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What’s in a name? Quite a lot if it’s prosecco, parmesan or mozzarella

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-greenland-2064">Steven Greenland</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a> Prosecco might evoke warm summer evenings while prosciutto conjures scenes of generous platters at a casual weekend lunch. But would “sparkling wine” or “thinly sliced ham” have the same impact? Australian producers would argue they wouldn’t. They are fighting a push by the European Union to stop them from using these and other terms that indicate the geographical origin of numerous cheeses, wines and other foodstuffs now widely produced in Australia. This stoush over using European names for locally made products has stalled <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-11/european-union-trade-deal-prosecco-feta-geographic-indicators/102583310">this week’s trade talks</a>, with the EU refusing Australia better access to their markets unless Australia agrees to rebrand its products. <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/anthony-albaneses-warning-on-australiaeu-trade-talks/news-story/fa15fa19a945311c21ac1326c1675653">Prime Minister Anthony Albanese </a>said Australia was keen to conclude the trade agreement but would not sign a deal that wasn’t in Australia’s interests. He is strongly backed by the National Farmers’ Federation and food producers. <h2>So why does Europe want to control the use of food names?</h2> Consumers increasingly want to know their foods’ provenance. They also pay premiums for guarantees about origin and quality. There has been a corresponding rise in so-called geographical indicator registrations, with <a href="https://agenceurope.eu/en/bulletin/article/13128/21">the 3,500th</a> listed earlier this year. Items included on the EU Geographical Indications register cover different foodstuffs that are either applying for or have been accepted for having their geographic origin related name protected from being used for similar foods produced elsewhere. Europe has the highest number of registered products, with most relating to wine, agricultural products and foodstuffs, as well as spirits and beers. Champagne is among those with a widely recognised connection to its place of origin which assures consumers about the regional and cultural values as well as the products’ characteristics and quality. Like high value household product brand names (for example, Coca-Cola which has been valued at US $97.88 billion) geographical indication registered names also attract substantial dollar values. This is because of strong international awareness, familiarity, and appeal among consumers. The geographic indicator name often attracts a price that can easily be double that of a similar but non-registered product. Registered products can therefore bring in significant revenue to the European Union member countries. They contribute to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jwip.12208">regional development </a>by stimulating tourism and by helping to reverse population decline often experienced in rural areas. Like household brands, the names which indicate a product’s origins, are recognised as intellectual property. They have consequently become an integral part of international trade agreements. <h2>What would Australia gain by agreeing to European product names?</h2> In return for complying with European Union demands, Australian producers would gain access to European markets of [<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/minister-flies-to-brussels-amid-signs-of-eu-trade-deal-breakthrough-20230708-p5dmre">445 million people</a>] with a GDP of $24 trillion. The lost opportunity of non-compliance is best illustrated by Brexit. Since Brexit, UK <a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/12/29/brexit-draft-deal-first-of-many-hurdles-to-a-smooth-exit">exports to Europe have fallen</a> and UK farmers have faced significant challenges finding <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/dec/29/uk-farmers-impact-brexit-trade-deal-losing-common-agricultural-policy">alternative markets</a>. If Australia agrees to the European Union’s conditions to get a trade deal through then producers will need to rename some of their products. This would be a large and costly exercise but might give local producers an opportunity to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for locally sourced food and promote Australia’s unique geographical brand values. Recent research conducted by Charles Darwin University reveals some of the unique brand values of Australian agri-food products, including unique selling points of products from the <a href="https://researchers.cdu.edu.au/en/publications/nt-shelf-stable-food-products-market-opportunity-analysis">Northern Territory</a>. Selling points included the unique climate, soil and traditional community values as selling points. Australia’s reputation for quality and ethically produced goods was also important. Such values may lead to Australia developing more of its own geographical indication registration requirements in the future. Rather than fight the rising tide of European Union registrations, the federal government might embrace the trend, in conjunction with renewed promotion of Australia’s geographical brand benefits. Should the government choose to comply with Europe’s demands then producers will need support to rebrand some of their products. Government and departments such as CSIRO should be keen to support this as it can only strengthen Australia’s agri-food sector’s international reputation.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209505/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-greenland-2064">Steven Greenland</a>, Professor in Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-in-a-name-quite-a-lot-if-its-prosecco-parmesan-or-mozzarella-209505">original article</a>.

