental health, memory and more. Here are five fascinating facts about your olfactory system. <h2>1. Smell is linked to memory and emotion</h2> Why can the waft of fresh baking trigger joyful childhood memories? And why might a certain perfume jolt you back to a painful breakup? Smell is directly linked to both your memory and emotions. This connection was first established by American psychologist <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/16002">Donald Laird in 1935</a> (although French novelist <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2020/07/more-than-cake-unravelling-the-mysteries-of-proust-s-madeleine">Marcel Proust had already made it famous</a> in his reverie about the scent of madeleines baking.) Odours are first captured by special olfactory nerve cells inside your nose. These cells extend upwards from the roof of your nose towards the smell-processing centre of your brain, called the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55972/">olfactory bulb</a>. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=592&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=592&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=592&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=744&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=744&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/640871/original/file-20250107-15-vili6v.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=744&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Diagram showing odour particles travelling through the nose into the brain." /></a><figcaption>Smells are first detected by nerve cells in the nose. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/sense-smell-detailed-illustration-olactory-region-1832630776">Axel_Kock/Shutterstock</a></figcaption></figure> From the olfactory bulb they form direct connection with the brain’s <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/limbic-system">limbic system</a>. This includes the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879729610001237">amygdala</a>, where emotions are generated, and the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/133/9/2509/357465">hippocampus</a>, where memories are created. Other senses – such as sight and hearing – aren’t directly connected to the lymbic system. One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028393203002161">2004 study</a> used functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate odours trigger a much stronger emotional and memory response in the brain than a visual cue. <h2>2. Your sense of smell constantly regenerates</h2> You can lose your ability to smell due to injury or infection – for example during and after a COVID infection. This is known as <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00441-020-03381-9">olfactory dysfunction</a>. In most cases it’s temporary, returning to normal within a few weeks. This is because every few months <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-020-0587-9">your olfactory nerve cells die and are replaced</a> by new cells. We’re not entirely sure how this occurs, but it likely involves your nose’s <a href="https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)05979-6">stem cells</a>, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2387238/#:%7E:text=When%20the%20olfactory%20nerves%20and,reestablish%20connections%20with%20the%20bulb">the olfactory bulb</a> and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cne.23694">other cells</a> in the olfactory nerves. Other areas of your nervous system – including your brain and spinal cord – cannot regenerate and repair after an injury. Constant regeneration may be a protective mechanism, as the olfactory nerves are vulnerable to damage caused by the external environment, including toxins (such as cigarette smoke), chemicals and pathogens (<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/210/3/419/2908527">such as the flu virus</a>). But following a COVID infection some people might continue to experience a loss of smell. Studies suggest <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867421012824?via%3Dihub">the virus</a> and a <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.add0484">long-term immune response</a> damages the cells that allow the olfactory system to regenerate. <h2>3. Smell is linked to mental health</h2> Around <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892420946254">5% of the global population</a> suffer from anosmia – total loss of smell. An estimated 15-20% suffer partial loss, known as hyposmia. Given smell loss is often a primary and long-term symptom of COVID, these <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53919-y">numbers are likely to be higher</a> since the pandemic. Yet in Australia, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/september/an-approach-to-olfactory-impairments">remains surprisingly understudied</a>. Losing your sense of smell <a href="https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article/doi/10.1093/chemse/bjab037/6342176">is shown to impact your personal and social relationships</a>. For example, it can mean you miss out on shared eating experiences, or cause changes in sexual desire and behaviour. In older people, declining ability to smell is associated with a <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/79/1/glad139/7207364?login=true">higher risk of depression</a> and <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107541">even death</a>, although we still don’t know why. <h2>4. Loss of smell can help identify neurodegenerative diseases</h2> Partial or full loss of smell is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474442217301230?via%3Dihub">often an early indicator for a range of neurodegenerative diseases</a>, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Patients <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/wnl.0000000000001265">frequently report losing their sense of smell</a> years before any symptoms show in body or brain function. However many people are not <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118971758.ch18">aware they are losing their sense of smell</a>. There are ways you can determine if you have smell loss and to what extent. You may be able to visit a formal <a href="https://www.epworth.org.au/our-services/rehabilitation/brain-injury-and-neurological-disorders/olfactory-impairment-clinic#:%7E:text=Epworth%20is%20the%20first%20rehabilitation,and%20associated%20changes%20in%20taste.">smell testing centre</a> or do a <a href="https://esurvey.uniklinikum-dresden.de/pub/index.php/678693">self-test</a> at home, which assesses your ability to identify household items like coffee, wine or soap. <h2>5. You can train your nose back into smelling</h2> “Smell training” is emerging as a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00405-024-08733-7">promising experimental treatment option</a> for olfactory dysfunction. For people experiencing smell loss after COVID, it’s been show to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9309586/">improve the ability to detect and differentiate odours</a>. Smell training (or “olfactory training”) was first tested in 2009 in a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.20101">German psychology study</a>. It involves sniffing robust odours — such as floral, citrus, aromatic or fruity scents — at least twice a day for 10—20 seconds at a time, usually over a 3—6 month period. Participants are asked to focus on the memory of the smell while sniffing and recall information about the odour and its intensity. This is <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2782042">believed to help reorganise the nerve connections</a> in the brain, although the exact mechanism behind it is unclear. Some studies recommend using a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.20101">single set of scents</a>, while others recommend <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lary.25245">switching to a new set of odours</a> after a certain amount of time. However <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lary.26985">both methods show significant improvement</a> in smelling. This training has also been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms and improve cognitive decline both in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/gps.4725">older adults</a> and those suffering from <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34749425/">dementia</a>. Just like physiotherapy after a physical injury, olfactory training is thought to act like <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422003426#sec0005">rehabilitation for your sense of smell</a>. It retrains the nerves in your nose and the connections it forms within the brain, allowing you to correctly detect, process and interpret odours.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245366/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lynn-nazareth-1650578">Lynn Nazareth</a>, Research Scientist in Olfactory Biology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/you-can-train-your-nose-and-4-other-surprising-facts-about-your-sense-of-smell-245366">original article</a>. </div>

