Author: OMN AI

Around one in 10 people in the UK aged 70 and over may have brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to the largest population-based study of its kind. The research, published in Nature, analysed blood samples from nearly 11,500 people using a biomarker test that can detect Alzheimer’s-related changes early. While this is not a diagnosis, it suggests more than 1 million people could meet NHS criteria for anti-amyloid treatments—far more than current estimates. The prevalence of these changes rises sharply with age, from under 8% in people in their 50s and 60s to around two-thirds of those over…

Airport workers across Europe are taking action this festive season to protest low wages and difficult working conditions. Unions have described some employers’ behavior as “Grinch-like,” accusing them of taking advantage of staff during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. These strikes have become an increasingly common feature of Christmas and winter holidays, with workers deliberately targeting peak travel days to strengthen their demands for fairer pay and improved conditions. Some strikes are planned well in advance, allowing passengers to adjust their plans. Others appear suddenly, with just hours’ notice, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives. Anyone planning…

The Trump administration announced a major arms sale to Taiwan valued at about $11bn. The package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and a variety of missile systems. US officials released the details late Wednesday. Congress must approve the deal before implementation. The administration framed the sale as a response to growing regional security threats. This marks the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to expand military cooperation with Taipei. Officials described the package as necessary amid escalating tensions. The deal significantly enhances Taiwan’s defensive capacity. China increases…

A carnivorous pitcher plant has been found to drug its prey with a toxic nerve agent before digesting it, researchers have discovered. The plant, Nepenthes khasiana, produces a sweet nectar along the rim of its pitcher-shaped traps to attract insects, especially ants. But the nectar contains isoshinanolone, a nerve toxin that disrupts the insects’ nervous systems, causing sluggish movement, muscle weakness and excessive grooming. Affected ants often lose coordination, fall into spasms and eventually tumble into the pitcher, where they are drowned and digested. Some die from the toxin alone. The nectar also contains three sugars that absorb water, making…

France’s Interior Ministry suffered a prolonged cyberattack that lasted several days, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed. The attackers focused on email accounts at the Place Beauvau ministry, which employs nearly 300,000 people. The intrusion allowed hackers to access sensitive internal files, including police databases, and authorities only became aware of the breach after detecting unusual activity in the ministry’s systems. Nuñez spoke publicly about the incident to assure citizens that officials were responding swiftly. According to Nuñez, the breach raised immediate concerns about the integrity of the ministry’s internal communications and sensitive information. While investigators are still working to fully…

Board set to guide shareholders Warner Bros Discovery plans to recommend that shareholders reject Paramount Skydance’s $108.4bn takeover bid. Reports say the board could issue guidance as early as Wednesday. Executives see serious strategic and financial risks. They argue the proposal lacks clarity and long-term stability. Paramount claims its offer surpasses a $72bn deal Warner Bros agreed with Netflix. That deal covers film and streaming assets. Paramount presents its bid as superior. Warner Bros executives strongly disagree. Financing concerns drive opposition Warner Bros plans to highlight funding risks as a primary reason for rejection, according to the Financial Times. Executives…

The federal government has introduced a national policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) and new measures to protect American investors from proxy advisors. These actions aim to encourage innovation while safeguarding the economy. The AI policy framework outlines guidelines for responsible development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies across public and private sectors. Officials say the framework balances innovation with ethical standards, ensuring that AI applications are safe, transparent, and aligned with U.S. values. Federal agencies will coordinate efforts to support research, development, and testing of AI systems. This includes funding initiatives, promoting public-private partnerships, and creating standards for accountability.…

Louvre staff closed the Paris museum on Monday after voting unanimously to strike over poor working conditions.The walkout followed months of complaints about staffing, security, and funding, hitting the museum just after a high-profile jewellery heist.The CFDT union said 400 employees attended the morning meeting and agreed to strike for the day. Striking workers blocked the glass pyramid entrance with flags, banners, and placards.The Louvre posted an updated notice online, describing the closure as “exceptional” and promising refunds for ticket holders.Employees may meet again on Wednesday to decide whether to return or extend the strike. Tourists disappointed but understand staff…

The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades have been approved in the US, raising hopes of a breakthrough against increasingly drug-resistant strains of the sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhoea cases are surging worldwide, with an estimated 82 million infections each year. Rates are at record highs in England and have tripled across Europe since 2014. Health officials are alarmed by growing resistance to current frontline antibiotics, leading the World Health Organization to classify gonorrhoea as a priority pathogen. Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration approved two new antibiotics. Zoliflodacin, marketed as Nuzolvence, was cleared on 12 December, followed…

US President Donald Trump has filed a $5 billion defamation lawsuit over an edited January 2021 speech. He lodged the case in Florida, accusing the UK public broadcaster of defamation and trade practices violations, according to court documents. The organisation apologised last month for the edit but rejected compensation demands and denied any legal basis for defamation. Trump’s legal team claimed editors intentionally altered his words. The lawsuit described the edit as malicious and deceptive, aiming to damage Trump’s reputation. The broadcaster has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. Documentary broadcast triggers legal dispute Trump announced plans to sue…