Op-Ed: Boiling water a fix for microplastics in humans?


By Paul Wallis
March 29, 2025

DIGITAL JOURNAL


Many inhabitants of Khartoum are in desperate need of drinking water, with some reopening wells or using pots to draw water from the Nile river - Copyright AFP -

It turns out that microplastics aren’t unbeatable. Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University have discovered an unexpectedly simple fix to reduce microplastic intake in humans.

Make a point of reading that link to Science Alert’s article, because it is fascinating.

The process couldn’t be simpler, and the best results remove 90% of microplastics. Boiling different types of hard and soft water showed that calcium carbonate, which forms limescale in kettles, also traps microplastics.

Yes, it’s the same stuff that you’re told to remove from kettles using vinegar.

This Science Alert video spells out how the process works.

Soft water can be made harder and easier to decontaminate with the addition of minerals and/or simply filtered with steel mesh.

At the macroenvironmental level, plastics are the result of a century of massive production and ignorance. A lot is being done to eliminate persistent exposure with new materials, but it’s a legacy problem for the immediate future.

The major issue is the prevalence and persistence of microplastics. In chemical warfare, a “persistent agent” is a toxic chemical that remains active for a long time.

It may be possible to use similar solutions, pun intended, to decontaminate microplastics in the urban and natural environments. We’re not exactly short of CO2 right now, and there are probably other ways of binding microplastics in these environments.

One thing that the Chinese experiments make very clear is that a cheap, simple fix is far more effective. For macro-scale cleanups, something that can be simply added to the environment and washed away will do.

One of the new methods for eliminating microplastics is to make them easily dissolvable in sea water. For a nice change, we might actually be doing something productive by flushing anything and everything into the sea.

That idea may also translate into good waste management on a global scale. Imagine destroying pollution instead of creating it every time you use the plumbing.

So heat up the kettle, and do your health a favor.

_________________________________________________

Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Digital Journal or its members.

US opioid deaths hit record 79,355


By Dr. Tim Sandle
March 29, 2025
DIGITAL  JOURNAL

Pharmaceutical companies and distributors have agreed to pay $590 million to settle litigation related to opioid addiction in the Native American population 

— © AFP/File TIMOTHY A. CLARY

A new study reveals that 79,355 U.S. citizens died from opioid overdoses in 2023, marking a 12 percent increase from 2022, which is the highest recorded in U.S. history. Moreover, this translates to a mean of 217 deaths per day.

Despite a 51.7 percent drop in opioid prescriptions since 2012, the crisis has worsened due to the surge in fentanyl-related overdoses, proving that prescription limits alone are insufficient.

A recent review, conducted by White Law PLLC, provides a state-by-state analysis of this growing epidemic, using data from the CDC, NIDA, and the AMA’s Opioid Prescription Trends Report (2012-2023).

In terms of the 79,355 deaths, fentanyl is involved in 75 percent of the opioid deaths nationwide, hitting the hardest in Appalachia and the Midwest. The opioid epidemic is also costing the U.S. over $1.5 trillion annually, overloading hospitals, public health systems, and law enforcement.

West Virginia (#1) and Ohio (#2) have the highest opioid-related death rates, while California, Texas, and Florida are experiencing rising overdose fatalities despite policy efforts.

The top ten states with the worse death rates are:West Virginia
Ohio
Kentucky
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Maryland
California
Florida
Texas
Michigan

The study analyzed opioid overdose deaths, prescription data, and fentanyl-related fatalities from the CDC, NIDA, and AMA Opioid Prescription Trends Report (2012–2023).

West Virginia (81.4 deaths per 100,000 people) leads the U.S. Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania report over 40 deaths per 100,000, while California and Texas see rising fatalities despite harm reduction policies.

Fentanyl is now the primary driver of opioid deaths, involved in 79 percent of cases in West Virginia, 72 percent in Ohio, and 86 percent in Maryland. The drug is increasingly mixed with heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills, making overdoses more frequent and deadlier.

Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin, one of the main prescription opioids that stoked the US addiction and overdose epidemic beginning in the early 2000s – Copyright US Drug Enforcement Administration/AFP Handout

In terms of what this costs municipal services, West Virginia ($10.2 billion) and Ohio ($9.5 billion) suffering the highest economic losses. Even states with lower overdose rates, like Texas ($5.1 billion) and Michigan ($4.9 billion), bear massive financial burdens, proving this crisis impacts every sector of society.

For many economists and healthcare professionals, the opioid epidemic is no longer just a drug crisis, it is a full-scale public health emergency. Overdose deaths continue to rise despite prescription cutbacks, proving that illicit fentanyl and polydrug use are the real drivers of the crisis.

South Dakota tops US cancer risk factor rankings

By Dr. Tim Sandle
March 28, 2025

DIGITAL JOURNAL


The EU is aiming to reduce its smoking population from around 25 percent now to less than five percent of the total by 2040 - Copyright AFP/File MANDEL NGAN

Where in the U.S. are the highest cancer rates? The answer reveals regional disparities related to a range of factors. Smoking and obesity emerge as critical cancer risk factors.

South Dakota ranks as the highest-risk state for cancer, driven primarily by high rates of excessive alcohol consumption and elevated radon levels. West Virginia shows the highest smoking rate and obesity rates among all states.

A recent study by the company Masumi identified and ranked U.S. states with the highest combination of risk factors contributing to cancer. Data was collected on cancer new cases and deaths (2024), population (2024), and various cancer risk factors, including smoking rates, obesity rates, radon levels, stress levels, alcohol consumption, the population aged 65 and above, UV radiation index, air pollution, and water hardness. States were ranked in descending order, with higher scores representing greater overall cancer risk.

A summary of the research reveals:

State	Alcohol Excessive Consumption Rate	Smoking Rate	Obesity Rate	Radon Level	Stress Level Index	Composite score
South Dakota	24.4%	19.3%	38.4%	9.6	49	99.9
West Virginia	15.2%	26.0%	40.6%	6.1	6	98.4
Pennsylvania	19.8%	18.7%	33.3%	8.6	33	86.0
Ohio	20.7%	21.1%	37.7%	7.8	17	83.4
Kentucky	18.2%	24.6%	40.3%	7.4	8	82.6
Maine	22.5%	17.3%	31.9%	5.9	20	78.2
Iowa	24.6%	17.1%	36.4%	6.1	46	76.9
Montana	24.3%	17.2%	31.8%	7.4	30	76.4
Wisconsin	25.2%	16.0%	33.9%	5.7	38	68.0
New Hampshire	20.8%	15.7%	30.6%	5.6	47	67.9

As indicated above, South Dakota leads the ranking with a composite score of 99.9, presenting a strong concentration of cancer risk factors. The state records the highest radon level (9.6) among all analyzed states, creating significant indoor exposure risks. South Dakota’s excessive alcohol consumption rate of 24.4 percent contributes substantially to its overall cancer risk profile, while its obesity rate of 38.4 percent further enhances health concerns. The state also faces challenges with stress levels (49), ranking among the highest in the study.

West Virginia ranks 2nd with a score of 98.4, displaying the highest smoking rate (26 percent) among the top 10 states. West Virginia also leads with the highest obesity rate (40.6 percent) and has the largest elderly population (21.5 percent) among the top-ranked states, creating a particularly vulnerable demographic profile.

Pennsylvania ranks 3rd with a score of 86, balancing multiple risk factors across categories. The state shows concerning levels of radon (8.6) and relatively high stress levels (33). Pennsylvania’s high obesity rate (33.3 percent) and bad air pollution (6) further compound cancer risks.

Ohio ranks 4th with a score of 83.44, with the highest air pollution (8.9) among the top states. Its smoking rate (21.1 percent) and obesity rate (37.7 percent) are also among the highest, and stress levels (17) are noticeably elevated, compounding the state’s cancer risk.

Kentucky ranks fifth with a score of 82.61, showing the second-highest smoking rate (24.6 percent) and obesity rate (40.3 percent). Despite having a lower elderly population (17.8 percent), the state’s lifestyle risk factors put residents at significant cancer risk.

Such data suggests that to understand cancer risks a balanced understanding between lifestyle factors, genetics and environmental factors, each combining to influence health outcomes.

Written By  Dr. Tim Sandle

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

How is AI is helping companies to empower tomorrow’s workforce?


