Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have identified genetic changes in polar bears that could help the animals adapt to rising temperatures, offering new insight into how wildlife responds to climate change. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears living in south-east Greenland show distinct genetic activity compared with bears in colder northern regions. The study, published in Mobile DNA, links warmer local temperatures to increased activity of so-called “jumping genes” – mobile pieces of DNA that can alter how other genes function. By analysing blood samples from bears in different parts of Greenland and comparing gene activity with regional climate…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be weakened, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to provoke strong opposition from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a total ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would need to meet a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain…

Scientists have recorded northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a first for these species. Drone videos, underwater cameras, and acoustic tags showed dolphins leading the chase, moving quickly through the water as “scouts,” with orcas following behind. Once the whales caught and broke apart the salmon, the dolphins scavenged leftover pieces. Remarkably, the orcas showed no aggression, even though they usually guard fresh prey. Alternating echolocation clicks from both species suggest they may even be listening to each other’s sonar while hunting, expanding their ability to track fish deep underwater.…

Humans have been ranked 7th out of 35 mammal species for monogamy in a Cambridge University study, placing us among the most monogamous mammals. We scored a 66% rate of full siblings, meaning most children share both parents — a sign of relatively strong pair bonding. We ranked above meerkats and gibbons, but below Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins. At the top was the California deermouse, while species like chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas ranked far lower due to highly promiscuous mating systems. Researchers say humans remain unusual among mammals for forming long-term pair bonds, though cultural and religious pressures…

Health officials in England have identified a new recombinant variant of mpox after testing a patient who had recently travelled to Asia. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus combines characteristics of two circulating clades – clade 1, the more severe form, and clade 2, which drove the global mpox outbreak in 2022. The UK Health Security Agency said further assessment is underway to understand how the new strain behaves, though experts emphasised that viral evolution is expected. While most mpox infections remain mild, officials are urging eligible people to get vaccinated as protection. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through…

Crystal Palace continued their impressive season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham, sealed by Marc Guéhi’s late header, pushing Palace into the Premier League’s top four. The win also extended manager Oliver Glasner’s strong record against Marco Silva’s side, having already beaten Fulham twice earlier in the year. Palace struck first through Eddie Nketiah, finishing cleanly on his first league start of the season after a clever move orchestrated by Adam Wharton. Harry Wilson equalised with a superb outside-of-the-boot strike, his second spectacular goal in as many weeks, but Fulham failed to capitalise on periods of control. The match…

Max Verstappen will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole in a dramatic 2025 title decider, with championship leader Lando Norris alongside him and Oscar Piastri third. Verstappen was fastest with a 1:22.207, continuing his late-season surge, but Norris still controls the championship outcome. Norris leads by 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri. He becomes world champion if he finishes third or better, or simply ahead of both rivals. Verstappen must win and hope Norris misses the podium, while Piastri needs victory and for Norris to finish sixth or lower. McLaren say team orders will be used…

A new study has found widespread contamination of cereal foods across Europe with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a toxic “forever chemical” that forms when pesticides containing PFAS break down in soil. The research, conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN), revealed that breakfast cereals contained the highest concentrations — on average 100 times greater than levels typically found in tap water. TFA was detected in 81.5% of 65 cereal items sampled from 16 European countries, marking the first EU-wide assessment of its presence in food. Products affected ranged from breakfast cereal and bread to pasta, croissants, scones and gingerbread. Wheat-based goods…

Former Newcastle, West Ham and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has revealed he is being treated for prostate cancer, which has spread to his pelvic bone. In a video shared on Instagram, the 56-year-old explained that he was diagnosed about 18 months ago after insisting on a PSA blood test during a routine check-up. Scans confirmed an aggressive form of prostate cancer, leading to surgery last December. When his PSA levels rose again six months later, tests showed the cancer had spread, and he has since completed over seven weeks of radiation therapy. Hislop urged men, especially those over 50 and…

A new survey by the Migraine Trust has revealed significant inequalities in migraine care across the UK, with people from ethnic minority backgrounds reporting poorer treatment and greater fears of discrimination. Among 2,200 respondents, 23% of mixed-ethnicity, 19% of Asian, and 16% of Black participants said their ethnicity negatively affected their care, compared with just 7% of white respondents. Many cited dismissive attitudes, poorer treatment, or racism. Black respondents were also more likely to fear discrimination at work because of migraines. Nearly one in five Asian respondents and 14% of Black respondents said they worried healthcare professionals would not believe…