For many couples, choosing contraception still brings numerous complications, but scientists are working on an alternative that could be much more appealing to some – a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill.
The drug, under the code name YCT-529, is being developed by YourChoice Therapeutics in collaboration with researchers at the University of Minnesota and other partners. In the first human trial results, published this week, YCT-529 was found to be safe and well tolerated. It is currently being tested in larger clinical trials, reports Sombor.info.
Blocks a protein important for fertility
YCT-529 (previously known as GPHR-529) works by affecting the way the body uses vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in maintaining fertility in mammals. The drug blocks a protein that binds to a form of vitamin A known as retinoic acid, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α).
The goal is to selectively block only this receptor, and not related proteins, in order to stop sperm production – without serious side effects. The process should be reversible: after stopping the drug, fertility should return.
Phase I completed without side effects
The first clinical trial of YCT-529 began in late 2023, and findings were published this week in the journal Communications Medicine. The study included 16 healthy men who received either a placebo or various doses of YCT-529, with some doses taken with food.
Since the primary goal of the first phase of testing is to determine safety, the results are very encouraging: compared to the control group, men who took YCT-529 experienced no changes in heart rate, sex drive, mood, or levels of hormones related to fertility.
Moreover, no adverse events were documented that could be linked to the drug.
The only observation was that food may slow the absorption of the drug, but further research will be needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
"The results support the continued clinical development of YCT-529," the study authors concluded.
Race for the first reversible male contraceptive
Although still very early in the testing phase, the data look promising. YourChoice Therapeutics has already launched a larger phase 2 trial, and the global race for the first reversible male contraceptive is heating up.
For many, Rotten Tomatoes is an essential guide when choosing a movie. And while audience and critic scores often differ, few films manage to enter the exclusive "100 club" – a group of works that have received a perfect score from critics.
However, only one film stands at the very top: the 2018 drama-thriller "Leave No Trace", reports Index.
A story of a father and daughter choosing a life outside the system
The film follows war veteran Will and his teenage daughter Tom, who have lived quietly in the woods near Portland for years, far from modern society. Their peaceful and isolated life is interrupted when they are found by the police and handed over to social services.
From that moment on, father and daughter face the challenges of living in a world they no longer feel is theirs. They set out on a new journey – back into nature, the only place where they feel truly free.
The film was directed by Debra Granik, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Anne Rosellini, based on the novel "My Abandonment" by Peter Rock. The novel was inspired by a true story, giving the film additional emotional depth and authenticity. Leave No Trace is also the film with the most reviews on Rotten Tomatoes that has maintained a 100 percent score – an extremely rare and impressive achievement.
Unique vision, quiet strength and a powerful message
Critics unanimously praised the film, particularly for the outstanding performance of Ben Foster in the role of the father. Many called it the role of his career, while the performance of young Thomasin McKenzie was described as deeply moving and memorable. The film has been hailed as a subtle masterpiece that, without pathos or unnecessary words, speaks about family, freedom, isolation and belonging.
Manohla Dargis of The New York Times wrote: "The film invites you to simply identify with the characters, to see and experience the world as they do. It reminds us that empathy is too rarely asked of us – both in life and in art."
The craze for Labubu figurines is still going strong – those creepy furry monsters hanging from bags and backpacks around the world – and now a psychologist has explained why people are so drawn to these unusual toys, and the answer is quite unsettling.
Some think these figurines are ugly and pointless and wouldn’t buy them in a million years. But others collect them obsessively, often spending hundreds of euros, and it’s not just for fun – reports Sombor.info.
Speaking to the portal Tyla, clinical psychologist Tracey King explained that items like Labubu are actually “a deeply symbolic response to the chaotic and unpredictable world we live in.”
“On the surface, they look fun and quirky. But psychologically, these figurines represent small, affordable moments of comfort, control, and identity in a world full of uncertainty,” King says.
“Once, the idea of a career offered a sense of progress – you work hard, you advance, you build security. Today, for Generation Z, that ‘ladder’ no longer exists. The career world feels more like an escape room: you solve tasks without clear rules, boundaries shift, and goals disappear.”
In such an environment, King adds, collectible items become a safe haven – you give yourself small doses of control, feel emotionally grounded, experience joy you can manage, and connect with a community.
