Author: Andrew Rogers

A new study has found widespread contamination of cereal-based foods across Europe with a toxic “forever chemical” linked to serious health risks. Research by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN) revealed that breakfast cereals contained, on average, 100 times more trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) than typical levels found in tap water. TFA forms when pesticides containing PFAS — a group of long-lasting industrial chemicals — break down in soil. PFAS, used in manufacturing since the 1950s, can persist in the environment for centuries, accumulating in water, crops and food chains. TFA is classified as reprotoxic, meaning it can affect fertility, foetal development,…

Former Newcastle, West Ham and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has announced he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to his pelvic bone. Hislop, 56, said he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease 18 months ago after an elevated PSA test. He underwent prostate surgery last December, but follow-up scans showed the cancer had returned and spread. He has since been on medication and recently completed seven and a half weeks of radiation therapy. Hislop urged men—especially those over 50 or of African or Caribbean heritage—to get regular PSA tests, stressing that early detection saves…

A new survey by the Migraine Trust has revealed significant inequalities in migraine care across the UK, with people from ethnic minority backgrounds reporting poorer treatment and greater fear of discrimination. Among 2,200 respondents, 23% of mixed-ethnicity, 19% of Asian and 16% of Black participants said their ethnicity negatively affected their care, compared with just 7% of white respondents. Black respondents were also more likely to fear workplace discrimination (37%) and to worry about not being believed when reporting symptoms. Some described experiencing racial stereotypes, such as assumptions that they could tolerate more pain. The Migraine Trust said such inequities…

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s improved squad depth will help them cope after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for a few more weeks. The Germany forward, sidelined since August following knee surgery, suffered a setback in rehab and was unable to “go to the next level,” delaying his return. Arteta must now decide whether to keep Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker against Brentford or turn to Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from injury. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for involvement after 11 months out. Arsenal may again be without William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, meaning summer signings Cristhian Mosquera…

The Marsh Fritillary, once common across the UK and Ireland but severely reduced during the last century, has enjoyed a strong resurgence in Northern Ireland thanks to warm weather and long-term conservation work. Butterfly Conservation reports major increases in the number of silken caterpillar nests found during recent surveys. While favourable weather helped, the charity stresses that habitat restoration is the real key to recovery. The species relies on a single plant—Devil’s-bit Scabious—found in grazed grasslands and heathlands, many of which were lost due to modern farming practices. Conservation manager Rose Cremin has worked closely with farmers to ensure land…

China has unveiled a new plan aimed at boosting domestic consumption and upgrading consumer goods in rural areas. The initiative seeks to strengthen spending in sectors ranging from pets and anime to trendy toys, reflecting a broader push to support lifestyle and leisure markets. The plan emphasizes encouraging households in rural regions to access higher-quality consumer products. Authorities are promoting upgrades in daily goods, electronics, and entertainment-related items, with the goal of stimulating economic activity and increasing household spending. Sectors such as pet care, animation, and popular toys are expected to benefit directly from the initiative. Analysts say these markets…

A UK government health panel has advised against offering prostate cancer screening to most men, saying the harms outweigh the benefits. The UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) instead recommended targeted screening only for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants, who face a higher risk of developing aggressive cancers. The committee found that nationwide screening or screening based on family history would lead to high levels of overdiagnosis, detecting many slow-growing cancers that would never cause harm but could result in unnecessary treatment and serious side-effects. Evidence was also deemed insufficient to recommend screening for Black men, despite their higher…

Premier League clubs may soon face significantly increased wage costs following a government decision to classify players’ image rights payments as taxable income from April 2027. Image rights — often paid to players through limited companies for sponsorships, endorsements and commercial work — are currently taxed at the 25% corporate rate. Under the new rules, they will instead be taxed at the top income rate of 45%, meaning many players will face sharply higher tax bills. Agents say these increased costs are likely to be pushed onto clubs, especially during upcoming contract negotiations. Many footballers sign deals based on net…

Archaeologists say they have confirmed that a huge circle of deep pits near Stonehenge was deliberately carved by Neolithic people more than 4,000 years ago. The structure, known as the Durrington pit circle, is thought to be made up of around 20 enormous pits stretching more than a mile across, centred on the Durrington Walls and Woodhenge sites. Some pits measure up to 10 metres wide and 5 metres deep, and their scale suggests advanced planning and engineering. First identified in 2020, the site was initially met with scepticism, with some experts suggesting the pits could be natural. A new…

Scientists have identified five major phases of brain development, with key turning points at roughly ages 9, 32, 66 and 83, based on brain scans from nearly 4,000 people aged from infancy to 90. The study found that childhood brain development runs from birth to about age nine, followed by an adolescent phase lasting until the early 30s. True “adult” brain organisation begins around age 32, marking the longest and most stable phase of neural wiring. Researchers discovered that early life involves intense “network consolidation,” where unused neural connections are trimmed and brain structure rapidly changes. During adolescence and young…