Religious services ‘lower depression and extend life’

A church community — (Image credit: Chris J Radcliffe/AFP/Getty Images)

Experts have found that people who regularly attend religious services tend to live longer, smoke, drink and take drugs less, experience fewer symptoms of depression and exercise more, reported The Times. Researchers in the US analysed almost 400 studies published between the year 2000 and last April to identify links between spirituality and better physical and mental health. They found that “those who regularly attended religious services were 27% less likely to die early and 33% less likely to suffer symptoms of depression”.

Dialysis machine inspired by juice dispensers

A home dialysis machine inspired by fruit juice dispensers has landed the UK’s most prestigious engineering prize. Experts said the device, currently used by about 50 patients in the UK, could be rolled out further and transform the lives of kidney disease patients. The technology was originally developed to reconstitute orange juice from concentrate. The Guardian said that previous winners of the MacRobert award include the team who designed the Severn Bridge.

‘Sheepish’ ewe freed from food station

The RSPCA had to rescue a sheep who got stuck between the bars of a feeding station. Animal rescue officer Helen Chapman, who was called to a field in Wythenshawe in Manchester, said the ewe appeared “to have been carrying a little too much weight and got wedged between the bars of the field shelter”. Speaking to ITV News, Chapman said she was able to release the “sheepish” animal. The RSPCA is reminding farmers to check their livestock at least once a day.