Body

How I'm A Celebrity producers keep cast anonymous

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has been back on Aussie screens for a week, and now an inside source has revealed how everything works. Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, the source revealed that the show will be dropping one more celebrity into the jungle, this time "a 'famous' Australian actress that is known internationally," with the code name 'Seal'. The code names are an essential part of ensuring that the celebrities stay anonymous before they go into the jungle, with this year's theme for code names being animals you would find in the ocean. "Network 10 created codenames that allow producers to get the ‘celebrities’ into 'the jungle' without worrying about who hears their name," the insider said. "Producers have been referring to Hughesy as 'the dolphin' for weeks," they said. They cited a few other examples including: Matty J who was given the code name Manta-Ray, Nicky Buckley had the code name Narwhal, Reggie Sorenson was the Red Emperor and Shayna Jack was Starfish. "To get the cast of 'celebrities' into the jungle without revealing the line-up is a covert operation that has been getting more complex every year," the insider said. The source revealed that this is because one of the previous competitors, Sam Dastyari, found the names of all the celebs before entering the jungle and texted the complete cast list to a journalist in Australia. “We don't even tell Julia Morris and Robert Irwin until we absolutely have to because we literally trust nobody," they continued. “Some people swore black and blue they knew our cast this year but most were way off and that is done on purpose." The insider also revealed the the flights to South Africa were all spread out, with some celebrities flying up to 10 days before they enter the jungle, while others arrived the day before. Image: Channel 10

"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Grace Tame for "taking focus away" from the 2025 Australian of the Year finalists with her choice of outfit. The former Australian of the Year winner was greeted by Albanese and his fiancee, Jodie Haydon, at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday, as she donned a t-shirt that said "F*** Murdoch". Speaking with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/live/perth" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">ABC Radio Perth</a> on Monday, Albanese was asked about his meeting with Tame and his views on her T-shirt, as he said her stunt was disrespectful towards the award's finalists. “I held a function. It is something that, in my view, took away from the people who were there, and my focus was simply on that,” he said. Albanese believed Tame’s decision to wear the t-shirt had clearly been designed to get attention, as he said, “I don’t intend to add to that attention because I do think that it takes away from what the day should be about, which is the amazing people who were nominated as Australians of the Year.” When asked if he agreed with the message of what Tame was trying to portray, Albanese said that he “clearly disagreed” and he wants debate to be respectful, adding, “People are allowed to express themselves, but I thought it was disrespectful of the event and of the people who that event was primarily for.” Tame explained her decision to wear the shirt to the event to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/25/grace-tame-wears-anti-murdoch-shirt-to-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-australian-of-the-year-morning-tea-ntwnfb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian Australia</a>, saying, “[The T-shirt is] clearly not just about Murdoch, it’s the obscene greed, inhumanity and disconnection that he symbolises, which are destroying our planet.” “For far too long this world and its resources have been undemocratically controlled by a small number of morbidly wealthy oligarchs. If we want to dismantle this corrupt system, if we want legitimate climate action, equity, truth, justice, democracy, peace, land back, etc, then resisting forces like Murdoch is a good starting point.” Image credits: Instagram

