Author: Andrew Rogers

A landmark global study has found that the shingles vaccine may do more than prevent the painful rash caused by the herpes zoster virus — it could also reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. According to the world’s first systematic review and meta-analysis on the subject, adults who received the vaccine were 18% less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, with the protective effect particularly evident in older age groups. Researchers analyzed data from 19 studies, including randomized controlled trials and observational research, and presented their findings at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress in Madrid.…

A new study warns that ocean acidification could weaken sharks’ teeth, threatening their ability to hunt and disrupting marine ecosystems. Researchers tested blacktip reef shark teeth in artificial seawater tanks mimicking current and future projected pH levels. After eight weeks, teeth exposed to more acidic water (pH 7.3) showed double the damage compared with those in today’s conditions (pH 8.1), including increased root corrosion and altered serration. The findings suggest that sharks may struggle to feed efficiently if tooth damage outpaces natural replacement rates. While sharks might adapt by accelerating tooth growth or repair, the study highlights acidification as an…

Wild bees actively manage their diets by visiting different flowers to balance their intake of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, according to new research. Ecologists studying eight species of bumblebees in the Colorado Rockies over eight years mapped the nutritional content of pollen and tracked which flowers the bees preferred. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, revealed that bees adjust their foraging to meet changing dietary needs, both across species and throughout the seasons. The research team discovered striking differences in pollen composition: some flowers contained as little as 17% protein, while others had up to…

Surgeons in China have transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain dead human recipient for the first time, with the organ functioning for nine days. The procedure, reported in Nature Medicine, represents the latest step in xenotransplantation, a field aiming to address the global shortage of donor organs. According to the World Health Organization, only around 10% of transplant needs worldwide are currently met. The donor lung came from a Chinese Bama Xiang pig with six genetic modifications designed to reduce immune rejection. The lung remained viable for 216 hours and did not trigger immediate rejection or infection.…

A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce the risk of dementia, even for people with a strong genetic predisposition. Researchers found that individuals with healthier diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats were less likely to develop dementia and showed slower cognitive decline over a 30-year period. Protective Effect Despite Genetic Risks One of the strongest genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is carrying the APOE4 gene variant, which can triple or even increase twelvefold the risk of developing dementia. Yet the study…

Once a remote wilderness visited by fewer than 8,000 people a year in the 1990s, Antarctica is now facing record human activity. In the 2023–24 season, more than 124,000 people travelled to the continent, with projections suggesting numbers could rise to 450,000 by 2034. A study in Nature Sustainability warns that this surge, combined with growing research activity, is contaminating the fragile environment. Toxic metals in areas with human presence are now ten times higher than 40 years ago, and soot from ships, planes and vehicles accelerates snowmelt. Researchers estimate that a single tourist can speed up the melting of…

Scientists analysed over a billion social media posts to study how extreme heat impacts emotions worldwide. Research led by MIT and global institutions mapped people’s moods on hot days using posts from over 150 countries. The study, published in One Earth, revealed that moods worsen when temperatures rise above 35°C, especially in lower-income regions. Researchers examined 1.2 billion posts from X and Weibo across 157 countries. Each post received a sentiment score and was linked to local weather. When heat exceeded 35°C, negative posts increased by 25% in lower-income nations and by 8% in wealthier ones. Social media provided a…

The global cryptocurrency market is expanding quickly, especially in Asia, with the United States also accelerating under Trump’s second term. Europe has focused on regulation, raising concerns about whether excessive rules will harm innovation and competitiveness. Cryptocurrencies, led by Bitcoin since 2009, have grown from niche alternatives to mainstream financial products, attracting investors, institutions, and lawmakers. In the European Union, cryptocurrencies fall under the MiCA directive, requiring separate customer wallets, regular audits, registration fees, and identity verification rules. These measures aim to bring digital assets closer to banking standards but impose higher compliance costs on businesses. Supporters of MiCA argue…

Duolingo apologised after a German lesson criticised author J.K. Rowling. The exercise has now been removed. The lesson asked: “Do you like books with Harry Potter as a character?” The correct answer included, “Yes, but in my opinion the author is mean.” The company, with more than 130 million daily active users, said: “We apologise for any offence caused and will remove this content.” The response appeared linked to Rowling’s polarising views on trans rights, which drew condemnation from many online and from Harry Potter actors. Daniel Radcliffe said he feels sad about Rowling’s comments. He emphasised his continuing support…

Arctic sea ice loss has slowed sharply during the last 20 years, with no significant decline since 2005, scientists report. They expected faster melting, since fossil fuel emissions kept rising and trapped more heat in the atmosphere during this time. Researchers say shifting ocean currents, which temporarily reduce ice melting, likely balanced out the ongoing rise in global temperatures. However, they warn this pause is temporary. Ice loss could soon resume at nearly twice the long-term average speed. A Temporary Reprieve Despite the slowdown, September sea ice has shrunk by half since 1979, when satellite records began. The crisis remains…