Stories from Stockholm · Sweden

Spotify reported Q1 revenue of €4.5 billion, representing a 14% year-on-year increase. Monthly active users rose 12% to 761 million, while premium subscribers grew 9% to 293 million.

Sweden has utilized the Samtückeslord consent law since 2018 to address sexual violence cases. The law requires explicit consent to prevent cases where a lack of an express 'no' leads to acquittals. A study regarding Sweden's consent-based sexual violence law indicates a strong increase in reported rape cases. The study includes findings from criminalist Stina Hollenberg. The report notes that prior to the introduction of the new law in 2020, certain acts were not classified as rape in the strict sense. Bengt Iwa of the Swedish Bar Association expressed skepticism regarding the law, noting the difficulty of cases where one person's testimony contradicts another's. Critics argue that lack of communication between proponents and opponents has hindered the new law. While convictions have increased, only 10% of reported rapes in Sweden result in formal charges.

Criminologist Stina Hollenberg reported a strong increase in reported rape cases in Sweden. Ivar noted that these cases often lack physical evidence or eyewitnesses. This lack of evidence requires courts to rely on the verbal credibility of the parties involved. The study suggests the new legislation has changed how these incidents are assessed.

SJ rail service cancellations have caused travel disruption between Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

Sweden demonstrates low smoking rates due to a solid prevention basis, which Germany lacks. The Netherlands is pragmatically reducing tobacco availability by eliminating online sales and supermarket sales, moving towards specialized outlets to curb impulse purchases and aid quitting. This approach reduces impulse buys and facilitates quitting.

Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015. This marks the highest international award received by Chinese medicine to date and the highest for Chinese traditional medicine achievements. Tu Youyou's team first introduced the research results of artemisinin to the world at an international conference in 1971. Artemisinin received its first new drug certificate in China in 1986, offering a new type of anti-cancer drug to the world. Tu Youyou first presented the research findings on artemisinin at an international conference in 1955.

Stockholm is evaluating a centralized cloud system to store classified military and security information.

A concert featuring a blend of modern and traditional music was performed by Romanian artists, including pianist Dora Preotesei and musicians Eric Lindeborg and Laslo Orșoia. The performance incorporated modern production techniques, video projections, and various instruments.

Swedish pop singer Robyn has released her first studio album in eight years titled Sexistential. The album features lyrical themes regarding IVF, pregnancy, and motherhood. This marks her first major musical project since her previous period in the spotlight ended.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have developed a new technology to stabilize human islet cells. This advancement aims to improve the secretion of insulin to help advance treatments for Type 1 diabetes. The development was announced in a recent bulletin from the institute. The technology aims to replace older, expensive, and cumbersome signal-processing methods used in diabetes management. This innovation is designed to be more accessible for daily clinical use. The development focuses on making the biological output more efficient and less reliant on heavy equipment. Researchers have developed a new technology to assist individuals with throat surgeries or disabilities who struggle to speak. The device allows users to communicate using their own voices in daily life, such as in loud environments, meetings, or workplaces.