German business is pinning its hopes on greater stability in US trade relations after a midterm blow for Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Germany's automakers appear to be feeling less gloomy than in recent years.
A new study suggests that ultra-processed foods may influence children's developing brains in ways that encourage weight gain. Researchers from USC studied 46 children ages 7 to 10 and found that those who ate more ultra-processed foods showed stronger activity in the brain's reward system when viewing tempting foods like cookies and French fries. These heightened brain responses were linked to greater increases in body fat and body mass index (BMI) one year later, suggesting that the brain's sensitivity to food cues may help explain why ultra-processed diets are associated with obesity.
Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Experts say on average, a woman dies every two hours from complications during childbirth. The problem has become more accute since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with access to healthcare for Afghan women becoming increasingly difficult. FRANCE 24's team reports from on the ground.