The number of people living past 90 and reaching or exceeding 100 years of age has been doubling every decade since the 1970s, according to Karin Modig, professor of epidemiology at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. A study published in GeroScience examines common biomarkers in nonagenarians and centenarians, following 44,000 Swedes over 35 years, with 1,224 (2.7%) surpassing 100 years. The study, the largest of its kind, analyzed 12 blood biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, nutrition, and anemia, which have been associated with aging or mortality in previous studies.

The final stages of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) have begun, with discussions on ending the fossil fuel era and transitioning to clean energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) analyzed the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions if all COP28 commitments were fulfilled, concluding that emissions could be reduced by 4 gigatons of CO2 equivalent by 2030 compared to current state policies. However, the IEA also noted that the commitments are not ambitious enough to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Queen Sofia, accompanied by her sister Irene of Greece, presided over the BMW Painting Awards at the Teatro Real in Madrid. The event highlighted the importance of harmony and balance, with a focus on environmental care. The ceremony featured various musical performances and emphasized individual and collective well-being. The president of the BMW Group, Manuel Terroba, spoke about the need for balance in a chaotic world. The event supported the Fundación Mundo en Armonía, led by Princess Irene, with funds going to earthquake relief in Morocco. Sonia Navarro won the main painting prize, and Beatriz Rubial won in the digital art category, with record participation and increased female involvement.

The Asociación de Ayuda a Niños Oncológicos de Galicia (Asanog) runs the 'Siente y sonríe' project, providing psychological and socioeconomic support to pediatric oncology patients, funded by Fundación Mutua Madrileña. The project addresses the emotional, educational, and social challenges faced by children with cancer and their families, offering support both inside and outside hospitals. Over a thousand people have been impacted by the project, with 249 directly benefiting from the program at the time of reporting.

Cats and humans have coexisted for thousands of years, with evidence of their relationship dating back to 8,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Levant. Cats have several fascinating characteristics, such as the ability to rotate their ears 180 degrees, a third eyelid for protection, an olfactory sense 14 times better than humans, and healing properties in their purring. They are adapted to survive in extreme conditions, have a highly flexible spine, and an excellent sense of balance. Cats cannot taste sweetness and are lactose intolerant. Their brains share many similarities with human brains, including the ability to store and process information efficiently.

The article discusses the political situation in Afghanistan during the presidential elections, focusing on the run-off between Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. Despite threats from the Taliban, about 7 million Afghans, including a significant number of women, participated in the polls. The international media suggests a coalition government due to the ethnic divisions and security concerns, while local media emphasize respect for the constitution and the democratic process. The article also highlights the challenges of potential electoral fraud, the influence of warlords, and the rise of a new generation of activists. Security concerns have escalated with recent Taliban attacks, including an attempt on candidate Abdullah. The article contrasts the perspectives of international and local media on the importance of constitutional adherence versus the practicality of a coalition government to ensure stability and representation of major ethnic groups.

The article is a first-person account of the author's experience visiting Israel and Palestine, particularly the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The author describes the stark contrast between the beauty of the land and the harsh realities of occupation, conflict, and suffering. They were part of a study trip organized by the Dutch NGO Horizons, which aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The author criticizes the media's portrayal of the conflict and emphasizes the asymmetry between the occupier (Israel) and the occupied (Palestine). They highlight the daily struggles of Palestinians living under occupation, including restricted access to resources like water and the constant threat of violence. The article also touches on the resilience and hope of the Palestinian people, despite the ongoing occupation and the failure of peace processes. The author advocates for a one-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live together with equal rights.