By Dr. Tim Sandle
March 28, 2025

DIGITAL JOURNAL


Image: © DJC

Many companies are starting a push that impacts bottom-line significance designed to generate future value from generative AI. For example, many large companies are leading the way and consequently this is why economies are experiencing workplace reductions through layoffs.

As AI reshapes how organizations manage talent, it is also redefining what the workforce is. Such as: what skills are in demand, how work gets done, and who gets access to opportunity?

Seemingly we are entering a world where adaptability, continuous learning, and human-AI collaboration will be just as critical as traditional expertise.

Sara Gutierrez, Chief Science Officer at SHL, who leads many AI initiatives believes that companies using AI across the organization are set up for success. Gutierrez has provided this interpretation to Digital Journal.

With the changing workplace and job functions, Gutierrez finds: “Roles are becoming more fluid, teams more cross-functional, and career paths less linear. The organizations that embrace this shift will be the ones best positioned to attract, retain, and grow top talent.”

How is this transformation of technology and culture manifested? According to Gutierrez: “What’s making this transformation possible is a new generation of AI-powered talent intelligence tools—tools that give leaders real-time visibility into skills, potential, and readiness.”

Drawing on local experience, Gutierrez remarks: “At SHL, we see talent intelligence as a strategic driver of this workforce evolution. It enables companies to move beyond outdated job frameworks and instead think in terms of capabilities, agility, and fit for the future, not just the role.”

AI is helping firs to operate proactively

As to how this has altered in recent years, Gutierrez explains: “This is a dramatic shift from traditional talent management. Where we once operated reactively—filling roles, plugging gaps, and relying on intuition—AI is helping us operate proactively. It gives us the ability to forecast the skills that will matter most, understand who in our workforce is primed to grow into new roles, and personalize development in ways that truly matter. It’s not about automating decisions—it’s about augmenting them with insight we never had before.”

Furthermore, Gutierrez clarifies, insight is essential: “Because the workforce of tomorrow will not look like the workforce of today. Career paths are already starting to resemble skill trees instead of ladders. Internal mobility is no longer a perk—it’s a necessity. And the most inclusive organizations will be those that use AI not to reinforce old patterns, but to challenge them. With bias-mitigated, data-driven assessments at the core—like those used in SHL’s platform—organizations can uncover talent in places they may have previously overlooked, including among neurodiverse candidates or employees without traditional credentials.”

The shift also demands that we rethink how we view potential. Talent intelligence helps us understand not just what people have done, but what they’re capable of.

These companies are using AI to unify fragmented data across skills, performance, engagement, and learning systems to build a full picture of their workforce—what people can do today, and what they can grow into tomorrow.

Written By  Dr. Tim Sandle

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

Quantum computer achieves certified randomness, boosting security further


By Dr. Tim Sandle
March 28, 2025

DIGITAL JOURNAL


Quantum computing has been touted as a revolutionary advance that uses our growing scientific understanding of the subatomic world to create a machine with powers far beyond those of conventional computers - Copyright AFP/File LUCA SOLA

In recent research published in the science journal Nature (“Certified randomness using a trapped-ion quantum processor”), a team of organizations including JPMorgan Chase, Quantinuum, University of Texas-Austin and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have announced the first experimentally demonstrated “certified randomness” by a quantum computer.

This includes potential applications across critical infrastructure, cryptography, cryptocurrency, the gambling industry, election integrity, and more. This is because true randomness cannot be cracked by a conventional computer, rendering systems ‘safe’ from security breaches.

Certified randomness was confirmed by cryptographers at JPMC first running an algorithm on Quantinuum’s 56-qubit Helios quantum computer to generate random numbers. The US Department of Energy’s supercomputers were then used to prove the output was truly random and freshly generated. This paves the way towards the use of quantum computers for a practical task unattainable through classical methods.

The quantum computer runs each circuit several times, producing a string of bits (zeroes and ones) for each output.

Certified randomness is a means of generating random numbers from a quantum computer and then using a classical supercomputer to prove they are truly random and freshly generated. In other words, this is the process of generating a series of numbers that cannot be predicted by reason but only by random chance. The researchers termed their outcome as ‘Random Circuit Sampling’.

