Domestic violence survivors show similar brain trauma to professional athletes, Australian-first study finds

An Australian-first study has strengthened evidence that intimate partner violence can cause lasting brain injuries, leading to memory loss, learning disabilities and other long-term cognitive problems.A Monash University study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that survivors of domestic violence who experienced repeated head impacts or non-fatal strangulation were more likely to show behavioural and cognitive changes, including impaired memory, seizures and slurred speech.The findings mirror what has become widely recognised in professional sport, where repeated concussions have been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other neurodegenerative conditions. Guardian Australia has extensively reported on concussion in sport, coverage that contributed to a Senate inquiry and an AFL class action.Researchers and advocates said the study highlights a need for greater awareness of brain injury when screening and supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, so they can receive appropriate treatment

UK arts groups offer therapeutic support to performers as they challenge myth of tortured artist

From Vincent van Gogh to Virginia Woolf, from Nina Simone to Amy Winehouse, the tortured-artist archetype looms large: private torment fuelling public brilliance.But across opera, theatre, film and television, a growing movement is pushing back against what many now insist is a corrosive myth – the romanticised necessity of creative martyrdom.“Artists don’t need help because they’re weak; they need it because they’re strong,” said Annilese Miskimmon, the artistic director at English National Opera. “They’re strong enough to rehearse deeply traumatic parts multiple times a day and then perform those roles to order in front of thousands of people.”Miskimmon recently directed Dead Man Walking, a true story that opens with the rape and murder of two teenagers – and closes with the state-sanctioned killing of the murderer, scrutinised by the grieving parents and the teenagers’ ghosts

Collapse of ‘zombie’ UK firms forecast to fuel unemployment in 2026

The UK is poised for a rise in unemployment in 2026 fuelled by the collapse of “zombie” companies that have struggled to adapt to a rise in business costs, according to a report.At the start of what could be a pivotal year for the economy, the Resolution Foundation said businesses were grappling with a “triple whammy” of multiyear increases in interest rates, energy prices and the minimum wage that could “finish off” some underperforming companies.Publishing its new year outlook report, the thinktank said 2026 had potential to be a “turning point” after decades of sluggish productivity growth – a key metric of output per hour of work which is vital for raising living standards.However, it warned this could involve a sharp rise in unemployment as more unproductive companies go bust.Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said there were indications 2026 could be remembered as a “turning point year” by future economists and demographers

Hey, teacher, leave them ‘six-seven’ kids alone | Letters

I respectfully disagree with the suggestion that the use of “six-seven” represents a decline in logic or understanding among pupils (Letters, 29 December). From a developmental perspective, this kind of behaviour is a normal and even healthy part of growing up. Children and young people often adopt shared phrases, jokes or nonsensical trends as a way of belonging to a group. The meaning is not always the point; participation is.As a teacher, understanding and acknowledging this behaviour helps me connect with pupils’ lived realities

The NHS is still a priceless resource | Brief letters

Having watched as my seriously ill husband was nursed back to health from near death, I absolutely agree with Anne Perkins (I knew all about the NHS’s challenges and flaws. But then as a patient, I saw the love and the magic, 29 December). When we don’t need the NHS, it is quietly working in the background. When we do, the care, love and support is beyond words and is priceless. How very fortunate we are

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson says her twin babies may never walk

The former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has said her twin babies will “fight all the odds” after being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that means it is unlikely they will ever be able to walk.The 34-year-old singer and her fiance, Zion Foster, welcomed their twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, in May after they were born prematurely. In an emotional Instagram video posted on Sunday, Nelson revealed the girls had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1).“We were told that they’re probably never going to be able to walk; they probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled, and so the best thing we can do right now is to get them treatment, and then just hope for the best,” she said.“Thankfully, the girls have had their treatment, which you know, I’m so grateful for because if they don’t have it, they will die