Author: Andrew Rogers

A study has found that “manosphere” influencers are convincing healthy young men that normal changes in mood, energy or libido mean they have low testosterone, driving unnecessary testing and treatment. Researchers analysing popular posts on TikTok and Instagram found testosterone was often framed as essential to masculinity, despite routine screening being medically unwarranted for most young men. The findings, published in Social Science and Medicine, warn this promotes a “medicalisation of masculinity” and fuels lucrative markets for tests, supplements and hormones. Experts say symptoms blamed on low testosterone are often linked to stress or lifestyle factors, and unnecessary treatment can…

Plants growing close together can alert one another to incoming stress, improving their chances of survival under harsh conditions. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either alone or tightly 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 multiple stresses, whereas isolated plants showed little change. The findings suggest that stressed plants send warning signals to nearby neighbours. The study identified hydrogen peroxide as the signal released by crowded…

Netflix has revised its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), switching to an all-cash offer in a move designed to speed up approval and fend off a hostile takeover attempt from Paramount Skydance. The revised proposal keeps the same valuation of $27.75 per share but removes the shares component, which Netflix and WBD say gives greater certainty to investors and could allow a shareholder vote as early as April. The WBD board has again unanimously backed the Netflix deal. Under the agreement, Netflix would acquire Warner Bros studios and HBO, while WBD’s global networks arm – including CNN,…

Forschende haben einen einfachen Bluttest entwickelt, der vorhersagen kann, wie gut Brustkrebspatientinnen auf eine bestimmte Behandlung ansprechen. Der Test analysiert zirkulierende Tumor-DNA im Blut und liefert Hinweise bereits vor Therapiebeginn oder nach nur vier Wochen Behandlung. In einer Studie mit 167 Patientinnen mit fortgeschrittenem Brustkrebs zeigten niedrige oder nicht nachweisbare Werte dieser Tumor-DNA eine deutlich bessere Reaktion auf die Therapie und längere krankheitsfreie Zeit. Hohe Werte waren mit schlechteren Behandlungsergebnissen verbunden. Besonders deutlich war der Zusammenhang bei Patientinnen mit triple-negativem Brustkrebs. Niedrige DNA-Werte gingen mit deutlich längerer Kontrolle der Erkrankung einher. Auch nach vier Wochen Behandlung erwies sich der Test…

Newcastle United failed to turn dominance into goals in a drab 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.Despite controlling possession, Newcastle struggled for creativity and rarely troubled José Sá.Nick Woltemade missed two early headed chances and offered little attacking threat overall.Eddie Howe admitted his side lacked quality and moments of brilliance in attack.Wolves defended with discipline and looked more confident under Rob Edwards.Teenager Mateus Mané provided energy and Wolves’ only first-half shot on target.Newcastle relied heavily on set pieces but failed to make them count.Late saves from Sá denied Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, preserving a fair draw.

Chinese dancers made a remarkable mark at the 2026 World Breakdancing Sports Dance Festival in Brisbane. The team secured three gold medals, showing their strength and skill in international dance sports. The event, which attracts top dancers from around the globe, featured intense battles in various categories. China’s athletes impressed both judges and fans with their precise moves, creative routines, and high energy performances. Three Chinese athletes took first place in their respective categories. Their wins highlight the country’s growing dominance in breakdancing, a sport gaining popularity worldwide. Experts say China’s success reflects strong training programs and growing investment in…

Nvidia suppliers have reportedly paused production after Chinese customs officials blocked shipments of the company’s H200 AI chips from entering China, according to a report cited by Reuters. The move comes despite the chips having been cleared for export by the United States government. Sources said Chinese authorities warned domestic tech firms against buying the processors without explaining whether the restriction is temporary or a full ban. The situation is further complicated by a US requirement that the chips pass through American testing facilities, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts remain split over whether allowing the powerful AI chips into China…

A controversial US-funded hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following ethical concerns.The decision was confirmed by a senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The $1.6m trial, backed by the US Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F Kennedy Jr, faced strong criticism.Opponents said the design risked withholding proven hepatitis B vaccines from newborns in a high-burden country. Africa CDC said the study failed to meet ethical standards and required major redesign.Guinea-Bissau officials later confirmed the trial was halted due to these concerns. Health experts welcomed the move as a victory…

West Ham United are prepared to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes an agreement for him to be loaned back for the remainder of the season, a condition that is meeting resistance from Flamengo. The Brazilian club saw an initial €35m bid rejected and are willing to increase their offer to around €40m, but are reluctant to send Paquetá back to London, believing they could wait until the summer and secure him for less. Paquetá has made it clear he wants to return to Brazil after a difficult period in England, having grown disillusioned following spot-fixing…

BP has said it expects to write down up to $5bn on its struggling green energy operations as it refocuses on fossil fuels under new chair Albert Manifold. The writedowns will mainly affect BP’s gas and low-carbon transition businesses but are not expected to impact underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. The move follows BP’s efforts to sell a stake in its solar arm Lightsource and the cancellation of hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia. Shares fell after BP also warned of weaker oil trading in the final quarter, echoing similar caution from rival Shell.…