Food & Wine

What do the different colours of mould mean in my house?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-taylor-228803">Michael Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> You may be interested (or possibly horrified) to discover you ingest and inhale thousands of tiny life forms on a daily basis. The air and surfaces around you are home to multitudes of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978012394805200004X">bacteria, fungi, viruses</a>, mites, algae and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135400004206">protozoa</a>. Your skin isn’t much better, with a complex ecosystem of organisms called commensals which aren’t necessarily good or bad, but will shift in their composition depending on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature11053">where you live</a>, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/6/1/2">the products you use</a> and <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/458">the pets you have</a>. Most of these creatures are generally undetectable due to their microscopic size and low concentrations. But when they find a niche they can exploit, you might notice them by their smell, or the appearance of unwanted staining and colour changes. A lot of this fungal growth is what we call mould. We’ve all been disappointed in ourselves at one time or another, lifting a neglected orange out of the fruit bowl to discover the bottom half is covered in a velvety blue-green growth. But what do the myriad colours that appear on our stuff tell us about the world we try not to think about? <h2>Black</h2> Often black staining is quite a disturbing occurrence. The concept of toxic black mould is one many people have become aware of due to <a href="https://theconversation.com/fungi-after-the-floods-how-to-get-rid-of-mould-to-protect-your-health-111341">flood impacts</a>. A quick online search will likely terrify you, but not all black discolouration is due to the same organisms, and almost none of it will outright cause you harm. Stachybotrys is the one known as toxic black mould. It often turns up on <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/pdf/10.1289/ehp.99107s3505">building materials that have been wet for a long time</a>. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=384&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=384&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=384&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533907/original/file-20230626-67275-zxd3ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A severely mouldy wall covered in grey and black blotches" /></a><figcaption></figcaption>When the grout in your shower turns black though, that’s a different fungus called <a href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/130453">Aureobasidium</a>. It’s slimy, sticky and somewhere between a filamentous mould, which grows threadlike roots through whatever it’s eating, and a yeast, which prefer a free-floating, single-celled style of life.</figure> Bleaching will often kill Aureobasidium, but the dark pigmentation will likely hang around – harmlessly, but stubbornly. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533894/original/file-20230626-19-68wsem.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A close-up of white grout between grey tiles with black spots on it" /></a></figure> <h2>Blue</h2> That blue orange I mentioned before, you can thank Penicillium for that. The organism that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168160512000852">gives us blue cheese</a> and the antibiotic penicillin is also responsible for producing a dense growth of mould that almost looks like smoke when disturbed, spreading millions of spores onto the rest of your fruit bowl. Penicillium is a big group with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166061620300129">hundreds of species</a>, ranging from recognised pathogens to species yet to be named. However, the ones that turn up in our homes are generally the same “weed” species that simply cause food spoilage or grow in soil. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533895/original/file-20230626-107392-7jinnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Close-up of a bright orange with a fuzzy blue mould spot on it" /></a></figure> <h2>Yellow and orange</h2> We often think of fungi as organisms that thrive in the dark, but that’s not always true. In fact, some need exposure to light – and ultraviolet (UV) light in particular – to complete their life cycle. Many plant pathogens use UV light exposure as a trigger to produce their spores, and then protect their DNA by <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S0003683814020094">hiding it behind melanin-containing shells</a>. Stemphylium and Epicoccum turn up in our homes from time to time, often hitching a ride on natural fibres such as jute, hemp and hessian. They produce a spectrum of staining that can often turn damp items yellow, brown or orange. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533948/original/file-20230626-15121-eh3869.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A piece of wood laminate with yellow patches on it" /></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure> We’re all fairly familiar with the green spots that turn up on mouldy bread, cake and other food items. Often we try to convince ourselves if we just cut off the bad bit, we can still salvage lunch. Sadly that’s not the case, as the roots of the fungi – collectively called mycelium – spread through the food, digesting and collecting sufficient nutrients to pop out a series of tiny fruiting bodies which produce the coloured spores you see. The green tuft is often from a group of fungi called Aspergillus. Under the microscope they look rather like the puffy top of a dandelion gone to seed. Like Penicillium, Aspergillus is another big fungal group with lots of species that turn up virtually in every environment. Some are <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mmy/article/43/Supplement_1/S87/1748298">heat tolerant</a>, some <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21553769.2015.1033653">love acid</a> and some will happily produce spores that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1749461311000406">stay airborne for days to months at a time</a>. In the green gang is also a fungus called Trichoderma, which is Latin for “hairy skin”. Trichoderma produces masses of forest-green, spherical spores which tend to grow on wet cardboard or dirty carpet. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533897/original/file-20230626-160496-7cuh4q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A pile of green grains on a small round tray" /></a></figure> <h2>Pink, purple and red</h2> There are plenty to speak of in this category. And there is also a common bacterium that makes the list. Neurospora, also known as the red bread mould, is one of the most studied fungi in scientific literature. It’s another common, non-hazardous one that has been used as <a href="https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3732/ajb.1400377">a model organism</a> to observe fungal genetics, evolution and growth. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533913/original/file-20230626-24-eh3869.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A block of orange mouldy substance sitting on a banana leaf" /></a><figcaption></figcaption>Fusarium is less common indoors, being <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219416302794">an important crop pathogen</a>, but will sometimes turn spoiled rice purple. It also occasionally turns up on wet cement sheet, causing splotchy violet patches. Fusarium makes large, sticky, moon-shaped spores that have evolved to spread by rain splashes and hang onto plants. However, it is fairly bad at getting airborne and so doesn’t tend to spread very far from where it’s growing.</figure> Finally in this category, that pink scum that turns up around bathroom taps or in the shower? It’s actually a bacterium called Serratia. It will happily chew up the soap scum residue left over in bathrooms, and has been shown to <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/AEM.02632-10">survive in liquid soaps and handwash</a>. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533900/original/file-20230626-98733-ggql6s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Close-up of white tile grout covered in a pink translucent film" /></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <h2>White</h2> When fungi were first being classified and were eventually given their own phylogenetic kingdom, there were lots of wonderful and not strictly categorical ways we tried to split them up. One of these was hyaline and non-hyaline, essentially referring to transparent and coloured, respectively. One of the interesting non-pigmented moulds you may well catch sight of is a thing called Isaria farinosa (“farinosa” being Latin for “floury”). This fungus is a parasite of some moths and cicadas and is visible as brilliant white, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09583150802471812">tree-shaped growths on their unfortunate hosts</a>. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/533911/original/file-20230626-72187-xubf6k.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A dead bug on a green forest floor with white and yellow growths sticking out of it" /></a><figcaption></figcaption></figure> So when you notice the world around you changing colour, you can marvel with your newfound knowledge at the microscopic wonders that live complex lives alongside yours. Then maybe clean it up, and give the fruit bowl a wash. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207737/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Image credit: Getty / Shutterstock <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-taylor-228803">Michael Taylor</a>, Adjunct academic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-do-the-different-colours-of-mould-mean-in-my-house-207737">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

