🌞 Players get their own Barbies

In case you missed it, there was some good news for everyone who has been terrified by a super loud ad while watching TV (and yes, it turns out it’s not just me).

The U.S. state of California passed a new law this week requiring video streaming services to ensure their commercials aren’t louder than the content being watched.

The bill, introduced by state senator Tom Umberg, was inspired by one of his staffers — a new dad whose daughter kept getting woken up by noisy ad breaks. Good stuff.

Four women’s rugby icons are getting one of the world’s biggest honours: having a Barbie doll made in their image.

The dolls were revealed in honour of International Day of the Girl, and represent four of the sport’s biggest stars — Ilona Maher, Ellie Kildunne, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, and Nassira Konde.

In a post to Instagram, the Barbie brand said Ilona’s doll “reflects the build of many strong athletes,” and “celebrates movement and strength.”

When looking at her doll, Ilona said: “Something I’m really proud of, and that has also been kind of a source of, maybe, insecurity for me, was my broad shoulders and my big arms and I wanted that to be in the doll. I didn’t want to minimise myself in any way.”

The dolls will go on sale next year.

Football players on a rainy day in Delhi, India. (Photo by Sunil Ghosh/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Researchers at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg in Germany have created a new diagnostic tool for the flu: lollies. 

Specifically, chewing gum and lollipops.

Flu viruses can be contagious before symptoms start to show, and options for diagnosis can be expensive and inaccessible in many parts of the world. 

The gum and lollipops will contain a molecule called thymol. If the patient consuming it has the flu, the active influenza viruses release the thymol, resulting in a flavouring in the patient’s mouth. The tool can also be repurposed with different flavours, including child-friendly ones. If the person doesn’t have the flu, nothing happens.

In other words, people can taste it if they have the flu. 

This means that early detection can occur anytime, anywhere, without any medical equipment necessary. Right now, the lollies are in the concept phase, but they are set to be developed for mass production over the next few years.

If you’ve been meaning to slow down, this is your sign

The new Sexy Night In hampers from Good Day People x Normal are all about taking time for you – think decadent treats, bath soaks, candles, cocktails, and everything you need for a night of real relaxation.

Available in two curated options (Minxy Mitch and Cheeky Chelsea), each hamper delivers serious value, fast delivery, and that signature Good Day People touch.

Whether it’s a gift for someone special or a little self-care moment for yourself, this is how you turn an ordinary night in into something truly indulgent.

Research has found that singing could improve the quality of life and reduce some symptoms for people living with lung disease.

The study, presented at the European Respiratory Society, had patients participate in a 1.5 hour online singing group, once a week for 3 months. The group sang hits from Elvis and The Beatles, including ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ and ‘Let It Be.’ 

In total, there were 101 participants, with half participating in singing and the other half being provided with traditional care (e.g. inhaler therapy). When given a questionnaire measuring quality of life, the singing group had over 7 points higher compared to the control group.

The trial was led by Professor Natasha Smallwood, from Monash University and Alfred Health, who said the results could be “due to better control of breathing, social connections, or mood improvements.”

And speaking of singing…

As always, here’s Anju’s account of the week recommendation!

“Exactly as it sounds, the Instagram account somegoodlittlethings collates, well, some good little things!  The page chronicles the most wholesome, comforting and cozy posts on Tumblr and is the perfect antidote to hard days. The account is currently on a break, but there are so many posts to look at, with this one below being my absolute favourite”