Verification of the outputs was achieved using the Frontier and Summit supercomputers. The researchers estimate that about 70,000 certified random bits were generated over 18 hours. This demonstrated randomness could not be mimicked by classical methods. Using classical certification across multiple leadership-scale supercomputers with a combined sustained performance of 1.1 x 1018 floating point operations per second (1.1 ExaFLOPS), the team certified 71,313 bits of entropy.

Entropy is a scientific concept, associated with states of disorder, randomness, or uncertainty.

In terms of how secure this is, using the best currently-known attack, a malicious actor would need at least about four Frontier supercomputers working continuously to spoof the quantum computer’s output, and get the verifier to accept non-random bits.

This could pave the way towards the use of quantum computers for a practical task unattainable through classical methods.

“Today, we celebrate a pivotal milestone that brings quantum computing firmly into the realm of practical, real-world applications,” said Dr Rajeeb Hazra, president and CEO of Quantinuum.

“Our application of certified quantum randomness not only demonstrates the unmatched performance of our trapped-ion technology but sets a new standard for delivering robust quantum security and enabling advanced simulations across industries like finance, manufacturing and beyond.”

This outcome will lead to advancements in quantum hardware, and it will additionally be vital to further research, statistical sampling, numerical simulations and cryptography.

Written By  Dr. Tim Sandle

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

France falling short of climate targets as emissions dip slows

France cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 1.8 percent in 2024 – a sharp slowdown compared to the previous year, government monitoring data shows.

Issued on: 28/03/2025 - RFI

The sun rises over a coal-fired powerplant of French multinational electric utility company EDF in Cordemais Lavau-sur-Loire, western France. AFP - LOIC VENANCE

The drop was well below the 5.8 percent reduction seen between 2022 and 2023, according to figures released Friday by Citepa, the group responsible for tracking France’s carbon emissions.

To meet its goal of halving emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, France would need to cut carbon output by 15 MtCO2e (megatonnes of CO2 equivalent) every year for the next six years. In 2024, the reduction was just 6.7 MtCO2e.

'On right track'

“We are still on the right track,” said Ecological Transition Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher on French station TF1. “But there are two sectors where it’s complicated: transport and buildings.”

She added: “I asked the president to convene an ecological planning council to look at what’s working well and, in the two sectors where we’re not moving fast enough, what measures need to be taken.”

Citepa said France’s energy industry posted the largest decline in emissions, down 11.6 percent in 2024, helped by the country’s heavy reliance on nuclear and renewable power.

By contrast, the transport sector, residential and commercial buildings, and heavy industry showed limited progress.

Total greenhouse gas emissions for 2024 are estimated at 366 MtCO2e – the lowest level since 1990.

Campaigners hail move to prosecute owners of French steelworks over pollution

Global trend

France’s slowdown reflects a broader trend among developed countries. Germany recorded a 3 percent drop in emissions in 2024, while the United Kingdom saw a 4 percent decline.

Emissions in the United States were nearly unchanged, down just 0.2 percent. China’s emissions rose again, despite strong growth in renewable energy.

“Political backsliding on ecological transition has caused France to fall behind on its climate objectives,” said Anne Bringault, programmes director at the Climate Action Network, which groups many environmental organisations.

“We’re waiting for strong proposals for sectors that have fallen behind, like transport and building renovation – with real lasting solutions for households struggling to make ends meet,” she told the French news agency AFP.

Warming Paris region faces €2.5bn bill from future drought crises

Incomplete picture

Citepa said its estimates may be “over-estimated” for now, since it cannot yet assess emissions from the waste and agriculture sectors. Final figures could show a slightly larger drop.

France is currently revising its national low-carbon strategy, which aims to reduce gross emissions to 270 MtCO2e by 2030.

The country “must prepare for strengthened reduction targets in the coming years,” Citepa warned, as the EU moves to raise its climate ambitions.

According to the UN, the current global path for cutting carbon pollution is likely to result in about 3C of warming above pre-industrial levels – far beyond the Paris Agreement target of 1.5C.

Most French favour Sunday hunting ban amid safety concerns

An Ifop study shows that many French people do not feel safe when walking during hunting season. They also want the hunting season to be shortened, and the majority support a ban on hunting with hounds.