“In a world full of uncertainty, buying a plush toy with a strawberry hat becomes nervous system regulation,” she says, writes TheTab.
Gen Z and “investing in the present moment”
Generation Z grew up in a digital environment, where identity is something created and carefully curated, not something taken for granted.
“They have witnessed pandemics, economic crises, and climate disasters. Because of this, the big goals of previous generations – career, marriage, house – often seem out of reach.”
Instead, they turn to small pleasures, soft textures, and purchases that reflect personal identity. In an age where aesthetics are a means of expression, items like Labubu become part of emotional communication.
Tracey King says that for many, such items are a form of emotional healing:
“They evoke feelings of safety, tenderness, and nostalgia – all the things that might have been missing or interrupted during childhood.”
It sounds trivial – but it’s not
“As long as society remains fragmented and demanding, people will keep seeking small, soft, symbolic ways to feel better.” The culture of small things isn’t a superficial trend. It’s a psychological response to everyday pressure.”
Labubu, it’s worth recalling, overnight gained “must-have” status – what started as a cult collectible by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung became a fashion mascot. Valentino handed them out at its pop-up event in Dubai, and global stars like Lisa from Blackpink, Dua Lipa, and even Rihanna have been seen with Labubu figurines.
While luxury fashion houses like Loewe and Balenciaga have already experimented with playful bag charms, Labubu offers something different – the thrill of the hunt. Buying a Labubu isn’t just a transaction; it’s an experience.
There’s also the financial aspect. In a time when “affordable luxury” means £600 sunglasses, a £25 Labubu is a much more accessible way to stand out in the fashion world.
The platform Depop, known for spotting micro-trends before they explode, has recorded a 376% increase in Labubu searches from December to now.
Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of the band Black Sabbath, has died at the age of 77, reports The Guardian.
"With more sadness than words can express, we are forced to announce that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time,” his family announced.
No cause of death was given, although Osbourne had various health problems in recent years.
According to The Guardian, he was one of the most notorious figures in rock and roll: an innovator who helped bring about heavy metal, an addict whose substance abuse led to an attempt to murder his wife, and later a reality TV star, beloved for his confusion with family life in the show The Osbournes.
His death comes less than three weeks after he retired from the stage.
On July 5, Osbourne reunited with members of the original Black Sabbath lineup for the first time since 2005 at the "Return to the Beginning" farewell concert with some of metal's biggest names.
"I was lying down for six years, and you have no idea how I feel," he told the audience that night, referring to extensive health problems, including a form of Parkinson's disease and numerous spinal surgeries.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he added.
Difficult childhood
He was born as John Michael Osbourne in 1948 in Birmingham, as the son of factory workers. He had a tough childhood. Besides living in relative poverty, at the age of 11 he was sexually abused multiple times by two boys.
"It was horrible... It felt like it would last forever," he told the Mirror in 2003.
He was also arrested for theft.
"I wasn't good at it. F***ing useless," he admitted in 2014.
The industrial working-class environment shaped the sound of Osbourne's ultimate music project, Black Sabbath, whose heavy sound revolutionized British rock music.
"We wanted to represent what we thought of the world at that time. We didn't want to write happy pop songs. We gave it that industrial feel," said the band's bassist Geezer Butler in 2017.
The band, named after a Boris Karloff horror film, also included guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward. They released their first album in 1970, followed by albums that are considered the cornerstone of heavy metal.
Paranoid (1970) featured tracks that left a strong impression, like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs," and topped the UK album chart, while the cacophonous, psychedelic sound palette of "Master of Reality" (1971) had a major influence on the slower sound of doom metal, notes The Guardian.
Osbourne recorded five more acclaimed albums with Black Sabbath, but became so addicted to alcohol and drugs that he was fired in 1979 and replaced by Ronnie James Dio.
Osbourne eventually returned to the band for the album "13" in 2013, which topped the charts in the US and UK. Black Sabbath also went on tour, playing their final concert in Birmingham on February 4, 2017.
Soon after leaving Black Sabbath, he began a solo career with the album "Blizzard of Ozz," which went five times platinum in the US, releasing 11 studio albums, one of the last being "Ordinary Man" in 2020.