The hidden dangers of household products

The materials, fabrics and fragrances contained inside our homes are host to thousands of chemicals that may pose a threat to human health. Healthy home expert Nicole Bijlsma says there simply aren’t enough regulations to ensure the products and materials in our homes are safe for consumers. “We have this incredible, unregulated, chemical onslaught in our household products, personal care products, building materials and cleaning products which is why the burden of chemicals is increasing with each generation,” Bijlsma says. “Just because it’s on the supermarket shelf doesn’t mean it’s been tested.” The largely unregulated cleaning product industry is often placed under scrutiny in the fight against chemicals but Bijsma says this issue extends to all areas of the home. “What happens is we wait for the disease to occur in the general population before we look back and realise [the harm]…It’s a stupid system; it doesn’t protect consumers and it certainly does not protect the most vulnerable in our society– our children and the unborn fetus.” Only through thorough research can consumers determine where their products are being sourced, under what conditions they’ve been made and the impact they may have on health. Even then there are gaps. Imported items are not under the same regulations as those made in New Zealand. “A lot of the products, especially furnishings, you can’t load with formaldehyde but if you import them from Asia as most people do, they’re going to be loaded with chemicals…Bijlsma says. Bijlsma advises going back to basics when selecting materials and products, reducing the chemical load, choosing natural fibres and buying home made. “The big problem is most chemicals in building materials and household products have never been tested for their impact on human health,” Bijlsma says. Creating a healthy home is of the utmost importance to homeowner Irena Bukhshtaber, who has recently extended her home to be 100 per cent sustainable and hypoallergenic. “Because our industry standards are so high, usually it’s a local product too…Watch out for imports, from floorboards to air-conditioning, as there’s no way to guarantee what they say on the label unless the seller can guarantee provenance or knows the company.” Despite the time-consuming research process (three years) of renovating the home to a healthy standard Bukhshtaber says the outcome has been worth the effort. “How difficult is it to live with sick or tired family members? How hard is it to live your values? If the outcome is positive then it’s not difficult, but it is time consuming and does require you to spend time researching, calling and discussing with suppliers.” To keep her costs down when renovating, Bukhshtaber advises determining the elements of a home that matter most to you, whether this be using recycled materials, limited chemicals, high-quality design, ethical manufacturing or buying New Zealand made. “None of these things are mutually exclusive but you do need a hierarchy in mind as no one has unlimited budget,” Bukhshtaber says. Written by Amelia Barnes. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain.com.au.</a> Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Actors blamed for delaying movie production

These single cast members have been responsible for delaying movie production on these titles. 1. Marlon Brando — Mutiny on the Bounty Brando was singled out as the reason months of production and $6 million went down the drain during the making of Mutiny on the Bounty in 1962. According to the film’s director Lewis Milestone, Brando put earplugs in on set to silence instructions and argued over many scenes in the script. Reportedly, he also refused to shoot the finale and demanded to make his own ending. The delays and tension on set were ironic as the film focused on deadly mutiny. 2. Johnny Depp — Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales The fifth movie in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise had a very messy production due to extensive delays and behind-the-scenes drama. Depp delayed production after illegally bringing his dogs into Australia during shooting, injuring his hand and reportedly showing up late to shooting. 3. Brad Pitt — The Fountain Writer and director of The Fountain Darren Aronofsky admitted that Brad Pitt was responsible for delaying film production. Pitt was initially going to star in the film but when it was just weeks away from the start of principal photography in Australia, Pitt let Aronofsky know that he was leaving the film. The departure meant there were extensive delays in starting production, but Aronofsky pins the departure on creative differences and says that neither of them were to blame. 4. Benedict Cumberbatch — Doctor Strange Benedict Cumberbatch was originally the only actor director Scott Derrickson had in mind to play Marvel’s Doctor Strange. Cumberbatch initially turned the role down due to conflicting schedules, so production was delayed to allow the actor a second chance at starring in the film. "If you can't jump on board when the ride's going past, that's usually it," Cumberbatch said "So the hugest compliment they paid me was to come back to me. It motivated me to try to fulfil their faith in me." 5. Robert Downey Jr — Sherlock Holmes 3 The next instalment of Sherlock Holmes has been delayed while Robert Downey Jr fulfils his contractual obligations with the Avengers, according to Holmes producer Joel Silver. Hopefully Downey will return to the Sherlock films after the fourth Avengers. Images: Getty

Movies

Scented products may be making us sick

From body wash, air fresheners and hand soap to our household cleaners, scented products may be making us sick, according to new research. The University of Melbourne study found that one in three Australians reported adverse health effects – including breathing problems, migraine headaches, skin irritation and asthma attacks – from fragranced products. "There's a belief that fragrance products in some way improve air quality but the opposite is actually true: fragrance products impair rather than improve indoor air quality and they pose a range of health and economic risks," says lead author Professor Anne Steinemann, a world expert on environmental pollutants, air quality, and health effects. "Some people have immediate, severe and disabling health effects. But the effects can be very subtle and insidious and people may not realise they're being affected until it's too late." Steinemann says the findings confirm her previous research on the subjects, including an <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/wellbeing/a-problem-of-hidden-hazards-common-fragrances-a-public-health-problem-20161026-gsax8k.html">American study she published in 2016</a> and a yet-to-be published British study. "There's something about these fragrance chemicals. It doesn't matter whether the product is called 'green', 'organic', 'natural' or with 'essential oils', basically if it has a fragrance it can cause health problems," she said. "When I've analysed these fragranced products called 'green', 'organic', 'all-natural', there's little difference in the hazardous chemicals they emit compared to regular versions." There is currently no law in Australia that requires the disclosure of all the chemicals in a fragrance or a consumer product. "We have very little information on the toxicity of these mixtures – there's a focus on individual chemicals. Also very little information on the toxicity of a natural versus synthetic version of a chemical,” says Steinemann. Images: Getty

Body

Have you been using expired beauty products this whole time? Here’s when to toss them

