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COVID nasal sprays may one day prevent and treat infection

We have vaccines to boost our immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. We have medicines you can take at home (and in hospital) to treat COVID. Now researchers are trialling something new. They want to develop drugs that stop the virus getting into the body in the first place. That includes nasal sprays that stop the virus attaching to cells in the nose. Other researchers are looking at the potential for nasal sprays to stop the virus replicating in the nose, or to make the nose a hostile place to enter the body. Here’s where the science is up to and what we can expect next. <h2>How could we block the virus?</h2> “Viral blockade”, as the name suggests, is a simple premise based on blocking SARS-CoV-2. In other words, if something gets in its way, the virus cannot attach to a cell and it can’t infect you. As SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus, it makes sense to deliver this type of medicine where the virus mainly enters the body – via the nose, in a nasal spray. There are various groups around the world working on this concept. Some research is still being conducted in the lab. Some agents have progressed to preliminary human trials. None are yet available for widespread use. Heparin Heparin is a common medicine that’s been used for decades to thin the blood. Studies in mice show that when heparin is delivered via the nose, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11095-022-03191-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it’s safe</a> and <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/JVI.01987-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">effective</a> in preventing the virus binding to nose cells. Researchers believe heparin binds to the virus itself and stops the virus attaching to the cells it’s trying to infect. A <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05204550" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clinical trial</a> is being <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/covid-nasal-spray-treatment-clinical-trials-begin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conducted in Victoria</a> in collaboration between multiple Melbourne-based research centres and the University of Oxford. Covixyl-V Covixyl-V (ethyl lauroyl arginine hydrochloride) is another nasal spray <a href="https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-911449/v1/0577f1f1-56f8-476f-97f6-d27d332ea9ca.pdf?c=1643375660" target="_blank" rel="noopener">under development</a>. It aims to prevent COVID by blocking or modifying the cell surface to prevent the virus from infecting. This compound has been explored for use in various viral infections, and <a href="https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-911449/v1/0577f1f1-56f8-476f-97f6-d27d332ea9ca.pdf?c=1643375660" target="_blank" rel="noopener">early studies</a> in cells and small animals has shown it can prevent attachment of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the overall viral load. Iota-carrageenan This molecule, which is extracted from seaweed, acts by blocking virus entry into <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fviro.2021.746824/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">airway cells</a>. One study of about 400 health-care workers suggests a nasal spray may reduce the incidence of COVID <a href="https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-of-a-nasal-spray-containing-iota-carrageenan-in-the-postexpos-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJGM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by up to 80%</a>. IGM-6268 This is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03673-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an engineered antibody</a> that binds to SARS-CoV-2, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210603171306.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blocking</a> the virus from attaching to cells in the nose. A nasal and oral (mouth) spray are in a clinical trial <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05184218?term=IGM-6268&draw=2&rank=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to assess safety</a>. Cold atmospheric plasma This is a gas that contains charged particles. At cold temperatures, it can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0165322" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alter the surface</a> of a cell. A <a href="https://www.thno.org/v12p2811.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lab-based study</a> shows the gas changes expression of receptors on the skin that would normally allow the virus to attach. This results in less SARS-CoV-2 attachment and infection. Scientists now think this technology could be adapted to a nasal spray to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. <h2>How could we stop the virus replicating?</h2> Another tactic is to develop nasal sprays that stop the virus replicating in the nose. Researchers are designing genetic fragments that bind to the viral RNA. These fragments – known as “<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-32216-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides</a>” (or LNA ASOs for short) – put a proverbial spanner in the works and stop the virus from replicating. A spray of these genetic fragments delivered into the nose <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-32216-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduced virus replication in the nose</a> and prevented disease in small animals. <h2>How could we change the nose?</h2> A third strategy is to change the nose environment to make it less hospitable for the virus. That could be by using a nasal spray to change moisture levels (with saline), alter the pH (making the nose more acidic or alkaline), or adding a virus-killing agent (iodine). Saline can reduce the amount of <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2768627" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SARS-CoV-2 in the nose</a> by simply washing away the virus. One study has even found that saline nasal irrigation <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01455613221123737" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can lessen COVID disease</a> severity. But we would need further research into saline sprays. An Australian-led study has found that an iodine-based nasal spray <a href="https://www.theajo.com/article/view/4466/html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduced the viral load</a> in the nose. Further <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/Article/2022/February/Study-finds-nasal-spray-could-aid-battle-against-COVID" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clinical trials</a> are planned. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653222001809#!" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One study</a> used a test spray – containing ingredients including eucalyptus and clove oils, potassium chloride and glycerol. The aim was to kill the virus and change the acidity of the nose to prevent the virus attaching. This novel formulation has been tested in the lab and in a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653222001809#!" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clinical trial</a> showing it to be safe and to reduce infection rate from about 34% to 13% when compared to placebo controls. <h2>Barriers ahead</h2> Despite promising data so far on nasal sprays for COVID, one of the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03341-z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">major barriers</a> is keeping the sprays in the nose. To overcome this, most sprays need multiple applications a day, sometimes every few hours. So based on what we know so far, nasal sprays will not singlehandedly beat COVID. But if they are shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, and receive regulatory approval, they might be another tool to help prevent it. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-nasal-sprays-may-one-day-prevent-and-treat-infection-heres-where-the-science-is-up-to-193840" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Body

