Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have identified genetic changes in polar bears that could help them adapt to rising temperatures, offering rare evidence that global heating is influencing DNA in a wild mammal. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears in south-east Greenland differ genetically from those in colder northern regions. The study suggests that bears living in warmer conditions show increased activity in so-called “jumping genes” — mobile sections of DNA that can alter how other genes function. These genetic shifts are linked to traits such as heat stress, metabolism and ageing, and appear more pronounced in bears exposed…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be softened, according to a senior European parliament politician, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party group, said the European Commission is expected to drop the idea of a total ban on combustion engines. Instead, carmakers would be required to meet a 90% reduction in fleet-wide CO₂ emissions from 2035, rather than the previously agreed 100%, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale. The proposed change follows lobbying from Germany, Italy and…

Researchers have documented a surprising partnership off British Columbia: northern resident killer whales cooperating with Pacific white-sided dolphins to hunt salmon. Using drones, underwater video and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins speeding ahead as “scouts,” locating salmon that the orcas then pursued and captured. Unlike typical behavior, the whales showed no aggression as dolphins moved in to eat leftover scraps — a sign the interaction is not accidental. Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both species during deep dives, suggesting they may even be listening to each other to track fish more effectively. Scientists ruled out simpler explanations such…

Humans have been ranked 7th out of 35 mammal species for monogamy in a new Cambridge University study. Using genetic data to compare rates of full vs half-siblings, researchers found humans averaged 66% full siblings, placing us alongside typically monogamous animals — though Eurasian beavers scored higher at 72%. At the top sits the California deermouse, while chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas ranked near the bottom due to highly promiscuous mating systems. The study shows that, unlike our close ape relatives, humans evolved toward pair bonding — a rare shift among mammals that may be linked to the rise of…

Health officials in England have identified a new mpox variant after a recent traveller from Asia tested positive for the virus. Sequencing shows it is a recombinant form, combining traits from clade 1, known for more severe illness, and clade 2, the less aggressive strain behind the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency says further analysis is underway, noting that viral evolution is expected as both lineages continue to circulate. Experts emphasise that most mpox cases remain mild, but the emergence of a recombinant strain highlights the need for continued monitoring and vaccination among at-risk groups. Mpox spreads…

Crystal Palace climbed into the Premier League’s top four after a late Marc Guéhi header sealed a 2-1 victory away at Fulham. The defender struck near the end from a near-post corner, stunning Marco Silva’s side and continuing Oliver Glasner’s impressive run against the Cottagers. Palace took the lead through Eddie Nketiah, who finished neatly after Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell combined to open up Fulham’s defence. Fulham hit back with a brilliant goal from Harry Wilson, who exchanged passes with Raúl Jiménez before curling a superb outside-of-the-boot shot past Dean Henderson. Fulham pushed for a winner and thought they…

Far from Nepal’s famous Himalayan trekking routes lies the Terai, a lush lowland region bordering India and home to the Tharu people – known for their deep hospitality and tradition that “the guest is god”. Unlike the busy streets of Kathmandu, the Terai offers sprawling farmland, wildlife-rich national parks and the sacred birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini. During a homestay arranged through Nepal’s Community Homestay Network, visitors can live with local families and take part in everyday life. In the village of Bhada, guests cook in traditional mud-and-timber kitchens, prepare spicy pickles, and join festivals like Auli, a lively harvest…

Max Verstappen will start from pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a dramatic final race with the championship still undecided. Lando Norris lines up second with Oscar Piastri third, meaning all three contenders begin nose-to-tail for the title decider. Norris remains favourite overall. He leads Verstappen by 12 points and Piastri by 16 and will become world champion if he finishes ahead of both, or takes third place or better regardless of the winner. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and for Norris to end sixth or lower. Verstappen’s…

A new study has found high concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a toxic “forever chemical,” in cereal-based foods across Europe. The research, conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN), revealed that breakfast cereals contained average TFA levels 100 times higher than those found in tap water, making them the most contaminated food category tested. TFA forms when pesticides containing PFAS — a large group of persistent industrial chemicals used since the 1950s — break down in soil and water. PFAS are known for their extreme longevity, often remaining in the environment for centuries. Their potential health risks are increasingly recognised,…

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has announced he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, which has spread to his pelvic bone. The 56-year-old discovered the illness 18 months ago after insisting on a PSA blood test during a routine physical. An MRI and biopsy confirmed an aggressive form of cancer, leading to surgery last December. Six months later, rising PSA levels showed the cancer had returned and spread, and Hislop has since completed seven and a half weeks of radiation therapy. In his video message, Hislop urged men not to wait for symptoms and to get tested regularly. He…