Issued on: 30/03/2025 - RFI

A hunter walks with his dog in La Cornuaille, western France, on 22 September, 2024. © AFP - Jean-François Monier

Commissioned by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal rights charity founded by the French actress, the online survey reveals that 62 percent of respondents do not feel safe when walking in nature during hunting season.

This proportion rises to 71 percent for women, and stands at 59 percent for people living in rural communities.

French hunter avoids prison time for accidental killing of woodcutter

Sunday ban

Many said they backed measures aimed at addressing this, with 82 percent in favour of making Sunday a hunting-free day – four percentage points higher than in the previous survey, published in 2021.

And 76 percent also support reducing the hunting season to a period between 1 October and 31 January – it currently runs from September until the end of February, generally.

"For me, hunting is completely obsolete, outdated. We're still killing little birds just for the pleasure of killing. It's disgusting. We live in a dangerous time, and we keep wanting to kill animals. It's scandalous," Bardot told French broadcaster BFMTV.

France tightens hunting regulations but stops short of weekend ban

Animal welfare

Regarding animal suffering, 72 percent of those surveyed support the ban on hunting with hounds.

Bardot said she was particularly horrified by an incident that took place on film director Luc Besson's property in Normandy last month, when a deer was killed by hunters who entered his property during a hunt with hounds.

She said she wants to see this hunting practice banned "now, not in a few years, I don’t have time to wait".

However, 67 percent of respondents believe that French politicians do not care about improving animal welfare.

There are more than 1 million active hunters in France, according to the National Hunters' Federation, and some 5 million people are in possession of a hunting licence.

Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson requests French nationality

(with newswires)

French minister Valls pushes for deal on New Caledonia’s future

France's Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, is on a four-day New Caledonia to support efforts to shape the archipelago’s future, as fresh negotiations aim to bridge political divides and foster stability.

31/03/2025 - RFI

 

France's Minister for Overseas Departments, Manuel Valls, pictured speaking to pro-French, loyalist demonstrators during a visit to New Caledonia, 22 February 2025. 

© Delphine Mayeur/AFP

Valls took a significant step towards shaping the Pacific territory's institutional future when he presented a draft agreement to both pro-independence and loyalist political delegations on Sunday morning.

His visit comes in the wake of deadly riots 2024, with fresh momentum towards a constructive resolution.

Deadly unrest in New Caledonia tied to old colonial wounds

“The minister has made a move. He has provided all political delegations with a draft agreement, which is now under review,” said Pascal Vittori, a member of the Loyalist delegation, speaking to the AFP news agency.

He described it as “a text containing proposals on each issue, but one that remains open for negotiation”.

Posting on X, the territory's administration wrote: "As part of his trip to New Caledonia, Manuel Valls... was received today by the government. He signed with the President of the Government, Alcide Ponga, the agreement relating to the granting of the AFD loan of 120 billion francs" – which represents over €8 million from France's development agency.

Who is Alcide Ponga, New Caledonia's new pro-French president?

'History will not repeat itself'

A plenary meeting is set for Monday afternoon at the High Commission, bringing all stakeholders together to examine the draft agreement and work towards a consensus.

From the outset of discussions on Saturday, Valls underscored the urgency of reaching an agreement.

“We must take a decisive step towards a comprehensive compromise,” he urged, calling on Caledonian leaders to “be bold” and “rise to the occasion at this pivotal moment in history,” reminding them that “history will not repeat itself”.

The minister outlined key issues, such as self-determination mechanisms, the distribution of sovereign powers, local governance, Caledonian citizenship, the electoral body, and the drafting of a fundamental law to be integrated into the Constitution.

One participant noted that pressure is mounting within political bases to reach a deal, albeit for different reasons: “For the Loyalists, the priority is long-term security. For the separatists, whose communities have been hit hardest by recent events, the focus is on swiftly addressing everyday challenges”.

France pays €130m to New Caledonia to revive post-crisis economy

Reconstruction, economic recovery

On Sunday, Valls also met with New Caledonia’s mayors to discuss their priorities, including security, local finances, reconstruction, and education.

