The Know Daily - Tuesday 19 May 2026

_{Read in 4m 09s ∙ Listening to Halle Kearns ∙}

Last week we shared a video of some ducklings playing on a waterslide and, thanks to Editor Annabel’s algorithm, there’s plenty more where that came from 😂 E.g. Here's a different group of ducklings following a puppy around (no, really!).

👩‍⚕️ PCOS becomes PMOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is officially being reclassified as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) – a shift experts say better reflects what the condition actually involves and how it should be treated.

So what’s actually changing?
As reported by The Guardian, the new name reflects growing recognition that the condition involves much more than ovarian cysts alone. PMOS highlights the wider hormonal and metabolic disruption linked to symptoms like irregular periods, fertility issues, acne, excess hair growth and insulin resistance.

The change is also expected to influence how the condition is diagnosed and treated. Rather than focusing heavily on ultrasound findings, clinicians are being encouraged to take a broader view of metabolic health (how your body processes, stores and uses energy), hormone levels and long-term risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Why change the name at all?
One of the biggest criticisms of the term PCOS is that it can be misleading. Not everyone with the condition has ovarian cysts, while some with cysts do not have the syndrome. Experts have argued for years that the name oversimplified a complex endocrine (the body's system of glands that make and release hormones) condition and contributed to confusion, delayed diagnosis and inconsistent care. As explained by The Conversation, the updated terminology is designed to better reflect the condition’s whole-body impact, particularly its links to metabolism and hormone regulation.

What about treatment?
The change reflects a broader shift in women’s health towards more joined-up care. That means treatment is increasingly focused not only on reproductive symptoms, but also on things like blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular risk, inflammation and mental wellbeing. Experts hope the updated framing could also improve awareness among both patients and doctors, helping people get diagnosed earlier and reducing the number of women whose symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood.

So what does this mean in practice?
For people already diagnosed with PCOS, nothing changes immediately and existing diagnoses and treatments still stand. But over time, PMOS is expected to shape new clinical guidelines, research priorities and public understanding of the condition. 

📉 Approval ratings for Donald Trump have fallen to their lowest point in his second term, according to new polling.

• The bigger story: The decline reflects growing voter concern over a range of issues, with approval slipping from roughly 43% to 38%. Voters are concerned about the cost of living, the economic impact of the ongoing Iran conflict and wider uncertainty about policy direction. While he still retains strong backing among Republican voters, support among independents has weakened. Presidential approval ratings have historically provided a strong indication of how the party in power is likely to fare in upcoming elections – particularly with the US midterm elections due to take place this November.

📚 The International Booker Prize shortlist for this year has been announced, with all six books naming the translator on the front cover for the first time in the prizes’ history.

🏡 The UK’s youngest homebuyers are getting on the property ladder at just 27 years old in some areas, a study has found.

👑 Prince William plans to sell off around 20% of the Duchy of Cornwall’s property portfolio to help fund £500m worth of affordable housing, renewable energy and environmental projects in local communities.

🌠 An asteroid roughly the size of a blue whale skimmed past Earth yesterday – here are the pics ICYMI!

🥇 A potential bid for the north of England to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s is officially being assessed by the government. 

✈️ New “Uncommon Day Trips” are offering travellers the chance to skip the usual tourist hotspots and experience real neighbourhood life in three iconic cities. PSA: prices start from €55 (£48) 👀

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Trivia answer: B) The viral puzzle game is heading to the small screen in the US, switching from daily brain teaser to TV competition.

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