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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ruth Langsford's savvy 'upside-down' salad trick explained
Loose Women star Ruth Langsford shared her 'upside-down salad' recipe with fans last year Ruth Langsford has taken to Instagram to share her ingenious 'upside-down salad' technique with followers. The 65-year-old Loose Women presenter divulged how her knack for stacking ingredients not only prolongs the salad's crispness but also prevents a dreary, soggy texture. In an Instagram post from September, Ruth provided a simple guide for putting together this creative salad with nine key ingredients. "So, now I'm going to make what I call my 'upside-down salad'," she said at the time, according to SurreyLive. "So, basically, I put everything in layers in one of these [glass tubs], which means that when I tip it out, the lettuce is on the bottom and everything else that I want is in layers. Anyway, you get the gist. "So, basically I put kitchen roll in the bottom [of the tub] because then any kind of juices from the tomatoes and cucumber soak a bit into that, so the whole salad doesn't get soggy. So, that's the gist, and let me show you how I do it." Kicking off her salad assembly, Ruth commenced by chopping a variety of little tomatoes along with onions, unperturbed by the tomatoes' minor squishiness as she combined them. She continued: "Tuna on top of that. "I like tuna in olive oil, maybe a bit more calorific, but I don't care because I love the taste. One hard-boiled egg, you can put them the other way around, so that when you tip it up the yolks' pointing up at you. It doesn't really matter. "Then some avocado, this is a bit brown, because I actually chopped it last night to use for something else and forgot it. It's been in the fridge, it's a bit brown, but it's fine because it will be covered in salad dressing. "Black olives, if you like them, I love them. There's the cucumber - I scraped the seeds out because they are very wet and watery and will make that [salad] go soggy. Cucumber in, and then all I've got to do now is put the lettuce on." Ruth presented her packed lunch to the viewers, displaying the colourful layers of her homemade salad creation. To complete the ensemble, she lavishly poured her treasured Brianna's Honey Mustard Dressing, a delightful extra flavour. "There you go! That's tomorrow's upside-down salad," she concluded, while adding in the video caption: "I take this to work most days….stops me grabbing unhealthy, processed food. "Even when you make a healthy choice and buy a salad, in my experience, they're mostly leaves!! This way you get a good, decent portion salad and you get to put all the things you like in it!" In addition to its delicious taste, Ruth's layered salad contains an impressive collection of 'superfoods', which are often defined as nutrient-rich foods considered beneficial for health and well-being. For instance, a 2024 study from the University of Bristol revealed that men who ate over 10 portions of tomatoes a week saw an 18% decrease in their risk of developing prostate cancer. Nutritionist Helen Bell from Help & Advice acknowledged this during a conversation with the Mirror, noting that cooking tomatoes could enhance their protective effects. "There is evidence suggesting that tomatoes might lower prostate cancer risk, largely due to lycopene," she said. "This antioxidant is thought to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer cell growth. When I've looked into it, cooking tomatoes seems to increase lycopene availability, so enjoying them in sauces or soups might be particularly beneficial." Moreover, health experts frequently praise avocados for their abundant omega-3 content, crucial fats for brain and heart well-being. Experts at the US-based University of Rochester Medical Centre previously explain ed: "Omega-3s are a helpful and important form of fat. Your body needs it but can't make it. Your body needs 2 forms of omega fatty acids. "These are omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 is the most important. Experts believe that omega-3s help prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy people. They also believe omega-3s can slow progress of the disease in those who already have it." Full list of Ruth Langsford's salad ingredients: Avocado Black olives Cucumber Lettuce Brianna's Honey Mustard Dressing Tomatoes Red onion Tuna in olive oil Hard-boiled eggs
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Science
- RTÉ News
Can you spot a fake smile from the real thing?