Bizarre incidents
The most notorious incident occurred in 1982, when he bit the head off a dead bat, which he believed was a stage prop, while performing in Iowa.
He later went to the hospital to get a preventive rabies vaccine.
He also claimed, confirmed by his former publicist, that he bit the heads off two doves in 1981 during a failed meeting at a record company, initially intending to release them as a sign of peace.
He had four children, two from his first marriage to Thelma, and two from his marriage to Sharon.
He married Sharon in 1982, and she began managing his solo career. Her business sense and his popularity helped them amass great wealth.
Attempted murder of his wife
In 1989, Ozzy Osbourne was arrested for attempting to murder Sharon by strangling her while drunk.
He recalled the incident in a 2007 interview: "I woke up in that little cell with human feces on the walls, and I thought, 'What the f*** have I done now?' A policeman read something off a piece of paper and said, 'You are charged with attempted murder of Mrs. Sharon Osbourne.' I can’t tell you now how I felt. I was just numb."
The couple later reconciled, although they soon separated again in 2016 after Osbourne cheated on her with a hairdresser.
In 2003, Ozzy broke his neck, collarbone, and ribs in an accident while riding a quad bike at his home in Buckinghamshire. Sharon later said he stopped breathing for a minute and a half "and there was no pulse." He was also told he was nearly paralyzed due to the accident, and in 2005 he was diagnosed with Parkin syndrome, which causes tremors.
After years of sobriety, in 2013 he admitted to drinking and using drugs for a year and a half, but was committed to becoming sober again, saying: “I was in a very dark place and I was an asshole to the people I love the most, my family.”
In 2019, Osbourne went on what was announced as his final world tour, titled "No More Tours 2." (He had originally announced retirement in 1992 with the “No More Tours” tour, but later changed his mind.) Illness forced him to postpone his European tour in 2020.
“It seems like since October everything I touch turns to sh*t,” he said, and he also spent some time in the hospital treating a hand infection.
In 2020, Osbourne announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and in 2022, he had spinal surgery after a fall in 2019 that worsened previous injuries.
A year later, he canceled his UK and European tour due to “physical weakness,” citing “three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and the latest groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) treatment.”
At first glance, they seem like authorities in society. They speak confidently, “know” everything, and always have a quote or opinion ready.
But after a few minutes of conversation, the feeling changes: they don’t radiate wisdom, but insecurity. They don’t leave an impression of knowledge, but rather a need to prove it, reports Nova.
According to psychologists, people who try hard to appear smart often have low emotional intelligence and a sense of inner inferiority.
Obsessively correcting others – even when the mistake doesn’t matter
Can someone make a mistake without you immediately correcting them? If not, maybe you have a problem – or you’re surrounded by people who do.
Psychologists say that the need to correct every little thing doesn’t come from caring about accuracy, but from a desire for control and dominance.
Connected to the Dunning-Kruger effect – people with lower abilities often overestimate their knowledge and try to confirm it by correcting others.
With them, there’s no real discussion – only competition. If you dare not listen to them until the end, they’ll be offended. If you try to disagree, they’ll insult you.
High emotional intelligence means knowing when to stop, not just when to speak. (Daniel Goleman)
Using complex vocabulary unnecessarily
Foreign words, technical terms, half-understood phrases – anything to sound “deep.” But true intellect doesn’t depend on vocabulary, but on clarity. If someone speaks so that as few people as possible can understand them, understanding might not be their goal.
This is a classic form of intellectual posing – often a mask for weak content.
They never admit mistakes – never
In their value system, a mistake is a weakness. They’d rather shift blame, twist words, or ignore it – anything but admit they’re wrong. That’s not intelligence. That’s a fragile ego.
Socrates said: “I know that I know nothing.” True intellect starts by admitting limits, not denying them.
Mocking others’ ignorance
People with real knowledge explain. Those with fake knowledge – mock. If someone insults you for not knowing something, it doesn’t mean you’re stupid – it means they feel threatened.
Empathy and patience in communication are foundations of emotional maturity – a key part of intelligence.
You’ll hear them quote Einstein, Socrates, Nietzsche… but the way they act is the opposite of those ideals. Knowledge without application is like a book that’s never opened.
Psychologists call this “information inflation” – accumulating knowledge without internal integration.
