Author: Andrew Rogers

Plants growing close together can warn one another about environmental 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 so closely that their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light, isolated plants suffered severe damage, while crowded plants coped much better by rapidly activating their defences. Within just one hour, densely grown plants switched on more than 2,000 genes involved in protection against a wide range of stresses. Isolated plants showed little additional gene activity, indicating they were unable to mount the…

Netflix has upgraded its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) offer for Warner Bros Discovery by making it an all-cash deal, aiming to speed shareholder approval and fend off a hostile bid from Paramount Skydance. The revised offer keeps the valuation at $27.75 per share but removes shares from the structure, allowing a potential investor vote as early as April. Netflix said the change provides greater certainty, and the WBD board continues to unanimously support the deal. WBD shareholders would also receive stock in a spun-off global networks business, including CNN and Discovery, which Netflix is not acquiring. Paramount is pressing ahead with a…

Scientists have developed a DNA blood test that can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to treatment, even before therapy begins. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. In a study of 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, low levels of this DNA were strongly linked to better treatment response and longer disease control. Results taken after just four weeks of treatment were also highly predictive of outcomes. Researchers say the test could help doctors avoid ineffective therapies, switch treatments earlier and personalise care, potentially improving survival and quality of life.

Newcastle United missed a chance to climb the table after a lifeless 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.Despite dominating possession, Newcastle lacked creativity and failed to seriously test José Sá.Nick Woltemade squandered rare openings, summing up Newcastle’s blunt attacking display.Eddie Howe admitted effort was strong but quality was missing in decisive moments.Wolves stayed compact, defended crosses comfortably, and threatened occasionally on the counter.Teenager Mateus Mané impressed with energy, while Wolves showed growing belief and structure.Rob Edwards praised his side’s resilience and consecutive clean sheets.Newcastle pushed late but chances for Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton were well saved.The draw highlighted Wolves’ progress and…

The NCAA has approved two new championship sports: stunt and acrobatics & tumbling. Both will officially start national competitions in spring 2027, creating historic opportunities for student-athletes. Stunt, a team-based sport derived from cheerleading, focuses on technical skills, strength, and coordination. Teams perform lifts, tosses, and tumbling routines while being judged on precision and execution. With NCAA recognition, stunt gains national visibility and structured competition similar to other championship sports. Acrobatics & tumbling, which combines flips, jumps, and synchronized routines, also becomes an official NCAA championship sport. The recognition allows athletes to compete at the highest collegiate level, with formal…

Chinese customs officials have blocked shipments of Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence chips, prompting parts suppliers to pause production amid growing confusion, according to reports. The move comes despite the United States government approving exports of the advanced processors to China. Sources say Chinese authorities have warned domestic technology firms against buying the chips, without clarifying whether the restriction is temporary or a formal ban. The situation is further muddied by US rules requiring the Taiwan-made chips to pass through US testing facilities, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts remain split over whether selling the powerful H200 to China is strategically wise,…

A controversial US-backed study on hepatitis B vaccination among newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled following widespread criticism over its ethics. The decision was confirmed by Yap Boum of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who said the trial’s design raised serious concerns about withholding proven vaccines in a country with a high burden of hepatitis B. The $1.6m study, funded under the authority of Robert F Kennedy Jr and the US Department of Health and Human Services, had drawn strong opposition from scientists and ethicists. Critics argued it would deny thousands of infants access to a life-saving…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan-back agreement keeping the midfielder until the end of the season, a condition currently resisted by Flamengo. The Brazilian club have seen an opening €35m bid rejected and are prepared to increase their offer to around €40m, but they are reluctant to loan Paquetá back, believing they could secure him more cheaply in the summer. West Ham are locked in a relegation battle and fear losing Paquetá now could severely damage their survival hopes. The Brazil international has become disillusioned in England after…

BP has warned it will write down up to $5bn (£3.7bn) from its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it pivots back towards fossil fuels under new chair Albert Manifold. The writedown will mainly affect BP’s gas and low-carbon transition units but is not expected to impact underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. BP has already cancelled hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia and is seeking to sell a stake in its solar arm, Lightsource. The announcement comes amid weaker oil trading and falling crude prices, with Brent crude averaging $63.73 a barrel in the…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a strategic overhaul under its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. According to Bloomberg News, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to review its China operations amid falling sales. Diageo’s holdings include a majority stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed distributor of baijiu whose shares have dropped sharply over the past year. Lewis, who took over in January and previously led turnarounds at Unilever and Tesco, is known for aggressive cost-cutting and portfolio simplification. Diageo faces multiple pressures, including weaker Chinese demand, high…