Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well patients with breast cancer are likely to respond to specific treatments, potentially allowing doctors to tailor therapy far earlier than is currently possible. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – tiny fragments of genetic material released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. In a study involving 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, researchers found that low levels of ctDNA before treatment, or after just four weeks of therapy, were strongly linked to better outcomes. Patients with low or undetectable ctDNA were more likely to see their tumours…

Newcastle dominated possession at Molineux but lacked creativity and cutting edge in a drab goalless draw with Wolves. Despite controlling large spells and pushing for a winner, Eddie Howe’s side failed to seriously test José Sá until late on. Wolves stayed organised, defended deep, and looked comfortable absorbing pressure as their recent improvement continued. The point lifted Wolves further from danger, while Newcastle missed a chance to strengthen their push for the top five.

Chinese customs officials have blocked imports of Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence chips, creating confusion for suppliers and buyers after the processors were cleared for export by the United States, according to reports. Parts suppliers have reportedly paused production after authorities in China told customs agents the chips were not permitted to enter the country, without clarifying whether the move is a formal ban or a temporary restriction. Chinese tech firms have also been warned against purchasing the chips unless essential. The disruption comes amid a complicated trade backdrop in which Washington approved H200 exports but imposed a 25% tariff by…

A controversial US-funded hepatitis B vaccine study involving newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled, according to Africa health officials. Yap Boum of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the decision, citing serious ethical concerns over the trial’s design. The $1.6m study, funded under the authority of Robert F Kennedy Jr at the US Department of Health and Human Services, drew criticism for potentially withholding a proven hepatitis B vaccine from thousands of newborns. Critics argued the design would deny half the infants access to a life-saving vaccine by random allocation. Although some officials in Guinea-Bissau initially suggested…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if he is loaned back for the rest of the season, a condition Flamengo are reluctant to accept. Flamengo have had a €35m bid rejected and may raise their offer to €40m, but believe they can wait to buy him more cheaply in the summer. Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations that ended a proposed move to Manchester City. West Ham, locked in a relegation battle, fear losing him now could worsen their prospects. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has…

BP has said it expects to write down up to $5bn from its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it refocuses on fossil fuels under new chair Albert Manifold. The writedown, largely linked to BP’s gas and energy transition divisions, will not affect underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. BP has already cancelled hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia and is seeking to sell a stake in its solar arm, Lightsource. The announcement comes amid weaker oil trading and falling crude prices, with Brent averaging $63.73 a barrel in the final quarter of last year.…

MrBeast’s latest venture, Beast Games Season 2, has reached the top spot in the U.S., demonstrating the growing popularity of competitive entertainment content that blends gaming and athletic challenges. The series features contestants facing extreme physical challenges, mental puzzles, and creative competitions, all designed to entertain while testing skill, strategy, and endurance. Fans have praised the mix of gaming elements with athletic-style competitions, creating a format that appeals to a wide audience. The show’s success reflects a larger trend in entertainment, where creators are combining traditional sports, gaming, and reality competition formats. This crossover content attracts viewers who enjoy both…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a major strategic review under new chief executive Dave Lewis. The owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker is said to be working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to assess its operations in China, where sales have been declining sharply. According to reports, the review includes Diageo’s 63% stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed producer and distributor of baijiu, whose shares have fallen significantly over the past year. Lewis, who took over in January and previously led turnarounds at Tesco and Unilever, is known for aggressive cost-cutting and portfolio simplification.…

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group cohesion during periods of environmental or social stress, according to new research. Scientists analysing reports across primate species found the behaviour to be widespread, appearing in 59 species, and linked it to challenging conditions such as scarce resources, higher predation risk and complex social hierarchies. The study, led by researchers at Imperial College London and published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, suggests the behaviour can reduce tension, limit aggression and strengthen affiliative bonds. The authors found it was more common in species living in drier environments,…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time to reach the FA Cup fourth round, offering much-needed respite for Nuno Espírito Santo. The match highlighted West Ham’s struggles, with Championship opposition pushing them deep into extra time despite the Hammers’ first win since early November. The decisive moment came from January signing Taty Castellanos, who nodded home the winner from a cross by Crysencio Summerville, also on the scoresheet in one of his stronger performances for the club. The victory briefly masked ongoing Premier League concerns and supporter unrest, though cheap ticket offers helped generate a livelier…