Let go of your loofah every few weeks We all have our beauty besties. Whether it’s a love connection with brushes or a match made in heaven with mascara, saying goodbye is never easy. But it’s important – especially when we’re talking about spoilage, expiration dates, or skin infections. One potential hotbed of bacteria is the loofah you use in the shower, which collects your dead skin cells and literally redeposits them – dirt, grime, and all – right back onto your body the next time you use it. Be prepared to replace that body sponge every few weeks, or sooner if it smells or changes colour. Or skip the loofah entirely and just apply a cleanser with a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, using your fingers, advises cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Anjali Butani. Mix up your mascara every three months As much as you love your lengthening, feathering, dramatically lash-boosting mascara, you have only one pair of eyes and you can’t afford to lose them. That’s why you’ll need to chuck your mascara every three months, or face risks from contamination with bacteria and cold viruses. “Anything moist that’s touching wet parts of the body – eyes, lips, open skin – lasts a shorter period of time,” explains dermatologist, Dr Joshua Zeichner. A good rule to follow: if the product can’t be sterilised, toss it. Swap your beauty sponge every three to four months “If these disposable sponges are not replaced every few months, or if there are any colour changes, they could be a breeding ground for mould,” Dr Zeichner says. Always wash and thoroughly dry your beauty blender after each use to minimise the bacterial build-up that could cause breakouts. And definitely chuck the sponge sooner than three to four months if it starts to crack or crumble, or if you used it when you had a bad cold or an infection. Re-up your eye cream every three months Once you open a jar of any cosmetic product, the active ingredients are exposed to air and begin to break down. You’re also inviting contamination with every dip of your finger, which is probably not sterile even if you just washed it. Expect to switch out your eye cream every three months – unless it comes in a pump. Dr Zeichner says pumps are a better option because they can last several months to years due to the lower likelihood of contracting bacteria. Turn over your toothbrush every three months To keep up with your dental hygiene, you need your toothbrush to be in good working order. “When bristles are not standing straight anymore, they don’t clean as well, so you should throw it out,” says Dr Zeichner. Kiss lip balm goodbye every six months to a year Licensed aesthetician Jennifer Aimi, cautions lip balm lovers to part with their lip treatments every six months to a year, especially if they come in a pot that you dip your finger in (see eye cream). “Follow the instructions that come with the product,” Aimi urges, “and always resist the urge to share it – especially during cold season.” Zap those zits for six months at a time If your acne cream seems to be losing its pimple-fighting power, it may be a sign to pop it in the wastebasket. Dr Zeichner says that if the product is used past the expiration date, its active ingredients may not work as well. Slather on that sunscreen for two years Sunblock is not something you can take chances on, especially when you’re holidaying at the beach and there’s a real possibility of getting fried. Look to a sunscreen’s expiration date for guidance, or figure you’ll need to toss it two years after opening. But don’t abandon common sense. If a formula looks, smells, or feels different than when it was originally purchased, Dr Zeichner says to dump it. Give your eyelash curler two to three years It’s a good idea to consider replacing an eyelash curler every two to three years, according to Aimi. And if the rubber part starts to crack or look old, replace that part sooner. The good news is that they’re sold separately. Don’t forget to wipe down the curler with rubbing alcohol between uses. Spritz on perfume for two years (or more) The longevity of a perfume will depend on how you care for it over time. “Keep the bottle out of heat, humidity and sunlight,” Aimai says, “and don’t shake it, because that causes a chemical breakdown that can alter the scent quickly.” Expect to enjoy a fragrance for about two to three years, and obviously bin it sooner if the colour changes or if it starts to smell a tad like vinegar (obviously you won’t want to wear that). Clip and snip for under five years Even nail clippers and scissors have a shelf life – and it’s two to four years. Of course, the lifespan of these beauty necessities depends on their quality and how often you use them, according to beauty experts behind the brand Japonesque. Definitely don’t use tweezers, clippers or scissors if they’re nicked, dented, misshapen, misaligned, or rusted. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/beauty/have-you-been-using-expired-beauty-products-this-whole-time-heres-when-to-toss-them?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Beauty & Style

12 tricks to save every last drop of beauty products

It’s easy to end up spending a fortune on beauty products. All too often you can find yourself caught short when your favourite product runs out just when you need it. So to save some of your hard-earned cash, try some of our tips to make your products go the extra mile. 1. If you have a favourite foundation that’s only got a bit left in the bottle, add some Sorbolene cream, shake well, and turn it into a tinted moisturiser. 2. Don’t throw away plastic tubes of product such as eye cream, foundation or lip balm. Cut off the ends and scrape out the remaining product to get a couple more uses out of it. 3. Remove the hard top layer of your powder compact (caused by the oils in your skin) by placing a strip of sticky tape over it. When you lift it off, the top layer will come off too leaving you with a like-new compact. 4. Dropped and broken an eye shadow, blush or powder foundation? You can fix this by pouring a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the container until the product becomes a paste. Use your finger to press the product back together. Once the alcohol evaporates you will have a solid product once again. 5. Bring your dried out mascara back to life with a few drops of saline solution. Pop the lid back on, shake well, and use again. 6. Another mascara tip for when you’re running low is to place the container in a cup of warm water before use. This will loosen the product from the insides of the tube. Remember though that mascara should only be kept for about three months, so toss it if it is past its best. 7. Broken your favourite lipstick? You can melt it with a lighter and join it back together. Wind up the lipstick that is still in the tube and use the flame from a lighter to gently melt it a little. Then do the same with the matching end of the broken piece. Push the two pieces together and smooth out the sides with your finger. Allow it to dry and it should be as good as new. 8. If your powder blush has crumbled, turn it into a lip colour by adding a blob of Vaseline. Mix with a spoon and store in a small tub with a lid. 9. Use a crumbled eye shadow to make your own nail polish. Simply add the fine powder to a clear nail polish, shake well and use. Works well with glitter-based eye shadow too for a sparkly look. 10. If you have old nail polish that you can’t get open, place the handle in a mug of warm water. This should loosen it enough to be able to open. 11. Turn your last few drops of perfume into a scented moisturiser by adding it to a tub of lotion. 12. Keep your make-up brushes in good condition by wetting with warm water and then rubbing in some olive oil. Rinse under warm water to remove excess product, and then rub in some shampoo to get the last of the make-up out. Leave to dry before storing. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Household items you should use a beauty products

Your house is full of products that can be repurposed as effective beauty products. From static-y hair to puffy eyes, we bet you’ve already got the fix at home! Oatmeal: If your skin is feeling dry, add unsweetened oatmeal to your bath to help sooth your skin. This can also help when the little ones get chicken pox. Spray starch: No time to wash your hair? If you’re out of dry shampoo, try baby powder or spray starch, both of which have similar ingredients as your favourite dry shampoo sprays. Coconut oil: Coconut oil has amazing moisturising benefits. Apply it to your hair and use it as a hair mask or rub it on your skin to use it as a body moisturiser. Dryer sheets: Static-y hair? Banish flyaway hair by running a dryer sheet over your strands. It has the same effect on your hair as it does on your clothes. Green tea bags: If your eyes are puffy as a result of a lack of sleep, try de-puffing them by applying chilled, moist green tea bags under your eyes for five minutes. The caffeine and coolness help to reduce the swelling. Tape: If you can’t seem to get your cat-eye liner straight, apply a piece of tape to the side of your eye to act as a stencil for your line. Baking soda: This one is a cult classic at this point, but it’s worth repeating for anyone unaware: Brush your teeth with baking soda before your toothpaste to get whiter, brighter teeth. Matches: If you find yourself with a broken nail and you’re lacking a nailfile, use the striking strip of a matchbook in the meantime. Petroleum jelly: Apply some to your pulse points before spritzing your favourite scent on to make it last longer! Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Professional cleaner shares her holy grail products

