Sunday, 23 August 2026

Dr Jeremy Nell said the new shingles vaccine is over 90% effective for over-50s, is safe for immunocompromised people, and may cut dementia risk by about 25%, though that link is not yet definitive.

Marcel van Thiel’s new book argues African snakes are usually avoiding people, not attacking them; he singled out puff adders, spitting cobras and the Peringuey’s adder, and called common repellents ineffective.

Sarah Kumalo said she has completed the seven highest peaks on seven continents, is pursuing the Explorer’s Grand Slam, and returned from her 10th Kilimanjaro summit after years of training and setbacks on Everest.

She described being sidelined by racism and bias on Everest, including being told she might only belong at base camp, but said setbacks taught her to climb slowly, pace herself and support others who come after her.

The music slot marked 44 years of the compact disc, with Dr Sheldon Leal tracing its rise from laser-disc technology to a cheaper, portable format that pushed back against streaming and still has a loyal following.