In 2023, the illegal cigarette trade across Europe continued to grow, with over 52 billion illicit cigarettes consumed across the continent, according to a new report by KPMG. The study, commissioned by Philip Morris International (PMI), reveals that nearly one in 10 cigarettes smoked in Europe is illicit, highlighting the persistence of organised crime and illegal manufacturing. The European Union (EU) alone saw 35.2 billion illicit cigarettes consumed, marking a slight increase from the previous year. France remains the largest illicit market within the EU, accounting for nearly half (47.7%) of the region’s illegal cigarette consumption. The country lost an…
Author: Humanima
In 2024, searches for “Gen Z slang” in the UK skyrocketed by more than 900%, largely driven by the influence of platforms like TikTok and other social media channels. This sharp rise reflects a growing interest in the ever-evolving language of younger generations, highlighting its increasing role in how we communicate, particularly online. In response to this trend, business administration experts at Vera conducted a study to uncover the text abbreviations most frequently searched for by Brits. Using data from the online analytics tool Ahrefs, they examined 114 abbreviations, analysing search phrases like ‘XX meaning’, ‘What does XX mean’, and…
A popular fitness coach has revealed a simple yet effective hack that allows Nutella lovers to enjoy their favourite chocolate spread without the guilt. The trick or the Nutella hack to cut calories? A simple addition of low-calorie Greek yoghurt can slash the calorie count in half, letting you indulge while keeping your diet on track. Bethany Dobson, a well-known fitness influencer with over 782,000 Instagram followers and 20,000 YouTube subscribers, is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals. Despite her healthy lifestyle, Dobson admits she has an insatiable love for chocolate spreads like Nutella. “The thing is, I…
A recent survey of 2,000 adults who are attracted to men has revealed that facial hair plays a significant role in first impressions and attraction. Among the most favoured facial hair styles, stubble stood out as the top choice for 55% of respondents, with actor Chris Hemsworth as a popular example. Interestingly, while stubble emerged as the sexiest option, moustaches ranked as the least attractive, preferred by only 3% of those surveyed. The survey, conducted by Wilkinson Sword, highlights that facial hair is not just about grooming—it’s also about personality perception. Professor Tim Andrews, a facial perception expert working with…
Living in a fast-paced city might seem overwhelming at times, but research suggests it could actually be key to boosting your happiness and overall wellbeing. While urban environments are often linked with stress and anxiety, the busyness of city life can bring about greater life satisfaction. Chartered mediator Dr. Jeanette Bicknell highlighted that busyness, or the feeling of being busy, plays a significant role in individual wellbeing. In her blog post for Nautil, she discussed how people who lead busy lives, particularly those living in cities, tend to thrive at a faster pace, leading to higher levels of contentment. “Among…
If you’re seeking a natural way to boost your skin’s radiance and add a healthy shine to your hair, the answer might already be in your kitchen. The humble cucumber, often thought of as a vegetable but technically a fruit, could hold the key to a more youthful appearance. Packed with nutrients, cucumber has long been used in beauty routines to refresh and revitalise skin and hair. Let’s discuss the beauty benefits of cucumber. Why Cucumber Is a Beauty Powerhouse Hayley Walker, a beauty expert from Justmylook, highlights the myriad benefits of incorporating cucumber into your skincare routine. Known for…
The global cancer cases has dramatically changed over the past decade, with new cases rising by nearly 30% as life expectancy increases and unhealthy lifestyle habits become more prevalent. This significant uptick underscores a pressing need for enhanced prevention and treatment strategies worldwide. According to a major study conducted by the Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaboration and published in JAMA Oncology, the number of cancer cases globally reached 17.2 million in 2016, with 8.9 million deaths recorded. This represents a 28% increase in new cancer cases from 2006 to 2016, a rise attributed to both an expanding and ageing…
Ever noticed a musty odour wafting from your washing machine? The source can often be lingering residue in the drum. While shop-bought cleaning products are an option, they can be expensive and contain chemicals you might want to avoid. Thankfully, there’s a simple and natural solution that involves just two everyday household items: lemon and toothpaste. Anna Louisa, a popular home cleaning enthusiast, shared this ingenious trick on TikTok, where her video has garnered over four million views. Anna shows how you can clean your washing machine without the need for scrubbing or costly cleaners. The secret? A lemon and…
A recent study highlights concerns among parents regarding the nutritional value of their children’s packed lunches. According to the research, one in five parents admits to using the same sandwich filling daily, often due to convenience or their child’s preferences. As schools prepare for the new academic year, this study brings the importance of balanced meals to the forefront. Dietician Lucy Kerrison offers insight into the “ideal” lunchbox, which should include a protein-filled sandwich, a vegetable snack, fruit, and a dairy item. Kerrison suggests including one portion of starches, such as bread, pasta, or rice, along with one to two…
Mushrooms have long been the wellness trend of the moment, popping up in coffee, supplements, and even beer. Now, Dyson is introducing them as a secret weapon in the battle against frizzy hair with their latest innovation: Chitosan. Dyson’s new mushroom-based hair product, which includes styling cream, promises to reduce frizz by up to 50%, thanks to chitosan—a compound derived from the cell walls of oyster mushrooms. Chitosan, which is commonly used in skincare products, has been discovered by Dyson researchers to have properties that can tame unruly hair. Dyson’s new product range, named after this hero ingredient, will be…