Author: Andrew Rogers

Microplastics are no longer just in oceans or packaging — they’re inside us. Scientists have now detected them in human blood, lungs, placentas, and even the brain. One study estimated we may each carry about five grams of plastic in our bodies — roughly a teaspoon. Dr Christian Pacher-Deutsch of the University of Graz found that exposing human gut bacteria to microplastics changes the microbes and their chemistry, echoing patterns linked to depression and cancer. “It’s too early for firm conclusions,” he said, “but the microbiome affects everything from digestion to mental health.” These tiny fragments, shed from packaging, clothes,…

Hong Kong’s upcoming Legislative Council election on December 7 is shaping up to be highly competitive as several veteran lawmakers decide not to run. New candidates are stepping forward to contest all three types of constituencies in the city’s second “patriots-only” poll. Sources indicate that age played a role in some lawmakers’ decisions to step aside, while others, such as Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, 75, plan to seek another term. Over the past three weeks, four of the 12 current Legco members aged 70 or above announced they would not stand for re-election. Among them are Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, 76,…

AstraZeneca has reached a deal with Donald Trump’s administration to sell some medicines at discounted prices to Medicaid in exchange for relief from threatened US tariffs. Announced at the White House on Friday, the agreement mirrors a similar deal made last week with Pfizer. Under the terms, AstraZeneca will offer “most-favored-nation” pricing — matching the lowest prices available in other developed countries — for certain drugs sold to Medicaid, the government program for low-income Americans. “For many years, Americans have paid the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs,” Trump said. “This deal could bring prices down to the…

Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting 1 November — or sooner — accusing Beijing of “very hostile” actions to restrict rare-earth exports vital to US industries. The move reignited fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies, sending Wall Street tumbling. The S&P 500 dropped 2.7%, the Nasdaq fell 3.6%, and tech giant Nvidia lost nearly 5% of its value. Relations between Washington and Beijing had recently improved after both sides eased earlier tariffs, but tensions flared again after China expanded export controls on five additional rare-earth materials. “I never…

Researchers say they have developed the world’s first accurate blood test to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Currently, ME/CFS is diagnosed only through symptoms, often leaving patients undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. The new test, developed by scientists at the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics, detects distinctive DNA-folding patterns in blood. In trials of 47 ME/CFS patients and 61 healthy adults, the test showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy said the breakthrough could “transform how we diagnose and manage this complex disease.” Dr Charles Shepherd of the ME Association called…

New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US come from wild populations. The study, led by Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, found most fish are caught from reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Globally, around 55 million marine animals are traded each year, feeding a US$2.15bn industry dominated by US demand. Fish sold online included 45 species listed as threatened, such as the Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish. “The supply chain is opaque – from reef to retail,” Lin said, calling for stronger oversight and eco-certification schemes. Experts warn unregulated wild…

Jaguar Land Rover has begun a phased restart of its UK factories after a major cyber-attack shut operations for over a month. The hack on 31 August forced closures across global sites, causing a 17% drop in quarterly sales and major supply chain disruption. Production is resuming at Wolverhampton’s engine plant and Hams Hall’s battery centre, followed by Solihull, Castle Bromwich, and Halewood. JLR’s Nitra factory in Slovakia will reopen soon, with Range Rover and Range Rover Sport lines restarting this week. Chief executive Adrian Mardell called it “an important moment,” adding, “Our recovery is firmly under way.” To support…

Three scientists have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for explaining how the immune system avoids attacking the body. Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi were recognized “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance.” The Nobel Assembly in Stockholm announced the award, worth 11 million Swedish kronor. “We reached only Sakaguchi,” said Prof Thomas Perlmann. Their work uncovered how special immune cells, known as regulatory T-cells, prevent autoimmune diseases. “These cells are the brakes of the immune system,” said Prof Adrian Liston of the University of Cambridge. Sakaguchi first discovered that certain T-cells carrying a protein called…

George Russell dominated the Singapore Grand Prix from start to finish. “Perfect race, perfect car,” he said. He led every lap for Mercedes, claiming his second win of the season. The victory strengthens his hand in contract talks. Behind him, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri reignited their rivalry. Norris forced past Piastri at the start. “Are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way?” Piastri asked his team angrily. The team replied they would review the incident later. “That’s not fair,” Piastri snapped. “He hit me to avoid Verstappen!” McLaren secured the constructors’ title but face…

George Russell produced a stunning lap to secure pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, outpacing Max Verstappen by nearly two-tenths of a second at the Marina Bay street circuit. The Mercedes driver, still recovering from illness, underlined his value to the team as talks continue over extending his contract. Verstappen, however, was left frustrated, claiming his final attempt was ruined when he lost downforce while following Lando Norris’s McLaren, which was on an in-lap. The Dutchman gestured angrily on track and later warned: “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you … that is…