A professional cleaner has shared her holy grail products, revealing what she would never use to clean with and what she would use for alternatives. The 22-year-old cleaner and business owner hit the cleaning aisle of her local supermarket to suggest swapping out some popular products for “better results” and to make cleaning “simple, cost effective and less toxic”. She would never use products like Ajax Spray N' Wipe, Windex glass cleaner, Easy Off soap scum remover and White King two-in-one mould and soap scum remover. The cleaner, who owns <a href="https://www.spotoncleaningsydney.com/">Spot On Cleaning Sydney</a>, first suggested swapping Ajax Spray N' Wipe for Morning Fresh washing up liquid mixed with water. She said that mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water would produce better results on commonly used surfaces. She also said the solution works better than Windex to get glass surfaces sparkling without the need to buy different products. Her next tip was to swap Easy Off soap scum spray for Bar Keepers Friend, which is a 'better alternative for built up soap scum and water stains'. The woman also recommended swapping out White King two-in-one mould and soap scum spray for Selleys rapid mould killer for better, longer lasting results. Her followers were thrilled with the cleaning hacks, with one person calling her a “life saver” after following her cleaning tips. Another follower said, 'Yes! Dishwashing liquid is literally so great for cleaning so many things. Surface cleaners only leave residue when not wiped off after spraying.” Despite the flood of praise, others were concerned that using dishwashing liquid won’t have the same germ-fighting results as sprays. “But dish liquid won't kill surface germs like surface spray?” one woman asked. However the cleaner assures her it “absolutely” will, “after all it is designed to clean dishes and kill bacteria,” she wrote. Image credits: TikTok

Home & Garden

The correct way to store beauty products

To keep your coveted beauty products working their best for longer, try these beauty storing tips. Face wash – It may be convenient, but storing your scrubs and cleansers in the shower can damage them. The product will take in moisture which can turn them into a breeding ground for bacteria or mould. Skin creams – Skin creams should be kept out of the bathroom altogether. The humidity can damage them just as the shower damages your cleansers. Keep them in your bedroom away from the window. Fragrances – Fragrances should always be stored away from direct sunlight, as heat and sunshine can cause them to go off. Nail Polish – Storing your nail polish upright in the fridge can help keep your lacquers lasting to their fullest potential. Powder make up – Try to keep your blushes and powders out of the bathroom as the change in humidity and temperature can negatively affect their make up. Brushes – Store your make up brushes out of direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause their fibres to wear. The same goes for heat and humidity, which can cause them to become caked. Try rolling them up in a make up brush bag. Lipstick – Store your lipsticks in the fridge with your nail polishes to help them last longer. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

What you need to know about using retinol beauty products

By now, you've most likely heard of retinols, the Vitamin A derivative that's been hailed a hero when it comes to anti-ageing products. But is it really worth the hype? "There's good evidence in the literature that they can correct some aspects of sun damage, ranging from fine wrinkles to dark spots," says Dr Paul Jarrett, the president of the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Yet along with those positives are some rather significant negatives, so it pays to do your research before jumping on the retinol bandwagon. I learnt that lesson the hard way after slathering on heaps of an over-the-counter retinol serum, thinking if a little was good, a lot would be even better. The result? Dry, red, peeling skin that certainly didn't look any younger. "That's a really common mistake people make when they try retinol," says Fran Caliari-Pearce, the director of Caci's Centre of Excellence. "When you're working with corrective skin treatments, less is definitely more." To save you from making similar mistakes, here are few things retinol newbies need to know: 1. Start slow The strength of retinol products varies and unless you, too, want red, flaky skin, it pays to be a little cautious. Jarrett warns that retinols can be very irritating, and it's hard to predict how your skin will react. He suggests easing into it by applying a thin layer to your face for only five or 10 minutes and working your way up to a few hours and then overnight. "The good news is that most people get used to retinols over time, so if you do have a mild reaction, you can take a break and try again," he says. 2. Avoid other irritants As retinol can dry the skin, hydration is key, but choose your moisturiser carefully. "You really want to avoid other stimulating products," says Caliari-Pearce. "We always recommend a hydrating moisturiser rather than one with a lot of active ingredients, so you're not causing too much irritation." 3. Keep at it Once you've found the right retinol for your skin, your best bet is to stick with it. "It's not just a wham-bam kind of thing where you use it and then you're done. If you want to keep those skin cells turning over, you need to keep using it," says Caliari-Pearce. "A lot of skincare brands now incorporate retinol as part of a daily skincare regime." 4. Wear sunscreen – always Retinol products can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, which is why you should only use them as part of your night-time routine. And be sure to follow up with a good sunscreen in the morning - which you should really be doing anyway. "A lot of skin issues are due to sun exposure, so using sunblock regularly would be the best idea," says Jarrett. "Preventing [wrinkles] from forming is better than trying to treat them." Image: Getty

Beauty & Style

Scotland appoints a man as "period dignity officer"

Local authorities in Scotland have come under fire for appointing a man to the role of "period dignity officer". A group of colleges and local councils in Tay region in eastern Scotland announced the appointment of Jason Grant, who will be responsible for coordinating the region's response to a new law that makes menstrual products free to access in the country. Jason Grant previously worked as a student wellbeing officer at a local college before being appointed to the controversial role, which has caused outrage. Many critics believe a woman would be better suited to the role, and were confused why a man would be considered for the job. Retired tennis star Martina Navratilova commented on the news of his appointment, calling it "f**king ridiculous" on her Twitter account. "Have we ever tried to explain to men how to shave or how to take care of their prostate or whatever?!? This is absurd," she wrote. Barrister Charlotte Proudman also questioned why a man was appointed to the role. "I remember at school, girls used sanitary pads because tampons were unaffordable," she tweeted. "What experience does Jason Grant have of this? I'm all *for* men's support - but let's have women lead on our experiences." Grant's role is the first of its kind in Scotland. "He will coordinate and streamline the approach to 'Period Dignity' across the area by working directly with the colleges and local authorities," Grainger PR said in a press release announcing the appointment. "Jason will lead a regional campaign across schools, colleges and wider communities, raising awareness and understanding of the new Act and ensuring that the Scottish Government funding is allocated appropriately," it said. The Period Products Act came into force earlier this week and means that menstrual products, including tampons and pads, will be made available free of charge in public facilities in Scotland. Image credits: Getty Images / CNN