Legal

Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

Days of our Lives star Francisco San Martin has been found dead at the age of 39. The actor was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home, with news of his sudden passing prompting tributes from his heartbroken co-stars. Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi, wrote on Instagram, “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.” The actor moved to the US from Spain when he was a child, and went on to pursue a career in acting and modelling. He starred on Days of Our Lives between 2010 and 2011, before also going on to enjoy roles in projects like 2013 movie Behind the Candelabra, CW show Jane the Virgin, and US soap The Bold and The Beautiful in 2017. “Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day,” tweeted Journalist Michael Fairman. Fans also shared their heartbreak, with one posting, “So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten.” Image credits: NBC/AFF-USA/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

I'm A Celeb season premiere divides audiences

The cast of the new season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here has been revealed as the 11 famous contestants entered the jungle on Sunday night. An Olympian, a stand-up comedian, reality TV royalty and a 90s TV star are among this year’s celebs, as the first episode of the 11th season provided many awkward moments of the celebrities not recognising their fellow contestants. Entering the jungle this year and vying for their chance to win money for charity are Olympic swimmer Shayna Jack, Love Island star Tina Provis, former AFL player Zack Tuohy, comedian Geraldine Hickey, Aussie TV presenter Nicky Buckley, former MAFS star Samantha Moitzi, UK social media personality Max Balegde, comedian and presenter Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes, two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Sorensen, NRL favourite Sam Thaida, and former Bachelor star Matty J. As the highly-anticipated new season aired on Sunday, many viewers took to social media to express their disappointment over the cast, as the show was quickly panned by viewers as "unfunny" while the cast of celebrities were labelled as "nobodies". <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFAL9h-PkRe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFAL9h-PkRe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a> </div> </blockquote> While hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin quipped and laughed with the new batch of contestants, loyal fans turned on the show and took to X to share their thoughts on the premiere. "The lowest common denominator with desperate has-beens. Can’t they invest in Aussie actors, directors and writers instead?" wrote one person. "Biggest load of rubbish ever," said another, while one more posted, "Some of Julia’s jokes are older than me. And not as funny." "Look at them looking at each other trying to figure out who each other is. Absolutely no idea," said another viewer. "Yeah this show peaked last year and the fall from grace is extreme. No more #ImACelebrityAU for me," another wrote. Image credits: Ten

Fans threaten to boycott I'm A Celeb over casting rumour

I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! has teased the next season's cast on social media, but the potential appearance of a "headline-grabbing Olympian" has the rumour mill spinning. “A headline-grabbing Olympian has a ticket to the African wilds! 🎟️”, the show posted on Instagram. Hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris hinted that a "freestyle lover" will face the jungle in Season 7, set to air in January. While some followers posed a number of Olympians who they thought fit the mould, others speculated the possible TV return of the controversial breakdancer, Raygun, and many of them were quick to express their disdain. “Okay, I’m going to assume it’s Raygun,” one person said. “But other freestylers could include: Ariarne Titmus — Freestyle Swimming. Sally Fitzgibbons - Surfing. Torah Bright — Freestyle Snowboarding.” “Former Olympian Pole Vaulter Liz Parnov,” another suggested. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC4y8Y0u4XL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC4y8Y0u4XL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I’m boycotting the show if it’s Raygun 🙄,” one person commented. “If it’s Raygun, I’m not watching 🤷‍♀️,” another claimed. "I’d rather watch paint dry than Raygun on TV … what on earth are the producers thinking," a third wrote. "Please NOT the "breakdancer" Don't make me boycott for the first time ever. Noooooo! 😬😭" a fourth added. The reality show drops celebrities into the jungle and forces them out of their comfort zone. On Wednesday, the series hinted the famous personalities set to appear on the next season, with clues including: a “stadium superstar”, a “football strongman”, and a “comedy genius”. Images: Instagram

Australian Word of the Year announced

Cost-of-living pressures and anger at the nation-wide supermarket duopoly have influenced the Australian Word of the Year for 2024. The Australian National Dictionary Centre, based at the Australian National University, has chosen "Colesworth": a blended word referencing the country's largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths. Senior Researcher Mark Gwynn said the word is almost exclusively used in negative contexts, with many calling out the power held by both supermarket giants. Although the word itself has been circulated for several years, its use has skyrocketed over the past 12 months, according to Gwynn. "Aussies walk out of the supermarket with less after paying more, but then hear news of massive profits in the supermarket sector. And with official investigations into some of the pricing practices at Australia's two largest supermarkets, it's no wonder that ordinary shoppers have become cynical," he said. "The blend of the supermarket names Coles and Woolworths into Colesworth provides a succinct way of referring to both supermarkets while at the same time hinting at the negative aspects of what is perceived as an unfair duopoly." Other shortlisted words include a mix of terms referencing politics, tax, and climate change. "Breaking" also made the shortlist, following the iconic performance by Australian artist RayGun at the Paris Olympic Games, with words included "climate trigger," "ute tax," and "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard). Image credits: Shutterstock

Books

How can I make summer style part of my self-care routine?

