Author: Andrew Rogers

Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well patients with breast cancer are likely to respond to specific treatments, even before therapy begins. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) — tiny fragments of genetic material released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. In a study involving 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, scientists found a strong link between low levels of ctDNA and better treatment outcomes. Patients with low or undetectable ctDNA at the start of treatment, or after just four weeks, were significantly more likely to respond well and to experience longer periods before…

The White House reports record-breaking public engagement as more Americans than ever register for internships and public tours. Officials say this surge reflects heightened interest in civic participation and a stronger desire among citizens to understand government operations. The trend spans all age groups, signaling a broad-based enthusiasm for democracy. Registrations for White House internships have reached unprecedented levels. Young adults and college students lead the surge, eager to gain firsthand experience in government. These programs allow participants to work directly with federal staff, learn about policy-making, and contribute to public service initiatives. Organizers say the programs are highly competitive…

Newcastle missed the chance to climb to fifth after a flat 0-0 draw at Wolves.Despite dominating possession, Eddie Howe’s side lacked creativity and cutting edge.Wolves defended compactly and limited clear chances throughout the match.Nick Woltemade struggled to threaten, while Newcastle failed to test José Sá early.The hosts carried occasional counterattacking danger through Jackson Tchatchoua.Teenager Mateus Mané impressed with energy and Wolves’ only early shot on target.Newcastle relied heavily on set pieces but deliveries lacked quality.Late chances for Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton were saved by Sá.Wolves earned a deserved point, while Newcastle showed Champions League ambitions need sharpening.

Nvidia suppliers have reportedly paused production after Chinese customs blocked imports of the company’s H200 AI chips, even though the processors were recently cleared for export by the United States. The move, reported by the Financial Times, has created confusion among suppliers and Chinese tech firms. Chinese officials have warned domestic companies against buying the chips and have not clarified 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 US testing facilities, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts say the standoff highlights growing tension between Washington…

A controversial US-backed study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following widespread criticism over its ethical design. The decision was confirmed by a senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who said the trial raised serious concerns about withholding proven vaccines in a country with a high burden of the disease. The $1.6m study was funded under the oversight of Robert F Kennedy Jr and the US Department of Health and Human Services. Critics argued the trial would have denied thousands of infants access to a life-saving vaccine based on random…

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 €35m bid was rejected and they may raise it to about €40m, but believe they can wait and buy him more cheaply in the summer without a loan-back. Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England following spot-fixing allegations, which he was cleared of last year but which scuppered a move to Manchester City. West Ham, seven points below safety, fear losing him could deepen…

BP has warned it will write down between $4bn and $5bn from its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it pivots back towards fossil fuels under its new leadership. The writedowns mainly affect BP’s gas and transition divisions but will not impact underlying profits when full-year results are reported in February. The move follows cancelled hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia, and efforts to sell a stake in its solar arm, Lightsource. BP’s shares dipped after the announcement, alongside weaker oil trading in the final quarter and falling crude prices. Average Brent crude prices dropped to $63.73 a…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a broader portfolio review under its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. The owner of Guinness and Johnnie Walker is said to be working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to assess operations in China, where sales have been weakening. According to reports, the review includes Diageo’s majority stake in Shanghai-listed Sichuan Swellfun, a producer and distributor of baijiu. The Chengdu-based company has seen its share price fall sharply over the past year amid softer demand. Lewis, who took charge on 1 January after leading turnarounds at Tesco and Unilever, is…

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and maintain group stability during environmental or social stress, according to new research. Writing in Nature Ecology & Evolution, scientists analysed reports across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas, finding the behaviour to be widespread. The study, co-authored by Prof Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London, suggests the behaviour either has deep evolutionary roots or evolved independently multiple times. Researchers found it was more common in species living in harsher, drier environments with scarce resources and higher predation risk. It was also linked to longer…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time to book an FA Cup fourth-round place and give Nuno Espírito Santo a first win in 64 days. The match offered little comfort for a side still mired in Premier League trouble, with QPR pushing their top-flight hosts all the way. The decisive moment came when January signing Taty Castellanos headed home late in extra time, following a sharp delivery from Crysencio Summerville, who also scored earlier and produced one of his strongest displays for the club. Despite the victory, West Ham’s defensive fragility and lack of control were…