Author: Andrew Rogers

Rhizanthella is one of nature’s most remarkable orchids—an elusive plant that spends its entire life underground. Unlike most orchids, it never emerges above the soil surface, produces no leaves, and relies completely on a unique partnership with a fungus for survival. This fungus, in turn, draws nutrients from the soil and connects with the roots of the broom bush (Melaleuca uncinata), forming a delicate underground web of life. First discovered in 1928 by a farmer ploughing a field in Western Australia, Rhizanthella caused a global sensation. Nearly a century later, it remains incredibly difficult to locate. Botanists typically search for…

China’s trade growth continues to show strong resilience, reflecting the nation’s ability to maintain economic stability despite global uncertainties. Recent trade data indicate a steady increase in exports and imports, signaling that the Chinese economy is adapting effectively to external challenges. Analysts say this growth demonstrates that China’s economic structure is solid and able to handle global market fluctuations. Despite concerns over slowing global demand and rising geopolitical tensions, China has maintained stable trade activity, underlining the effectiveness of its economic policies. Export growth has been supported by sustained demand for Chinese products, particularly in electronics, machinery, and consumer goods.…

Alcohol consumption is a significant cause of cancer in Europe, according to a new report from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer research arm. Experts emphasize that stronger government action to reduce drinking could prevent thousands of cancer cases and deaths each year. In the European Union—the region with the highest alcohol consumption in the world—more than 111,000 new cancer cases in 2020 were linked to alcohol, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Globally, alcohol was responsible for an estimated 741,000 cases, with men accounting for nearly 70% of them. The economic impact is also severe.…

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created embryo-like structures from human stem cells that produced blood cells — a development that could transform regenerative medicine. The team, led by Dr Jitesh Neupane at the Gurdon Institute, observed the models turning visibly red as blood formed in the dish. “It was an exciting moment when the blood-red colour appeared – it was visible even to the naked eye,” said Neupane. The lab-grown structures mimic the natural process of early human development, showing how heart and blood cells first emerge. The findings could pave the way for producing patient-specific blood for…

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…