Author: Andrew Rogers

Plants growing close together can alert one another to incoming stress, helping neighbouring plants survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either alone or tightly packed so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light, isolated plants suffered severe damage, while crowded plants coped far better. Within one hour, closely growing plants activated more than 2,000 genes linked to protection against multiple stresses, whereas isolated plants showed little additional gene activity. The findings suggest that stressed plants send warning signals to nearby neighbours. The study showed that crowded plants…

Netflix has revised its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery into an all-cash offer, aiming to speed up shareholder approval and fend off a hostile challenge from Paramount Skydance. The offer keeps the valuation at $27.75 per share but removes equity complexity, allowing WBD investors to 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 pursuing a larger $108.4bn hostile bid and has sought to disrupt the…

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well patients with breast cancer will respond to specific treatments, potentially allowing doctors to tailor therapy much earlier and improve outcomes. The test works by analysing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the blood, which is released by cancer cells. In a study involving 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, researchers measured ctDNA levels before treatment began and again after four weeks. They found a strong link between low or undetectable ctDNA levels and better responses to therapy. Patients with lower ctDNA levels at the start of treatment were more…

Newcastle United missed the chance to move fifth after a blunt 0-0 draw at Molineux.Despite dominating possession, Newcastle showed little creativity or threat in the final third.Nick Woltemade wasted rare openings, while crosses and set pieces failed to trouble the defence. Wolverhampton Wanderers defended with discipline and confidence, extending their recent improvement.Mateus Mané provided energy and Wolves carried limited counterattacking threat.José Sá made late saves from Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton to preserve the point. Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle lacked quality, while Wolves highlighted growing resilience and belief.

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. The move, reported by the Financial Times and cited by Reuters, has created confusion among suppliers and customers. Chinese officials have warned domestic tech firms against buying the chips and provided no explanation on whether the restriction is temporary or a full ban. The situation is further complicated by a US requirement that the Taiwan-made chips pass through the US for testing, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts say the episode…

The 2026 real estate outlook points to growing momentum in both commercial and multifamily sectors. Analysts expect strong leasing demand and rising investment opportunities to drive activity next year. Experts say the commercial property market will benefit from increased corporate expansion and flexible office leasing trends. Businesses are seeking spaces that balance operational efficiency with modern amenities, supporting steady rental growth. Multifamily housing is also expected to see strong performance. Rising demand for apartments and rental units, especially in urban centers, is likely to encourage new development and increase occupancy rates. Investors are closely monitoring these trends. Properties with high…

A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following widespread criticism over its ethics. The decision was confirmed by Yap Boum, a senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who said the trial’s design raised serious concerns about withholding a proven, life-saving vaccine in a country with a high disease burden. The $1.6m study, funded under the authority of Robert F Kennedy Jr at the US Department of Health and Human Services, proposed delaying hepatitis B vaccination for some infants. Critics argued this would knowingly deny protection to thousands…

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 resisting. Flamengo’s opening €35m bid was rejected and they may raise it to about €40m, but they believe waiting until summer could secure a cheaper deal. Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following a spot-fixing investigation that ended last year and derailed a move to Manchester City. West Ham, fighting relegation, fear losing him now could be damaging. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo says the situation…

BP has said it expects to write down up to $5bn (£3.7bn) from its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it refocuses on fossil fuels under new chair Albert Manifold. The writedowns will mainly affect BP’s gas and transition businesses but are not expected to impact underlying profits when full-year results are reported in February. The move follows BP’s struggles to offload a stake in its solar arm Lightsource and the cancellation of hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia. Shares fell after BP also warned of weaker oil trading in the final quarter, echoing similar concerns from FTSE…

Diageo is reportedly exploring the sale of its Chinese assets as part of an early strategic review under new chief executive Dave Lewis. According to Bloomberg News, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to assess its operations in China, where sales have declined sharply. Diageo holds a majority stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed producer and distributor of baijiu, whose shares have fallen significantly over the past year. Lewis, who began the role in January after leading turnarounds at Tesco and Unilever, is known for aggressive cost-cutting and portfolio simplification. Diageo faces mounting…