Researchers say sleep offers a unique window into overall health because it records many of the body’s core functions continuously over several hours. “We record an amazing number of signals when we study sleep,” said Dr Emmanuel Mignot, a senior author of the study published in Nature Medicine. “It’s very data-rich.”

While artificial intelligence has increasingly been used in areas such as cardiology and cancer detection, sleep has received far less attention, despite its importance to physical and mental health. “From an AI perspective, sleep is relatively understudied,” said Dr James Zou, an associate professor at Stanford and co-author of the research. He said SleepFM shows that sleep data can be used to predict a wide range of health outcomes, from cardiovascular conditions to mental health disorders.

The researchers stress that the technology is not meant to replace doctors, but to support earlier detection and prevention. In the future, such models could help identify health risks before symptoms appear, allowing patients and clinicians to act sooner.

Stanford’s team says more research and clinical testing will be needed before sleep-based AI tools are used widely in healthcare.

On May 28, 2025, false reports of a plane crash carrying Mauritanian Hajj pilgrims surfaced on social media, claiming that over 200 had perished. Mauritania Airlines refuted these allegations, confirming all of its pilgrims arrived safely. An investigation revealed that the circulating video was from a past incident, and visual flaws indicated the AI-generated nature of accompanying images. These developments highlight the importance of verifying information on social media to avoid the spread of misinformation.

CWP confirms commitment to green hydrogen project in Mauritania

Despite delays in finalising investment decisions for the Aman green hydrogen project in Mauritania due to the absence of offtake agreements, CWP remains committed to the initiative. The project's future hinges on securing these agreements, demonstrating the complexities involved in large-scale renewable energy projects.

Mauritania eliminates Trachoma, honoured by WHO

Mauritania has announced the successful elimination of trachoma , a significant infectious blindness cause, joining Papua New Guinea in this achievement. Recognised by the WHO during the World Health Assembly, this marks a critical milestone in global health efforts against neglected tropical diseases. The elimination reflects the effectiveness of the SAFE strategy and highlights the importance of community engagement and government support in public health initiatives.

Mass demonstrations in support of Gaza in Morocco and Mauritania

On June 13, 2025, thousands in Morocco and Mauritania participated in mass demonstrations, condemning actions against Gaza since October 7, 2023. The protests aimed at expressing solidarity with Palestinians, calling for an end to what participants termed genocide, showcasing significant public unrest and advocacy for humanitarian causes amidst ongoing international conflicts.

Türkiye Diyanet Foundation opens clean water wells in Mauritania

Over the past seven years, the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation has drilled 34 clean water wells in Mauritania, addressing critical water access issues in the desert climate. These solar-powered wells are expected to last significantly longer. The foundation not only aids water supply but also supports local communities through food distribution and educational scholarships, fostering strong ties between Turkish assistance and the Mauritanian public.

Asher Proeger, a contender in the race, told the AFP, "It's a 100 percent serious, despite the name, despite some of the costs and people are going to wear. At the end of the day, that's all to raise awareness with 100 percent seriousness of racing sperm and how it truly is the best biomarker. You can truly tell who's living the best lifestyle by their sperm and how fast it is."

While some attendees questioned the race’s authenticity, many agreed it delivered strong entertainment value and sparked important conversations about men's reproductive health.

"For sperm, in the last 50 years, it's decreased by half, but the problem is it's still decreasing because no one's able to talk about it because it's a topic that everyone avoids," the event organiser, Eric Zhu said.

Azadeh, a 29-year-old model from Tehran, says smoothing out the natural bump on her “Persian nose” was a life-changing decision. “After the operation, not only have I earned myself a modelling job with better social standing, but I’m also earning three times more,” she told AFP. “I’m more respected by clients.”

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, has become almost a rite of passage in Iran, a nation where the beauty industry has adapted to strict rules on public appearance since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Today, cosmetic surgery, especially nose jobs, is not only widely accepted but also considered a symbol of modernity and upward mobility.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), more than 264,000 cosmetic procedures were performed in Iran in 2023, with rhinoplasty being the most popular by far. In cities like Tehran, beauty clinics advertise sculpted noses, flawless skin, and perfect teeth on glowing billboards, while bandaged noses on the streets are common sights.

“It has become more of a cultural trend,” said Dr. Hamidreza Hosnani, a prominent rhinoplasty surgeon in Tehran who performs up to 20 operations a week. He explained how the cosmetic craze has become closely tied to identity and status, especially in the wake of growing defiance against Iran’s dress codes — a movement that gained momentum following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in custody.

Even with the country’s economic turmoil and a monthly minimum wage of around $100, basic rhinoplasty costs upwards of $1,000 — still considered affordable compared to prices abroad. Many Iranians are willing to take out loans or borrow from friends to finance their beauty transformations.

“I had to borrow the money,” said Azadeh, “but it was worth every cent.”

Despite the risks, the pursuit of perfection shows no signs of slowing. The trend is now crossing gender lines.

“Men should also take care of themselves these days, just like women,” said Bahador Sayyadi, a 33-year-old accountant who recently took out a loan for a hair transplant before his wedding.