Meanwhile, two mayoral associations will convene next week to formulate proposals on the role of municipalities in the future of the territory's status.

During the exchanges at the weekend, the minister confirmed the notification of municipal allocations for 2025, the release of investment subsidies, and the continuation of the Municipal Development Fund.

He also announced a €200 million budget, still to be finalised, to support local authorities grappling with increasing social pressures in education, security, and poverty alleviation.

Alongside institutional discussions, Valls introduced immediate measures to boost economic recovery, including an extension of the tax exemption scheme to accelerate the rebuilding of businesses damaged in 2024.

“The future and civil peace depend on it,” he stressed.

The minister is set to leave on Tuesday evening, concluding four days of discussions aimed at paving the way for a stable and prosperous future for New Caledonia.

Torching tradition as first woman raises the axe for Shetland's Vikings

Scotland – The people of Shetland, a group of islands north of Scotland, are welcoming the arrival of spring in dramatic style – by burning viking longships. Up Helly Aa was first celebrated in 1881 and is unique to these islands. But it's a tradition that is evolving, with a woman at the heart of it for the first time.

31/03/2025 

RFI

Shetland prepares for the return of spring with the Up Helly Aa festival. 

© Thomas Harms/RFI

Three hundred people, torches in hand, march through the main street of the fishing village of Cullivoe, on the island of Yell. At the port, they're met by a group of axe-wielding Vikings gathered around a wooden longship.

The leader of the group sets fire to his drakkar – a Viking longship. In the dark of night, one by one, the rest throw their torches onto the blaze. This is the climax of Up Helly Aa.

Alice Jamieson has been preparing for this moment for two years. The 35-year-old, a former Royal Navy nurse now working as a home carer, is the first woman to take on the role of Viking chieftain – a position until now reserved for men.

"I took a week to decide whether or not to accept. But I grew up here, Up Helly Aa celebrates the community and it's always been part of my life," she says.

For the past year, she’s been in charge of organising the four days of celebrations, with the help of her squad of around 20 people.

Jamieson has had to raise funds, build a dragon-headed Viking boat by hand and design emblems, costumes and weapons. Every year a new boat is built and every year a new design is chosen for the costumes and shields: a wolf, a phœnix, a weapon, a rune, a Celtic cross.

The end of winter solstice

"During the creative process, I immersed myself in Norse mythology and came across the figure of the Valkyries, the female Viking warriors," she explains.

"They were also carers, like me. So I chose the wings of the Valkyries on my coat of arms, combined with the symbol of the nurses in the British Navy. In this mythology, the northern lights, which are often seen here, were the sparkling armour of these warriors as they crossed the sky, so their colour was the inspiration for the shields."

Up Helly Aa signifies the end of the winter solstice celebrations, which take place in Shetland from the end of February to the end of March – a festival of fire and a symbol of renewal.

"A friend of mine wasn't well at that time of year," said Brian Spence, who led the celebration in Cullivoe last year. "And his grandmother said to him, 'listen, it's going to be alright, we're going to burn everything that's wrong during the Up Helly Aa, it'll be alright afterwards'."

The analogy between the cremation ceremony and the change of season is easy to see.

"It's reminiscent of a historical re-enactment, with the chief's squad, the Jarl, meticulously recreating the costumes and weapons," historian Brian Smith explains.

An archivist at the Shetland Museum, Smith traces the origins of the festival back to the years just after the Napoleonic wars.

"You have to go back to the years 1815-1820, after the Napoleonic battles. The sailors returning from the wars went back to their villages, but all that awaited them there was the sound of the wind in the night. They wanted warmth, music, colour and laughter," he says.

Great Scot! French researchers stumble upon Queen Mary's lost letters

Two hundred years ago, these young people created an event to mark the arrival of spring, with fireworks, drums and dancing, lit and heated by peat fires.

"It was lively, but a little chaotic, and on several occasions the authorities tried to restrict them," Smith adds.

By 1870, the costumes had become more elaborate. By 1880, Viking imagery had taken over. In every corner of the Shetland archipelago, young people started building dragon-headed boats to burn during the village fete.

"In those years, the history of the Viking peoples and the myth of these conquering warriors was very fashionable in the United Kingdom. Playing up this heritage – Shetland was colonised in the ninth century by the Scandinavians – seemed a natural fit," Smith explains.

