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Budapest (dpa) – Anyone who has kept different dogs as pets will have noticed over time that some are more attuned than others to speech and are quicker to pick up commands. Some, of course, soon get that 'sit' means just that and 'heel' means walk with me – and respond accordingly. No less endearingly, perhaps, others might just stare back blankly, panting and looking for a pat on the head before returning to their seemingly aimless wandering and random chewing. But according to researchers at Hungary's Eötvös Loránd University, a very small subset of dogs can go "much further" than just understanding basic commands and can learn by eavesdropping on people. The team contends that there are rare cases of "gifted" dogs so intelligent that not only can they be trained to understand hundreds of words, they can figure out the meaning of words such as rope and frisbee from chatter around them and can do so "at an astonishing pace." "They do this naturally, during everyday play with their owners," the Budapest-based team said, declaring that no training is needed for dogs so smart. In other words, when a dog’s ears prick up while people are talking, it could be that the animal is not just on the alert for alarming or unusual noises, but is another of these pooch prodigies able to pick up on signals and meanings from words they overhear. "They not only retain these names for long periods but also extend the labels to categorize their toys, offering a rare window into canine cognition," the researchers said, following a series of meticulous tests and researchpublished in the journal Science. Such dogs "possess sociocognitive skills functionally parallel to those of 18-month-old children," the researchers said in their paper. The following information is not intended for publication dpa spr coh

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Fresh, crunchy and, yes, tasty: New ways to prepare Brussels sprouts could persuade even firm doubters to try them again. It is worth the effort, as they are packed with vitamins and fibre. Berlin (dpa) – Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation but these recipes may help even hardened sceptics overcome bad memories and embrace these healthy vegetables. Some complain they are bitter but preparing them in new ways can help counter that taste. Many of us simply remove the outer leaves and stalk, cut the sprouts crosswise and cook them in salted water until they're al dente. But go a little further – say frying them with bacon, or adding them to omelettes or putting the plucked leaves in a salad. Try gently frying the Brussels sprouts – this brings out stronger flavours, for example when they are fried in a pan with bacon, onions and nutmeg. That makes them a perfect accompaniment to pasta or rice, says Germany's nutrition advisory centre (BZfE). If you want to experiment, you can add Brussels sprouts to quiches, omelettes, casseroles, soups, grain bowls or curries. Even in a colourful winter salad, the leaves can be plucked and steamed to create a delicious dish. Another variation is crispy oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, where the halved sprouts are mixed with olive oil and a little honey and seasoned with salt, pepper and chilli or curry powder. Try topping them with roasted hazelnuts or walnuts. Another variation for the baking tray comes from the German Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organizations (BVEO), which recommends an Asian-inspired approach. Recipe for spicy roasted Brussels sprouts Ingredients for 2: 500 g Brussels sprouts 2 cloves of garlic 2 cm ginger 1 tbsp chilli bean paste (doubanjiang) 3 tsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sugar 30 ml water 1 handful of peanuts 180 g wheat noodles Preparation Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Wash your Brussels sprouts, drain and remove the stalks. Peel the garlic and press it into a large bowl using a garlic press. Peel the ginger and grate it into the bowl. Add the chilli paste, soy sauce, sugar and water and mix together. Add the Brussels sprouts and mix everything well. Line a baking tray with baking paper and spread the Brussels sprouts on it. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 20 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown. Allow to cool briefly, sprinkle with peanuts and enjoy with wheat noodles. Neither yellow nor wilted – how to buy Check them closely when you are shopping. Note that fresh sprouts are tightly closed, plump and bright green. Yellow or wilted leaves indicate older produce. If you can't prepare the fresh produce on the same day, store it in the fridge vegetable compartment. Brussels sprouts will keep best there for a few days in a plastic bag with holes or wrapped in a damp cloth. Freezing is better if you want to store them any longer. Blanche the cleaned florets in boiling salted water for two to three minutes and then briefly cool them in ice water. Drain them well and freeze them in a freezer bag or airtight container. "This way, Brussels sprouts will stay fresh for up to a year," says the BZfE. Careful how you store, eat them Brussels sprouts can be damaged by the ripening gas ethylene, so you should never store them together with apples, say fruit and vegetable experts at the BVEO. As a type of cabbage with tender leaves, Brussels sprouts are generally fairly easy to digest. However, the fibre stachyose can cause flatulence "because the body cannot break it down completely," say nutritionists at the BZfE. Nevertheless, they are still healthy as they support the intestinal microbiome. Spices such as caraway or fennel reduce any gas formation and aid digestion. Thorough cooking and chewing also help, say nutrition experts. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn cwg xxde arw