They’re always the ‘smartest’ in the group – because they carefully choose the group
If you’re always the most informed, the loudest, the one who “knows the most” – maybe you’re not among the right people. True intelligence doesn’t seek applause – it seeks challenge.
Adam Grant, psychology professor at Wharton, says: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
Samsung is getting ready to present the new generation of its foldable smartphones – Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 – in Paris. Although we are still waiting for the official confirmation of all specifications, thanks to numerous reliable sources and leaked information, we already have a clear picture of what to expect.
No drastic changes, but important improvements
It seems that this year Samsung is not going for revolutionary design changes, but rather an evolution of the existing models. Both Flip and Fold will keep their recognizable lines, but with key upgrades “under the hood.”
Galaxy Z Flip 7 – familiar look with new power
The Z Flip 7 will continue the tradition of an elegant, compact design with a vertical fold, but it brings several important updates:
New generation hinge – expected to be thinner, which could further reduce the screen crease. Larger external display – still no confirmed dimensions, but leaks suggest the outer screen will cover a larger area. Stronger chipset – most likely Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, with more efficient cooling and better energy optimization. Improved cameras – especially for selfies and shooting in “flex” mode, which is a key strength of the Flip series.
The price will likely stay in the range of last year’s model, around $1,000, but with a noticeable upgrade in user experience.
As for the Z Fold 7 model, Samsung is not changing the formula but refining it:
Thinner and lighter device – leaks suggest the Fold 7 will be Samsung’s thinnest foldable so far, which is especially important for daily use. Improved hinge design – with smaller gaps and better dust protection. QHD+ display with faster refresh rate – possibly up to 144Hz on the inner screen, which would be a big jump from the previous 120Hz. S Pen compatibility – as before, with announcements of an accessory for easier pen carrying. Even better multitasking – One UI will bring new features for working with multiple windows and apps simultaneously.
Will there be an Ultra model?
The biggest surprise could be the introduction of a new, third model – Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra. Although still without visual confirmation, several sources report that Samsung is testing an “Ultra” version of the Fold with:
an even larger internal screen, ceramic frame, support for wireless S Pen use, and potentially a bigger battery. However, this model might be exclusive to certain markets or even postponed for a later release.
Besides foldable devices, Samsung could also present the Galaxy Ring – a smart ring focused on health, as well as new models of Galaxy Watch smartwatches and new earbuds at the Paris event.
Conclusion: Samsung plays it safe, but wisely
Although without revolutionary novelties, the new generation of Galaxy foldable phones shows Samsung’s consistency and careful refinement of a formula that has already found its audience. The focus is on slimmer design, stronger performance, and even greater functionality – which could further popularize the foldable segment.
The big unveiling is scheduled for July 9, and Nova.rs will, as always, keep you promptly informed about all official details and first impressions.
No matter how harsh it may sound at first, it is very important and necessary to set boundaries in every relationship. Romantic relationships are no exception, so it’s crucial to clearly define boundaries with your partner that will protect you from unwanted interference in things you don’t feel comfortable with.
Digital boundaries include those related to your computer, social networks, mobile phone, and online profiles. Sharing information about your bank account, talking about how you spend money, or giving access to your credit cards is not necessary. Feel free to “open up” when you become comfortable enough to share more sensitive parts of yourself with your partner.
They will help you decide what level of vulnerability you feel comfortable sharing with your loved one. They allow you to choose how you want to be treated while also respecting your partner’s boundaries so you can offer support. But what exactly are personal boundaries, and do you know how to set them in relationships?
In romantic relationships, personal boundaries are limits we set around our bodies, space, emotions, financial information, and digital presence. We decide what we want to share with our partner, and they also choose what they want to share with us. Once you set these boundaries, mutual trust and respect will be very important for maintaining them, and it’s entirely up to you to decide what suits you best. If your partner “pressures” you to redefine your boundaries, know that this is not okay on their part, and at any moment you have the choice to decide and do what feels right to you.
Experts from the American association of social workers and psychologists called “Love is Respect” conducted a survey and asked respondents: “Which boundaries are most important to set?” The most common answer was: “All of them!” Therefore, the members of this institution decided to explain a few types of boundaries we can establish.