13 genius ways to use cooking spray that go way beyond the kitchen

Bet you didn’t have a clue cooking spray was so versatile. Grating cheese Put less elbow grease into grating cheese by using a non-stick cooking spray on your cheese grater for smoother grating. The spray also makes for easier and faster clean-up. Prevent tomato sauce stains Sick of those hard-to-clean tomato sauce stains on your plastic containers? To prevent them, apply a light coating of non-stick cooking spray on the inside of the container before you pour in the tomato sauce. Keep car wheels clean You know that fine black stuff that collects on the wheels of your car and is so hard to clean off? That’s brake dust – it’s produced every time you apply your brakes and the pads wear against the brake disks or cylinders. The next time you invest the elbow grease to get your wheels shiny, give them a light coating of cooking spray. The brake dust will wipe right off. Lubricate your bicycle chain Bike chain a bit creaky and you don’t have any lubricating oil handy? Give it a shot of non-stick cooking spray instead. Don’t use too much – the chain shouldn’t look wet. Wipe off the excess with a clean rag. Cure door squeaks Heard that door squeak just one time too many? Hit the hinge with some non-stick cooking spray. Have paper towels handy to wipe up the drips. Remove paint and grease Forget smelly solvents to remove paint and grease from your hands. Instead, use cooking spray to do the job. Work it in well and rinse. Wash again with soap and water. Dry nail polish Need your nail polish to dry in a hurry? Spray it with a coat of cooking spray and let dry. The spray is also a great moisturiser for your hands. Quick casting Pack a can of cooking spray when you go fishing. Spray it on your fishing line and the line will cast easier and further. Prevent grass sticking Mowing the lawn should be easy, but cleaning cut grass from the mower is tedious. Prevent grass from sticking on mower blades and the underside of the housing by spraying them with cooking oil before you begin mowing. Lubricate your locks Tired of jiggling your keys in your locks? If you deal with a tough lock interior or sticky keys, try using a few sprays of cooking oil. The oil will help slide your key in and get you through the door much easier. Say bye to soap scum Spray your shower door with cooking oil and stubborn soap scum will come right off when you wipe it with a towel. Oil breaks down lime deposits so that’s why it removes easily. After a few swipes with a towel, clean the surface to maximise the cleanliness. Coat measuring cups The next time a recipe calls for a sticky ingredient such as honey, coat your measuring cups with oil so your quantity is exact and will slide right out when pouring it into your mixture. Remove gum from your hair Having gum in your hair is a nightmare. Before you start freaking out or think you need scissors to chop it out, try spraying the gum with cooking spray. It should loosen it up enough to the point where it will slide right out. Written by Christina Farah. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/diy-tips/13-genius-ways-to-use-cooking-spray-that-go-way-beyond-the-kitchen" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home Hints & Tips

