Author: OMN AI

Autism should not be regarded as a single condition with a unified cause, according to new research showing that those diagnosed in early childhood typically have a different genetic profile from those diagnosed later. The international study, drawing on genetic data from more than 45,000 autistic people in Europe and the US, found that children diagnosed before the age of six were more likely to show behavioural and social difficulties from an early age, which remained relatively stable over time. Those diagnosed after the age of 10, however, were more likely to develop increasing difficulties during adolescence and were also…

The sunscreen safety crisis in Australia is worsening. Authorities have already pulled 18 products from shelves over safety concerns. Leading sunscreen brands under scrutiny In June, a consumer advocacy group revealed that several popular sunscreens failed to deliver the protection promised. Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen claimed SPF 50+ but tested at just SPF 4. The company recalled it voluntarily in August. The medicines regulator has since flagged 20 more sunscreens from various brands. All of them used the same base formula, which showed serious flaws during testing. Investigations expose weak SPF protection Preliminary testing revealed the formula rarely provided…

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University have created human eggs from skin cells, offering a potential new path for fertility treatment. The process adapts cloning techniques first used to produce Dolly the sheep in the 1990s. Scientists transferred the nucleus of a skin cell into a donor egg with its nucleus removed, then fertilised the egg with sperm. A major challenge was reducing the chromosome count from 46 to 23, as found in natural eggs. By using a compound called roscovitine, the team triggered the eggs to shed half their chromosomes. Some developed into early-stage embryos, though many had…

White House Rolls Out Pricing Arrangement President Donald Trump, joined by Pfizer’s chief executive Albert Bourla, disclosed a new pricing initiative on Tuesday aimed at easing Medicaid’s drug expenditures. The agreement calls for Pfizer to extend “most-favored-nation” rates on upcoming medicines, aligning what U.S. state programs pay with the lowest amounts charged abroad. Alongside the pledge, the administration introduced TrumpRx, a federal website that will provide patients with access to discounted treatments. Company to Boost U.S. Spending, Tariff Relief in Return In connection with the pricing decision, Pfizer promised to direct nearly $70 billion into American research, production, and facilities…

Donald Trump renewed his threat to impose a 100% tariff on all films made outside the United States. He claimed other countries had “stolen” the American film industry. The president said California suffered heavily and the tariff would “solve this long time, never ending problem.” In May, Trump promised to discuss the plan with Hollywood executives and begin the process of imposing the levy, warning that America’s film industry faced a “very fast death.” New Tariffs Sweep Across Industries Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs last week. The measures include a 100% levy on branded or patented drug imports…

Leaders Fail to Reach CompromiseEfforts to avert a federal shutdown faltered after President Donald Trump’s meeting with congressional leaders ended without progress. Republicans pushed for a temporary funding measure free of policy attachments, while Democrats refused to back any deal that did not include renewed healthcare subsidies and other protections. Standoff Deepens With Hours LeftAs the midnight deadline looms, positions remain hardened. Vice President JD Vance said the government would close unless Democrats shifted course, while Democratic leaders argued that safeguarding healthcare was essential to any agreement. The lack of movement leaves Congress with little time to find a path…

New Zealand’s only falcon, the threatened kārearea, has been crowned Bird of the Year 2025 in a scandal-free edition of the country’s beloved avian competition. Known for reaching speeds of up to 200km/h in pursuit of prey, the kārearea is a powerful aerial hunter with sharp talons and striking dark eyes. It is also the country’s only remaining endemic raptor, with just 5,000–8,000 individuals left in the wild. “The kārearea is just a stunning bird,” said Emma Blackburn, chair of the Karearea Falcon Trust. “It’s our only remaining endemic raptor and a really important part of our ecosystem.” Despite its…

Insider threats are among the most dangerous risks in cyber-crime. Few employees face them, and even fewer speak publicly about their experiences. I recently became one of those rare cases. A criminal group approached me with a bold offer: betray my employer for millions. Unexpected contact The first message arrived without warning. “If you are interested, we can offer you 15% of any ransom payment if you give us access to your PC.” The sender called themselves Syndicate. They contacted me in July via Signal, an encrypted messaging app. I did not know them, but I immediately understood their goal.…

Functional beverages such as TRIP, Huel and a host of vitamin-infused concoctions are riding a wave of wellness culture. Their pastel cans and bold claims of “calm” or “focus” speak to consumers in search of quick fixes in an increasingly fast-paced world. But how much of what they promise is grounded in science? The global market for functional drinks is booming and could reach $248bn by 2030. Popular among younger generations moving away from alcohol, they often contain ingredients like ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushrooms, magnesium and L-theanine. Some research suggests these compounds may ease stress or improve attention, though results…

Donald Trump has ordered troops to Portland, Oregon, authorising the use of full force if necessary to control protests at immigration detention centres. The president said the deployment would protect federal facilities from Antifa attacks and other domestic threats. He described the city as war-ravaged in a Truth Social post. The move expands federal troop presence in US cities as part of his broader immigration crackdown. democratic leaders criticise move Democratic officials condemned the deployment, saying Portland faces no threat requiring federal intervention. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called communities safe and calm. She warned that sending troops would constitute an…