Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have found genetic changes in polar bears that could help some populations adapt to global heating, offering cautious hope for a species under severe threat from climate change. Researchers from the University of East Anglia discovered that polar bears in south-east Greenland differ genetically from those in colder northern regions. The study found increased activity of so-called “jumping genes” — mobile DNA elements that influence how other genes function — in bears living in warmer, less icy environments. These genetic shifts affect genes linked to heat stress, ageing and metabolism, suggesting the bears may be adjusting biologically to rising…

The European Union’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is likely to be weakened, according to a senior member of the European parliament, in a move that could trigger a backlash from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer represents a complete ban on combustion engines. Rather than requiring zero CO₂ emissions from all new cars sold from 2035, manufacturers would instead be required to achieve a 90% reduction in fleet-wide emissions, allowing some hybrid vehicles…

Researchers have discovered that northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins work together to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia — a cooperation never documented before. Using drones, underwater video, and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins moving ahead of the whales like “scouts,” chasing large Chinook salmon through the water. The orcas then followed closely, caught the fish, and shared the catch within their pod. The dolphins fed on leftover scraps, and the whales showed no aggression, which is unusual given how protective they normally are with fresh prey. Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation between species during dives,…

A new University of Cambridge study has ranked humans 7th out of 35 mammal species for monogamy, placing us among the most pair-bonded animals. Humans showed a 66% rate of full siblings, indicating mostly two-parent households, sitting just behind Eurasian beavers (72%) and ahead of meerkats (60%) and gibbons. At the bottom end are highly promiscuous species such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and mountain gorillas, which scored just 6%. Researchers analysed genetic data to compare how often siblings shared both parents across species. While humans rank as largely monogamous, experts note that culture plays a major role — with serial monogamy…

Health officials in England have detected a newly evolved variant of mpox after testing a person who had recently travelled to Asia. Genome analysis revealed that the virus is a recombinant form, combining genetic material from two known strains: the more severe clade 1 and the less virulent clade 2, the latter responsible for the global mpox outbreak in 2022. The UK Health Security Agency stated that further study is underway to assess how significant this new strain may be. Experts say virus evolution is expected, especially when multiple variants circulate at the same time. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox,…

Crystal Palace climbed into the Premier League’s top four after Marc Guéhi scored a decisive late header to seal a 2–1 victory over Fulham. It continued Oliver Glasner’s impressive run over Marco Silva’s side, giving Palace their third win at Craven Cottage in under a year. Eddie Nketiah, making his first league start of the season, put Palace ahead after a slick move involving Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell. Fulham equalised through a brilliant outside-of-the-boot strike from Harry Wilson, who combined neatly with Raúl Jiménez. The hosts pushed for more, even having an Emile Smith Rowe effort sensationally saved and…

Far from the Himalayan trekking routes and busy streets of Kathmandu lies Nepal’s Terai, a warm lowland region rich in wildlife, agriculture, culture and hospitality. Home to the Tharu people, the area offers an experience vastly different from Nepal’s traditional tourist hotspots — and through a growing homestay network, visitors are invited to share in everyday life rather than simply observe it. In the village of Bhada, near the Indian border, travellers stay with local families through the Community Homestay Network. One guest joined Shyam Chaudhary in her adobe kitchen, learning to make fruit pickle before helping cook for Auli…

Max Verstappen took pole for the season-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lando Norris second and Oscar Piastri third. All three remain in the fight for the championship, but Norris holds the advantage in the standings. Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri by 16. A finish of third or better guarantees the Briton his first world title, regardless of who wins. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris to finish sixth or lower. Verstappen set a rapid 1:22.207 in qualifying, continuing his late-season surge. Norris and Piastri stayed close,…

A new study has found widespread contamination of breakfast cereals and other grain-based foods in Europe with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) – a toxic “forever chemical” that forms when pesticides containing PFAS break down in soil. Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) reported that average TFA concentrations in cereal products were 100 times higher than levels found in tap water. Researchers analysed 65 conventional cereal products from 16 European countries, detecting TFA in 81.5% of samples. Wheat-based foods were most contaminated, with the highest levels found in Irish breakfast cereal, followed by Belgian and German wholemeal bread and French baguettes. Contamination was…

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has announced that he is being treated for prostate cancer, which has spread to his pelvic bone. The 56-year-old discovered the disease after a routine physical 18 months ago, when an elevated PSA level led to further tests confirming an aggressive form of cancer. He underwent prostate removal surgery last December, but a rise in PSA six months later revealed the cancer had spread, prompting medication and a seven-and-a-half-week course of radiation therapy that he has just completed. Hislop—who played for Newcastle, West Ham, Portsmouth and represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World…