Jean Thompson, Author at Dual Cow

The world is getting hotter – this is what it is doing to our brains

Jul

How a hotter Earth is influencing our brains

As global temperatures continue to climb, the effects of a warming planet are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From extreme weather patterns to ecological disruptions, climate change is reshaping the world we live in. One area gaining more attention from scientists is how rising heat is influencing human brain function, decision-making, and overall cognitive health.While the physical effects of heat—such as dehydration, heat stroke, and fatigue—are well documented, new studies are revealing how excessive warmth may also impair mental performance. This connection between heat and cognition is becoming a growing concern, especially as more regions face prolonged heatwaves and higher…

A New Label From an Industry Veteran “Less About Fashion, More About Life”

Jul

By Jean Thompson

Fashion and Trends

Inside an Industry Veteran’s New Label: “Less About Fashion, More About Life”

In a move to distance from quickly changing trends and seasonal fashions, a well-regarded individual in the fashion industry is debuting a new line that emphasizes daily living at its core. This new initiative seeks to create apparel that connects with people’s real-life experiences—straightforward, versatile pieces that seamlessly fit into daily lives with intention and functionality, instead of being merely another fashion brand focused on aesthetics.The founder behind this brand is no stranger to the industry. With years of experience shaping collections for prominent fashion houses and understanding the nuances of global style, they’ve now turned their focus inward, reflecting…

Confusion and anger in Switzerland - hit by highest tariffs in Europe

Jul

By Jean Thompson

Investments and Business

Swiss consumers react to Europe’s highest tariffs

The announcement of new trade tariffs has sparked widespread confusion and growing frustration in Switzerland, which now faces some of the steepest import duties among European nations. Businesses, economists, and government officials are trying to understand why a country known for its neutrality and economic cooperation is being hit so hard.The tariffs, introduced as part of a broader trade policy shift, are already beginning to impact key sectors of the Swiss economy. For a nation that heavily relies on exports and maintains complex supply chains with neighboring countries, the sudden cost increase is more than an inconvenience—it threatens to affect…

Family caregivers worry over planned Medicaid cuts' impact

Jul

By Jean Thompson

Health

Medicaid program cuts: What family caregivers should expect

Throughout the nation, individuals looking after family members are increasingly worried about the possible impact of suggested Medicaid funding decreases. Should these reductions take place, they may significantly change the assistance networks that numerous families depend on to look after elderly parents, children with disabilities, and relatives with long-term health conditions.For a vast number of Americans, Medicaid represents more than a public insurance scheme—it is essential for their survival. It helps cover costs for home-based care services, long-term care homes, and medical devices for those who might otherwise lack the necessary care and resources. However, for relatives who assume caregiving…

'Her meaning contains multitudes': Why the Statue of Liberty is at the heart of US culture wars

Jul

By Jean Thompson

Culture and Entertainment

‘Her meaning contains multitudes’: The Statue of Liberty’s influence on US cultural conflicts

As a towering figure on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty has inspired generations with her torch-bearing arm and solemn gaze across the harbor. While she has long stood as an emblem of freedom and welcome, in today’s United States cultural discourse she has become more than a historic monument. She symbolizes complex and often conflicting meanings that reflect the nation’s deeply felt tensions—an icon whose significance unites, divides, and evolves as America wrestles with its identity.Initially, the Statue of Liberty symbolizes principles that are cherished by many Americans: freedom, democracy, and the chance for a fresh start. Her official…

A Michigan program that gives new mothers cash could be a model for rest of U.S.

Jul

By Jean Thompson

Health

Could Michigan’s cash program for new moms become a US standard?

A novel project in Michigan is garnering nationwide attention due to its straightforward strategy for promoting the health of mothers and their babies. The initiative offers direct cash assistance to new mothers and is being watched carefully by policymakers, researchers, and advocacy organizations who consider it a promising model that could be expanded to tackle economic and health inequities throughout the country.Launched as a pilot project, the Michigan program aims to ease the financial burdens associated with early motherhood, particularly for families with low or moderate incomes. Participants receive monthly payments during pregnancy and after childbirth, offering them flexibility in…