Woman's spray tan disaster goes viral

Image: News.com.au UK woman has gone viral after she shares photos of her pre-wedding fake tan disaster. Derrie Matthews, aged 36 from the UK, had asked a beautician to spray her twice in the darkest tan shade, admitting this “seemed like a good idea at the time”. However, when she got home following her appointment, her partner and daughter couldn’t stop laughing. “Dolly was nearly crying in case any of her friends saw me. I thought they were overacting,” Derrie wrote on Facebook, alongside a series of snaps showing off her new tan. “I woke up this morning and absolutely shat my pants. Thank the Lord a shower sorted me but RIP bed sheets.” Derrie says she was going to a wedding and wanted to add some colour to her “super pale” complexion. “So, I just asked the girl if she would do it twice, so much darker,” she said. The beautician told her to leave it on for eight hours and then wash it off but Derrie didn’t want to, out of fear it would stop developing. Derrie’s post has since attracted more than 3000 comments and 18,000 likes since sharing snaps of her fake tan disaster over the weekend.

Body

"Get off my lawn!": Man cops spray for hose-based deterrent

A man has gone viral on TikTok for showing his controversial way of preventing people from cutting across his front lawn. Thomas Lyons' house is located on the corner of two streets, with many using his unfenced front yard as a shortcut to the adjoining street. Thomas was sick of people trespassing on his property and trampling all over his perfect grass, so he devised a cunning plan to stop people using it as a thoroughfare. Thomas has repeatedly asked those who frequently cut across his lawn to stop and use the footpath, but his warnings have since gone unheeded. Taking matters into his own hands, Thomas installed sprinklers that go off whenever they detect any motion, leaving trespassers soaking wet and having to run to the footpath as quickly as possible. Thomas shared a video of his unique methods to his TikTok account, after also posting videos of people trampling on his perfectly maintained lawn at all hours of the day and night. Many people have divided opinions on his tactics, as the video has quickly racked up an impressive 40 million views. Many of his followers have praised his efforts, with one person commenting, "There's a sidewalk 10 feet away... constantly walking over the grass will kill it." "I was always taught not to walk on people's grass but I never knew why," another person says. "Also, if they tripped and fell on the grass and broke their leg, I'm assuming they would sue the owner," says another understanding user. While many commenters were quick to praise Thomas' efforts, there were also a lot of comments wondering why he went to such extremes to install a sprinkler system when he could've built a fence around his property instead. "The level of petty," says one person. "These are school kids," comments another. "You could just put a stone path. It's just grass, kindness means so much more." Image credits: TikTok @tgunz81

Travel Trouble

A chemical engineer explains: What makes pepper spray so intense? And is it a tear gas?