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No need to worry you will just be drinking water if you are ditching alcohol. Try these tasty fruity beverages that pack an impressive amount of zing. Who knows, maybe you'll manage another month. Berlin (dpa) – Simply mixing three ingredients is not enough to create a truly refined non-alcoholic drink. At the Michelin-starred restaurant Blaue Burg in Pfronten, in Germany's Allgäu region, chef Simon Schlachter and bar manager Martin Masch treat alcohol-free beverages with the same care as fine-dining dishes. For their menus, the duo develops complex, layered drinks that rely on shrubs, infusions, syrups and reductions. The recipes require patience and preparation, but reward the effort with depth and balance. Here are three to try: Mango and Fennel Shrub First, mix the following ingredients well in a preserving jar for the mango-fennel-honey shrub: 200 g mango juice 50 g fresh fennel, thinly sliced 100 ml apple cider vinegar 100 g honey 1 pinch of salt Preparation: Cover and leave to infuse in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Strain through a fine sieve and chill. Next, prepare the saline solution: 20 g salt 80 g water Heat gently in a small pan while stirring until the salt dissolves. Cool and transfer to a clean bottle. The following step is making the fennel and star anise infusion: 10 g fennel seeds 1 g star anise 400 ml mango–fennel–honey shrub 3 g saline solution Lightly toast fennel seeds and star anise in a dry pan. Add the shrub and saline solution and bring briefly to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let infuse for 10 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve and chill. To serve: Pour 45 ml into a chilled glass and serve as a shot, without ice. Apple Crumble Pie First, make your own almond syrup: 50 g blanched almonds, chopped 100 ml water 75 g sugar 1 pinch of salt 1 drop bitter almond flavouring Toast almonds until golden. Add sugar and water, bring to a boil, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Add salt and bitter almond flavouring. Strain through a sieve, pour into a sterilized bottle and store in a cool place. The almond syrup is then part of an apple and spice decoction – with the following ingredients: 30 ml almond syrup 900 ml apple juice 6 cloves 3 g cinnamon 30 g sultanas 1 star anise 45 ml maple syrup ¾ vanilla pod, scraped 50 ml lime juice Bring all ingredients to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Strain and serve hot or cold. Now, make the vanilla foam for the topping: 50 ml cream ¼ vanilla pod, scraped 15 ml almond syrup Place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until frothy. Caution: Do not whisk too hard! Serve the drink in a cocktail bowl or a bulbous wine glass without ice. Cold: Add ice to a glass, pour 180 ml of cold decoction, top with vanilla foam and garnish with apple chips and biscuit crumble. Warm: Pour 200 ml into a heatproof glass, add foam and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple chip. Blood Orange, Almond and Tonka Bean First, make a blood orange and raspberry reduction: 500 ml blood orange juice 50 g raspberries 15 ml lime juice 40 ml mandarin juice ½ tonka bean, grated Preparation: Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half (about 300 ml). Strain and cool. Now make the roasted almond syrup: 50 g roasted almonds, chopped 50 g sugar 100 ml water 1 pinch of salt 1 drop bitter almond flavouring Preparation: Lightly toast the almonds in a pan without fat, add sugar and caramelize slowly. Deglaze with water, stir until dissolved, add salt and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add flavouring, strain and cool. Shortcut: You can also use store-bought almond syrup. Place the following ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds: 35 ml blood orange–raspberry reduction 30 ml fresh blood orange juice 25 ml roasted almond syrup 10 ml lemon juice 1 egg white Strain into a chilled cocktail bowl or large wine glass and serve without ice. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ueh xlt cwg amc xxde mls arw

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From one-pieces to the Eighties revival – here are the trending ski looks for the 2026 season. London (PA Media/dpa) – If you’re heading to the mountains this season, you may be wincing at the thought of pulling out that ageing ski jacket that’s been lurking at the back of your wardrobe since your last trip. And if that sounds familiar, you may be wanting your holiday photos to look a little more 2026 than 2006 this time around. Fortunately, this is a particularly stylish winter in which to refresh your Alpine wardrobe. Skiwear has taken a decisive turn towards the Eighties, but with a distinctly modern take – more sculpted silhouettes, sleeker materials and a subtle push into high-fashion territory as sport continues to surge in popularity. Stylist Elsa Boutaric says three big ideas are shaping the slopes this year: the return of the ski suit, head-to-toe tonal dressing and what she calls “loud luxury”. “The 1980s fashion has a strong influence on the 2026 skiwear trends,” she explains. “We can see retro styles, bold colours and the comeback of the one-piece suit dominating the slopes.” Here’s how that translates – both on-piste and at après. 