Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have discovered genetic changes in polar bears that could help them cope with rising temperatures, offering rare evidence that climate change is influencing DNA in a wild mammal species. Researchers from the University of East Anglia analysed blood samples from polar bears in northern and south-east Greenland and found clear genetic differences linked to local climate conditions. Bears in the warmer south-east showed increased activity in so-called “jumping genes” – mobile DNA elements that can alter how other genes function. These changes affect genes linked to heat stress, ageing and metabolism, suggesting the bears may be adjusting to warmer…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be weakened, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to provoke strong opposition from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a total ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would need to meet a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain…

Researchers have documented northern resident orcas cooperating with Pacific white-sided dolphins to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia — a first-of-its-kind discovery. Using drones, underwater video and acoustic tags, scientists observed dolphins leading the chase, acting like “scouts” as they pursued large Chinook salmon. The orcas followed close behind, catching the fish and breaking them apart at the surface, while the dolphins scavenged the leftovers. Remarkably, the whales showed no aggression toward the dolphins despite normally guarding their kills. Acoustic data revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both species during dives, suggesting they may even be listening to each…

Humans rank 7th out of 35 mammal species for monogamy, according to a University of Cambridge study comparing the share of full siblings within populations. On average, 66% of human siblings share both parents, placing us above meerkats and gibbons, but still behind more loyal partners like Eurasian beavers at 72%. The study found monogamy varies widely across human societies, from as low as 26% in some ancient populations to 100% in others. Most mammals are far less monogamous — chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas all scored extremely low due to promiscuous mating systems. Scientists believe human monogamy likely evolved…

Health authorities in England have identified a newly evolved variant of mpox, discovered in a patient who had recently travelled to Asia. Genome analysis revealed that the virus is a recombinant form, containing genetic material from both the more severe clade 1 and the milder clade 2 strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency said it is still assessing how significant this new strain may be, noting that viral evolution is expected. While most mpox infections remain mild, officials urged those eligible to consider vaccination as a precaution. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, spreads through…

Crystal Palace continued their impressive season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham, sealed by a late Marc Guéhi header that sent the visitors into the Premier League’s top four. It was the third time this year Palace have beaten Fulham under Oliver Glasner, leaving Marco Silva frustrated once again. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring on his first league start of the campaign after a clever move led by Adam Wharton, before Fulham responded through a stunning Harry Wilson strike, curled with the outside of his boot after a slick one-two. Fulham pushed for more and twice came close, with…

While most travellers flock to Nepal’s Himalayas and Kathmandu, the lesser-known Terai lowlands offer an entirely different experience — one filled with dense wildlife, vast farmland, spiritual sites and remarkable hospitality rooted in the culture of the Tharu people. Staying in the village of Bhada through the Community Homestay Network, visitors live with local families who open their homes, kitchens and traditions to guests. During a festival called Auli — marking the end of the rice harvest — villagers cook together, prepare pickles, barbecue rice-field rats as part of a symbolic ritual, and gather around bamboo structures decorated with marigolds…

Max Verstappen will start from pole in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the 2025 Formula 1 title fight goes to the wire, with Lando Norris second and Oscar Piastri third. Despite Verstappen’s strong qualifying lap, Norris remains in the driving seat overall. He leads the championship by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes ahead of both rivals or takes third place or better. Verstappen, on a late-season surge, vowed to attack aggressively, saying he has “nothing to lose”. McLaren confirmed they will use team orders if needed to secure the title, with Piastri still mathematically…

A new study has found unexpectedly high levels of a toxic “forever chemical” in popular cereal products across Europe, raising concerns about long-term health risks and food-chain contamination. Research by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) revealed that breakfast cereals contained the highest concentrations of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), averaging 100 times higher than levels found in tap water. The study tested 65 conventional cereal-based foods across 16 countries, detecting TFA in 81.5% of samples. Wheat products showed the highest contamination, with Irish breakfast cereals ranking worst, followed by wholemeal bread from Belgium and Germany, and French baguettes. TFA was also present…

Former Newcastle, West Ham and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has revealed he is being treated for prostate cancer, which has spread to his pelvic bone. Hislop, 56, said he first learned of the disease 18 months ago after a routine PSA blood test showed elevated levels. A biopsy confirmed an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and he underwent surgery in December last year. Although he initially believed the procedure had solved the problem, follow-up tests six months later showed his PSA rising again, and scans revealed the cancer had spread. He has since received medication and recently completed seven and…