Body

6 ways doodling can make you smarter, happier and more productive

Doodling and attention Like a perpetually active toddler, the human brain constantly demands stimulation. When you’re in a setting that’s noticeably devoid of stimuli (say, on a long plane ride, or in an ultra-boring meeting) your brain compensates by creating its own stimulation in the form of daydreams. And while zoning out is a fine way to pass the time, it’s a dismal way to absorb information. Doodling, on the other hand, engages the brain’s planning and concentration centres just enough to keep you living in the moment – and according to some researchers, it may be even more effective for retaining information than active listening. In one study in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology, subjects who monitored a monotonous phone message for names of party guests recalled 29 percent more information later if they were doodling during the call. Meanwhile, in a 2012 study of science students who were asked to draw what they learned during lectures and reading sessions, doodlers not only retained more information, but also reported more enjoyment and engagement with the material. Doodling and memory In general, multitasking lowers cognitive performance on tasks, makes you think harder than you have to, and decreases productivity. However, recent experiments out of Waterloo University suggest that doodling might be an exception. In a series of tests, subjects were given 40 seconds to either draw a word in detail or write it by hand as many times as they could. When quizzed later, doodlers recalled more than twice as many words as writers did. Give this a try in your next meeting: Don’t just write down the crucial points – draw them. Doodling and mindfulness So, doodlers, your pen is moving and your brain is engaged – do you feel the zen yet? According to Jesse Prinz, a philosophy professor at City University of New York Graduate Center, doodling keeps participants in a state of “pure listening” that borders on meditation. “Doodling helps hit that sweet spot between listening too much and listening too little,” Prinz says. “It keeps you in a state where your mind can’t wander, and your mind can’t also reflect or think more deeply about what you’re hearing… it’s to such a great extent that if I do not doodle, I find myself having difficulty concentrating.” With your mind so engaged, it becomes hard not to feel yourself in the present moment. And with meditation comes relaxation. Doodling and your mood Beyond the kindergarten wisdom that drawing is just plain fun, there may be psychological forces improving your mood when you put doodles to paper. The key: keep it positive. In a 2008 study where participants were asked to either draw something that was making them unhappy (to “vent” their emotions) or something that made them happy, those who focused on the positive showed a greater short-term elevation in mood than those who vented. So when you doodle through your next boring meeting, draw yourself on a train to your dream holiday location instead of drawing your blowhard boss tied to tracks. Doodling and creativity This may seem like a no-brainer, but creative acts lead to creative thinking. Take this case study from a 2014 paper published at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology: An architecture student hit a creative block while designing a new kindergarten building. To ease his mind, the student began habitually doodling his own signature, larger and larger. As the doodles grew in size, the student began seeing an outline for the building in the negative spaces between the letters of his name. The doodle soon became the architectural sketch on which he based his building. Doodling and stress Creative activities have been proven across dozens of studies to reduce stress, decrease negative emotions, and even improve the health of people who participate in them. The end product doesn’t even have to be a masterpiece; as the great doodling philosopher Charles Schulz wrote, “the joy is in the playing.” In no form of art is this more true than doodling, a game where your brain talks to itself by using your hand as a medium. There is no concern for the end product, or who else might see it. Relax in the fact that a doodle is just a little present from you, for you. Written by Brandon Specktor. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/6-ways-doodling-can-make-you-smarter-happier-and-more-productive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Mind

How to clean your leather products easily at home

Whether you want to protect your shoes, fix up your handbag or give life back to a belt, cleaning leather is actually a lot easier than you might think. You won’t need to pay someone else to do it once you learn just how easy it is to do at home. All you need is some non-toxic dishwashing liquid (such as the eco store brand, available from the supermarket). That’s right, the stuff you use to scrub your dishes work perfectly well to clean your leather items as well. You will need: <ul> <li>1 tbsp non-toxic dishwashing liquid</li> <li>2 large mixing bowls or buckets</li> <li>2 clean cloths </li> <li>Leather conditioner to protect the item (optional)</li> </ul> How to: <ol> <li>Squeeze one tablespoon of liquid into a mixing bowl and add warm water to mix it together. </li> <li>Fill a second bowl with warm water.</li> <li>Dip one cloth into the soapy water, squeeze to remove excess water, and use it to wipe down the leather with gentle strokes. </li> <li>Dip one corner of the second cloth into the fresh water, give it a squeeze and then use it to wipe the leather again to remove the soapy water. </li> <li>Use the dry part of the clean cloth to thoroughly dry the leather item and then place somewhere out of the elements to air dry completely before use.</li> <li>Once dry you can opt to protect your leather goods by applying a water-resistant leather conditioner, such as Dubbin, which you can buy from the supermarket. </li> </ol> What’s your favourite leather item that you’ve ever bought? We would to hear from you in the comments.

