Health

A new study has found that artificial sweeteners like stevia and sucralose trigger more intense brain activity than regular sugar, even when they taste identical. Researchers using EEG technology discovered that the brain distinguishes between natural sugar and substitutes at a neural level. This discovery may help explain why "sugar-free" alternatives often fail to satisfy cravings in the same way as the real thing.

Paulette Kreté has won the regional Woman in the Media Award for her advocacy in breast cancer screening and medical innovation. The award highlights the need for more female voices in the news, where women remain under-represented as expert sources.

Unemployment benefits in the Netherlands have risen above 200,000 for the first time in more than four years, with West Brabant among the regions showing a clear increase. At the same time, employers in Northeast Brabant continue to face major staff shortages, prompting calls to focus more on skills than diplomas. Despite these pressures, the labour market remains tight and unemployment is still historically low.

Outgoing State Secretary for Youth Judith Tielen is advising parents and organisations to stop children from using play sand, craft sand, and squeeze toys for the time being due to potential asbestos contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is currently testing approximately 100 samples to determine if they exceed the legal limit of 0.1 per cent asbestos, with results expected in approximately two weeks. While a total ban cannot be issued until the specific health risks are confirmed by the RIVM, the advisory remains in place as a precaution for schools, nurseries, and households.

A new bird flu outbreak has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Uithuizermeeden, Groningen, where approximately 39,000 laying hens are being culled. This latest case brings the total number of birds lost since October to over 2 million across 45 different locations.

Investors are seeking to hold Philips CEO Roy Jakobs personally liable as part of an ongoing legal battle over the company’s sleep apnea device recall. The move comes as shareholders in both the US and the Netherlands pursue compensation for significant losses following a drop in share value.

The Dutch food safety authority has seen a surge in reports from parents after several major brands recalled baby food products due to toxin concerns. Investigations are now expanding to determine if other non-recalled products might also be linked to reported illnesses.

Picnic has issued a warning about a batch of beef bavette that may contain harmful E. coli bacteria. The supermarket says the STEC bacteria was found during inspections and could pose health risks. Customers who ate the product and feel unwell are urged to seek medical advice.