Author: Andrew Rogers

Influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men that normal changes in mood, energy or libido mean they have low testosterone, according to a new study. Researchers analysing popular posts on TikTok and Instagram found routine testosterone testing was being promoted as essential to being a “real man”, despite it being medically unnecessary for most young men. The study, published in Social Science and Medicine, said influencers often frame everyday experiences as medical problems, driving demand for tests, supplements and hormone treatments. Lead author Emma Grundtvig Gram from the University of Copenhagen described this as a growing…

Plants growing close together can warn one another about stress, helping nearby plants survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either in isolation or packed so closely that their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light, isolated plants suffered severe damage, while crowded plants coped far better by rapidly activating protective mechanisms. Within an hour, densely grown plants switched on more than 2,000 genes linked to defence against multiple stresses. Isolated plants showed little change in gene activity, suggesting they received no warning signal. The study found that stressed…

Netflix has revised its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery, switching to an all-cash offer to speed up approval and block a hostile rival bid from Paramount Skydance. The offer keeps the same valuation of $27.75 per share but removes shares from the deal, giving WBD investors greater certainty and allowing a shareholder vote as early as April. The WBD board continues to unanimously back Netflix’s proposal. Under the deal, WBD shareholders would also receive shares in a spun-off global networks business, including CNN and Discovery, which Netflix is not acquiring. Paramount is pressing ahead with its own…

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…