Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have developed what they say is the first accurate blood test to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The condition, which causes severe and long-lasting exhaustion not relieved by rest, has no definitive diagnostic test. Patients are usually diagnosed through symptoms, a process that can take years and lead to frequent misdiagnosis. Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Oxford Biodynamics (OBD) say their new blood test could change that. By studying how DNA folds in the blood, they identified a distinct molecular pattern seen only in people with ME/CFS. The study, published…

A recent survey shows that Europeans are reducing alcohol consumption, mainly for health and taste reasons rather than financial concerns. The study highlights a growing shift in drinking habits, particularly among younger adults. The survey by U.S. market research firm Circana found that 71% of European consumers have cut back on alcohol. Among adults aged 25 to 35, nearly a quarter reported that they have stopped drinking entirely. Non-alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly popular, now making up nearly 60% of Europe’s €166 billion beverage market. These drinks have grown by 5.1% year-on-year, while traditional alcoholic drinks saw a decline of…

A new study has found that about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US come from wild populations. Researchers analysed 734 species sold by major online retailers and found only 3% were fully farmed. Many of the fish are caught from reefs in the western Pacific and Indian oceans, often with little supply chain transparency. “This trade is incredibly opaque – from reef to retail,” said Dr Bing Lin from the University of Sydney, who led the study. The research also found 45 species listed as threatened, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish, being sold online. Experts warn…

2025 has seen a wave of positive environmental developments around the world. From new solar energy innovations to advanced waste management solutions, these stories show progress in tackling climate and sustainability challenges. One standout initiative is the introduction of solar grazing tiles. These innovative systems combine solar panels with agricultural use, allowing livestock to graze safely beneath solar infrastructure. This approach increases renewable energy production while supporting local farming communities. In addition, several cities have implemented advanced waste management solutions. Recycling programs, composting initiatives, and waste-to-energy technologies are helping reduce landfill use and promote resource efficiency. These efforts contribute to…

The European Union has launched the InvestAI initiative, a €200 billion program aimed at constructing large-scale AI data centers across Europe. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the region’s artificial intelligence infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign technologies. Officials say the project will create state-of-the-art facilities to host AI research, development, and deployment. These centers are expected to support both private and public sector AI initiatives, enabling faster innovation and improved digital services throughout the EU. The InvestAI program is designed to address the growing global competition in artificial intelligence. Europe currently depends heavily on non-European…

Jaguar Land Rover has begun a phased restart of its UK factories after a major cyber-attack halted production in late August. The carmaker called the restart “an important moment” as it works to recover from a month-long shutdown that hit global operations. Production resumes this week at sites in Wolverhampton, Hams Hall, Solihull, Halewood, and Castle Bromwich, with Nitra, Slovakia, to follow soon. JLR also launched a new financing scheme to pay suppliers early, easing cashflow pressures during the restart phase. Retail sales fell 17% in the last quarter, reflecting the shutdown, US tariffs, and a Jaguar model phase-out. “We…

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine. They were honored for discovering how the immune system avoids attacking the body’s own tissues. Sakaguchi identified regulatory T-cells — “the brakes of the immune system.” Brunkow and Ramsdell found the FoxP3 gene, essential for these cells to develop and prevent autoimmunity. Their work transformed understanding of immune tolerance and inspired new treatments for autoimmune disease, transplants, and cancer. “This prize was long overdue,” said Prof Adrian Hayday.

George Russell: “That’s how you win a race.”He led from start to finish and never faltered.Mercedes celebrated a flawless victory at Marina Bay.It was Russell’s second win of the season.His calm precision strengthened his hand in contract talks. Behind him, McLaren’s title fight exploded.Lando Norris muscled past Oscar Piastri at turn three.Their cars touched. Piastri fumed.“Are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way?” he snapped on the radio.The team promised to review it later.“That’s not fair,” Piastri replied. “He hit me. That’s a shit job of avoiding a car.” Norris defended himself. “It was hard but…

George Russell delivered a superb qualifying lap to claim pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, underlining his case for a Mercedes contract extension. The Briton outpaced Max Verstappen by nearly two-tenths of a second at the demanding Marina Bay circuit, but the world champion was left fuming at Lando Norris, accusing the McLaren driver of costing him a shot at pole. Verstappen abandoned his final run after catching Norris in the closing corners and gestured in frustration, claiming he lost vital downforce. “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you and that will be…

In Berlin, goshawks are a common sight, gliding over parks, chasing crows, and even nesting near monuments. Conservationist Dr Paul O’Donoghue now hopes to replicate that success in Britain by introducing the raptors into cities such as Chester and London. The northern goshawk, once hunted to near extinction in the UK, has recovered in rural areas but continues to face persecution on shooting estates. Meanwhile, across Europe, the species has adapted well to urban life, thriving in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Prague, where it hunts pigeons and other birds. O’Donoghue’s organisation, Rewilding UK, plans to submit a proposal to…