Male dominance

Little has changed since 1880, and Up Helly Aa is still dominated by men.

"There are 900 participants and to become Jarl, you have to join the organising committee, which is made up of 15 people. So you know that these men will become Jarl before you do, you'll have to wait about 15 years for your turn," Smith says.

"For some Jarl, it becomes the most eagerly awaited day of their lives, more so than their wedding or the arrival of a child. So, a woman becoming Jarl? I don't see that happening for another 100 years."

It was primary school teacher Brian Spence who picked Jamieson to succeed him as Jarl of Cullivoe.

"I chose a woman because it doesn't make any difference. I think it was just a matter of someone taking the first step and saying ‘it's time’. It wasn't completely unanimous, but it's not a vote," he says.

"I have a son and a daughter, and now my daughter is also talking about ‘when she's the boss’. Alice grew up with Up Helly Aa like me; she's only missed one in her life since she was five. So, gender aside, she's the logical choice. She may be the only woman for 20 years, 50 years, but the precedent has been set."

Spray it to say it: graffiti group sees women make their mark in Paris

For this tiny community, Up Helly Aa is a way of renewing social ties. Throughout the year, it's an excuse to get out of the house and meet up with other people to make plans, build the boat or come up with skits to perform at the event.

Lynn Thomson, a retired probation officer, grew up in Edinburgh but moved to Cullivoe.

"We're really isolated here. At times you think it would be so nice to be able to go out to eat or order a pizza. But that's not possible," Thomson says.

"People think Shetland is living in the past. They'll say 'wow, you've got TV and wow, you've got the internet'. But we're proving them wrong. It's no small thing that a woman has been chosen as Jarl. Society is misogynistic and it's time to change things. Of course, it's not going to change the world, but every little thing can help change societies."

After the boat's symbolic cremation, everyone gathers in the village hall for an evening of comedy sketches and, because no party in Scotland is complete without one, a ceilidh, the traditional dance.

The sound of the fiddle and accordion will be heard until the sun comes up – earlier in the day, at last.

This article was adapted from the original version in French, by our correspondent in Scotland.

US revokes French oil company's licence in Venezuela

French oil company Maurel & Prom has had its licence to operate in Venezuela revoked by the United States as part of the its attempt to cripple Venezuela’s economy and put pressure on leader Nicolas Maduro.


Issued on: 31/03/2025

 RFI

The docks of VOPAK, a subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, on Waikiki beach in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, in February 2024. 

© Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters


The US Treasury department’s Office of foreign assets has revoked a special licence granted last May to Maurel et Prom (M&P) that allowed it to operate in Venezuela despite US sanctions, the company said Monday.

The company, which is majority-owned by the Indonesian government, has until 27 May to wind down its activities.

Venezuela announced Sunday that the US had revoked several transnational oil and gas companies' licences.

Spanish oil company Repsol said Monday it received notification its licence had been revoked, and Italy's Eni on Sunday said it had been notified by US authorities it would no longer be allowed to receive oil from Venezuela's state oil firm PDVSA as payment for gas it produces in Venezuela.

Trump targeting Maduro

Last week, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on countries that buy Venezuelan oil or gas.

By cancelling licences and imposing tariffs, the US is hoping to squeeze Venezuela's oil exports and pressure the country’s leader Nicolas Maduro, whose re-election last yeahas been contested by the US and many other countries.

Trump has accused Maduro of failing to make progress on electoral reforms and migrant returns.

Venezuela's oil production, which exceeded three million barrels per day (bpd) 25 years ago, is currently producing about one million bpd.
Exceptions revoked

M&P is one of several companies that had been granted authorisation by the previous US administration to continue to source Venezuelan oil for refineries from Spain to India, despite US sanctions.

The company, which produces around 20,000 bpd in Venezuela was granted a licence for its interest in the mixed company Petroregional del Lago, which operates the Urdaneta Oeste field in Lake Maracaibo.

US oil giant Chevron was told last month that its licence to to operate in Venezuela and export crude oil to the US would be cancelled, with a deadline extended to 27 May.

