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After years of searching, NASA has found evidence of liquid water on the Moon. Two separate studies have been published in recent days, with water found deep in polar craters and predicted in polar "cold traps". While scientists have long suspected there to be water on the Moon, it is now almost certain and possibly much more widespread than previously thought. These new findings have a number of positive implications for the future of lunar exploration, with water possibly useful for resource extraction and rocket fuel among other applications.

House prices in New Zealand remain stubbornly high, especially given the challenges of the surrounding economic environment. According to Westpac economists, prices are expected to rise 15% in the next year alone, with RBNZ predictions slightly lower with around 10% growth forecast. The rate of domestic property growth is largely based on location, however, with prices much healthier in some parts of the country. According to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), we can expect strong national movement to continue throughout 2021, along with significant discrepancies between cities, regions, and suburbs.

The New Zealand Government is under renewed pressure due to unsustainable house prices and relentless property growth during uncertain times. With house prices forecast to rise 15% next year alone, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been forced to defend her policies from all sides. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) expects house price inflation to reach 9.6% for the year, and Kiwibank economists say the housing market is not consistent with an economy in the midst of a 100-year recession. While answers seem hard to come by, high-risk investor lending and cheap no-strings funding for banks seem unlikely to help.

Positive thinking is often linked with good health outcomes, with an optimistic outlook known to improve stress management, enhance mental health, limit memory decline, and even reduce heart disease. While thinking of unicorns and rainbows probably won't cure all your ills, there is definitive scientific evidence highlighting the power of positive thought. While the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown, an optimistic outlook seems to influence the mind-body connection and reduce the harmful effects of stress on the body.

The modern household continues to evolve, with interior design and lifestyle experts forecasting future trends based on demographic changes. The 2020s is well underway, and despite an incredibly challenging start, new lifestyle trends are starting to emerge. The global pandemic will obviously influence how we live and work in the years ahead, as will considerations around living space, multi-functionality, technology, and accessibility. Let's take a look at the changing shape of the modern home and what it means for your family.