1. The one-piece ski suit The one-piece ski suit has slowly become the most trending silhouette on the slopes again – not as a retro throwback, but as a sharply tailored, high-performance uniform. Boutaric lists the one-piece ski suit as one of the three key defining trends of the season. The modern version is sleek and chic, cut close to the body, usually belted and built from sculpting, technical fabrics, which feel more like luxury sportswear than retro practical gear. 2. Head-to-toe monochrome The second major trend is monochrome skiwear – tonal dressing that stretches from base layers to boots. It’s a move away from clashing prints and towards the more classic ‘quiet luxury’ look, where a single colour family anchors the whole outfit. Boutaric suggests opting for deep-olive ski trousers with a matching jacket, or a full winter-white ensemble. “Going full monochrome is clean and reads as expensive, even when it isn’t,” says Boutaric. Even the simplest kit looks high-end when it sits within one colour family. 3. Eighties colour blocking The Eighties revival sweeping fashion has absolutely made its way to the slopes. Boutaric says retro-geometric and 1980s-inspired skiwear is another defining look – with bold colour and graphic patterns – leaning towards the new 2026 trend of loud luxury It’s more contemporary than Princess Diana on the slopes, for example, mirrored goggles, sharp shoulders and chevron-style colour blocking. 4. Three colour trends Colour is also undergoing a reset from the bright reds and heavy logo trends of the 2010s. Boutaric identifies “Old Money” neutrals and icy pastels as the dominant palettes for the slopes. That means creamy camel, off-white and taupe for those leaning into quiet luxury and powdery, frost-toned lilacs and baby blues if you’re leaning into the trending colours spotted on the runway for this year. 5. Après-ski Of course, skiwear earns its keep after the lifts close. Boutaric says the key to après style is choosing pieces that work from slope to chalet to bar, without needing a full outfit overhaul. She says the base layer is an important starting point – something fitted and cool enough to wear alone once the jacket comes off. Over that, she turns to chunky knits and oversized jumpers, the kind you wear everyday at home that you can sling in your rucksack while out and about. This is also where braces on salopettes come into their own, which can make the most basic layers look cool. Paired with some chic fluffy snow boots for warmth it can take your look from ski slopes to spritzes and champagne. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

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Does face yoga really work? Here are the doctor-recommended exercises you should be doing to boost circulation and improve muscle tone. London (PA Media/dpa) – Most of us slip into hibernation for the winter months, but by the time spring and summer come around, it feels like we have to do an intense overhaul to feel our best. But by putting in the time and consistency throughout the colder months, “face yoga” can help give us a healthy summer glow by improving circulation and muscle tone. While it won’t necessarily give you the same effect a cosmetic procedure will, facial exercises can help reduce puffiness and dull skin. According to regenerative aesthetics doctor Dr Hansel Misquitta, “facial exercises sit in a genuine scientific grey zone. [They] can offer small, incremental benefits when done properly […] but they’re also not the miracle [some] would like you to believe.” There is some early evidence that targeted muscle training can increase muscle thickness and therefore improve facial structure – but face workouts aren’t a substitute for a facelift. They’re like Pilates for the face: good for tone, posture and habit – but not magic. So what can you genuinely expect if you start now and keep going until summer? And which facial exercises are the best to do? What face workouts can (and can’t) do “By summer, if someone starts now and is consistent, the realistic outcome is improved muscle tone, slightly better facial posture and a fresher look at rest,” explains Misquitta. But she is clear on the limits: “[you can’t expect] wrinkle removal, skin tightening [or] lifting sagging tissue. “Facial exercises do not rebuild collagen, replace fat loss or reverse gravity. You can’t out-exercise biology. At best, you’re toning the scaffolding, not rebuilding the building.” The benefits largely come from circulation, lymphatic drainage and subtle muscle tone. This is also why skincare still matters as much as facial gymnastics – because good skin makes any improvement look better. As she puts it, “skin quality decides whether muscle tone looks good or just looks tense.” Misquitta recommends a strong daily SPF to future-proof skin alongside a nourishing, barrier-supporting moisturiser that helps the skin respond better to any routine change. Where you’ll see results first Areas with thicker, functional muscles respond best. “Cheeks, lower face and jawline tend to show the most visible response,” says Misquitta. These muscles are the only ones that can