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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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How to Train Your Brain Like a Pro: Five Science-Backed Tips from Neuroscientists

Your brain is the most complex and powerful organ in your body, and it needs proper care and maintenance to function optimally. Neuroscientists, who study the brain and nervous system, have some tips on how to keep your brain healthy and sharp as you age. Here are five simple habits you can adopt to boost your brain power, according to neuroscientists.

  • Brain health industry boom: The global industry of products and services that claim to support brain health is valued at US $140-billion and expected to grow rapidly, partly due to the projected rise of cognitive disorders in the aging population.
  • Healthy lifestyle choices: Experts say that exercising regularly, abstaining from cigarettes and alcohol, and spending quality time with loved ones can reduce the risk of brain disease by as much as 30 per cent.
  • Hidden threat of social media: Experts warn that social media addictions can erode attention span and hinder deep thought, and suggest replacing scrolling with more cognitively stimulating activities, such as digital games, creative pursuits, reading fiction, or meditation.
  • Best daily practices for brain training: Experts recommend five daily practices that can improve memory, attention, creativity, and social cognition: physical activity, digital games, a creative pursuit, quality time with loved ones, and meditation or self-reflection.

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