Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to specific treatments. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells, allowing doctors to gauge treatment effectiveness before or shortly after therapy begins. Researchers studied blood samples from 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, taken before treatment and again after four weeks. Low or undetectable levels of tumour DNA were strongly linked to better responses and longer periods with the cancer kept under control. The results were especially clear in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, where low tumour…

Newcastle United missed the chance to climb fifth after a flat 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Despite controlling possession, Newcastle lacked creativity and failed to test José Sá until late. Wolves defended compactly and looked organised under Rob Edwards, offering occasional threat on the counter. Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle missed quality and a decisive moment in attack. The stalemate reflected Wolves’ growing resilience and Newcastle’s attacking shortcomings.

Nvidia suppliers have reportedly paused production after Chinese customs blocked shipments of the company’s H200 artificial intelligence chips, even though the processors were cleared for export by the United States. According to the Financial Times, Chinese officials told customs agents the chips could not enter China, without explaining whether the move is temporary or a formal ban. Authorities have also reportedly warned domestic tech firms against buying the chips unless essential. The confusion deepens as the US has approved exports but required the chips to pass through US testing facilities, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts remain split on whether selling…

A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following widespread criticism over its ethical design. The decision was confirmed by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, whose senior official Yap Boum said the trial raised serious concerns about withholding a proven, life-saving vaccine in a country with a high hepatitis B burden. The $1.6m study, funded under the authority of US Department of Health and Human Services and linked to vaccine skeptic Robert F Kennedy Jr, would have denied half the participating newborns access to the vaccine. Africa CDC said the trial…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back for the rest of the season, a condition Flamengo are reluctant to accept. Flamengo’s initial €35m bid was rejected and they may raise it to around €40m, but they believe they could buy Paquetá more cheaply in the summer without agreeing to a loan. Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations, which he was cleared of last year but which cost him a move to Manchester City. West Ham, seven points below safety,…

BP has warned it will write down up to $5bn (£3.7bn) from its underperforming green energy businesses as it refocuses on oil and gas. The impairment, mainly affecting its gas and low-carbon “transition” divisions, will not hit underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. The move comes under new chair Albert Manifold, as BP scales back renewable ambitions after cancelling hydrogen projects and attempting to sell a stake in its solar arm, Lightsource. BP’s shares dipped after the announcement, alongside news that oil trading weakened in the final quarter and Brent crude prices fell sharply last year. The…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a strategic shake-up under its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. The owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker has begun reviewing its China operations with advisers from Goldman Sachs and UBS, amid falling sales in the region. Diageo’s holdings include a majority stake in Shanghai-listed Sichuan Swellfun, a producer and distributor of baijiu, whose share price has declined sharply over the past year. Lewis, who took over on 1 January, is known for aggressive cost-cutting from his time leading Unilever and later reviving Tesco. His early moves at Diageo come…

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group cohesion during environmental or social stress, researchers suggest. A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution by scientists including Prof Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London analysed reports across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas. The findings indicate such behaviour is widespread and either evolved early in primate history or emerged independently multiple times. The research found same-sex behaviour was more common in species living in harsh, dry environments with scarce resources and higher predation risk. It was also associated with longer…

West Ham United secured rare relief for manager Nuno Espírito Santo with an extra-time FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers at the London Stadium. The Hammers were pushed deep into the contest before January signing Taty Castellanos headed the decisive goal, ending West Ham’s long wait for a victory. Crysencio Summerville also impressed, scoring once and providing the assist for the winner in one of his strongest performances for the club. The match offered only temporary respite from West Ham’s Premier League struggles, with defensive lapses again evident as QPR forced extra time through Richard Kone’s equaliser. Injuries to…

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a controlled 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, but supporter anger towards the owners dominated the narrative. Despite the victory, chants against Clearlake Capital and calls for Roman Abramovich echoed throughout the match. Rosenior, Chelsea’s fifth head coach since the 2022 takeover, oversaw a largely second-string side that controlled possession and progressed comfortably. Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández sealed the result, while Charlton briefly threatened through Miles Leaburn. Promising cameos from Estevão Willian and others underlined Chelsea’s talent, yet doubts remain about the club’s…