Several European companies are promoting insect protein as a sustainable food source, citing benefits such as lower emissions, reduced land use, and contributions to the circular economy. Despite regulatory hurdles and consumer reluctance, companies like Ÿnsect and FlyFeed are making strides in the market. Antoine Hubert of Ÿnsect emphasizes the environmental advantages, while Nathalie Berezina of FlyFeed highlights the role of insects in the circular economy. The European Food Safety Agency's recent approvals are expected to boost market growth, though consumer acceptance remains a challenge.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disease affecting around 10% of women worldwide, causing severe pain and other symptoms. Despite its prevalence, there is a significant delay in diagnosis, averaging eight years. Awareness is slowly increasing, partly due to campaigns like Intimina's film 'The Wait.' The article highlights personal stories of women suffering from endometriosis and discusses the challenges in getting a timely diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery, hormone therapy, and pain relief, but there is no cure, and symptoms can recur.

Paris, while iconic, is expensive and crowded. However, there are nine other French destinations that offer rich cultural experiences at a lower cost. Strasbourg, known for its Gothic cathedral and European political institutions, and Arles, famous for its Roman monuments and photography festival, are highlighted. Annecy offers picturesque views and tranquil lake experiences, while the Basque Country and Brittany provide unique cultural and outdoor activities. Corsica, with its dual Italian-French culture, and Nantes, noted for its environmental commitment, are also featured. Marseille, France's oldest city, and Lyon, the former capital with a rich architectural heritage, round out the list.

The article highlights several positive news stories, including an anonymous donor paying off student loans for 100 students at Wiley College in Texas, the opening of the UK's first queer history museum, a co-living initiative in France that promotes social inclusion for young people with disabilities, an Albanian farmer using coffee waste as fertilizer, and a passenger successfully landing a plane in Florida with no prior flying experience. These stories emphasize generosity, innovation, and community support.

British actor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in 'Sex Education,' will become the first black actor to play the lead character in the BBC's 'Doctor Who.' Gatwa, born in Rwanda and raised in Scotland, will succeed Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Time Lord in 2023. The announcement has been met with excitement and praise, with Gatwa expressing his honor and commitment to the role. The series, which has seen declining ratings in recent years, will also see the return of showrunner Russell T Davies. Gatwa's casting marks a significant milestone in the show's history, continuing its legacy of diverse and groundbreaking portrayals.

The 94th Academy Awards featured notable wins and unexpected moments. 'CODA' won Best Picture, while Jessica Chastain and Will Smith took home Best Actress and Best Actor awards, respectively. Will Smith also made headlines for slapping Chris Rock on stage. Jane Campion won Best Director for 'The Power of the Dog,' and Kenneth Branagh received Best Original Screenplay for 'Belfast.' 'Drive My Car' won Best Foreign Film, and Disney's 'Encanto' was awarded Best Animated Film. 'Dune' secured six Oscars, including production design and Hans Zimmer's score.

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, concerns grow over the use of thermobaric rockets by Russia, particularly the TOS-1 heavy flamethrower system. These weapons, known for their devastating impact, combine shockwaves and vacuums to create high-temperature explosions. Experts highlight their destructive potential, with historical use in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria. Human Rights Watch and the US Defence Intelligence Agency have documented their lethal effects on living targets. ICAN condemns the invasion of Ukraine and warns of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear threats by Vladimir Putin.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa, has spread to 85 countries. European nations are among those with confirmed cases, with varying numbers reported by each country. The UK has experienced a significant outbreak, with over 11,000 cases and one confirmed death. Governments are responding with new restrictions and considering mandatory vaccinations. The situation is evolving, with updates on case numbers and government responses.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa, has spread to 85 countries, with confirmed cases across Europe. The article provides updates on the number of cases in various European countries as of December 16, 2021, and mentions measures taken by governments in response to the variant. The UK has reported the only known fatality from Omicron, and the variant's spread is doubling every two to three days according to Prof Neil Ferguson. The article also notes that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the UK Health Security Agency are sources for the case numbers.

A French study by the Public Assistance Paris Hospitals, Bichat Hospital, and the Biomedicine Agency, published in Plos Medicine, indicates a higher risk of premature births and other maternal morbidities in pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19. The study analyzed data from 244,645 deliveries in France during the first wave of the pandemic, finding that COVID-19 positive pregnant women were more likely to experience complications such as pre-eclampsia, hemorrhage, and caesarean births. The study suggests that vaccination from the second trimester may help mitigate these risks, although it acknowledges limitations such as the inability to establish direct causality and the exclusion of asymptomatic cases.