In recent weeks, the world has looked on as governments use chemical irritants to control protesters and riots. Whether it’s tear gas, pepper spray, mace or pepper balls, all have one thing in common: they’re chemical weapons. Chemical warfare agents have been used twice in Sydney in the past week alone. Police <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-07/sydney-police-defend-pepper-spray-use-on-protesters/12330558">pepper-sprayed</a> demonstrators at Central Station, following Saturday’s major Black Lives Matter protest. The next day, tear gas <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-08/tear-gas-fired-into-exercise-yard-of-sydney-long-bay-jail/12332572">was used</a> to break up a fight at Long Bay jail, as prison guards filled an exercise yard with tear gas canisters – also impacting nearby residents. These events followed the deployment of <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/05/politics/park-police-tear-gas/index.html">chemical riot control agents</a> – specifically “pepper bombs” – in Washington DC last week. They were used to clear protesters from a public park so President Donald Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. The White House made a highlight reel to celebrate Trump’s heroic walk across the street for his bible photo op... US Attorney General William Barr said “<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2020/06/the-continuing-tear-gas-debate/">there was no tear gas used</a>”, claiming “pepper spray is not a chemical irritant. It’s not chemical.” I’m a chemical engineer and chemist who studies chemicals in the environment. So I thought I’d clear the air about what makes pepper spray such a powerful chemical irritant, and a chemical weapon. What’s inside pepper spray? The active compounds in pepper spray are collectively known as capsaicinoids. They are given the military symbol OC, for “oleoresin capsicum”. The most important chemical in OC is capsaicin. This is derived from chilli peppers in a chemical process that dissolves and concentrates it into a liquid. Capsaicin is the same compound that makes chillies hot, but in an intense, weaponised form. Not all capsaicinoids are obtained naturally. One called nonivamide (also known as PAVA or pelargonic acid vanillylamide) is mostly made by humans. PAVA is an <a href="https://cot.food.gov.uk/committee/committee-on-toxicity/cotstatements/cotstatementsyrs/cotstatements2002/pavastatement">intense irritant</a> used in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/dec/09/pepper-spray-used-in-non-violent-situations-in-prison-pilot">artificial pepper spray</a>. Is pepper spray a tear gas? We’ve established pepper spray is a chemical, but is it also a kind of tear gas? “<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/riotcontrol/factsheet.asp">Tear gas</a>” is an informal term and a bit of a misnomer, because it isn’t a gas. Rather, tear gas refers to any weaponised irritant used to immobilise people. More specifically, tear gas is often used to describe weapons that disperse their irritants in the air either as liquid aerosol droplets (such as <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a28904691/how-tear-gas-works/">gas canisters</a>), or as a powder (such as pepper balls). This definition distinguishes tear gas from personal self-defence sprays which use foams, gels and liquids. Tear gas canisters typically contain the irritants 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) and phenacyl chloride (CN). Both CS and CN are man-made chemicals discovered in a lab, unlike capsaicin (the traditional ingredient in pepper spray). But despite capsaicin coming from chilli peppers, pepper spray is still a weaponised irritant that can be delivered as an aerosol or powder. It should unequivocally be considered a type of tear gas. Pepper spray as a weapon The chemical irritants OC, CS and CN have military symbols because they are chemical weapons. They are termed “<a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/06/10/rubber-bullets-protesters-victoria-snelgrove-boston">less-lethal</a>” because they are less likely to kill than conventional weapons. Their use, however, can still <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2020/06/08/tear-gas-and-pepper-spray-can-maim-kill-and-spread-coronavirus/#47f17a2a725f">cause fatalities</a>. Technically, pepper spray and other tear gases are classified as lachrymatory agents. <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-tear-gas-139958">Lachrymatory agents</a> attack mucous membranes in the eyes and respiratory system. Pepper spray works almost instantly, forcing the eyes to close and flood with tears. Coupled with coughing fits and difficulty breathing, this means the targeted person is effectively <a href="https://healthland.time.com/2011/11/22/how-painful-is-pepper-spray/">blinded and incapacitated</a>. Because lachrymatory agents work on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544263/">nerve receptors</a> that help us sense heat, they also induce an intense burning sensation. The combined effects of pepper spray can last anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour. Lachrymatory agents emerged on the <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/germans-introduce-poison-gas">battlefields of World War I</a>. Artillery shells were filled with chemicals such as <a href="https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/05/17/chemical-warfare-ww1/">xylyl bromide and chloroacetone</a> and fired at enemy soldiers. Agents that induce choking, blistering and vomiting were added as the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/10/science/chemical-weapons-world-war-1-armistice.html">chemical arms race</a> escalated. In the 1920s, the <a href="https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/bio/1925-geneva-protocol/">Geneva Protocol</a> was enacted to ban the use of indiscriminate and often ineffective chemical weapons on the battlefield. Today, the unjustified use of chemical riot control agents <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/04/201242913130963418.html">threatens to erode</a> the systems that are meant to protect us from the most dangerous weaponised chemicals. Written by Gabriel da Silva. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-makes-pepper-spray-so-intense-and-is-it-a-tear-gas-a-chemical-engineer-explains-140441">The Conversation.</a>

