Author: Andrew Rogers

A study published in Social Science and Medicine warns that influencers linked to the online “manosphere” are convincing healthy young men they may have low testosterone, despite routine testing being medically unnecessary for most. Researchers analysed popular posts on TikTok and Instagram, finding that normal experiences such as fatigue, stress or changes in libido were often framed as health problems. Testosterone was presented as essential to being an “alpha male”, reinforcing narrow ideas of masculinity while driving demand for tests, supplements and treatments. Medical experts say screening is usually recommended only when clear symptoms or specific clinical conditions are present,…

Plants growing close together can warn one another about incoming stress, helping their neighbours survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either in isolation or packed closely so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light stress, isolated plants suffered heavy damage, while crowded plants coped far better by rapidly activating protective mechanisms. Within one hour, densely grown plants switched on more than 2,000 genes linked to defence against multiple stresses. Isolated plants, by contrast, showed little change in gene activity, suggesting they received no early warning. The findings…

The streaming giant said the move would give WBD shareholders greater certainty and allow a vote on the deal as early as April. The offer still values WBD at $27.75 per share, the same level as Netflix’s earlier cash-and-shares proposal, which already has the unanimous backing of WBD’s board. Under the agreement, Netflix would acquire WBD’s studios and streaming assets, including Warner Bros and HBO, while WBD shareholders would also receive shares in a spun-off global networks business housing CNN, Cartoon Network and Discovery Channel. Paramount Skydance is continuing to push a hostile $108.4bn cash bid for the entire company…

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to treatment.The DNA test analyses circulating tumour DNA in blood samples taken before treatment and after four weeks.Low levels of tumour DNA were strongly linked to better treatment responses and longer disease control.The study analysed 167 patients with advanced breast cancer receiving targeted or combination therapies.Patients with low tumour DNA avoided ineffective treatments and had improved outcomes.Researchers say the test could allow doctors to personalise treatment earlier and improve survival chances.

Newcastle United missed the chance to go fifth after a flat 0-0 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite dominating possession, Newcastle lacked creativity and failed to register a first-half shot on target. Wolves defended with discipline and looked comfortable absorbing pressure. Nick Woltemade struggled to threaten, while Newcastle’s crossing and set pieces lacked quality. Eddie Howe admitted his side missed attacking sharpness and a moment of brilliance. Wolves, improved under Rob Edwards, showed resilience and growing confidence. Late saves from José Sá denied Newcastle a fortunate winner. The point highlighted Wolves’ progress and Newcastle’s attacking limitations.

A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled after widespread criticism over its ethics, according to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Yap Boum, a senior official at Africa CDC, confirmed the decision on Thursday, citing serious concerns about the study’s design and the withholding of proven vaccines in a country with a high burden of hepatitis B. The $1.6m trial, overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of Robert F Kennedy Jr, had drawn outrage from scientists and ethicists. Critics argued it would have deprived…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if Flamengo agree to loan him back until season’s end. Flamengo’s €35m bid was rejected, with an improved offer near €40m expected, but the Brazilian club are reluctant to include a loan, believing they can buy cheaper in summer. West Ham fear losing Paquetá now could worsen their relegation battle and want him available despite his desire to return to Brazil after a difficult period following cleared spot-fixing allegations that derailed a 2023 move to Manchester City. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo says the situation must be resolved quickly…

BP expects to write down up to $5bn from its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it refocuses on fossil fuels under new chair Albert Manifold. The writedowns mainly affect BP’s gas and transition divisions but will not impact underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. BP has struggled to monetise parts of its renewables portfolio, attempting to sell a stake in its Lightsource solar arm and cancelling hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia. Shares dipped after the update, compounded by weaker oil trading and falling crude prices, with Brent averaging $63.73 a barrel in the…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a portfolio review under its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. According to Bloomberg, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to assess operations in China, where sales have been declining. The review includes Diageo’s majority stake in Shanghai-listed Sichuan Swellfun, a producer and distributor of baijiu, whose shares have fallen sharply over the past year. Lewis, who took over on 1 January after reviving Tesco and earning a reputation for aggressive cost-cutting at Unilever, is expected to simplify Diageo’s global footprint. The company…

Amber Glenn and Emily Chan, both from Texas, earned their places on the U.S. Olympic figure skating team this week. This marks a historic first Olympic appearance for both athletes. The duo’s achievement is notable not only for their personal careers but also for representing Texas on the world stage. Their journey to the Olympics shows years of dedication, training, and perseverance in a sport dominated by athletes from other states. Amber Glenn, 26, has been competing nationally for several years. She started skating as a child in Texas and steadily rose through the ranks of U.S. figure skating competitions.…