Analysis: What makes a smile feel sincere or fake is due to a surprising blend of facial anatomy, neurology and emotional authenticity By Michelle Spear, University of Bristol You've probably heard the claim that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. It's usually framed as a feel-good reason to turn your frown upside down – less effort, more joy. But anatomically, the numbers don't quite add up. We've all seen it – the smile that doesn't quite reach the eyes. From awkward family photos to strained workplace pleasantries, our brains often detect that something is off long before we consciously realise why. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, psychotherapist Padraig O'Morain on why we need to smile more But what is it about a smile that makes it feel sincere — or fake? The answer lies in a surprising blend of facial anatomy, neurology and emotional authenticity. Not all smiles are created equal Anatomically speaking, there are at least two distinct kinds: the Duchenne smile, which reflects genuine happiness, and the non-Duchenne smile, which tends to be more social or strategic. Named after 19th-century French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, the Duchenne smile activates two key muscle groups. The first group is associated with the corners of the mouth – where, for example, the risorius (from the Latin to smile) draws the corners outward and the zygomaticus major muscle lifts them. The second, and most telling, muscle is the orbicularis oculi, which tightens the muscles around the eyes, producing the familiar "crow's feet" and the gentle narrowing we associate with warmth and delight. Fake or polite smiles, on the other hand, usually involve only the mouth muscles. The eyes remain wide or indifferent, and the smile appears more mechanical than meaningful – a kind of emotional camouflage. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Magdalena Rychlowska from the School of Psychology at Queens University Belfast on how villains use smiles Both real and fake smiles depend on cranial nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve, which sends signals from the brain to the muscles of facial expression. However, there's a key neurological difference: Duchenne smiles tend to be generated by the limbic system, the brain's emotional core – particularly the amygdala, an almond-shaped group of neurons that processes emotional salience. Non-Duchenne smiles, by contrast, are often under more conscious cortical control, originating in the motor cortex. This divide means that authentic, emotionally driven smiles are involuntary. You can't easily will your orbicularis oculi to contract convincingly unless you're genuinely feeling the emotion behind the expression. Even professional actors must tap into real memories or method techniques to produce them convincingly. From RTÉ Archives, a 1978 episode of Hall's Pictorial Weekly with regular characters Cha (Michael Twomey) and Miah (Frank Duggan) discussing a notice in a newspaper about smiling for Ireland. Why our brains notice the difference Humans are remarkably good at detecting emotional authenticity. Studies show that even infants as young as ten months can distinguish between real and fake smiles. Evolutionarily, this ability may have helped us assess trustworthiness, recognise true allies and avoid deception. The fusiform gyrus, a part of the brain involved in facial recognition, works closely with the superior temporal sulcus to decode expressions — helping us gauge intention as much as emotion. In modern life, our sensitivity to facial nuance continues to matter. Politicians, customer service workers and public figures frequently rely on the social smile to navigate complex interpersonal expectations. But observers – consciously or not – often pick up on these micro-discrepancies. From TED, Ron Gutman on the hidden power of smiling Fake smiles aren't necessarily malicious. In fact, they serve important social functions: smoothing awkward interactions, signalling politeness, defusing conflict and showing deference. They are a vital part of what sociologists call "emotional labour" – managing one's expressions to meet societal or professional expectations. But this kind of smiling, when sustained for long periods, can be emotionally exhausting. Studies of emotional labour suggest that being required to smile without genuine feeling – especially in service roles – is associated with increased stress, burnout and even cardiovascular strain. As we move further into the age of AI, synthetic faces – from chatbots to virtual assistants – are being programmed to replicate human expressions. Yet the challenge remains: how do you fake authenticity? Engineers can program a smile, but without the micro-contractions around the eyes, many of these expressions still seem disingenuous. Our own anatomy sets the gold standard. So next time you're trying to decode someone's expression, don't just look at the mouth. Watch the eyes. The orbicularis oculi rarely lies.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Unlocking the bond: how your stress influences your dog's behaviour