Digital
These include boundaries related to your computer, social networks, mobile phone, and online profiles. This group also includes digital communication such as sexting (sending messages with sexual content, which may include photos), regular text messages, and posting on social media. Reflect on how you feel about all these and decide what would suit you best before talking to your boyfriend or girlfriend. It would be good to think about questions like: “Do I feel comfortable with my photo being posted on my partner’s social media?” or: “Do I want the status of our relationship to be publicly shown?” Defining your answers can help you clearly state your boundaries to your loved one and help them understand how to respect them.
It’s also important to set boundaries regarding access to your various online accounts. Even if you fully trust your partner, you don’t have to share your passwords if you choose not to, and this should not affect the quality of your relationship and mutual trust.
Physical
These are “set” around your body, home, and places you frequently visit. Such boundaries help you determine your comfort level regarding physical touch and intimacy, showing affection in public, and when physical contact feels harmful to you in any way. Understand what feels best for you and communicate that to your partner.
It’s well known that in a relationship, both partners can experience strong emotions, and sometimes you may get very angry about a situation with your loved one. But when you learn to manage your feelings, it becomes easier to clear your mind and rationally discuss problems with your partner. Disagreements are natural and inevitably happen in every healthy relationship. However, any physical harm that occurs during an argument or at any other moment in the relationship is never okay or acceptable.
These are boundaries regarding your income, bank account, credit cards, and other money-related matters. If you feel comfortable talking to your partner about how much you earn or sharing your bank account information, feel free to do so. However, sharing details about your bank account, discussing how you spend money, or giving access to your credit cards is not necessary, especially if you don’t feel comfortable discussing such details. If you live with your partner, it’s essential to have an honest conversation about your monthly expenses and what you believe you can afford. But that doesn’t mean you have to share every aspect of your financial situation. Money is a sensitive topic, and it’s completely acceptable not to share all your financial details with your partner.
Emotional
These boundaries “surround” your feelings, vulnerability, and trust. They help you decide how much you want to “open your heart” to your partner. Over time, as your relationship deepens, decide what emotional support means to you. Talk about how both of you perceive consistency and try to demonstrate it to each other. Building trust, which in turn brings greater vulnerability and openness to your loved one, takes time and entirely depends on you. Don’t rush this process; follow your own pace. Feel free to “open up” when you become comfortable enough to share more sensitive parts of yourself with your partner.
Although it’s beautiful to be in love and spend time with your partner, it’s equally important and healthy for the relationship to have emotional independence. This means it’s completely okay for you or your partner to spend time apart, socializing with friends or family, or to pursue different interests separately. This gives you both the necessary amount of time to maintain personal relationships that exist outside of your romantic relationship.
Although boundaries may sometimes seem like they “hinder” a relationship, these personal parameters actually help create the foundation for a healthy partnership full of love and respect. Digital, physical, financial, and emotional boundaries are essential for a balanced and successful romantic relationship. Deciding what feels right in these areas of life and in romantic relationships can help your partner learn how to better support you and build trust to deepen your connection. Boundaries are a two-way street and should be respected by both sides involved. The good thing is they’re never set in stone. You always have the choice to change your mind as your relationship develops and adjust your boundaries based on your comfort level.
Overcoming Challenges
When boundaries are unclear or your loved one ignores them, it can lead to significant challenges.
Some examples include: Saying “yes” when you mean “no” to avoid conflict or please your partner; Saying “no” as a form of punishment or withdrawal; Expecting your partner to read your mind instead of communicating clearly; Trying to control your partner’s behavior through manipulation. Addressing these patterns requires honest conversations, a willingness to take responsibility, and dedication to creating a healthier relationship. If you care about the relationship, we are sure you are ready for this – write Novosti.
Nicole Kidman has arrived in Croatia to enjoy a vacation with her family, and the photos have caught the attention of many.
The famous Oscar winner has spent the past few days on Hvar and in Dubrovnik, far from the Hollywood hustle and paparazzi, yet close to the sunny Adriatic coast which is increasingly becoming a destination for global celebrities.
The news about this family trip didn’t come from the media – but directly from the Instagram profile of Nicole Kidman’s niece, Lucia Houli, who shared a series of moments from the trip with her followers.
Lucia, the daughter of Nicole’s sister Antonia, is a journalist, and her posts show just how much she’s enjoying her stay in Croatia.
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