Author: Andrew Rogers

An extraordinary orchid known as Rhizanthella spends its entire life hidden beneath the soil, where it blooms unseen and survives in a unique partnership with a fungus. Unlike most plants, Rhizanthella has no leaves and relies completely on nutrients provided by a fungus that connects both to the soil and to the roots of the broom bush (Melaleuca uncinata). This mysterious orchid was first discovered by chance in 1928, when a farmer ploughing a field in Western Australia unearthed its buried flowers. Nearly a century later, Rhizanthella remains incredibly difficult to find. Botanists must search for suitable habitat and gently…

Ed Sheeran, the globally acclaimed singer-songwriter, recently shared insights into his life and career in an uplifting interview. The artist opened up about a possible move to the United States, his ongoing music projects, and a unique collaboration with media personality Gayle King. Sheeran expressed excitement about exploring new opportunities in the U.S., describing it as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. “I’ve always felt drawn to the energy of the U.S. music scene,” Sheeran said. He highlighted that the move could offer fresh inspiration for his upcoming projects. The interview revealed Sheeran’s current focus on creating music…

Alcohol consumption is a significant cause of cancer in Europe, according to a new report from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer research agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The agency urges governments to adopt stronger measures to reduce drinking, which could prevent thousands of cancer cases and deaths each year. In the European Union — the region with the highest alcohol consumption globally — alcohol was responsible for more than 111,000 new cancer cases in 2020. Worldwide, the number reached approximately 741,000, with men accounting for nearly 70% of these cases. The economic cost is also…

President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace efforts are gaining strong international attention. Leaders from across the globe have praised his initiative, seeing it as a potential turning point for peace in the troubled region. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi described the plan as the “last chance” to bring lasting peace to Gaza. His statement has elevated the discussions and prompted increased diplomatic engagement from neighboring countries. Trump’s peace proposal aims to address ongoing conflicts in Gaza by creating a framework for cooperation, economic development, and security. The plan emphasizes dialogue between conflicting parties and encourages foreign nations to support reconstruction and…

Scientists have successfully grown embryo-like structures in the lab that produced human blood cells — a milestone that could transform regenerative medicine. The research, led by Dr Jitesh Neupane at the University of Cambridge’s Gurdon Institute, used human stem cells to recreate some of the earliest stages of human development without using sperm or eggs. Remarkably, the lab-grown models began forming heart cells and, by day 13, produced visible patches of red blood. “It was an exciting moment when the blood-red colour appeared in the dish – it was visible even to the naked eye,” said Neupane. The team hopes…

Microplastics are everywhere — in our blood, lungs, guts and even our brains. Scientists estimate the average person carries about 5g of them inside. What this means for our health remains uncertain, but new evidence suggests they could disrupt our gut and brain. A study from the University of Graz found that microplastics changed gut bacteria in ways linked to depression and cancer. “Reducing exposure is a wise precaution,” said lead researcher Dr Christian Pacher-Deutsch. Microplastics come from packaging, clothes, tyres and cosmetics, and are small enough to enter our organs. Studies on mice show they can alter brain chemistry…

Finland and the United States have finalized a $6 billion deal to build up to 11 icebreakers. The agreement marks a major step in Arctic security and strengthens cooperation between the two countries. Under the deal, Finland will supply advanced icebreaking vessels to the U.S. These ships are designed to operate in extreme Arctic conditions, supporting scientific research, shipping, and national security. The project is set to boost both nations’ capabilities in the Arctic. With melting ice opening new maritime routes, icebreakers are becoming increasingly crucial for safe navigation. The new vessels will allow both Finland and the U.S. to…

AstraZeneca has reached a deal with Donald Trump’s administration to lower drug prices in exchange for tariff relief. The British pharmaceutical company agreed to sell several medicines at discounted rates to the US Medicaid program, which covers low-income Americans. In return, the White House will lift planned tariffs on the company’s products. Trump announced the agreement from the Oval Office, calling it part of his “most-favored-nation” pricing plan. “Americans have paid the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs,” he said. “That ends now.” AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, said negotiations with the administration were “tough” but necessary. The company…

The U.S. government has announced a new agreement with AstraZeneca that aims to reduce prescription drug costs for low-income Americans. The deal, revealed on October 10, 2025, will see the British pharmaceutical company supply several of its key medicines to Medicaid at significantly discounted prices. In exchange, AstraZeneca will receive a three-year exemption from import tariffs on its U.S. drug shipments. This U.S. drug-pricing deal marks one of the most notable public-private healthcare collaborations under the current administration. It is expected to lower financial barriers for millions of Americans who depend on Medicaid for essential medicines, including treatments for heart…

Donald Trump has warned he may impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports from 1 November, accusing Beijing of “very hostile” actions over rare-earth export restrictions. The US president’s threat reignited fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies, sending Wall Street tumbling. The S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, the Nasdaq 3.6%, and Nvidia shares nearly 5%. Trump said China’s decision to expand controls on rare-earth exports — materials vital for electric vehicles and aircraft — was an attempt to “hold the world captive.” “I never thought it would come to this,” he wrote on Truth Social. “But…