Author: Andrew Rogers

Influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are persuading healthy young men that normal fluctuations in energy, mood or libido are signs of low testosterone, according to new research that warns of a growing “medicalisation of masculinity”. The study, published in Social Science and Medicine, analysed 46 high-impact posts on TikTok and Instagram, reaching a combined audience of more than 6.8 million people. Researchers found that influencers and wellness companies frequently promoted testosterone testing and treatment as essential to being a “real man”, despite routine screening being medically unwarranted for most young men. The lead author, Emma Grundtvig Gram, a public…

Plants growing close together can alert one another to environmental stress, helping nearby plants survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either alone or densely packed so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light, isolated plants suffered severe damage, while crowded plants coped much better. Within an hour, densely grown plants activated more than 2,000 genes linked to protection against a wide range of stresses, whereas isolated plants showed little extra gene activity. The findings indicate that stressed plants send warning signals to neighbours. The study showed that…

Netflix has revised its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) offer for Warner Bros Discovery, switching to an all-cash deal in an effort to speed approval and head off a rival hostile bid from Paramount Skydance. The revised proposal keeps the same valuation of $27.75 per share but removes the shares component, a move the companies say simplifies the structure, provides greater certainty for investors and could allow a shareholder vote as early as April. The WBD board continues to unanimously recommend the Netflix deal. “Our revised all-cash agreement will enable an expedited timeline to a stockholder vote and provide greater financial certainty,” said…

Canada and China have reached a historic trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on electric vehicles and canola. The deal marks a major effort to restore economic and political relations between the two countries during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing. Officials said the agreement will lower costs for Canadian exports to China, particularly in the agriculture and automotive sectors. Canola producers and EV manufacturers are expected to benefit directly, boosting jobs and trade revenues in both nations. The trade reset comes after years of tension that affected bilateral commerce. By reducing tariffs, both countries signal a willingness…

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well a patient with breast cancer will respond to treatment, potentially allowing doctors to tailor therapy from the outset. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) – tiny fragments of cancer DNA shed into the bloodstream – using a liquid biopsy. In a study of 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, researchers found that low ctDNA levels before treatment, and again after just four weeks, were strongly linked to better responses and longer periods before the cancer progressed. Patients with low or undetectable ctDNA were far more likely to…

Newcastle United missed the chance to go fifth after a drab 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Despite dominating possession, Newcastle lacked creativity and failed to seriously test José Sá. Wolves defended compactly, growing in confidence after recent improved results under Rob Edwards. Newcastle’s attacks relied heavily on set pieces, but delivery and finishing were poor throughout. Eddie Howe admitted his side needed more quality in the final third. Wolves had few chances themselves but looked organised and resilient. The stalemate underlined Newcastle’s shortcomings and Wolves’ steady recovery.

Nvidia suppliers have reportedly paused production after Chinese customs officials blocked shipments of the company’s H200 artificial intelligence chips from entering China, despite the processors being cleared for export by the United States government. According to a report by the Financial Times, cited by Reuters, parts suppliers halted work amid uncertainty after Chinese authorities informed customs agents that the H200 chips were not permitted to enter the country. Nvidia had reportedly anticipated more than one million orders from Chinese customers, with suppliers preparing for shipments as early as March. Sources said Chinese officials also summoned domestic technology firms and warned…

A controversial US-backed study on hepatitis B vaccination in newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following widespread ethical concerns. The decision was confirmed by Yap Boum, a senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who said the trial’s design failed to meet acceptable ethical standards. The $1.6m study, overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F Kennedy Jr, drew criticism for potentially withholding a proven hepatitis B vaccine from thousands of newborns in a country with a high disease burden. Although US officials initially said the protocol would be revised, a…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back from Flamengo until season’s end. Flamengo’s opening €35m bid was rejected and a rise to about €40m is expected, but the Brazilian club are reluctant to agree a loan, believing they can wait to buy more cheaply in summer. West Ham, locked in a relegation fight and seven points below 17th, fear losing Paquetá now could be decisive. Paquetá has told West Ham he wants to return to Brazil after a difficult period in England following spot-fixing allegations, which he was…

BP has said it will write down the value of its struggling green energy and transition businesses by up to $5 billion, as the FTSE 100 oil and gas giant shifts its focus back to fossil fuels under new leadership. The planned impairment mainly affects its “transition” units, including solar and low-carbon ventures, and follows years of disappointing performance in renewable investments and failed attempts to find partners for assets such as its solar arm. (Financial Times) BP noted that the writedowns, expected in its forthcoming full-year results, will not hurt underlying profits, but the announcement weighed on its share…