hypertrophy (grow and strengthen) in the face, though far more slowly and modestly than body muscles. But some areas won’t budge. Under-eye hollows, temple loss, forehead lines and deep folds are driven by bone and fat changes rather than weak muscles. “Trying to fix under-eye hollows with facial yoga is like trying to fix a flat tyre by massaging it,” she says. The best exercises and how often to do them If you’re imagining theatrical grimacing in the mirror, you’re in luck. “The best exercises are boring, controlled and unsexy,” Misquitta says. “These are not about pulling faces or scrunching skin. If you’re doing that, you’re training wrinkles, not muscles.” She says a good starting point is a gentle cheek-resistance exercise. Begin with a soft, relaxed smile and place your fingertips lightly on the fleshy part of your cheeks. As you lift the cheeks into that soft smile, use your fingers to create a slight resistance. You should feel the muscles working under the skin – but you shouldn’t see deep creasing around the eyes or mouth. If you do, ease off. This targets the muscles that support the mid-face and helps improve tone over time. Another simple movement is the tongue-to-palate press. Rest your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, while gently lengthening through the neck and lifting the chin a fraction. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Done consistently, this improves lower-face posture and mild muscle tone – without strain or jaw-clenching. Finally, controlled lip resistance works the muscles around the mouth. Keep the lips together naturally and place two fingers lightly over them. Press the lips gently together while your fingers resist the movement ever so slightly. Avoid puckering or scrunching – the movement should be subtle and smooth. If chin dimpling or deep lines appear, you’re using too much force. Five to ten minutes, four to five times a week, is enough. “More is not better. Overdoing facial exercises is like overdoing crunches. You don’t get a six-pack faster, you just get a sore neck.” Expect subtle changes from six to eight weeks, with best results around three to four months. Tools vs tech: which one’s better? It’s difficult to know what’s marketing and what will actually make a difference when it comes to beauty tech. Is a microcurrent device actually better than a simple gua sha? Misquitta says some at-home microcurrent devices can, like a basic gua sha, boost lymphatic flow but they can also temporarily stimulate muscle contraction. “They produce a mild lift that lasts hours to days,” she explains. “Think of it like a good push-up bra for the face. Useful, temporary and absolutely not structural change.” In-clinic devices, however, sit in a different league. “Technologies such as EMFACE combine radiofrequency with high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation,” she says. Early data suggests improved muscle tone and some dermal remodelling – but again, it doesn’t promise anything permanent. “[It’s] no replacement to a surgical lift. It is pure muscle stimulation only with early evidence and heavy marketing.” But Misquitta is keen to emphasises that skincare is the key to whether these tools actually work. “Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable,” she explains. “Retinoids improve collagen and skin texture over time and a basic moisturiser that supports the skin barrier [will do] the job.” When not to do face exercises But facial yoga isn’t suitable for everyone. “People with active inflammatory skin conditions, significant jaw joint problems, recent facial surgery or recently placed fillers should avoid facial exercises or get proper medical advice first,” Misquitta explains. You can also overtrain your face. Warning signs include jaw pain, headaches, tightness, deeper expression lines or constant muscle fatigue. “Facial ageing is often driven by chronic tension, not weakness,” she says. “If your face feels tighter, more uncomfortable or permanently clenched, that’s not progress. That’s your face asking you to stop.” The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

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Rome (dpa) – If you are embracing dry January, why not make it the month you taste some alcohol-free wine? After all, just weeks ago, the Italian government approved the production of non-alcoholic wine after years of resisting the move. As if in time for the month many of us slash our alcohol intake, the ministries of finance and agriculture in Rome signed a decree that officially establishes the tax framework for domestic production of alcohol-free wines. Wine from which the alcohol has been removed has been considered wine in the EU since 2021. But Italy had long resisted adopting this regulation, with winemakers fearing a dilution of Italian wine culture. Some, such as Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party also initially spoke out against the step. But there was a sea change around a year ago as Italy responded to the growing popularity of so-called NoLo wines – with no or low alcohol content – and cleared the way for the production of de-alcoholized wine. All that was needed was a clear legal framework for this was still missing. Now, the decree is signed, providing clarity on excise duties, licences and distribution. It also regulates the approval, storage, administrative obligations and transport regulations for NoLo wines. This