The Know Daily - Tuesday 5 August 2025

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Scientists have discovered that humans carry the same genetic framework hibernating animals use to slow their metabolism 🧬 The finding, published in Science, could pave the way for breakthroughs in treating obesity, diabetes and age-related illnesses – if researchers can learn how to “flip the switch” on these dormant traits.

🌍 BRICS: what it is and why it matters

BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together they represent almost half of the world’s population and a growing share of the global economy, with more countries being added to the intergovernmental organisation. Last month they met to discuss boosting their influence on the global stage. 

Why was BRICS formed?
Back in the early 2000s, the term “BRIC” was coined by a Goldman Sachs economist who predicted these countries would dominate the global economy by 2050. By 2009, the group had started meeting formally – and South Africa joined the following year, adding the ‘S’. Over the last year, another 6 countries – Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Argentina, and the UAE – have been added. Their goal? To push for more equality in global decisions and institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, instead of US and European dominance.

What do they actually do?
They meet yearly to talk trade, development, finance, and world politics. They’ve even created their own bank – the New Development Bank – as an alternative to Western lenders. While they don’t always agree on everything, they do unite around issues like reducing dependency on the US dollar and reforming global institutions to better reflect today’s power dynamics.

What happened at their last meeting?
Leaders met in Rio in July, agreeing on 126 commitments across key areas like governance, finance, health, artificial intelligence and climate change. This included announcing the launch of a new health partnership aiming to eliminate diseases linked to poverty and boosting vaccinations. Plus, they reaffirmed their support of the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, pledging a bigger contribution to the $125bn global fund for conserving tropical forests.

Why does BRICS matter?
It’s part of a broader shift in global power. While BRICS isn’t replacing the G7 (the political and economic group comprising the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan) or NATO anytime soon, it represents rising economies that feel underrepresented in current systems. Its success can shape everything from global trade and climate policy to digital currencies as more countries join.

☀️ Tan lines trend: The French government has asked its national regulator to address a TikTok tan lines trend promoting sun exposure.

• The bigger story: The move comes as a growing number of videos showing people giving advice on how to get tan or even burn lines have appeared across social media. Now they’re asking regulator Arcom to step in and make sure social platforms are meeting health guidelines under the Digital Services Act. The French government has previously called out TikTok over another trend dubbed “SkinnyTok”.

🔋 Robot revelations: Scientists have used AI discover new materials that could be a more sustainable alternative to lithium batteries found in smartphones, laptops and electric cars.

💸 Musk’s monies: Tesla's board has signed off on a $29bn share award to "incentivise Elon to remain at Tesla". 

🪺 Visits from storks: Londoners could see more white storks appear in the capital following successful reintroduction efforts in southern England.

👩‍🍼 Paying parents: China is providing parents with $500 per year for each newborn over a three-year period in an effort to address its declining birth rate.

🌻 Floral fortification: A new garden in Oxfordshire is looking to encourage the adoption of flood defence measures by showcasing nature-based solutions.

⛱️ Guest getaways: We’re in the midst of wedding season and one of the most popular locations for a destination event is the South of France. Here’s how to make the most of your time there whether as a guest or a holidaymaker.

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Trivia answer: C) The series explores child-rearing techniques across the animal kingdom.

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