Dogs are already known to detect stress in humans. Image: Impact Dog Crates/pexels It's no secret that dogs are incredibly attuned to their humans. They seem to know when you're sad when you're happy and even when you're about to take them for a walk. But groundbreaking new research from the UK shows just how deeply your stress can influence your dog not just emotionally but also in the decisions they make. Published in "Scientific Reports", the study reveals that dogs exposed to the scent of human stress are more likely to make pessimistic decisions in ambiguous situations. This fascinating discovery sheds light on the profound connection between human emotions and canine behaviour, offering valuable lessons for dog owners on how to foster a happier and healthier relationship with their pets. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The science behind dogs and stress Dogs are already known to detect stress in humans. Service dogs, for example, are trained to sense changes in cortisol a stress hormone that spikes during moments of anxiety or tension. But this study, led by researchers from the University of Bristol, Cardiff University and Medical Detection Dogs, takes it a step further as it examines how the scent of stress affects a dog's emotional state and decision-making. Service dogs are trained to sense changes in cortisol a stress hormone that spikes during moments of anxiety or tension. Image: Impact Dog Crates/pexels Dr Zoe Parr-Cortes, the study's lead author and a veterinarian at Bristol Veterinary School, explained to NPR: 'Dogs have co-evolved with humans for thousands of years, so it makes sense that they've learned to read our emotions. Understanding our stress could be useful to them, especially if it signals a potential threat in the environment.' How the study worked To test their theory, researchers designed experiments involving both humans and dogs. Here's how it played out: 1. Stress resting humans Volunteers were put in high-pressure situations, including giving a last-minute speech and performing mentally taxing math problems, while researchers maintained 'serious expressions' to amplify social anxiety. Afterwards, the participants relaxed by watching calming videos of forests and oceans. Throughout the process, scientists measured stress indicators like cortisol levels, heart rate, and self-reported anxiety. They also collected sweat and breath samples using cloths placed under the participants' arms. 2. Decision testing dogs 18 dogs of varying breeds participated in decision-making trials. First, they were trained to locate food bowls: one consistently contained food, while another was always empty. Once the dogs learned these positions, researchers introduced a third, ambiguous bowl placed between the two known locations. The big question: would the dogs approach the ambiguous bowl optimistically (expecting food) or hesitantly (assuming it was empty)? 3. The role of stress scents Before making their decision, the dogs were exposed to one of two scents: a cloth carrying the scent of a stressed human or one carrying a relaxed scent. The results were striking. Dogs exposed to the stress scent hesitated longer before approaching the ambiguous bowl, suggesting a more pessimistic relaxed scent, however, had no significant impact. What this means for dog owners This study underscores a powerful truth: your emotional state doesn't just affect you, it affects your dog, too. 'Dogs are incredibly in tune with their owners' emotions. If you're stressed, they're likely picking up on it, which could influence how they feel, behave and even learn,' Parr-Cortes said. This finding has critical implications for dog training and daily interactions: Stress during training can backfire: If you're tense or frustrated, your dog might feel less confident and more hesitant, making it harder for them to learn. Positive reinforcement builds trust: Approaching training with patience, rewards, and a calm demeanour helps your dog feel secure and optimistic. Stressful environments affect behaviour: Dogs living in high-stress households or exposed to anxiety-inducing situations may show signs of pessimism or reluctance in their actions. Why dogs react to stress So, why do dogs respond this way? Dr Parr-Cortes suggests it's an evolutionary advantage as dogs have coexisted with humans for thousands of years, learning to interpret our emotions as survival cues. If a human signals stress whether through body language, tone or scent it could mean danger or a change in the environment. However, Molly Byrne, a Ph.D. student at Boston College who studies comparative cognition, points out that many factors influence how dogs perceive and react to stress. 'Life experiences, temperament, and even breed can shape their behaviour,' she says. Here's how you can use this research to improve your bond with your dog: But groundbreaking new research from the UK shows just how deeply your stress can influence your dog not just emotionally, but in the decisions they make. Image: Impact Dog Crates /pexels 1. Manage your stress If you're feeling anxious, take a moment to calm yourself before engaging with your dog. Breathing exercises, a quick walk or mindfulness techniques can help. 2. Create a positive environment Use rewards, praise and playtime to associate training and daily interactions with joy, not tension.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Campaigner warns blackbird decline is 'taste of future'