will enable wineries to finalize ongoing projects, which, according to Lollobrigida – opens up new opportunities. "I am confident that our producers will achieve excellence in this sector as well," the minister says. Representatives of the wine industry expressly welcomed the move. The demand for wines with lower alcohol content can no longer be considered a fad, but rather a long-term change, they said. Why try going dry? Whether you don't drink alcohol generally, or are reducing your intake, there are more and more opportunities to try alcohol-free drinks. And for many, the start of a new year is associated with fresh attempts at self-improvement and personal growth. One increasingly popular resolution is "Dry January:" a commitment to go alcohol-free for the entire month, according to the British National health Service (NHS). After all, in Britain, one in five adults (about 10 million people) in England regularly drink at levels that significantly increase their risk of harm, at more than 14 units per week (that’s about six pints of normal strength beer or lager, or a bottle and a half of wine, per week). So, for many, no matter where we live, January can provide a perfect opportunity for a reset. After all, 31 days without alcohol can give lots of obvious benefits, like more energy, improved concentration, and boosted mood, as well as a chance to save some money, the NHS health specialists say. It does you good in other ways too. Research shows that a month off alcohol leads to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood. The following information is not intended for publication dpa rme xxde hgo nca rdp arw

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At first, it's a heart-warming story about music and love – then "Song Sung Blue" turns into a drama. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson shine as amateur musicians in good times and bad. And teach us three things about life. Berlin (dpa) – Many artists hope music will make them rich and famous. The film "Song Sung Blue" is a tribute to those who do not manage to do so. Inspired by true stories, actors Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson sing and play a musician couple who won local fame in the late 80s and 90s in the US, as a cover band playing Neil Diamond songs. But that was not enough for a big breakthrough. In this film, director Craig Brewer shines a light on the daily lives and struggles of amateur musicians, which are often overlooked. "I live in Memphis, Tennessee, and music is very much a part of our culture in Memphis. I have many friends that playing in rock clubs every night, and they're amazing up on stage," Brewer told dpa. "And then the next morning, they're serving me coffee at the local diner." Musicians needing side gigs This brings us to the first of three life tips provided by "Song Sung Blue." For Mike and Claire Sardina, the real-life models for the film's plot, the chance of a music career seems long gone. He is a Vietnam veteran, a recovering alcoholic and works as a mechanic. She works as a hairdresser, struggling as a single mother, singing at best on small stages. But there is a spark between the two of them, both in terms of music and personally. Their shared passion for music and defiant optimism give rise to the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. Hudson sees this neither as naivety nor financial recklessness, but as the true path to happiness. "If it makes you fulfilled, even if you have to supplement by working in other ways, if you have to make music, you are following your dream," she says. That is pretty fitting for an actress who became famous with "Almost Famous." Hudson says she does not measure success by world fame or chart hits. "I think that more people need to [understand] it's okay to be a musician that didn't achieve Mick Jagger success," says Hudson, who now also performs as a singer. "It means that you're living your life the way you want to live your life." Who knows where it will take you Putting passion before money was also important to Hudson's film partner Hugh Jackman, who looks back to his time at drama school. "I just loved that. I thought, if I never work a day in my life, these have been the best three years of my life," he told dpa. So if you have a passion but no guarantee of success, this life tip is for you: In Jackman's words, "Just do it. That's what I always say, and you never know where it'll go." Who knows – that could even be Broadway, where Jackman now regularly dances and sings in shows alongside his acting career, where he is known from "Deadpool & Wolverine," or "The Greatest Showman". 'Is my life over?’ We find a second life tip from "Song Sung Blue" concerning the courage to make a new start later on in life. Mike and Claire only find each other and their calling as Neil Diamond tribute musicians once they are middle aged. This is a recurring theme for director Brewer. "It's been something that I've been exploring, I would say, over a couple of movies. I know that 'Hustle and Flow' is one of them. The Eddie Murphy movie, 'Dolomite is my Name'. It seems I'm really interested in people that are in their 40s and 50s and sometimes 60s saying 'Is my life over?' 