Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists are urging the UK government to introduce cigarette-style cancer warnings on bacon and ham, saying chemicals used in their production cause bowel cancer. Their call comes a decade after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans, placing it in the same risk category as tobacco and asbestos. The scientists accuse successive UK governments of doing “virtually nothing” since then to curb the use of nitrites, chemicals added to bacon and ham to preserve colour and shelf life. Experts estimate that this inaction has contributed to 54,000 bowel cancer cases and cost the NHS £3bn…

The weight-loss drug semaglutide significantly cuts the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even when users lose little or no weight, according to the largest study of its kind published in The Lancet. Researchers from University College London analysed data from 17,604 adults aged 45 and over across 41 countries who were overweight or obese. Participants were randomly given weekly semaglutide injections or a placebo. Results showed that semaglutide lowered the risk of major heart events — including heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related deaths — by 20%, regardless of weight loss. However, the study also found that reductions in waist…

A large UK study has revealed that antidepressants vary widely in their physical side-effects, with some causing weight gain and others leading to weight loss or changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Oxford analysed data from 151 clinical trials involving more than 58,000 patients across 30 antidepressant drugs. They found differences of up to 4kg in average weight change between medications — ranging from an average 2.5kg weight loss with agomelatine to about 2kg gain with maprotiline. Nearly half of patients on maprotiline or amitriptyline gained weight, while over half…

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has formally requested that the Trump administration pause the demolition of the White House East Wing. The group cited concerns over potential damage to the historic structure while plans for a new ballroom are reviewed. Officials from the preservation group stressed the East Wing’s architectural and historical significance. “This building has served as an important part of the White House complex for decades,” a spokesperson said. “Any demolition should be carefully evaluated to ensure the legacy is preserved.” The administration had planned to remove parts of the East Wing to make way for a…

Sixty-eight Pizza Hut restaurants across the UK are set to close after the company behind the chain’s UK operations entered administration. Franchise operator DC London Pie, which ran Pizza Hut’s dine-in venues, appointed administrators from FTI Consulting on Monday. The move puts 1,210 jobs at risk, including staff from 11 delivery-only sites also set to close. However, US parent company Yum! Brands — which also owns KFC and Taco Bell — has stepped in to buy 64 remaining restaurants through a pre-pack administration deal, safeguarding 1,276 jobs. These locations will now be operated directly by Yum! Brands. Matt Callaghan, joint…

Millions of young people could miss out on effective treatments because too few take part in medical research, experts warn. Data from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) shows that 18- to 24-year-olds make up 8% of England’s population but only 4.4% of trial participants. Kirsty Blenkins of the Association for Young People’s Health said treatments are often tested on older adults, meaning they may not be suitable for younger patients who face unique challenges such as mental health issues, obesity, and asthma. Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR’s director for research inclusion, said low participation could lead to…

A new “smart” injection therapy has shown remarkable success in shrinking head and neck cancer tumours within six weeks, offering fresh hope to patients with advanced or recurrent disease. The drug, amivantamab, demonstrated strong early results in a clinical trial presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology conference in Berlin. The treatment was found to shrink or stop tumour growth in 76% of patients whose cancers had returned after chemotherapy and immunotherapy — a group that typically has few remaining options. Head and neck cancer is the world’s sixth most common cancer, and recurrent or metastatic cases are notoriously…

Paramount Skydance will lay off about 2,000 US employees starting the week of 27 October as part of a $2bn cost-cutting plan under new CEO David Ellison, Variety reported. The layoffs come two months after the $8.4bn merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, which was finalized in August. Additional job cuts are expected internationally, with further details to be announced in the company’s third-quarter earnings report on 10 November. Earlier reports suggested Paramount planned to reduce between 2,000 and 3,000 positions by early November. As of December 2024, the company employed nearly 18,600 full- and part-time workers, plus 3,500…

Spain’s tourism industry has earned recognition for excellence, reinforcing the country’s status as a top travel destination. Authorities and industry experts highlight Spain’s achievements in hospitality, cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism practices as key factors driving its popularity. Tourists are drawn to Spain for its vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and world-class beaches. The country’s commitment to delivering quality experiences across accommodations, restaurants, and attractions ensures that visitors enjoy memorable stays. This dedication to hospitality has strengthened Spain’s global reputation in the tourism sector. Cultural offerings remain a major draw. Spain’s rich heritage, festivals, museums, and local traditions provide travelers with…

A long-acting HIV prevention injection is set to be approved for use in England and Wales, offering a major new alternative to daily pills used to protect against the virus. The treatment, cabotegravir (CAB-LA), is administered once every two months and provides pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) for people at risk of HIV who are unable to take oral medication. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended the jab in draft guidance published on Friday. Already available on the NHS in Scotland, the injection is expected to roll out in England and Wales about three months after final approval…