Author: Andrew Rogers

Microplastics are everywhere – in our blood, guts, lungs, even our brains. Scientists estimate we may each carry around 5g of plastic inside us, but the health effects remain uncertain. Austrian researchers recently found that microplastics can alter gut bacteria, creating changes linked to depression and cancer. “Reducing exposure where possible is wise,” said Dr Christian Pacher-Deutsch. Microplastics come from packaging, clothes and tyres. They’re small enough to enter our cells. Studies have found them in human brains and arteries, where they may raise the risk of heart attacks and dementia. “We don’t yet know how harmful they are,” warned…

Spain’s film industry is experiencing remarkable growth, drawing international productions from major franchises like The Walking Dead and Fantastic Four. The country’s appeal to filmmakers has strengthened its position as a long-term hub for global media projects. Government incentives and financial support have played a key role in this expansion. Tax breaks, funding programs, and streamlined production processes have encouraged studios to invest in Spanish locations, benefiting both the film industry and the local economy. Production companies highlight Spain’s diverse landscapes, modern facilities, and skilled crews as major attractions. From historic cities to scenic coastlines, the country offers versatile settings…

Taylor Swift’s latest release, The Life of a Showgirl, has set a new benchmark in the UK music scene. The album recorded the second-biggest opening week ever for a UK album. This milestone further solidifies Swift’s position as one of the most influential artists in the world. Fans have eagerly awaited this album, and its release has sparked a global wave of excitement. Within days, it dominated streaming platforms and physical sales, highlighting Swift’s ability to connect with listeners across all formats. The UK Albums Chart confirmed that The Life of a Showgirl achieved impressive numbers during its debut week.…

AstraZeneca has reached a deal with the Trump administration to lower drug prices and avoid steep tariffs, marking the second such agreement between the White House and a major pharmaceutical company. Under the deal, the British-based drugmaker will sell some medicines at discounted “most-favored-nation” prices to Medicaid, matching the lowest prices offered in other developed countries. In exchange, the company will receive tariff relief. Announcing the agreement from the Oval Office, Donald Trump said the plan would “make prescription drugs the cheapest in the world,” adding that the deal “could save Americans billions.” AstraZeneca’s CEO Pascal Soriot, who joined Trump…

Actress Jennifer Lawrence received the Donostia Award at the San Sebastián Film Festival, one of the most respected honors in the film world. The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to cinema and her influence on audiences worldwide. During the ceremony, Lawrence used her moment in the spotlight to address issues beyond the screen, highlighting the urgent need to protect free speech. Lawrence expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry. She shared how her career has been shaped by opportunities to work with talented directors and actors and how storytelling has the power to…

Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods as tensions flare over Beijing’s move to tighten control of rare-earth exports. The US president accused China of “very hostile” actions and warned the new tariffs could take effect on 1 November “or sooner.” Relations between Washington and Beijing had recently improved, with both sides reducing earlier trade duties. But Trump’s late-Friday announcement reignited fears of another trade war. “I never thought it would come to this,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Ultimately, it will be a very good thing for the U.S.A.” He also announced new export controls…

Researchers say they have developed the world’s first reliable blood test to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Currently, there is no definitive test for the illness, which often leaves patients undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms such as severe, unrelenting fatigue that does not improve with rest. The new test, developed by scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Oxford Biodynamics (OBD), could mark a major breakthrough. However, independent experts have urged caution, saying larger, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the results before the test can…

New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold by major US retailers come from wild populations. The study, led by Dr Bing Lin from the University of Sydney, found most fish are caught in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. Globally, around 55 million marine animals are sold each year, making the trade worth more than US$2bn. “From reef to retail, the supply chain is murky,” Lin said. “Consumers often have no idea where their fish come from.” Forty-five species sold were listed as threatened, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish. Many species are not covered by global…

Jaguar Land Rover has started a phased restart of its UK factories, more than a month after a major cyber-attack. The hack on 31 August forced the carmaker to halt global production and retail operations, causing sharp sales declines. Retail sales fell 17% to 85,495 vehicles in the last quarter, with UK sales down more than 30%. Production resumes this week at key West Midlands sites, including Wolverhampton, Hams Hall, and Solihull, with Nitra in Slovakia to follow. Chief executive Adrian Mardell called the restart “an important moment,” adding that recovery is now “firmly under way.” To support struggling suppliers,…

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi won the 2025 Nobel Prize for uncovering how the immune system avoids attacking itself. Their work revealed regulatory T-cells, or T-regs — the “brakes” of the immune system. Sakaguchi identified these cells, while Brunkow and Ramsdell linked the FoxP3 gene to their development. Mutations in FoxP3 cause severe autoimmune diseases like Ipex syndrome. The discovery opened paths to new treatments. Boosting T-regs can ease autoimmune disorders; reducing them may help fight cancer. “This prize was long expected,” said Prof Adrian Hayday. “Their work transformed immunology.”