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Switzerland adopts wholesale EU sanctions against RussiaMeasures do not undermine neutrality principle as Switzerland says it is acting in defence of international lawSwitzerland, a bastion of neutrality through two world wars, has decided to adopt wholesale swingeing EU sanctions against Russia, potentially freezing billions of dollars in assets and further increasing the pressure on the Russian economy. Swiss national bank data showed that Russian companies and individuals held assets worth more than $11bn in Swiss banks in 2020.The Federal Council also announced it had banned five oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin from entering the country. Flights from Russia are being banned, although this will not apply to flights carrying diplomats.
Muscle strengthening lowers risk of death from all causes, study showsHalf an hour a week of activities such as gardening, sit-ups or yoga could help reduce the risk of dying from any cause by a fifthHalf an hour of muscle strengthening activity such as lifting weights, push-ups or heavy gardening each week could help reduce the risk of dying from any cause by as much as a fifth, according to a new global analysis of studies conducted over three decades.Health guidelines recommend muscle strengthening activities, primarily because of the benefits for musculoskeletal health. Previous research has indicated a link to a lower risk of death, but until now experts did not know what the optimal “dose” might be.
Noble false widow spider captures bat in UK atticIrish scientists publish images of spider feeding on pipistrelle bats in ShropshireProtected pipistrelle bats have been captured and fed on by a noble false widow spider, the first time the behaviour has been seen.The arachnids are thought to have been accidentally introduced to the UK from the Canary Islands about 100 years ago and have been spreading ever since.While most spiders feed on small insects, bats are at risk from the false widow because they have a potent venom which allows them to catch vertebrates much larger than the spider itself. Experts have said this spider could become one of the world’s most invasive.