Art

Try this deep-fried salt and pepper octopus

Time to prepare 40 mins | Cooking Time 2 mins | Serves 6 Never cooked octopus at home? Try this easy entrée recipe today! Deep-frying, when done properly, is a great way to cook seafood. It’s fast, cooking most foods in a few minutes, it quickly seals the food’s surface, locking in flavour and moisture and it adds appealing crunch, colour and aroma. Ingredients <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1kg baby octopus, cleaned and cut into small pieces </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons fish sauce </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons lemon juice </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons salt flakes, crushed </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon crushed white peppercorns </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">2 cups tapioca starch </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Vegetable oil, for deep-frying</li> </ul> Directions 1. Place octopus, fish sauce and lemon juice in a bowl and marinate for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry. 2. Place chilli, coriander, salt, pepper and cornflour in a large freezer bag, add the octopus and shake well to coat. Place octopus in a colander and shake well to remove excess flour. 3. Heat oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 190ºC. Add octopus and cook for 1-2 minutes, until crisp and tender. Tips <ul> <li>Alternative species: Calamari, cuttlefish, squid, green prawns (peeled and deveined). </li> <li>Season: Available year round. </li> <li>To Buy: When purchasing fresh whole Octopus look for intact bright skin, intact head and arms, and a pleasant fresh sea smell. </li> <li>To Store: Make sure Octopus is gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC.</li> </ul> Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/deep-fried-salt-and-pepper-octopus.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

5 things you didn’t know about the Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) have been around for 36 years and have created some amazing music in their time, including songs like Otherside and Under The Bridge. However, with a band that’s been around for so long, there’s bound to be some interesting facts. Here are the top five. 1. Their first album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik was recorded in Harry Houdini’s old haunted mansion This was detailed in the documentary Funky Monks, where producer Rick Rubin explained that members of the band had found it to be creepy. Rubin has since made the mansion into his home studio, but this is where the RHCP made their first album. Anthony Kiedis, Flea and John Frusciante stayed in the house while recording, whereas drummer Chad Smith found it too creepy. <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPfvTFHq0L/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPfvTFHq0L/" target="_blank">let me stand next to your 🔥</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/chilipeppers/" target="_blank"> Red Hot Chili Peppers</a> (@chilipeppers) on Feb 23, 2019 at 3:06pm PST </div> </blockquote> 2. They’ve had seven guitarists during the band’s existence The guitarists in the RHCP changed like the weather. The list of guitarists is as follows: <ul> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Hillel Slovak: 1983, 1984 – 1988</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Jack Sherman: 1983 – 1984</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Arik Marshall: 1992 – 1993</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Dave Navarro: 1993 – 1998</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Jesse Tobias: 1993</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">John Frusciante: 1988 – 1992, 1998 – 2009</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Josh Klinghoffer: 2009 – present</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Jesse Tobias: 1993 </li> </ul> </ul> 3. Seven out of the RHCP’s eleven albums are certified platinum. For an album to go platinum, this means that they have to have sold at least one million copies. Out of the seven that are platinum, six are certified multi-platinum. The awards don’t stop there. The RHCP have also won six Grammy awards with a further sixteen nominations. 4. Flea, the band’s bassist, has a surprisingly normal name Flea’s real name is Michael Balzary, and he was born in Australia. He met Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons in Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, which is where the band was born. 5. There are only two original members left in the RHCP Hillel Slovak died of a heroin overdose in 1988 and was found in his Hollywood home. Their drummer, Jack Irons, left soon after because he “didn’t want to be a part of something where my friends are dying.” The only two members of the RHCP that have been with the band since the beginning are Anthony Kiedis, on vocals, and Michael “Flea” Balzary, who’s the bassist.