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to refresh your self-care routine with small changes that help you feel your best. One easy way to do this is by choosing clothing made from breathable Australian cotton and linen. They keep you cool, feel great against the skin and make looking put-together effortless. In this guide, we’ll show you how your summer wardrobe can fit into your self-care routine, featuring pieces from Sussan, a retailer known for easy, comfortable styles that last all season. Simplify your day with matching sets <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan01.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> A big part of self-care is simplifying your day as much as possible, and that includes your clothing choices. Summer is the time for relaxed, unfussy outfits that don’t require a lot of planning. <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/sets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matching sets</a> are perfect for this because they take away the guesswork. Everything is already coordinated, which saves you time and makes your mornings easier. A soft denim skirt made from Australian cotton paired with a lightweight tee is breathable and practical for warm days. These pieces help you stay comfy when running errands or enjoying time with friends. Stay cool all day in linen dresses <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan04.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/linen/linen-dresses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Linen dresses</a> are an easy go-to for keeping cool and comfortable during hot summer days. The fabric is light, breathable and perfect for warm weather, which is why it’s a great fit for everything from weekend barbecues to beach walks. With styles like shirt dresses, minis, midis and maxis, there’s plenty of variety to match whatever the day calls for. Styling a linen dress is also simple and practical. With the right accessories, it can easily shift from a casual daytime outfit to an evening look. Style it with a hat for an easy brunch outfit or a trip to the markets. To dress it up, add a light jacket and some jewellery, like a pair of earrings or a statement necklace. Unwind with breathable loungewear <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan03.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Practising self-care through summer style can be as simple as choosing clothes that help you relax and feel comfy all day long. This is easy to achieve with loungewear made from pure linen and linen blends. Look for lightweight loungewear tops, pants and shorts that feel soft on the skin and keep you cool as you move through your day. For a summer-ready look, pair a linen top with matching shorts for warm afternoons, or switch to linen pants for a little more coverage on cooler evenings. End your day in Australian cotton sleepwear Winding down at the end of the day feels easier when you’re wearing clothes that make you feel calm and cosy. <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/shop-the-edit-sleepwear/australian-cotton-sleepwear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian cotton sleepwear</a> in soft, breathable fabrics is a great option as it sits lightly on the skin and keeps you comfortable during warm nights. You can mix and match Australian cotton pyjama tops, tanks, shorts and pants or wear nighties to match your mood and comfort level. These versatile let you settle in and enjoy quiet evenings at home. Wear what feels good this summer <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Updating your summer wardrobe with comfy, breathable pieces is an easy way to bring self-care into your routine. With matching sets, linen dresses, loungewear and soft Australian cotton sleepwear from <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sussan</a>, you can have more time to focus on yourself and enjoy the season your way. Start refreshing your wardrobe with these pieces that feel good to wear, and use your summer style to prioritise self-care! Images: Sussan This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Sussan

Beauty & Style

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

"It's not our way": Young Indigenous woman speaks out against Acknowledgment of Country

Grief as European royal passes away at just 46

Prince Robert of Luxembourg announces youngest son's death

Gene Hackman's cause of death revealed

"Why are you attacking my dad?": I'm A Celeb finalist reveals behind-the-scenes heartbreak

Dave Hughes reveals I’m A Celeb weight loss

Hollywood legend's cause of death revealed

Readers response: What does ‘self-care’ look like for you now compared to earlier years?

Coroner makes bombshell ruling over Jock Zonfrillo's death

Anthony Albanese fast-tracks cost of living relief

Dave Hughes spills on worst A-list celeb interview

You can train your nose – and 4 other surprising facts about your sense of smell

How I'm A Celebrity producers keep cast anonymous

"Disrespectful": PM hits out at Grace Tame's Australia Day stunt

Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

I'm A Celeb season premiere divides audiences

Fans threaten to boycott I'm A Celeb over casting rumour

Australian Word of the Year announced

How can I make summer style part of my self-care routine?

Our Partners