Author: Andrew Rogers

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a drive to reintroduce lost species including the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket, and white-faced darter dragonfly, once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs. These insects rely on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost to human activity. LWT has restored habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the project. “These insects play vital roles in the ecosystem,” the trust said. The large heath butterfly pollinates plants, the bog bush cricket aids decomposition and feeds birds, and the white-faced…

New Zealand is racing to protect its critically endangered birds, including the kākāpō, from H5N1 avian influenza before the spring migration brings the virus to its shores. With fewer than 250 kākāpō left, even a single outbreak could be catastrophic. In a world-first trial, the Department of Conservation vaccinated 10 captive birds from five endangered species, including kākāpō, takahē, kakī, tūturuatu, and a type of kākāriki. Using the H5N3 poultry vaccine, four species developed strong antibodies lasting at least six months, offering hope for safeguarding breeding populations. The program is focused on captive birds, as vaccinating wild populations is logistically…

A simple cheek-swab test may be able to detect a potentially fatal heart condition in children up to five years before conventional diagnosis, new research suggests. The condition, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), is often genetic and responsible for over 10% of sudden cardiac deaths in children. It arises from abnormalities in the proteins between heart cells, which disrupt both the structure and electrical activity of the heart. ACM can develop silently and strike without warning. Researchers discovered that these protein abnormalities can also be detected in the cells lining the cheeks, paving the way for a two-minute, non-invasive test. The findings…

Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, taking a dominant pole-to-flag victory that opened a significant gap in the drivers’ championship. The 24-year-old Australian showcased calm precision throughout the race, handling light rain and three safety-car restarts with unflappable composure. For teammate and closest rival Lando Norris, the weekend ended in heartbreak. Running second and eyeing every point for the championship, Norris’s race came to an abrupt halt with just seven laps remaining due to an oil leak. The British driver climbed from his car and sat alone on the dunes at Zandvoort, visibly dejected. “It…

A new large-scale analysis in the United States has found that children aged four and five with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed medication immediately after diagnosis, rather than following recommended guidelines. Medical guidance advises that young children first undergo six months of behavioural therapy before starting medication. The study, published in JAMA Network Open and including more than 9,700 children, revealed that 42.2% of young patients were prescribed ADHD medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% began treatment after the recommended six-month period. Lead author Dr Yair Bannett, an assistant professor of paediatrics at Stanford University, called…

The first global systematic review has found that receiving the shingles vaccine is associated with an 18% lower risk of stroke or heart attack in adults. Researchers analyzed data from 19 studies, including both observational research and randomized controlled trials, and found cardiovascular benefits in adults aged 18 and older, with a 16% risk reduction specifically in those over 50. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the herpes zoster virus, can lead to painful rashes and serious complications, especially in older adults. The study suggests that vaccination may reduce systemic inflammation triggered by shingles, which could help protect the heart…

A new study suggests that ocean acidification could leave sharks struggling to feed efficiently, threatening marine ecosystem stability. Shark jaws carry multiple rows of teeth, which are continuously replaced, but rapidly acidifying oceans may accelerate tooth loss beyond the rate of replacement. This could impair sharks’ ability to hunt and survive. Ocean acidification occurs as the oceans absorb excess carbon dioxide, lowering pH levels. By 2300, average ocean pH could drop from 8.1 to 7.3, potentially affecting a wide range of marine organisms. Researchers tested the effects by placing 60 naturally shed blacktip reef shark teeth in artificial seawater at…

A new study in the Colorado Rockies shows that wild bees actively choose flowers to balance their intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Over eight years, researchers tracked eight bumblebee species and analyzed the pollen they collected. They found protein levels ranged from 17% to 86% and shifted with the seasons, with spring flowers richer in protein and late-summer flowers higher in fats and carbs. Individual bees adjusted their diets as their colonies grew, reflecting changing nutritional needs. The research also revealed distinct nutrient niches among species: larger bees with longer tongues favored protein-rich pollen, while smaller bees preferred pollen…

Surgeons in China have transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human recipient for the first time, and it remained functional for nine days. The procedure, reported in Nature Medicine, represents a significant step in xenotransplantation, a field focused on addressing the global organ shortage, which currently meets only around 10% of demand, according to the World Health Organization. The lung came from a Chinese Bama Xiang pig with six genetic modifications designed to reduce the risk of rejection. In the 39-year-old brain-dead recipient, the organ avoided hyperacute rejection and showed no infection over 216 hours. However, fluid…

New research suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet could reduce the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline, even for individuals with strong genetic predispositions. The study highlights the potential for lifestyle choices to counteract one of the most significant genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease: the APOE4 gene variant. Having one copy of APOE4 triples the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, while two copies increase the risk up to 12-fold. However, over a 30-year period, people adhering to diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats were less likely to develop dementia, with…