Music

The number one thing stolen from Virgin’s flights - it will surprise you!

They’re willing to fork out for fancy food and bigger seats, but it seems there’s one item Virgin Australia’s business class passengers can’t resist pinching – the number one stolen item from flights was the business class salt and pepper shakers, designed to look like the sails of the Sydney Opera House. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> On Virgin Australia flights in business class they give you salt and pepper shakers in the shape of the Sydney Opera House <a href="https://t.co/T3502nMm90">pic.twitter.com/T3502nMm90</a> — Mildly Interesting (@interest_mild) <a href="https://twitter.com/interest_mild/status/949271394453467137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote> <blockquote 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: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 34.90740740740741% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></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/BIkOttWAft_/" target="_blank">A post shared by tracey and tony (@aspiretraveller)</a> on Aug 1, 2016 at 5:28am PDT </div> </blockquote> They’ve proven so popular, in fact, that Virgin Australia is now considering selling them online. “We do get lots of positive feedback about them and we’re looking at ways to make them available for guests to purchase.” The surprising revelation comes as the airline reveals its brand-new business class menu, designed by acclaimed Aussie chef Luke Mangan, which features dishes made to reflect each flight’s destination, made from Australian ingredients. Among the restaurant-quality meals are a beef wonton soup for Hong Kong-bound passengers, steamed barramundi with sweet potato curry on domestic flights and a delicious lamb moussaka with eggplant, broad beans and peas. Yum! The airline also announced a new selection of wines tested to ensure they taste as good in the air as they do on land. “It was a challenging environment and we found that the wines with abundance of fruit and balanced acidity and tannins won the day,” Hardys winemaker Paul Carpenter told <a href="https://www.escape.com.au/news/virgin-australia-launches-new-business-class-menu-designed-by-luke-mangan/news-story/8cbfbffde8f56cdf7eed402102407f30" target="_blank">Escape</a>. “A fascinating observation of the way wine changes in the sky.”

Travel Tips

Michelle Bridges’ lemon pepper squid with sprouts and peas

This has got to be one of the easiest meals around. Plus it has peas, fresh seafood and three kinds of sprouts – your body will thank you. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>Finely grated zest and juice of 1 large lemon</li> <li>1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper</li> <li>500g cleaned baby squid, scored</li> <li>200g mixed crunchy sprouts</li> <li>1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts</li> <li>200 g Brussels sprouts, finely sliced into rounds</li> <li>1/2 cup frozen baby peas, at room temperature</li> <li>1 tablespoon avocado oil</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Place the lemon zest, pepper and squid in a bowl, season to taste with salt and toss until well combined.</li> <li>Combine the sprouts, Brussels sprouts, peas, oil and lemon juice in a bowl and season to taste. Set aside.</li> <li>Heat a large chargrill pan over high heat.</li> <li>Add the squid and cook for two minutes, turning occasionally, until just tender and light golden.</li> <li>Divide the sprout salad among four plates, top with the squid and serve warm.</li> </ol> <img width="175" height="237" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35086/image__175x237.jpg" alt="Image_ (167)" style="float: right;"/>Recipe courtesy of Food for Life by Michelle Bridges is published by Macmillan Australia, RRP $39.99. Available from <a href="https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/food-for-life-by-michelle-bridges-9781925480023/%23.WHQWyVN97IU" target="_blank">Dymocks</a>. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>.