Beauty & Style

Three must-have products for winter

Staying warm and cosy is a must for winter, but when we do venture into the chilly outdoors, it can wreak havoc with our beauty routines. With a rise in everything from dry skin and chapped lips to frizzy hair and itchy scalps, the products we use in warmer months might not be cutting it as temperatures drop. But, there are plenty of ways to combat these undesirable symptoms of winter, and these must-have products are sure to help. Moisturiser Hydration is key during winter, and for achieving the currently trending look of dewy skin. Recreation beauty founder, Nedahl Stelio, says this comes down to prepping and hydrating skin thoroughly using a moisturiser and face or body oil. Not only does this boost the moisture in your skin, but it can help you create a glowy base to apply makeup over. “This year the big focus is on the Glazed Donut look – a trend we'll be seeing on body and face for the next few years,” Stelio says. “It's been building and building, but now everyone is obsessed with getting as much dew on their skin as they can – real or however you can fake it.” Hair Oil Caring for our locks and our scalps is always important, but it can become much more difficult as winter sets in. To combat itchy, brittle ends, and dry scalps, using a nourishing serum, mask or leave-in conditioner is a must, according to Jennifer Gilbert, the international brand manager of Essano. "We have been seeing the importance of scalp care on the rise over the past year, but especially recently as the colder weather sets in,” Gilbert says. “Cold weather has been shown to exacerbate a dry and itchy scalp and contribute to brittle hair.” As for frizz, hair oil that deeply conditions your hair can help tame and return some moisture to your locks. “To tame frizz, we use GLOW QUEEN GLOW BODY + HAIR OIL as a deep conditioning treatment,” Stelio says. “Put a handful through dry hair and really massage into the scalp for a gorgeous dry scalp treatment. Wait 20 minutes, then wash out in the shower, shampoo and condition and style as normal. It makes hair incredibly smooth and is the perfect pre-blow dry tonic. We also add a few drops into ends after blow drying for extra gloss.” Humidifier Along with the chills, winter can bring drier air that can contribute to dry and chapped skin that’s exacerbated by an unlikely culprit: heaters. Since they work by pulling cold air in from outside and heating it, the resulting air inside your home is quite dry. Humidifiers have become a popular solution for this particular problem, with potential benefits including reducing chronic runny noses, nose bleeds, asthma flareups, and congestion. “Air temperature has a major effect on humidity levels – cold air holds much less water than warm air," Lively Living, which sells diffusers, adds. "This is why humidifiers are so popular during the cooler seasons. Since cold air holds less moisture, the water in our bodies evaporates more quickly, resulting in chapped lips and dry skin.” Image: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Do natural cleaning products really work?

As we become more educated and aware of the cocktail of chemicals hiding in our everyday cleaning products, many people are turning to making their own. With the help of essential oils and household pantry items, it's fairly easy to make your own natural, homemade cleaning products. But, do they have the same bite as store bought products? Do they even work? Scientist and entrepreneur Dr Vincent Candrawinata says they do, as natural ingredients can help cut through grease and kill germs. "Vinegar is an acid, powerful enough to cut grease, remove dirt, grime and mineral deposits, and because it kills bacteria and germs, it has disinfectant properties," Dr Vincent told <a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/do-natural-cleaning-products-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Better Homes & Gardens</a>. As for bi-carb soda, he says, "Bi-carb soda is a mild alkali; this means that it is a mild abrasive material and can be useful to dissolve impurities, dirt and grease." The great thing about these two cleaning ingredients is they are food grade, which means "that in general, they are safe and non-toxic," he says. Just because these products are considered “natural”, that doesn’t mean they won’t do a fantastic job cleaning your home. Ingredients such as vinegar and bi-carb soda are still technically classed as chemicals, meaning they can do just as good a job as anything store bought. "Vinegar is acetic acid, CH3COOH," says Dr Vincent. "The same way that water is chemical, H2O." "These materials have surfactant properties that can dissolve dirt, remove grease, and their pH level can kill bacteria and germs." "Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and certain essential oils are strong natural disinfectants. Vinegar has considerable disinfectant power too." While these household ingredients can give you an extra boost with your cleaning routine, according to Dr Vincent, the most natural way to kill germs in your home is with steam. "Many people choose to use a steam mop rather than cleaning agents to kill germs on the floor," he says. "I love using steam. Many steam mops on the market now come with many attachments to clean different surfaces, even toilets and bathrooms." As a lot of people are turning to making their own cleaning products, one warning from Dr Vincent is to not mix dangerous chemicals together: especially vinegar and bi-carb soda. "They will become useless as a cleaning agent. The mixture will also produce gas and can cause the container to explode.” "The bubbles produced by the mix do not equal effectiveness. Essentially what's left are water and a bit of sodium acetate.” Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Unlikely product that makes grout sparkle with no scrubbing

A TikToker has revealed an unlikely cleaning product typically used in the kitchen that is super effective at cleaning grout. In fact, you don’t even need to scrub it. Azure MacCannell, who goes by the handle @livecomposed on TikTok, discovered the Healthier Home brand degreaser worked on her tiled floor after an accidental spill. The video that shows how effective it was has gone viral with 3.5 million views. <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@livecomposed/video/7034707513379458351" data-video-id="7034707513379458351"> <section><a title="@livecomposed" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@livecomposed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@livecomposed</a> Effortless grout cleaning! <a title="cleantok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleantok" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cleantok</a> <a title="cleaningtiktok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleaningtiktok" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cleaningtiktok</a> <a title="cleaning" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleaning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cleaning</a> <a title="cleaninghacks" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleaninghacks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cleaninghacks</a> <a title="cleaningproducts" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleaningproducts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cleaningproducts</a> <a title="groutcleaning" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/groutcleaning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#groutcleaning</a> <a title="hhambassador" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hhambassador" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#hhambassador</a> <a title="♬ abcdefu - GAYLE" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/abcdefu-6994724904944568322" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ abcdefu - GAYLE</a></section> </blockquote> To use the degreaser as a cleaner Azure said she "poured it on. Let it sit one minute and just wiped it off." The cleaning guru used a mop to wipe off the product after applying it to the floor. This cleaning tip has been liked 156,000 times and sparked plenty of discussion. Some viewers revealed using degreaser as a grout cleaner is a well-known cleaning secret in the fast-food industry. "Fast food places add degreaser to their mops all the time. It works," one TikToker said. If you can't get your hands on the degreaser from Healthier Home, which doesn't appear to ship to Australia, other followers insist other degreasers will work just as well. Like with any cleaning advice you see on TikTok you might want to test your degreaser on a small spot first, in case it's not suitable for your floors. It’s also best practice to read the information on the bottle, in case its not safe for use on particular materials. Image: TikTok

Home Hints & Tips

Genetic mutations slowly accumulated over a lifetime change blood production after 70 years of age