'Does that mean that I can't fall in love again?'" Brewer, 54, says there is exactly one right time for a new start. "The time for that to happen is when you feel it most passionately … you have to, to some extent, allow yourself to move forward." He has no time for doubts or external circumstances as excuses. "I think the only people that really are keeping us back is ourselves" For better or for worse – rash promise? The third and final life tip unfolds its power in the darkest moments of "Song Sung Blue." Suddenly, struggles descend upon Mike and Claire, at which point, they have long been married. Like countless other married couples, they promised to be there for each other in good times and bad – without realising how hard the test of time could prove to be. The film is not exaggerating – this part of the story actually happened. "This couple go through probably more ups and downs than most, but everybody does. The movie is very much about how these two rescue each other, show up for each other, are there for each other through the really, really hard times," says Jackman. The fact that Hudson, unlike Jackman, received a Golden Globe nomination for her role is probably due primarily to this dark period. In the first part, Jackman and Hudson carry the story through their charisma and their captivating chemistry on stage. Jackman throws himself into his role wholeheartedly and without shame – including singing at home in his underwear. But the way Hudson leads the previously radiant Claire into the abyss is moving. ‘This kind of love’ "This is one of the things I love about this movie that I think people will really find refreshing," Hudson says. At a time when relationships often end quickly, "Song Sung Blue" tells a story of a deeper kind of romance. "I think in this day and age, it's really easy to leave somebody," says Hudson. "The strength to power through something with someone, that type of love is what we're all looking for." That brings us to our third life tip furnished by Jackman. "It's really about family, and they believe in each other, too," he says. That makes "Song Sung Blue" a feel-good film all the way to the end, even if there are moments of pain, too, along the way. "Song Sung Blue" is getting an international cinematic release between December and February. The following information is not intended for publication dpa rt zlp gth xxde arw coh

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Berlin (dpa) – De-icing salt might help us make it down the street during the winter without slipping, but it comes at a cost to pavements, trees and pets. For this reason Germany, Austria and other parts of Europe have even moved to ban private use of road salt, even imposing fines in some places. Even if it's still allowed in your area, you should consider a less harmful alternative to help protect trees and pet paws from drying out. "Road salt corrodes roots and impairs the nutrient content of the soil. The salt accumulates in the soil and then interferes with the water absorption of trees all year round," explains Christian Hönig, head of the biodiversity department at the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND). Fortunately, alternatives known as blunt gritting agents can break up ice while providing traction for shoes and tyres. "The point of these gritting agents is to break through smooth surfaces – so that shoes can grip the pavement or tyres can grip the road. In principle, all classic gritting materials are suitable for this," says Hönig. These include sand, gravel, ash, wood shavings or granulate. Choosing the right material Coarser materials like gravel, granulate, or sawdust often stay in place longer, while sand is washed away more quickly, says Hönig. "With coarser gravel, you can be generous so that the individual stones cover the surface of the pavement." If bicycles are also travelling on the path, sand may be the better choice instead of gravel. This is because the bicycle tyre often has more grip with finer grit, "especially as sand is easier to spread over larger areas." Sustainability matters To grit your paths without burdening the environment, you can check for environmental seals on your gritting materials. If you want to pay even more attention to sustainability, you should avoid gritting materials that require energy to produce and long transport routes – such as volcanic rock that has to be extracted. Instead, regional by-products like leftover wood chips, sawdust or ash are ideal. "If there's a sawmill or joinery nearby, you can ask them if they have any leftover wood chips or sawdust," says Hönig. If you're lucky, you might even save money and not even have to pay for the waste product. The only important thing is that the wood used must be untreated – not varnished – to avoid releasing harmful substances into the environment. The same applies to ash: only use ash from your own fireplace so you know the source, Hönig notes. Ice removal tips Gritting is one thing. But the best protection against slipperiness is to remove existing layers of ice. Hot water can help here. However, this is usually only useful in certain areas. "It doesn't automatically eliminate the risk of slipping," says Hönig. In fact, this method even brings risks. "Icy surfaces are particularly dangerous if they only thaw and then form a slippery film of water on them." Ideally, ice and snow should be removed when it has just fallen because the surface often only becomes really slippery when it is compacted under pressure like our footsteps or tyres. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn mod xxde mls coh

