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Could strengthening exercises work better than painkillers for back pain? Most people will be affected at some time鈥� prompting them to reach for the painkillers. Researchers from the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney recently showed that paracetamol is no better than a placebo or dummy pill for treating lower back pain. So now they want to see if strengthening exercises can prevent the pain from coming back.

The Aztecs, Ancient Greeks and Romans all used the metal copper to treat diseases, while the Ancient Egyptians used it to sterilise chest wounds and drinking water. Its antibacterial properties are employed in many hospitals - where it鈥檚 used on surfaces to reduce the risk of infections. In one children鈥檚 cancer unit in Chile鈥檚 capital, Santiago, they鈥檙e trialling a new, cheaper way of using it.

When children leave home their parents can experience 鈥渆mpty nest syndrome鈥� 鈥� feeling lonely and like their house is too quiet. In some parts of the world the high cost of housing forces the adult children to return - after studying or travelling. This 鈥渂oomerang鈥� generation can have a positive impact on the mental health of their parents 鈥� according to a new European study of 27 different countries.

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