Author: Andrew Rogers

Same-sex sexual behaviour is widespread among non-human primates and may help groups stay cohesive under environmental and social pressure, researchers say. Writing in Nature Ecology & Evolution, scientists analysed reports across 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas. The study, led by researchers from Imperial College London, suggests the behaviour is more common in harsh environments where food is scarce and predation risks are higher. The findings indicate such behaviour may reduce tension, reinforce bonds and stabilise complex social hierarchies, particularly in long-lived species and those with large, competitive groups. Co-author Prof Vincent Savolainen said the pattern…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup as Taty Castellanos scored the extra-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory. The result ended a long winless run for West Ham and offered brief respite for head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, despite his side being pushed hard by Championship opposition. Castellanos impressed throughout and capped his display by heading home from a Crysencio Summerville cross, raising hopes that West Ham may finally have found a reliable striker. Summerville also scored earlier and delivered one of his strongest performances since joining the club. QPR forced extra time through…

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a convincing 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic, but supporter unrest again dominated the narrative. The new head coach oversaw a controlled and clinical performance from a rotated side, securing progress to the fourth round, yet chants against the club’s owners echoed throughout the match. Rosenior, appointed following the messy exit of Enzo Maresca, became the fifth Chelsea coach under the ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, a fact not lost on disgruntled fans. Chelsea took control late in the first half through a goal from Jorrel Hato before extending their…

Bukayo Saka has agreed a new five-year contract with Arsenal that will make him one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history. The deal, expected to be confirmed soon, will run until 2031 and is understood to be worth more than £15m a season, reflecting Saka’s importance to the team. The England international, a Hale End academy graduate, previously signed a contract in 2023 worth about £200,000 a week but has now secured a significant increase. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta prioritised Saka’s renewal after extending deals for several key young players. Manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly spoken of…

People who stop using weight-loss injections regain lost weight in under two years, according to a major new study. The analysis, led by researchers at the University of Oxford and published in the BMJ, reviewed 37 studies involving more than 9,000 participants using GLP-1 agonist medications. These drugs, originally developed for diabetes, help suppress appetite by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. Researchers found that participants regained weight at an average rate of 0.4kg per month after stopping treatment, returning to their original weight within about 1.7 years. Weight regain occurred nearly four times faster than after behavioural weight-loss programmes. Improvements in…

The CHIPS and Science Act is continuing to drive innovation and economic growth in the United States, attracting billions in private investment and federal grants. Recent analysis shows the law is helping the country maintain its edge in technology while enjoying strong bipartisan support. The legislation focuses on boosting domestic semiconductor production, supporting research and development, and fostering technological competitiveness. Lawmakers from both parties have highlighted the Act as a key driver of U.S. innovation and economic strength. Since its passage, the CHIPS Act has encouraged private companies to invest in advanced manufacturing facilities, cutting-edge research, and workforce development programs.…

A new community mural project is turning a plain parking garage into a shared art space. Artist Solomon Enos is leading the effort in partnership with a local government office. The project welcomes the public to help paint the large mural and add their own creative touch. The goal is to change a simple structure into a bright and welcoming place. Enos says the project offers an easy way for people to take part in art, even if they have never painted before. Community members can join the work at different times, making it open to all ages and skill…

US health officials have reported what is believed to be the first human death linked to the rare H5N5 strain of bird flu, though they stress the risk to the general public remains low. The case involved an older adult in Washington state with underlying health conditions. The patient, who lived in Grays Harbor County, was hospitalised in early November after developing high fever, confusion and respiratory symptoms. They were found to be infected with H5N5, a strain not previously known to have caused human fatalities. State officials said the individual kept a backyard flock of poultry that had been…

Tottenham are not close to matching Arsenal’s approach of spending £100m on an individual player, according to Spurs boss Thomas Frank. Following major changes in the club’s leadership after Daniel Levy’s departure and the appointment of a new structure by the Lewis family, Tottenham are aiming to grow their business and challenge for major honours. However, Frank believes the club is not yet in a position to make blockbuster signings like Arsenal’s £105m move for Declan Rice. Spurs’ current record signing remains Richarlison, who joined for £60m in 2022. Frank suggested it could be possible for Tottenham to spend that…

Ian Wright has come to Jude Bellingham’s defence, claiming some of the midfielder’s critics are uncomfortable with the rise of a confident, successful “black superstar”. Bellingham was criticised in parts of the media for his reaction to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with suggestions he could be a disruptive influence in the squad. Wright rejected that idea, saying the backlash stems from fear of Bellingham’s talent and influence. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said people struggle to attack Bellingham because of his performances, so they attempt to create negative narratives instead. He…