Author: Andrew Rogers

Japan is developing the L0 Series maglev, built by Central Japan Railway Company, which has reached test speeds of 603.5 km/h, making it the fastest train ever. It far exceeds China’s Shanghai Maglev (460 km/h) and Europe’s fastest conventional trains such as the TGV and AGV Italo (around 300–350 km/h). The train will operate on Japan’s new Chuo Shinkansen, cutting Tokyo–Nagoya journeys to about 40 minutes and Tokyo–Osaka to roughly one hour. However, the project has already been delayed and is now expected to open around 2034–35, with costs near £52bn (€60bn). Despite the speed, experts say Europe is unlikely…

Influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men that normal changes in energy, mood or libido signal low testosterone, according to a study in Social Science and Medicine. Researchers analysed high-reach posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding testosterone framed as essential to being a “real man” despite routine testing being medically unwarranted for most young men. The authors say this “medicalises masculinity”, creating demand for tests and treatments with limited evidence of benefit. Medical experts note guidelines recommend testing only when clear symptoms or specific clinical reasons exist, warning that unnecessary treatment can carry risks such as…

Plants growing close together can warn one another about stress, helping nearby plants survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either alone or packed closely so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light, isolated plants suffered severe damage, while crowded plants coped much better. Within an hour, densely grown plants activated more than 2,000 genes linked to protection against a wide range of stresses, whereas isolated plants showed little extra gene activity. The findings suggest that stressed plants send warning signals to their neighbours. The study showed that…

Netflix has strengthened its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery by switching to an all-cash offer, aiming to speed up approval and block a rival move from Paramount Skydance. The revised deal keeps the valuation at $27.75 per share but removes shares from the structure, giving investors more certainty and potentially allowing a shareholder vote as early as April. Netflix said WBD shareholders would also receive shares in a spun-off global networks business, including CNN and Discovery Channel. Paramount is pursuing a larger $108.4bn hostile bid and has tried to undermine the Netflix agreement through legal action and…

Scientists have developed a DNA blood test that can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to treatment. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA in the blood, released by cancer cells, and provides early insight into treatment effectiveness. In a study of 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, low or undetectable levels of tumour DNA before treatment, or after four weeks, were strongly linked to better outcomes. Patients with lower levels experienced longer periods without disease progression and higher response rates. The findings suggest doctors could identify ineffective treatments much earlier and switch patients to better options, improving outcomes…

New economic indicators show continued progress in key areas of the U.S. economy. Recent data released by the White House point to steady gains in manufacturing jobs, stronger trade performance, and expanded family support programs. Together, these trends suggest growing momentum in areas that often receive bipartisan support. Manufacturing employment has shown clear improvement over the past year. More factories have increased hiring, and job growth has spread across several regions. Officials say this reflects renewed demand for domestically made goods and stronger investment in production facilities. Manufacturing remains a critical part of the economy, especially in states that depend…

Newcastle United lacked creativity and cutting edge in a drab 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite controlling possession, Newcastle failed to test the defence or goalkeeper with meaningful chances. Wolves stayed organised, defended deep, and countered sparingly but effectively. Eddie Howe admitted quality was missing in attack. Rob Edwards praised his side’s resilience and growing belief. The stalemate left Newcastle frustrated and Wolves satisfied with steady progress.

Nvidia’s plans to ship its H200 artificial intelligence chips to China have been disrupted after Chinese customs officials blocked the processors from entering the country, according to reports. Parts suppliers have reportedly paused production as uncertainty grows over whether the move is a temporary restriction or an outright ban. The H200 chips had been cleared for export by the United States, but Chinese authorities have warned domestic firms against buying them without clear necessity. The situation is further complicated by US rules requiring the chips to pass through American testing facilities, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts say the standoff reflects…

A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines among newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following widespread criticism over its ethics. The $1.6m trial, overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F Kennedy Jr, was accused of withholding proven vaccines from thousands of infants in a country with a high hepatitis B burden. Yap Boum, a senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed the cancellation, citing serious concerns about the study’s design. While Guinea-Bissau officials initially suggested the trial could be redesigned, a senior government official later confirmed it had…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the transfer includes a loan back for the rest of the season, a condition resisted by Flamengo. The Brazilian club have had a €35m bid rejected and may raise their offer to €40m, but believe they could sign Paquetá more cheaply in the summer without a loan arrangement. 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 cost him a move to Manchester City. West Ham, struggling near the relegation zone, fear…