Author: Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in Chicago, USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Over the years, he has contributed to leading outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Recognized for his sharp reporting and thoughtful analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers updated on key national and global developments.
A new review suggests psychedelic treatments such as psilocybin may help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis shows little evidence of lasting benefit. The review, led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University and published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, examined alternative treatments for OCD, a condition in which 40–60% of patients do not respond adequately to standard therapies. After analysing published studies and preliminary research, the authors found stronger evidence supporting psychedelics than cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Researchers believe the difference lies in how the substances affect the brain. Cannabinoids activate CB1 receptors…
Scientists have discovered genetic changes in polar bears that could help them adapt to rising temperatures, marking the first statistically significant link between climate change and DNA shifts in a wild mammal. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears in south-east Greenland show different genetic activity compared with bears in colder northern regions. The study focused on so-called “jumping genes” – mobile pieces of DNA that can alter how other genes behave. These were far more active in bears living in warmer, less icy environments. The changes are linked to genes involved in heat stress, ageing…
The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be softened, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to move away from an outright ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars sold from 2035 to have zero CO₂ emissions, manufacturers would face a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on the market. The proposed change follows pressure from Germany,…
Scientists have discovered that northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins are cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a partnership never documented before. Using drones, underwater cameras and acoustic tags, researchers observed dolphins leading the chase, acting like scouts that locate fast-moving Chinook salmon. The orcas followed closely behind, caught the fish, and then tolerated the dolphins scavenging leftovers — a surprising lack of aggression for a species known to guard its prey. Recordings revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both animals during deep dives, suggesting they may even be listening to each other to widen their ability…
Humans have been ranked 7th out of 35 mammals for monogamy in a Cambridge University study. By analysing genetic data to compare how many siblings shared both parents, researchers found humans have 66% full siblings, placing us among the more monogamous species. Ahead of us were animals like Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins, while we ranked above meerkats and gibbons. At the bottom were chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas, which showed extremely low full-sibling rates, reflecting far more promiscuous mating systems. Scientists say human monogamy is unusual compared with other primates and may have evolved alongside paternal involvement in offspring…
Health authorities in England have identified a newly evolved mpox variant after a person recently returned from Asia tested positive for the virus. Genomic sequencing revealed that the strain is a recombinant form, combining features of two circulating clades: clade 1, known for more severe disease, and clade 2, the less virulent type responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency stressed that further investigation is under way to determine whether the new strain poses any increased risk, but emphasised that viruses naturally evolve over time. Officials urged those eligible to get vaccinated as a precaution. Mpox,…
Crystal Palace climbed into the Premier League’s top four after Marc Guéhi scored a late winning header to snatch a 2-1 victory away at Fulham. The centre-back rose at the near post to meet a corner in the closing stages, completing a hard-fought performance and continuing Palace’s strong form under Oliver Glasner. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring for Palace with a crisp finish on his first league start of the season, before Fulham equalised through a stunning outside-of-the-boot strike from Harry Wilson. Both teams pushed for a winner, but Palace remained resilient despite heavy fixture congestion and the absence of…
Far from Nepal’s famous Himalayan trails and busy Kathmandu streets lies the Terai lowlands — a warm, vibrant region rich in culture, wildlife, national parks, and traditional village life. Home to the indigenous Tharu people, the Terai offers an entirely different side of Nepal, where hospitality is so deeply valued that locals say, “Atithi Devo Bhava” – the guest is god. In the village of Bhada, near the Indian border, travellers can stay with families through Nepal’s Community Homestay Network, which allows visitors to live alongside locals while supporting the community directly. Here, guests take part in daily life —…
Max Verstappen will start from pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a dramatic final showdown for the 2025 championship. Lando Norris lines up second and Oscar Piastri third, leaving all three contenders still in the title fight. Norris remains in control, leading the standings by 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri. A podium finish, or simply finishing ahead of both rivals, will make him world champion. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and for Norris to place sixth or lower. Verstappen set the fastest lap with a…
A new study has detected widespread contamination of cereal-based foods across Europe with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a toxic “forever chemical” that forms when pesticides containing PFAS break down in soil. According to Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN), TFA levels in breakfast cereals were on average 100 times higher than those found in tap water, making them the most contaminated product tested. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used in industry and consumer goods since the 1950s and are known for their extreme persistence, remaining in the environment for centuries. TFA, one of their breakdown products, is reprotoxic—linked to risks…