Food & Wine

Beer battered fish with a macadamia salt and pepper dust

The classic beer battered fish is lifted to new heights when sprinkled with macadamia salt and pepper dust. If you have any leftover try sprinkling it on steak before grilling. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 teaspoons sea salt</li> <li>½ tablespoon Szechuan pepper (available at Asian supermarkets)</li> <li>½ tablespoon black peppercorns</li> <li>½ cup macadamias, roasted, finely chopped</li> <li>1 ½ cups plain flour</li> <li>1 tablespoon baking powder</li> <li>1 teaspoon salt</li> <li>375ml chilled beer</li> <li>Macadamia oil for deep frying</li> <li>1kg flathead fillets, skin off, bones removed (or whiting fillets)</li> <li>Plain flour for dusting, extra</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>To make the macadamia salt and pepper dust, dry roast combined sea salt and peppers in a heavy-based pan over medium heat.</li> <li>Stir until aromatic and lightly toasted, remove from the heat and cool.</li> <li>Use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to crush to a coarse powder.</li> <li>Pour into a bowl and stir through the macadamias. Set aside.</li> <li>Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl and mix well.</li> <li>Make a well in the centre and gradually whisk in the beer until the batter reaches the consistency of thickened cream (you may not need all of the beer).</li> <li>Heat the macadamia oil in a wok or deep fryer to 190°C or until a cube of bread turns brown in 15 seconds when added to the oil.</li> <li>Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel, dust lightly with the extra flour and dip two pieces of fish, one at a time, into the batter to coat.</li> <li>Drain off any excess and deep-fry the fish for three to five minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fillets, until golden brown and cooked. Drain on absorbent paper and immediately sprinkle each cooked fillet with a teaspoon of macadamia dust.</li> <li>Repeat until all the fish is cooked, reheating oil between batches and keeping the cooked fillets warm.</li> <li>Serve cooked fish with tartare sauce, a green salad and extra macadamia dust on the side.</li> </ol> Recipe courtesy of Australian Macadamias – <a href="http://www.australian-macadamias.org/consumer/en/taste/recipes" target="_blank">visit their site for more yummy food ideas</a>. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/macadamia-date-chocolate-torte/">Macadamia, date and chocolate torte</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/zucchini-tomato-macadamia-salad/">Zucchini, tomato and macadamia salad with parmesan crisps</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/banana-chocolate-and-almond-cake/">Banana, chocolate and almond cake</a>

Food & Wine

Pepper-crusted beef fillet with horseradish potatoes and beetroot

This spicy crusted beef is an utter delight, with roasted baby beetroots and creamy potatoes. Look for new potatoes such as pink eye or Nicola. Serves: 4 – 6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>2 teaspoons black peppercorns</li> <li>2 garlic cloves</li> <li>1 teaspoon salt</li> <li>3 tablespoons finely grated horseradish</li> <li>2–3 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 × 600 g eye fillet steak</li> <li>8 baby beetroot, trimmed</li> <li>Salt and freshly ground</li> <li>Black pepper</li> <li>1 kg new potatoes</li> <li>250 g crème fraiche or</li> <li>Sour cream</li> <li>2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 180°C.</li> <li>Toast the peppercorns in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Crush using a mortar and pestle. Add the garlic cloves and the 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl of the mortar and pound until smooth. Mix in 2 teaspoons of the horseradish and enough olive oil to form a smooth paste.</li> <li>Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a heavy based frying pan over medium–high heat. Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes on all sides, until golden brown. Rub the pepper paste over the seared beef and place on a baking tray. Scatter the beetroot around the beef, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your liking (medium rare is ideal). Remove the beef from the oven, cover with foil and rest in a warm place for 8–10 minutes. Check to see if the beetroot is cooked. If not, return to the oven and continue cooking.</li> <li>Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, until tender. Drain, put in a large bowl and remove the skins if desired. While the potatoes are still hot, mash roughly, keeping the potatoes quite chunky. In a separate bowl, mix the crème fraiche or sour cream with the parsley and the remaining horseradish, and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix through the mashed potato. To serve, carve the beef into thick slices and serve with the potatoes and roasted beetroot.</li> </ol> <img width="133" height="172" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28479/harvest-cover_133x172.jpg" alt="Harvest Cover" style="float: right;"/>This is an edited extract from Harvest, illustrated by Emilie Guelpa published by Hardie Grant [RRP $29.99] available in stores nationally. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/braised-beef-shin/">Braised beef shin</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/spicy-beef-curry-with-cauliflower-rice/">Spicy beef curry with cauliflower rice</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/beef-ragu-and-pasta/">Rich beef ragu and pasta</a>