A young ornithologist has warned that a mosquito-born disease linked to a sharp decline in blackbird populations is "a taste of what's to come". Mya-Rose Craig, from the Chew Valley in Somerset, said the spread of the Usutu virus is proof British wildlife is struggling "in a way people don't realise". Scientists are monitoring the spread of the virus amid warnings that mosquitoes and the diseases they carry may expand their range under climate change. Ms Craig, 23, who is known as BirdGirlUK on social media, has been campaigning for the environment since the age of 13. She said: "One of the reasons [blackbird decline] concerns me is because it's getting worse because of climate change." She added that with "warmer weather and increased flooding, it feels like kind of a taste of what's to come". More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Data published earlier this week revealed the Usutu virus has spread across most of southern England in just five years, and blackbird populations in Greater London have fallen as much as 40% in that time. Ms Craig, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bristol in 2020, told BBC Breakfast: "My biggest concern is that blackbirds are one of the most common species in the UK, they are everywhere. "When you hear bird song, it's quite often blackbirds that you are hearing, so I think [their decline] is quite upsetting." Ms Craig said she was a "big defender" of the UK's "small, brown" birds. "Our garden species are so special, which is why I find it so worrying - the speed of decline we are experiencing at the moment," she said. "Our wildlife is really, really struggling in the UK in a way I don't think people really realise." Ms Craig added that blackbirds are far from the only species to be hit by climate change, pointing out that starling populations have fallen 80% since the 1960s. "I think a lot of the time, when we are talking about species decline, it feels very separate, but actually imagine a city without bird song - it has a really terrible knock on effect on people as well," she said. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Mosquito-borne killer disease threatens blackbirds Birdgirl pleads for climate action after heatwave 'Birdgirl' receives honorary doctorate aged 17
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Campaigner warns blackbird decline is 'taste of future'
A young ornithologist has warned that a mosquito-born disease linked to a sharp decline in blackbird populations is "a taste of what's to come". Mya-Rose Craig, from the Chew Valley in Somerset, said the spread of the Usutu virus is proof British wildlife is struggling "in a way people don't realise". Scientists are monitoring the spread of the virus amid warnings that mosquitoes and the diseases they carry may expand their range under climate change. Ms Craig, 23, who is known as BirdGirlUK on social media, has been campaigning for the environment since the age of 13. She said: "One of the reasons [blackbird decline] concerns me is because it's getting worse because of climate change." She added that with "warmer weather and increased flooding, it feels like kind of a taste of what's to come". More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol Data published earlier this week revealed the Usutu virus has spread across most of southern England in just five years, and blackbird populations in Greater London have fallen as much as 40% in that time. Ms Craig, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bristol in 2020, told BBC Breakfast: "My biggest concern is that blackbirds are one of the most common species in the UK, they are everywhere. "When you hear bird song, it's quite often blackbirds that you are hearing, so I think [their decline] is quite upsetting." Ms Craig said she was a "big defender" of the UK's "small, brown" birds. "Our garden species are so special, which is why I find it so worrying - the speed of decline we are experiencing at the moment," she said. "Our wildlife is really, really struggling in the UK in a way I don't think people really realise." Ms Craig added that blackbirds are far from the only species to be hit by climate change, pointing out that starling populations have fallen 80% since the 1960s. "I think a lot of the time, when we are talking about species decline, it feels very separate, but actually imagine a city without bird song - it has a really terrible knock on effect on people as well," she said. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Mosquito-borne killer disease threatens blackbirds Birdgirl pleads for climate action after heatwave 'Birdgirl' receives honorary doctorate aged 17
