Title: Polar Bears Thrive Amidst Ice Loss, Sword Health's Big Acquisition, Vets' Price Transparency, and Healthcare News

By Fulqrum AI

Friday, January 30, 2026 · 3 min read · 10 sources

Polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, have proven to be more resilient than expected. Sword Health, an AI health startup, has agreed to acquire rival Kaia Health for $285 million. The UK government is considering making vets publish prices for common pet treatments.

EXCERPT: In this roundup, polar bears on Norwegian islands defy expectations with their improved health status, Sword Health makes a major acquisition, vets face price transparency measures, Angola plans a debt-for-health swap, Steel Partners targets InMode, holiday let tax changes threaten Welsh tourism, an AI model from Google's DeepMind reads a DNA recipe, and a growing number of adults avoid alcohol. CONTENT: Polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, have proven to be more resilient than expected, as they have adapted to the ice loss by consuming more land-based prey, resulting in fatter and healthier bears (Source 1). This development challenges earlier assumptions that polar bears would suffer greatly from the melting ice. In other news, Sword Health, an AI health startup, has agreed to acquire rival Kaia Health for $285 million, marking its entry into Germany and expanding its US footprint (Source 3). This move is expected to strengthen Sword Health's position in the market. The UK government is considering making vets publish prices for common pet treatments, as data shows that vet prices rose at nearly twice the inflation rate (Source 4). The proposed change aims to increase transparency and help pet owners make more informed decisions. Angola plans to implement a $1.4 billion debt-for-health swap in 2026, according to the finance ministry (Source 5). This move is part of Angola's effort to address its debt and improve its healthcare system. Steel Partners Holdings LP has reportedly made an offer to buy a 51% stake in InMode Ltd., a company that produces devices for minimally invasive body treatments (Source 6). The potential acquisition could significantly impact the body treatment industry. Controversial tax rules for holiday let owners in Wales have been likened to a "disease," as they risk forcing people out of the business and potentially wiping out tourism in the region (Source 7). The situation highlights the challenges faced by those operating holiday lets in the area. Researchers at Google's DeepMind have developed an AI model that can read a recipe for life in DNA, which could revolutionize our understanding of diseases and the medicines needed to treat them (Source 8). This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in healthcare and scientific research. Almost a quarter of adults in England do not drink alcohol, according to new figures from the NHS survey (Source 9). This trend suggests that more adults are choosing to abstain from alcohol, potentially due to health concerns or lifestyle choices. In the financial sector, health insurers that provide Medicare Advantage plans experienced a significant selloff, wiping out over $90 billion in stock-market value as investors fled from the once-defensive sector (Source 10). The sudden shift signals growing uncertainty in the healthcare industry. Sources: 1. Scientists: Polar bears on Norwegian islands 'fatter and healthier' despite ice loss 2. Badenoch apologises for Braverman mental health claim 3. Sword Buys Kaia Health, Plans Fresh $500 Million Funding Round 4. Vets may have to publish prices of common pet treatments 5. Angola Plans $1.4 Billion Debt-for-Health Swap in 2026 6. Steel Partners Said to Offer $18 Per Share for 51% of InMode 7. Holiday let tax changes 'could wipe out tourism in Wales' 8. AI model from Google's DeepMind reads recipe for life in DNA 9. Growing number of adults avoid booze, says NHS survey 10. Medicare Rates Shock Spurs $90 Billion Rout in Insurance Stocks

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