Author: Andrew Rogers

Researchers in the UK say they have developed the first reliable blood test to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Currently, there is no definitive test for ME/CFS, and diagnoses are based on symptoms, meaning many patients face years of uncertainty or misdiagnosis. The new study, led by Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy from the University of East Anglia (UEA), offers fresh hope to millions living with the condition. “ME/CFS is a serious and often disabling illness,” he said. “Our discovery offers the potential for a simple, accurate blood test to confirm diagnosis and enable earlier support.” Researchers…

The UK government has announced an additional £2 billion in funding for mental health services. The move aims to improve access to care and reduce waiting times for patients across the country. Officials said the funding will be used to expand mental health programs, hire more professionals, and provide better support for those struggling with mental health conditions. This investment reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing mental health challenges nationwide. Mental health experts welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of increased resources for treatment and early intervention. They said the extra funding could significantly improve services for children, adolescents,…

A new study has found that about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US come directly from the wild. The research, led by Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, highlights opaque supply chains “from reef to retail.” Globally, around 55 million marine animals are sold each year, with the US accounting for two-thirds of demand. Fish such as Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish—both threatened species—were among those sold by major retailers. “Many threatened species slip through trade rules and still end up on the market,” Lin said. Researchers warn that unregulated collection from reefs could worsen…

MIT scientists have unveiled a breakthrough in construction materials: a new type of concrete that can store electricity. Called electron-conducting carbon concrete, or ec3, this material has the potential to turn ordinary buildings into energy storage units. The research team explained that this concrete contains carbon-based additives that allow it to conduct electricity. Unlike standard concrete, ec3 can act like a giant battery. It can absorb energy when it is available and release it when needed. This innovation could have a major impact on the integration of renewable energy. Solar and wind energy are intermittent, meaning they do not produce…

Jaguar Land Rover has begun a phased restart of its UK and international factories, more than a month after a major cyber-attack forced the carmaker to suspend global operations. The British manufacturer, which employs around 34,000 people in the UK, described the restart as a crucial step in its recovery, while revealing that sales had fallen sharply in a “challenging quarter.” The attack, which struck on 31 August, crippled JLR’s IT systems and halted production at key sites including Solihull, Wolverhampton, and Halewood. Retail operations worldwide were also disrupted, with suppliers unable to access the company’s automated payment systems for…

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine. They were recognized for uncovering how the immune system avoids attacking the body’s own cells. Sakaguchi discovered regulatory T-cells — “the brakes of the immune system,” said Prof Adrian Liston. Brunkow and Ramsdell identified the FoxP3 gene, vital for these cells’ development. Mutations cause severe autoimmune diseases. Their work transformed understanding of immunity and opened paths to new treatments for autoimmunity, transplants, and cancer. “This prize was long overdue,” said Prof Adrian Hayday.

George Russell said, “That’s how you do it,” as he crossed the line to win the Singapore Grand Prix.He led from start to finish for Mercedes, flawless at Marina Bay, taking his second win of the season.Behind him, chaos brewed at McLaren. At the start, Lando Norris muscled past Oscar Piastri.He banged wheels with his teammate through turn three, damaging his wing but holding position.Piastri shouted on the radio, “Are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way?”He added, “That wasn’t very team-like, but sure.” McLaren told him they would review it later.Piastri snapped back, “That’s not…

George Russell delivered a stunning performance to claim pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, strengthening his case for a new Mercedes contract. The Briton outpaced Max Verstappen by nearly two-tenths of a second on the Marina Bay street circuit, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing third and fifth respectively. Verstappen, however, was left frustrated. The reigning champion abandoned his final flying lap after encountering Norris, who was on an in-lap. Waving in frustration, Verstappen complained of losing crucial downforce in the final corners. “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you and…

Goshawks, once hunted to near extinction in Britain, could soon return to urban skies if a bold conservation project gets the green light. Dr Paul O’Donoghue of Rewilding UK is preparing a proposal to Natural England to release 15 goshawks each into London and Chester, drawing inspiration from Berlin, where the apex predators thrive in city parks and nest close to busy streets. The plan aims to curb booming populations of crows, magpies, and jackdaws that prey on smaller songbirds, restoring balance through what O’Donoghue calls an “ecology of fear”. He argues that the birds could have an immediate effect…

Ryanair has said it could be forced to cancel up to 600 flights a day next week as French air traffic controllers prepare to strike, potentially disrupting travel for as many as 100,000 passengers daily. The walkout, called by the SNCTA union, is scheduled for 7–10 October and will reduce capacity across western Europe. Flights from the UK to France, Spain, Italy and Greece are among those likely to be hit, as many of these routes cross French airspace. Airlines will only learn the scale of disruption once the action begins, but Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said he expected…