The Age

Reports say a growing number of countries are taking a fresh look at nuclear options amid rising global tensions. Analysts point to eroding arms control agreements, ongoing wars, and shifting security alliances as drivers of renewed interest in nuclear deterrence worldwide. Observers warn the trend could mark the start of a new and dangerous nuclear era.

Taiwan's dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, led by TSMC, is being described as a 'silicon shield' that deters Chinese aggression while making the island indispensable to the United States in the AI era. As artificial intelligence drives global demand for advanced chips, control over Taiwan's chip industry has become central to both its security and US strategic interests, intensifying debate over cross-strait tensions.

Countries have adopted a global blueprint aimed at tackling fast-evolving crime in the digital age. The agreement, covered by UN News, sets out a common framework for governments to combat cybercrime, which increasingly crosses borders and outpaces national laws. It marks a significant step in international cooperation on digital security, though details on enforcement and how countries will implement the commitments remain to be seen.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has no specific health problems, responding to speculation about the 85-year-old leader's condition. The reassurance comes amid recurring rumors about Khamenei's wellbeing, which have circulated for years given his age and long hold on power. Officials in Tehran have repeatedly moved to deny such reports.

The European Union is moving to restrict social media use for children under 15. The proposal would set a bloc-wide minimum age for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, part of growing EU efforts to protect minors online. Officials argue age limits are needed to address risks to children's mental health and safety, though enforcement and the response of major platforms remain key questions.

The America Times is examining how climate change is increasingly framed as a human rights issue, with rising temperatures, extreme weather and displacement affecting basic rights to housing, food, water and safety. The discussion reflects a growing push by advocates and institutions to treat climate impacts not just as environmental problems but as threats to fundamental human rights worldwide.

Older Australians are working longer and postponing retirement, with commentators describing the country's retirement system as unfit for a population that is both living and working longer. Rising living costs and inadequate savings are said to be forcing many to stay in the workforce beyond the traditional retirement age, prompting calls for reform of superannuation and retirement income policy.

Defence Secretary John Healey is set to promise a 'new age of industrialisation' for the UK in a speech at the Labour Party conference. The address is expected to set out plans to boost British manufacturing and defence industry as part of the government's economic strategy, drawing attention from political and business commentators during the conference season.

Al Jazeera reports that the booming longevity industry — anti-ageing treatments, supplements and clinics promising longer, healthier lives — is outpacing the scientific evidence behind many of its claims. The piece suggests consumers are spending on interventions whose long-term benefits and risks remain largely unproven, raising concerns about hype, regulation and safety as the market grows.

Rising temperatures, humidity and extreme weather are being reported as growing threats to cultural treasures worldwide, with damage ranging from aging frescoes to the wood used in Stradivarius violins. The story highlights how climate change affects not only nature and infrastructure but also irreplaceable art, instruments and historic monuments.

Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the wife of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, has died at the age of 100. A doctor by training and a prominent public figure in her own right, she was known for her decades alongside Mahathir, who served as Malaysia's leader for over 20 years. Details on the circumstances of her death have not yet been released, and tributes are expected from across Malaysian political life.

An international NGOs conference is taking place with climate risks, violence against women and social rights on its agenda. The gathering brings together civil society organisations to discuss pressing global challenges, from the impact of climate change to protecting women from violence and defending social rights. The Council of Europe's conference of international non-governmental organisations is hosting the discussions.

Barclays analysts say labor-market pressures are set to persist as immigration slows and populations age, tightening the supply of workers in many economies. The bank's analysis points to structural worker shortages rather than a temporary squeeze. The report has been picked up by financial outlets including Investing.com and Yahoo Finance UK, feeding into ongoing debate about immigration policy and demographic decline.

New research suggests donor hearts may take on the biological age of their recipients after transplantation, rather than retaining the age of the original donor. Reported by Scientific American, the finding could reshape how doctors think about organ aging, rejection risk and long-term outcomes for transplant patients.

Microsoft is ending support for Internet Explorer mode in its Edge browser, retiring the feature that let businesses run legacy websites built for the old Internet Explorer engine. The move pushes organisations to migrate outdated internal sites to modern web standards. Coverage so far, including from Mashable, notes the change will mainly affect enterprises that still depend on aging web applications.

A high-profile Japanese anime voice actor has taken TikTok to court, alleging the platform hosted videos featuring an artificial intelligence clone of his voice without his consent. The case highlights growing tension between voice performers and AI companies over unauthorised replication of their voices, and could set a precedent for how Japanese law treats voice rights in the age of generative AI.

New research reported by ScienceDaily suggests glucosamine, a widely used joint supplement taken by millions for arthritis and cartilage health, may be associated with faster progression of Alzheimer's disease. The finding is drawing attention because the supplement has long been viewed as safe and is commonly self-prescribed, raising questions about its effects on the ageing brain.

Discussion is swirling around US Senator Mitch McConnell's health after reports of his medical condition prompted questions about his fitness to continue serving in the Senate. Commentators and political observers are debating what his condition means for Republican leadership, his long-running role as Senate Republican leader, and broader questions about aging politicians holding powerful positions. Concerns follow previous public episodes where McConnell froze mid-speech, fueling ongoing scrutiny of his capacity.

NewsNation reports that AI chatbots are facing a new safety test as growing numbers of teenagers turn to them for companionship. The rise of bots designed for conversation and emotional connection is raising questions about safeguards, age limits, and the risks of young users forming attachments to artificial companions.

Bob Mackie, the American fashion and costume designer famed for dressing stars such as Cher, Carol Burnett and Madonna, has died at the age of 87, according to ABC News. Mackie built a decades-long career known for glamorous sequined gowns and stage costumes, earning multiple Emmy Awards and an Oscar nomination. Tributes and remembrances of his most iconic looks are circulating widely.

Chancellor John Healey is set to tell Labour's annual conference in Liverpool that Britain will enter a 'new age of industrialisation', pledging economic renewal through industrial strategy. The pledge comes as the party gathers with the economy dominating discussion, alongside attention on figures such as Ed Miliband and Andy Burnham and pressure on the government's economic direction.

New reporting suggests that among older adults who use cannabis, roughly one in nine may meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder. The finding highlights growing concern as cannabis use rises among seniors, driven in part by legalization and its use for pain, sleep and other conditions. Commenters note that many older users are unaware of dependence risks and that clinicians may overlook problem use in this age group.

Many baby boomers are choosing to stay in their current homes rather than downsize or move to retirement communities, and they are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating them for aging in place. The trend covers accessibility upgrades, remodeling and long-term comfort projects, with housing analysts watching its impact on the real estate market and retirement planning.

Scientists say artificial intelligence could help bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction, according to a report. AI is being used to analyze the mammoth genome and accelerate efforts to edit elephant DNA so the Ice Age giant's traits could be recreated. The idea of de-extincting the mammoth has drawn both excitement and skepticism about whether such a creature can truly be brought back.

Spain have won the Women's Under-20 World Cup, defeating North Korea in a penalty shootout in the final. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance to watch the match. The victory adds another youth world title to Spain's growing record in women's football, confirming the country's status as one of the leading nations in the women's game at every age level.

Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78, according to a breaking news report. Tributes and reaction are expected from fans and colleagues of the actor, whose career spanned more than five decades in film and television.