Food & Wine

Salt and pepper squid

Ideal as an entrée or small meal, this flavoursome seafood dish will have all your guests asking for the recipe. Serves: 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>600g squid hoods, cleaned</li> <li>1L vegetable oil</li> <li>40g plain (all-purpose) flour</li> <li>1 tsp. salt</li> <li>1 tsp. ground pepper</li> <li>1 tsp. five-spice powder</li> <li>½ tsp. chilli powder (optional)</li> <li>Lemon wedges, to serve</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Cut one side of each hood lengthways using a sharp knife. Open the hood flat, with the inside facing up, and cut into 3-4cm squares. Remove moisture with paper towel.</li> <li>Place vegetable oil in a large saucepan on a medium heat.</li> <li>Add the flour, salt, pepper, five-spice powder and chilli powder (if desired) to a bowl and combine well. Coat each squid piece by gently tossing in the mixture.</li> <li>Remove half of the squid from the flour, removing any excess, and place in the oil to cook.</li> <li>Turn squid with a slotted metal spoon and let cook until golden and curled slightly. Move to a large, paper-towel lined plate and cover with foil to retain heat.</li> <li>Reheat the oil to previous temperature and cook the remaining squid as above.</li> <li>Serve immediately with lemon wedges, leafy greens and your favourite sauce.</li> </ol> Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/grilled-salmon-with-apple-lime-and-yogurt-slaw/">Grilled salmon with apple, lime and yogurt slaw</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/fragrant-lime-and-fish-soup/">Fragrant lime and fish soup</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/seared-salmon-with-scallops-and-minted-pea-paste/">Seared salmon with scallops and minted pea paste</a>

Food & Wine

Peppered steak with red wine jus and potato bake

This steakhouse favourite can easily be on your dinner table with this recipe from Maureen Partridge. Serves: 2 Ingredients: <ul> <li>Porterhouse steaks, trimmed</li> <li>2 teaspoons canola oil 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper</li> <li>1/3 cup red wine</li> <li>1 clove garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves.</li> <li>2 teaspoons butter</li> </ul> Potato bake <ul> <li>2 medium potatoes (400g), peeled and very thinly sliced</li> <li>1 small brown onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup</li> <li>Pauls PhysiCAL low-fat milk</li> <li>1/2 cup grated reduced fat cheese</li> <li>Ground black pepper</li> </ul> To serve <ul> <li>Steamed greens, such as broccoli </li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 180°C. Layer potato, onion and pepper in a 3-cup capacity baking dish. Pour milk into dish and cover with foil & bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and top potato with cheese and thyme. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until golden brown.</li> <li>Meanwhile, brush steaks with oil and sprinkle both sides with pepper. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Place steaks in pan and reduce heat slightly. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn and cook for 3 minutes for medium or to your liking. Remove from pan and cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes.</li> <li>Reduce heat, then add wine, garlic and rosemary to pan. Stir, then simmer for about one minute or until reduced by half. Remove from heat and add butter; stir to combine.</li> <li>Serve steak with red wine jus, potato bake and steamed vegetables. </li> </ol> Recipe courtesy of Maureen Partridge’s Meal & Exercise Plan for Healthy Bones, created with Pauls PhysiCAL. <a href="http://www.pauls.com.au/physical" target="_blank">Visit the website here</a> to download the plan. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/easy-steak-sandwich/">Easy steak sandwich</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/how-to-cook-the-perfect-steak/">How to cook the perfect steak</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/mashed-potato-bacon-spring-onions/">Mashed potato with spring onions and crispy bacon</a>

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Michelle Bridges’ lemon pepper squid with sprouts and peas

Beer battered fish with a macadamia salt and pepper dust

Pepper-crusted beef fillet with horseradish potatoes and beetroot

Salt and pepper squid

Peppered steak with red wine jus and potato bake