Author: OMN AI

Psychedelic treatments such as psilocybin may offer relief for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis appears ineffective, according to a new review published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research. The review, led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University, examined alternative treatments for OCD, a condition for which 40–60% of patients gain little or no benefit from standard therapies such as SSRIs and exposure therapy. After analysing published studies, conference data and preliminary findings, the researchers found stronger evidence supporting psychedelics than cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Van Ameringen suggested the difference may lie in how the substances…

Disaster, catastrophe, nightmare. Hollywood’s creative workforce describes Warner Bros’ collapse in stark terms. The once-powerful studio now faces a breakup or acquisition. Netflix and Paramount Skydance are locked in a fierce struggle. The industry braces for job losses and uncertainty. Warner Bros’ decline hits an already fragile entertainment sector. A historic production slump has battered film and television. The studio’s potential disappearance threatens thousands of jobs. It also removes a major buyer for new films and TV projects. For decades, Warner Bros shaped global cinema. The studio produced Casablanca, Goodfellas, Batman, and Harry Potter. Many workers fear its cultural legacy…

Gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach, killing ten people, including one attacker. More than a dozen others suffered injuries. A Hanukkah event drew around 2,000 attendees at the time. Authorities continue investigating the attackers’ motives. New South Wales Police confirmed ten fatalities during Sunday’s incident. Police identified one of the dead as a gunman. Officers said another suspected shooter remains in critical condition. Eyewitnesses reported dozens of injured people scattered across the beach, with blood covering the area. Authorities respond amid chaos and panic Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a statement on X expressing condolences to victims and urging caution.…

EU fisheries ministers finalized two days of intense talks with an agreement on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort rules, with some measures extending through 2028. The deal covers major commercial stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, giving the industry a clearer framework to plan its activities. The agreement measures fishing effort by vessel size, engine power, and days spent at sea. All 27 Member States reached a compromise that balances scientific guidance with economic needs. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the pact provides…

Scientists have discovered genetic changes in polar bears that could help them cope with rising temperatures, offering rare evidence that climate change is influencing DNA in a wild mammal species. Researchers from the University of East Anglia analysed blood samples from polar bears in northern and south-east Greenland and found clear genetic differences linked to local climate conditions. Bears in the warmer south-east showed increased activity in so-called “jumping genes” – mobile DNA elements that can alter how other genes function. These changes affect genes linked to heat stress, ageing and metabolism, suggesting the bears may be adjusting to warmer…

A billionaire investor pursuing TikTok’s US operations says uncertainty persists as another deadline approaches. The United States has postponed the app’s forced sale multiple times. Officials warn the platform could face a ban without a completed deal. President Donald Trump appears ready to extend the deadline again on Tuesday. This would mark the fifth delay since Congress passed the law. Investor Frank McCourt said his group remains on standby. He said the investors are prepared to act immediately. McCourt said they already secured the funding needed for a purchase. He added that repeated delays prevent proper planning. The prolonged uncertainty,…

Arkansas is taking steps to officially designate Blanchard Springs Caverns as its 53rd state park. The site, known for its stunning underground formations, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. State officials say the official designation will boost outdoor tourism and recreation in the region. Local businesses also expect a positive impact on the economy as visitor numbers increase. Blanchard Springs Caverns features impressive limestone formations, underground rivers, and guided tours that showcase the natural beauty of the area. The site has long been popular with families, hikers, and geology enthusiasts. Tourism experts note that adding Blanchard Springs to…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be weakened, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to provoke strong opposition from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a total ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would need to meet a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain…

High Court case disputes sweeping under-16 rule Reddit launches a High Court challenge against Australia’s new law that blocks users under 16 from joining major social platforms. The law came into effect on Wednesday and forces ten companies to restrict young Australians. Supporters argue the ban protects children from harmful content and manipulative algorithms. Reddit complies with the law but warns it poses serious risks to privacy and political rights. Two teenagers are also pursuing a separate case awaiting a High Court hearing. Company says law misreads youth online behavior “Despite good intentions, this law misses the mark,” Reddit writes…

Researchers have documented northern resident orcas cooperating with Pacific white-sided dolphins to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia — a first-of-its-kind discovery. Using drones, underwater video and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins leading the chase, acting like “scouts” as they pursued large Chinook salmon. The orcas followed close behind, catching the fish and breaking them apart at the surface, while the dolphins scavenged the leftovers. Remarkably, the whales showed no aggression toward the dolphins despite normally guarding their kills. Acoustic data revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both species during dives, suggesting they may even be listening to each…