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London (PA Media/dpa) – Dogs fed on premium, meat-rich pet food can have a bigger dietary carbon footprint than their owners, a new study has found. Scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter calculated the carbon footprint of almost 1,000 commercially available dog foods, based on emissions generated during the production of ingredients. Their sample included a selection of dry, wet and raw foods, including plant-based and grain-free options. The researchers found “striking” differences in the environmental impact of different foods, with those with the highest impact generating up to 65 times more emissions than the lowest. Wet, raw and meat-rich products were found to generate substantially more emissions than dry dog food. Meanwhile, dry foods marketed as “grain-free” tended to have a higher carbon footprint than non-grain-free options. The researchers said using large amounts of prime meat – which could otherwise be eaten by humans – pushes up emissions, while the use of nutritious, low-demand cuts can have a lower climate impact. They also said plant-based dog foods are likely to reduce emissions, but cautioned that only a small number of such foods were available in the study. Overall the researchers estimated that the production of ingredients used in UK dog food contributes about 1% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. They added that if all the dogs in the world were were given the same food as dogs in the UK, this could generate greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to over half of those from burning jet fuel in commercial flights each year. The study’s principal investigator, John Harvey, from the University of Edinburgh, said: “As a veterinary surgeon working on environmental sustainability, I regularly see owners torn between ideals of dogs as meat‑eating ‘wolves’ and their wish to reduce environmental harm. “Our research shows just how large and variable the climate impact of dog food really is.” The researchers called for greater transparency and clearer labelling of dog food ingredients, to help owners make informed choices as pet ownership continues to rise. They said dog owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint without switching to a different food type should check the labels, and aim for foods with a lower prime meat content. Mr Harvey went on: “It’s important for owners to know that choosing grain-free, wet or raw foods can result in higher impacts compared to standard dry kibble foods. “The pet food industry should make sure meat cuts used are of the types not typically eaten by humans, and that labelling is clear. “These steps can help us have healthy, well-fed dogs with a smaller pawprint on the planet.” The study, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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In a year dominated by indie games, 2025 showcased the power of human creativity in gaming, as players sought authenticity over AI-driven shortcuts. As artificial intelligence has seeped more into daily life, it’s been met with a mix of acceptance and repulsion. The technology has been used to modify photos and improve productivity, but it has also threatened jobs and created havoc with the truth. When it comes to video games, players abhor AI. It’s associated with slop and the deluge of nice-looking but cheaply made games. That has created a hunger for authenticity. Players want games made by human artists with code that’s crafted with flesh and blood, and that’s reflected in the best games of the year. It’s been the year of indies, games made by small teams compared to the multi-studio efforts behind “Call of Duty” or “Assassin’s Creed.” These indie games are passion projects, and the care put into their development shows in the quality of the games. Here are the top 10 games of 2025. 1. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”:Sandfall Interactive is a studio formed by an ex-Ubisoft employee who wanted to create a project inspired by Japanese role-playing games. That led to an impressive and epic tale about Gustave, Lune and the rest of Expedition 33, working together to stop the Paintress from eliminating a generation of people in the city of Lumiere. The campaign begins with a big shock that pulls players into its distinct Belle Epoque world. The RPG is backed with solid mechanics that introduce QuickTime-type elements into the turn-based combat that reward skill as well as strategy. Combine that with unforgettable characters and heartbreaking moments, and it’s the best adventure of 2025. 2. “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach”:Director Hideo Kojima takes players to Australia this time around as protagonist Sam Porter Bridges once again has to reconnect a continent to the Chiral Network. The original was a brilliant but messy project, but the sequel refines those ideas and brings them into focus. Kojima improves the balance of combat, stealth and exploration while telling a more intriguing story as Sam deals with tragedy and finds redemption in his mission. Of course, no Kojima title would be complete with a little bit of craziness, but even the more far-out aspects of the game make more sense and are a thrilling part of the journey. 