Ageing is likely caused by the gradual accumulation of molecular damage, or genetic mutations, in the cells of our bodies that occurs over a lifetime. But how this translates into the rapid deterioration in organ function that’s seen after the age of 70 has so far not been clear. Now, scientists have discovered that the accumulation of genetic mutations in blood stem cells are likely responsible for the abrupt change in how <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/why-do-we-have-blood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood</a> is produced in the body after 70 years of age. The <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04786-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new study</a>, published in Nature, points to a change in the diversity of stem cells that produce blood cells as the reason why the prevalence of reduced cell regeneration capacity, <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2020.579075/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cytopenia</a> (one or more blood cell types is lower than it should be), immune disfunction, and risk of blood cancer dramatically rises after 70. “We’ve shown, for the first time, how steadily accumulating mutations throughout life lead to a catastrophic and inevitable change in blood cell populations after the age of 70,” says joint-senior author Dr Peter Campbell, head of the Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Program at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK. “What is super exciting about this model is that it may well apply in other organ systems too.” Blood cells are made in a process called haematopoiesis All of the cells in our blood – including red cells, white cells and platelets – develop in a process called haematopoiesis from haematopoietic stem cells in our bone marrow. These stem cells are what’s known as multipotent progenitor cells, which simply means that they can develop into more than one cell type. Researchers were interested in better understanding how this process changes as we age, so they sequenced the entire genomes of 3,579 haematopoietic stem cells from a total of 10 people – ranging in age from newborn to 81 years. <div class="newsletter-box spai-bg-prepared"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p193434-o1" class="wpcf7 spai-bg-prepared" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div> </div> Using this information, they were able to construct something similar to a family tree (<a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/reading-a-phylogenetic-tree-the-meaning-of-41956/#:~:text=A%20phylogenetic%20tree%2C%20also%20known,genes%20from%20a%20common%20ancestor." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a phylogenetic tree</a>) for each stem cell, showing how the relationships between blood cells changes over the human lifespan. They found that in adults under 65, blood cells were produced from between 20,000 and 200,000 different stem cells – each contributing roughly equal amounts to production. But after 70 years of age they observed a dramatic decrease in the diversity of stem cells responsible for haematopoiesis in the bone marrow. In fact, only 12-18 independent expanded sets of stem cell clones accounted for 30-60% of cell production. These highly active stem cells had outcompeted others and progressively expanded in numbers (clones) across that person’s life, and this expansion (called <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04785-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clonal haematopoiesis</a>) was caused by a rare subset of mutations known as driver mutations that had occurred decades earlier. “Our findings show that the diversity of blood stem cells is lost in older age due to positive selection of faster-growing clones with driver mutations. These clones ‘outcompete’ the slower growing ones,” explains lead researcher Dr Emily Mitchell, a haematology registrar at Addenbrooke’s Hospital,UK, and PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, US. “In many cases this increased fitness at the stem cell level likely comes at a cost – their ability to produce functional mature blood cells is impaired, so explaining the observed age-related loss of function in the blood system.” Which clones became the dominant stem cells varied between individuals, which explains why variation is seen in disease risk and other characteristics in older adults. “Factors such as chronic inflammation, smoking, infection and chemotherapy cause earlier growth of clones with cancer-driving mutations. We predict that these factors also bring forward the decline in blood stem cell diversity associated with ageing,” says joint-senior author Dr Elisa Laurenti, assistant professor at the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, UK. “It is possible that there are factors that might slow this process down, too,” she adds. “We now have the exciting task of figuring out how these newly discovered mutations affect blood function in the elderly, so we can learn how to minimise disease risk and promote healthy ageing.” <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" class="spai-bg-prepared" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=193434&title=Genetic+mutations+slowly+accumulated+over+a+lifetime+change+blood+production+after+70+years+of+age" width="1" height="1" /> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/mutations-change-blood-production/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/imma-perfetto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imma Perfetto</a>. Imma Perfetto is a science writer at Cosmos. She has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Science Communication from the University of Adelaide. Image: Getty Images </div>

Body

R.M. Williams celebrates 90th birthday with exclusive new range

Known for its hardy leather boots (among many MANY other things), R.M. Williams commemorated its 90th anniversary on May 24, the birthday of its founder Reginald Murray ‘RM’ Williams, with an exclusive range of commemorative products. The capsule collection includes belts, boots, apparel and other accessories, with the brand’s range of boots coming made-to-order and complete with 90th anniversary trims and a commemorative plaque. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cd6wPPLhLqH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cd6wPPLhLqH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by R.M.WILLIAMS (@rmwilliams)</a> </div> </blockquote> To celebrate the milestone, R.M. Williams will also be releasing a Makers Kit that includes everything you need to create a leather cover for The Bushman’s Handcrafts, a book written by RM Williams himself. For those who already own a pair of the iconic boots, you can pick up a limited-edition care tin that includes shoe polish, leather conditioner, a brush and a polish cloth for all your boot-related needs. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdXoP1ENFMf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdXoP1ENFMf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by R.M.WILLIAMS (@rmwilliams)</a> </div> </blockquote> The brand will also be getting its very own coin as part of the Great Aussie Coin Hunt, an A-Z collection of coins depicting Australian icons. Unsurprisingly, the brand’s coin will be representing the letter R, and will include a limited-edition design with a silhouette of Williams on horseback and the iconic Craftsman boot. The range of products is available to <a href="https://www.rmwilliams.com.au/90th-anniversary-celebrations.html?lang=en_AU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">order online</a> or purchase in R.M. Williams stores. Image: Supplied

Beauty & Style

This unlikely cleaning product will transform your toilet

A mum has been applauded as a genius after finding a cleaning hack to turn dirty brown toilets spotless, using a very unlikely item that every household has. Taking to social media, Jennifer posted a picture of her toilet which had discoloured yellowy-brown stains on the underside of the seat. It’s widely considered one of the hardest things to scrub, even with multiple attempts. Alongside a photo of her dirty toilet seat, she posted an after photo showing a spotless bright clean toilet, showcasing the stunning transformation. Jennifer revealed tooth cleaner was what she use to make her toilet spotless, in particular the White Glo Activated Charcoal Teeth Polishing Powder. "Check out what activated charcoal can clean," she wrote on the Cleaning & Organising Inspiration Facebook group. "Ran out creme cleaner to try (I tried everything), so I figured why not try my activated charcoal teeth cleaner." Jennifer explained she put the teeth cleaner directly on a wet cloth and gently scrubbed the dirty areas, warning not to leave it on for too long incase it stains. "I wouldn't leave it too long as it can stain, but will eventually come off," she said. "It even removed hair dye stain off my toilet seat. Hot pink ... damn kids!" Thousands responded to her hack, saying they've tried everything to remove the stains from the same place and haven't had any luck until now. Image: TikTok

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What’s in a name? Quite a lot if it’s prosecco, parmesan or mozzarella