(with Reuters, AFP)

REST IN POWER 

Yves Boisset, cinema as a struggle

Paris (AFP) - The filmmaker Yves Boisset, who died on Monday at the age of 86, very often defied censorship with landmark films of the 1970s, such as "The Attack" on the Ben Barka affair, "R.A.S" on the Algerian war or "Dupont Lajoie" on ordinary racism.


Published: 31/03/2025

FRANCE24

Filmmaker Yves Boisset, April 2, 2005 in Tours © FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP/Archives

A left-wing filmmaker, inspired by real events, considering each film as a struggle, he intended to denounce "stupidity, of which racism is a specific variant" and "seek the truth".

After some twenty feature films, he abandoned cinema in 1991 in favor of television, keeping intact a desire -- "bordering on recklessness", according to one critic -- to do battle with injustices.

Born on March 14, 1939 in Paris, this film graduate did his military service in Algeria. He then worked as a journalist for the monthly magazine Cinéma and as an assistant to directors such as Jean-Pierre Melville and Vittorio de Sica.

Director Yves Boisset (r) shoots one of the exterior scenes of the TV movie "Jean Moulin", on February 27, 2002 in Lyon © JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP/Archives

His first film in 1968 was a nice B movie, "Coplan saves his skin". He then changed gears, shooting 10 films in 10 years. And not dwarfs! First, "Un condé" (1970), with Michel Bouquet, a dark portrait of the police.

"From there, the trouble (with censorship) began," he said.

In 1972, it was "The Attack", with Jean-Louis Trintignant, inspired by the assassination in France of the Moroccan opponent Mehdi Ben Barka. The film attacked the Gaullist government. The crew was banned from filming in several locations.

A year later, "R.A.S" (for: "Rien à reporter") was released. He was one of the first filmmakers to take up the Algerian War. A story of insubordination that the then far-right leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen, and his friends said all the bad things they thought. The censors demanded that the torture scenes be shortened. Reels were stolen during filming, and funding was blocked several times. Regardless, "R.A.S" is a public success.

In 1975, his most famous film, "Dupont Lajoie", was released, based on racist murders in Marseille committed a few years earlier. Jean Carmet bursts onto the screen. Fights and intimidation by the far right took place during the filming and theatrical release. Screenings are cancelled.
Committed TV movies

Tireless, in 1977 he directed "Le Juge Fayard dit +le Shériff+", with Patrick Dewaere, based on the assassination of Judge François Renaud. "It's the story of a guy -- it will be more or less the same subject in most of my films -- who is desperately trying for the truth to triumph and who will pay for it," sums up Yves Boisset.

Director Yves Boisset (l) shoots a scene from his TV movie "Jean Moulin", on February 27, 2002 in Lyon © Jean-Philippe KSIAZEK / AFP/Archives

Charles Pasqua's SAC (Service d'action civique, service d'ordre gaulliste) gets the court to get any mention of the organization to disappear from the film. The team punches the soundtrack, replacing the word "SAC" with a beep-beep. The result: "every time the audience hears it, they start shouting +SAC: murderer!+. This gave the film a great publicity effect," he rejoiced. He laughed less at the time of the film when he was violently attacked.

Screenwriter of his films, he also directed "Spy, Rise" (Lino Ventura), "Heat Wave" (Lee Marvin) and "Blue as Hell" (Lambert Wilson). One of his main successes is "Un taxi mauve" (Philippe Noiret and Charlotte Rampling).

Tired of being constantly put in the way, he stopped acting in 1991: "I tried to survive by making TV movies that were often films that reflected obvious social concerns."

In 1993, he directed "The Seznec Affair", in 1995 "The Dreyfus Affair", in 1997 "The Pants" (about those shot for the example of the 14-18 war), in 2006 "The Bloody Mysteries of the Order of the Solar Temple" and, in 2009, "The Salengro Affair". A work that has been rewarded several times.

Passionate about athletics during his youth, father of three children, he published his memoirs in 2011, "Life is a choice".

In it, he accused -- which earned him a conviction for defamation -- the former socialist minister Michel Charasse of having carried out a tax audit during the preparation of an embarrassing film for President François Mitterrand on the arms trade. A film that was never made.

© 2025 AFP