3. “Hades 2”:I slept on the 2020 original, but after recently playing the roguelike game, I tore through the sequel, which carries over the core ideas of the original. The follow-up is brilliant because it adapts the gameplay to a new character, Melinoë, the princess of the underworld. She’s raised in the Crossroads and becomes hellbent on defeating Chronos, the Titan of Time, who overthrew her father, Hades, and imprisoned the rest of her family. As Melinoë, players have different weapons and movement options, including a slower dash and a sprint. She also travels to different locales from the original, delving into the underworld and also fighting to the surface. The latter path is more difficult than the former. The joy of this roguelike is crafting a strategy and learning the systems before ultimately dying and dying again. Players learn from the failure, improve their skills and advance in an addictive gameplay loop. 4. “Hollow Knight: Silksong”:Team Cherry came out of nowhere to create a massive indie hit with the original “Hollow Knight,” a game that pushed the Metroidvania genre in extreme ways. It’s a game known for its difficulty, as players take on the role of the title character, who ventures into the insect kingdom of Hallownest. The follow-up, “Silksong,” lets players control Hornet, a character who appeared in the first game, as she finds herself in a new world called Pharloom. Just like “Hollow Knight,” the sequel amps up the difficulty as players have to learn Hornet’s new abilities and master her weapon, the needle. They also have to adjust to her abilities that rely on tools and agility. “Silk Song” also features a much bigger map and longer adventure. 5. “Monster Hunter Wilds”:Capcom’s latest entry to the long-running series takes plenty of risks by bringing the campaign to a more open world and introducing a Focus Mode that lets players target creatures’ body parts and their wounds. The changes were all excellent moves that the franchise needed to grow, but the game also ran into issues for titles built to last months or even years after launch. “Wilds” needed more meaningful content to keep fans happy and sustain momentum. That’s something that could have been improved on. It was a game so good that players wanted more. 6. “Ghost of Yotei”:This year saw two open-world samurai epics. Ubisoft launched “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” a sprawling adventure that hits familiar notes, while Sucker Punch Productions released a more artful adventure in “Ghost of Yotei.” The latter was the superior title because of its tighter focus. “Ghost of Yotei” is a revenge tale that follows Atsu, whose family is murdered by a rogue samurai named Lord Saito. Her thirst to kill him and his lieutenants leads her on an adventure through Japan’s northernmost island. Sucker Punch gives players more weapons, gear and ways to customize their version of Atsu as she travels around Ezo’s regions and picks off the names on her list. 7. “Arc Raiders”:Embark Studios struck gold with its second major project, an extraction shooter that puts players in the role of a raider who travels to the surface to scavenge resources in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by robots. The online game not only pits players against computer-controlled drones and mechs, they also have to fight each other. Like other extraction shooters, players venture across the surface and grab items used to upgrade their gear. Finding the scraps and blueprints is easy, but holding onto them is another matter as players have to escape the surface to keep them. That creates tension and moments of emergent gameplay, where players craft their own stories in a savage world. 8. “Donkey Kong Bananza”:Although“Mario Kart World” launched with the Nintendo Switch 2, it wasn’t the best game for the system that came out during the summer. This adventure starring the Japanese company’s famed ape showed off the power of the new system while also introducing new elements to Donkey Kong’s 3-D adventure. The ability to dig around in the environment created inspired world design as the ape and his sidekick Pauline journey to the center of the world. Each underground biome is a joy to explore while also providing challenges that let the world-changing gameplay element shine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7IEg0_qNXs 9. “Doom: The Dark Ages”:In the 2016 “Doom” reboot, texts offered hints of the Doom Slayer’s past, and in this prequel, players explore that history through an ingenious campaign. The gameplay diverges from the high-flying acrobatics of its predecessors and instead focuses on a ground game that’s reminiscent of a tank. Much of that has to do with a shield that can repel attacks, interact with the environment and brutalize adversaries. Although the gameplay feels more grounded and horizontal, id Software creates epic moments when the Doom Slayer will be flying through the air aboard a Wintherin or bashing building-sized demons in an Atlan mech. All of it adds up to one of the most intense and visceral experiences of the year. 10. “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound”:Before the late Tomonobu Itagaki revamped the ninja-focused series, it was an epic 2-D side scroller that impressed players at arcades and pushed the NES to its limits. This retro-style game continues the vision of those chapters but puts players in control of two protagonists – Kenji Mozu and Kumori. The two are rivals in the beginning but learn to work together as they battle demons who have taken over …

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