Author: Andrew Rogers

Two new antibiotics approved in the US could mark a major breakthrough in tackling drug-resistant gonorrhoea, researchers say, as global cases of the sexually transmitted infection continue to rise. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved zoliflodacin and gepotidacin, the first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades. The World Health Organization estimates more than 82 million cases occur worldwide each year, with growing resistance to existing antibiotics. Zoliflodacin, sold under the name Nuzolvence, cured more than 90% of genital infections in clinical trials and can be taken as a single oral dose. Gepotidacin, developed by GSK, has also proven…

iRobot, the US company behind the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and agreed to be acquired by one of its Chinese suppliers. The US-listed firm said it had reached a restructuring deal with Picea Robotics, a subsidiary of its main manufacturing partner, which will take over the business. The bankruptcy filing was made in Delaware and is intended to allow iRobot to continue operating while stabilising its finances. iRobot has struggled in recent years as profits fell following the pandemic boom, with supply chain disruptions and growing competition from cheaper robot vacuum brands squeezing…

A new review suggests that psychedelic treatments such as psilocybin may help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis shows little evidence of long-term benefit. The review, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research and led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University, examined alternative treatments for OCD, a condition for which 40–60% of patients gain limited relief from standard therapies like SSRIs and exposure therapy. After analysing published studies, conference data and preliminary findings, the researchers found stronger evidence supporting psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, than cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Van Ameringen said cannabis appears to reduce…

Scientists have found genetic changes in polar bears that could help them adapt to a warming climate, marking what is believed to be the first clear link between rising temperatures and DNA changes in a wild mammal. Researchers from the University of East Anglia compared polar bears from northern and south-east Greenland and discovered that bears living in the warmer southern region show different genetic activity. In particular, so-called “jumping genes” – mobile pieces of DNA that can influence how other genes function – were far more active in bears exposed to higher and more variable temperatures. The study found…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is expected to be watered down, according to a senior MEP, a move likely to trigger backlash from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is preparing to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a complete ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to produce zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, carmakers would be required to meet a 90% reduction target across their fleets, allowing some hybrid vehicles to…

Researchers have discovered that northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins are working together to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia — the first documented cooperation of its kind. Using drones, underwater video, and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins speeding ahead through the water as “scouts,” locating salmon that the orcas then pursued and captured. After the whales tore the fish apart at the surface, dolphins moved in to eat leftover scraps. Remarkably, the orcas — normally protective of fresh prey — showed no aggression toward the dolphins. Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation clicks between the two species,…

Humans are among the most monogamous mammals, ranking 7th out of 35 species in a new Cambridge University study. By comparing the proportion of full siblings versus half-siblings across species, researchers found humans average 66% full siblings, placing us above meerkats and gibbons — but below Eurasian beavers, who scored 72%. While humans show a strong tendency toward pair bonding, results varied widely across different populations, suggesting social and cultural factors play a big role. Most mammals are far more promiscuous, with chimpanzees and dolphins scoring near the bottom of the list. Scientists believe human monogamy likely evolved alongside paternal…

Health officials in England have identified a new mpox variant in a person who recently travelled to Asia. Genome sequencing showed the virus is a recombinant form, combining elements of the more severe clade 1 and the milder clade 2, which caused the 2022 global outbreak. Authorities say they are assessing the significance of the strain. The UK Health Security Agency explained that viral evolution is normal and that continued genomic monitoring is essential. While most mpox cases remain mild, officials are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated as a precaution. Mpox spreads through close contact with lesions, contaminated materials,…

Marc Guéhi struck a decisive late header to earn Crystal Palace a 2-1 victory over Fulham, sending Oliver Glasner’s side into the Premier League’s top four and handing Marco Silva yet another painful defeat to the London rivals. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring for Palace on his first league start of the season, finishing clinically after excellent build-up play from Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell. Fulham responded through a stunning outside-of-the-boot strike from Harry Wilson, whose goal levelled the match and shifted momentum briefly towards the hosts. Fulham pushed for a winner, even striking the post through Calvin Bassey before…

Far from Nepal’s famous Himalayan trails and tourist-packed Kathmandu Valley lies the Terai, a fertile lowland region rich in wildlife, national parks and deep-rooted culture. Home to the Indigenous Tharu people, the area offers an entirely different Nepal – quiet villages, rice fields, festivals and community-led hospitality where visitors live alongside locals rather than simply observe them. In Bhada village, near the Indian border, travellers stay with families through Nepal’s Community Homestay Network, which supports local women and preserves traditional culture. Guests join daily life – cooking meals over open flames, preparing spicy fruit pickles and learning customs passed down…