Flavour of gin and tonic could be impacted by climate change, study finds

Turns out, not all AI prompts are created equal—at least when it comes to their environmental impact. A new study reveals that asking an AI model a complex question (like generating long-form content or solving intricate problems) can produce 50 times more carbon emissions than simpler queries. So while chatting with ChatGPT might feel weightless, the energy cost stacks up behind the scenes.

Editor’s Note: As AI becomes ubiquitous, we rarely think about its carbon footprint—but this research shows that how we use it matters. If energy-intensive prompts become the norm, the climate toll could add up fast. It’s a wake-up call for both developers (to optimize efficiency) and users (to be mindful of overusing resource-heavy tasks). Who knew typing “write me a novel” could be an eco-choice?

Big news in the fight against H.I.V.—regulators have given the green light to lenacapavir, a new drug designed to prevent infection. Unlike daily pills, this one’s administered via injection just twice a year, a game-changer for adherence and accessibility. It’s especially promising for high-risk groups who struggle with consistent medication routines.

Editor’s Note: H.I.V. prevention has long relied on daily pills, which can be hard to stick to. Lenacapavir’s twice-yearly shots could revolutionize prevention efforts, offering a more manageable option for millions. This isn’t just a medical win; it’s a step toward equity, helping those who’ve faced barriers to consistent care. In a world still grappling with H.I.V., simpler solutions like this matter—a lot.

Scientists have long known that cutting calories can extend lifespan, at least in lab animals. Now, new research suggests that rapamycin—a drug originally used to prevent organ transplant rejection—might offer similar longevity benefits without the need for drastic diet changes. While the findings are still limited to animal studies, it’s a promising hint that we could one day have a pill that mimics the life-extending effects of calorie restriction.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever winced at the idea of slashing your food intake to live longer, this could be good news. Rapamycin might offer a workaround, though it’s still early days—human trials will be key. For now, it’s a fascinating step toward understanding how we might slow aging without extreme lifestyle changes.

Turns out your G&T might not taste the same in a few years. Scientists say climate change is messing with juniper berries—the little flavor bombs that give gin its signature kick. Weird weather swings (thanks, global warming) could alter their taste, meaning your favorite cocktail might lose its mojo.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about happy hour—it’s a quirky but sobering example of how climate change sneaks into everyday life. If something as specific as gin flavors are shifting, it’s a sign that ecosystems (and the things we love from them) are changing in unpredictable ways. Cheers to that? Not really.

New travel restrictions under the Trump administration are causing headaches for U.S. hospitals that rely on foreign doctors. Visa delays and appointment freezes are leaving medical positions unfilled—some just weeks before these doctors were supposed to start work. Places like Brooklyn’s Brookdale Hospital, which depends on international graduates to staff its teams, are caught in the crosshairs.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a staffing crisis with real-world consequences. Hospitals, especially in underserved areas, often lean on foreign-trained doctors to fill critical gaps. Delays mean longer wait times, overworked staff, and potentially worse care for patients. It’s a reminder of how immigration rules ripple far beyond politics.