Author: Andrew Rogers

U.S. researchers have developed a new plastic recycling catalyst that could revolutionize the way plastic waste is processed. The nickel-based catalyst efficiently breaks down tough polymers, potentially reducing the need for extensive sorting and making recycling faster and more cost-effective. Experts explain that conventional recycling methods often struggle with mixed or contaminated plastics, which limits the amount of material that can be reused. This new catalyst allows a broader range of plastics to be recycled, helping reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and oceans. The technology works by chemically breaking down polymers into their basic components. These can…

SPARC fusion energy is moving closer to its operational goals in Massachusetts. The U.S. fusion venture, developed by MIT and private partners, is preparing for its first experimental plasma operations. Analysts said this milestone marks a significant step toward clean, next-generation energy innovation. The project aims to demonstrate net energy gain from fusion, a breakthrough that could provide safe, sustainable, and abundant power. SPARC uses advanced magnetic confinement technology to create high-temperature plasma, simulating the processes that power the sun. Experts said success here could transform the global energy landscape. SPARC’s progress reflects years of collaboration between academic institutions, private…

A new immunotherapy drug has produced striking early results in men with advanced prostate cancer.Researchers reported that the treatment shrank tumours in several patients. The therapy, called VIR-5500, directs the body’s killer T-cells toward cancer cells.It activates mainly inside tumours, which helps limit harmful side effects.Most participants experienced only mild reactions during the trial. Fifty-eight men joined the phase one study after other treatments stopped working.At the highest dose, many showed major drops in prostate-specific antigen levels.Some patients recorded reductions of more than ninety percent. Doctors also observed measurable tumour shrinkage in nearly half of the evaluated cases.One patient saw…

Burger King has introduced an AI assistant in hundreds of US restaurants.The system connects to employee headsets and listens to customer interactions. The voice chatbot, called Patty, detects polite terms such as “please” and “thank you.”Managers will use the data to identify service patterns and coaching needs.The announcement triggered strong criticism on social media. The company stated that the tool does not score individual workers.It aims to support teams and improve the guest experience.Managers will receive real-time operational insights. The platform also updates digital menus when items sell out.It guides staff through meal preparation after orders arrive.The system can report…

A new oral drug helped people with type 2 diabetes lose significant weight in a major trial.Patients taking orforglipron lost up to eight percent of their body weight within one year. The pill activates GLP-1 receptors, lowers blood sugar, and reduces appetite.Patients can take it without fasting, which simplifies daily use. In the study, orforglipron outperformed oral semaglutide for weight loss and glucose control.However, more participants stopped treatment because of stomach-related side effects. Regulators have not yet approved the drug.Researchers still need long-term safety and cardiovascular data. Experts believe effective tablets could replace many injections in the future.They expect these…

Aston Martin will cut up to 20% of its workforce to save about £40m. The plan could affect around 500 employees. The luxury carmaker confirmed the move after reporting pre-tax losses of £363.9m for 2025. Losses had reached £289.1m the previous year. Weak demand and higher US tariffs hit trading. The company had already reduced 170 roles at the start of 2025. It said the new cuts form part of a wider restructuring. The group aims to become leaner and better prepared for future plans. Chief executive Adrian Hallmark said the job losses alone would not complete the “rightsizing” process.…

Unlicensed gambling companies could lose the right to sponsor Premier League clubs under new government plans. Ministers launched a consultation after a series of controversies and regulatory concerns. Several top-flight teams, including Everton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently display logos of online casinos or bookmakers without British licences. Clubs have already agreed to remove all front-of-shirt gambling sponsors from next season. The voluntary ban will not cover shirt sleeves or other partnerships. The proposed measure would close that gap. It would block unlicensed operators from any commercial deals with clubs. Ministers warned that some of these firms follow weak regulatory…

UK officials have paused a clinical trial on puberty blockers for children after the medicines regulator raised safety concerns. The regulator warned about unknown long-term biological risks and called for a minimum age of 14. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will hold talks with King’s College London next week. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that the study will not recruit participants until they resolve the concerns. The government launched the Pathways trial after the Cass review criticised existing research. The review found weak evidence for the benefits of puberty blockers in young people with gender…

China has overtaken the United States as Germany’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching €251bn in 2025.The figure rose slightly from the previous year, while trade with the US fell to €240bn. Germany imported €170.6bn in goods from China and exported €81.3bn in return.Tariffs introduced by Donald Trump are seen as one factor behind the drop in US trade. Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Beijing for talks with premier Li Qiang and president Xi Jinping.He is expected to discuss Ukraine, human rights and economic relations. German industry remains deeply tied to the Chinese market.Car manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW…

OpenAI considered notifying Canadian police about a user later linked to a mass school shooting.The company flagged the account in June for “furtherance of violent activities”. It reviewed whether to contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police but decided the activity did not show an imminent or credible threat.Its policy requires clear evidence of serious, immediate risk before a referral. Months later, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar killed eight people in a remote British Columbia community and died by suicide.Police said the victims included a teaching assistant and several students aged 12 and 13.The attacker had previous mental-health-related contact with authorities. After…