Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have discovered that northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins are working together to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a surprising partnership never documented before. Using drones, underwater cameras and acoustic tags, researchers found that dolphins often lead the chase, acting like “scouts” as they pursue large Chinook salmon. The orcas follow behind, catch the fish, and share it with their pod, while dolphins scavenge the leftovers. Remarkably, the whales show no aggression toward the dolphins, even though they normally guard fresh kills. The two species also appear to coordinate acoustically. Tags recorded alternating echolocation clicks, suggesting they…

Humans have been ranked 7th out of 35 mammal species in a new Cambridge University study measuring monogamy. The ranking was based on genetic data comparing how often siblings share both parents — an indicator of pair bonding. Humans showed 66% full siblings, placing us among the most monogamous mammals. However, we were beaten by species including Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins, while meerkats and gibbons ranked just below. At the bottom were chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas, reflecting far more promiscuous mating systems. Researchers say humans are unusual in the animal world for evolving towards monogamy, potentially linked to…

Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved mpox variant after a recent traveller from Asia tested positive for the virus. Sequencing revealed the infection is a recombinant strain, combining elements of the more severe clade 1 type with clade 2, the strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency says further analysis is underway to assess the significance of the variant. Experts say viral evolution is expected, especially while multiple variants continue to circulate. Though most mpox cases are mild, authorities urge eligible individuals to take up vaccination. Mpox, formerly monkeypox, spreads through close…

Crystal Palace continued their impressive rise under Oliver Glasner with a dramatic 2-1 win at Fulham, sealed by a late header from Marc Guéhi that sent the visitors into the Premier League’s top four. The defender met a near-post corner in the final minutes to snatch victory, sparking celebrations in the away end. Palace had taken the lead earlier through Eddie Nketiah, who finished crisply after clever buildup involving Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell. Fulham responded with a stunning equaliser when Harry Wilson exchanged passes with Raúl Jiménez before bending a brilliant outside-of-the-boot shot into the net. Fulham pushed hard,…

Far from Nepal’s famous Himalayan trekking routes lies the Terai, a warm, wildlife-rich region of plains, forests and farmland along the Indian border. Home to the Tharu people, it offers a striking contrast to the snow-capped peaks and busy streets of Kathmandu — and a growing community-run homestay network is helping travellers experience it up close. In the village of Bhada, visitors stay with Tharu families through the Community Homestay Network, living in traditional mud-and-timber homes and joining daily life. During one stay, travellers joined Shyam Chaudhary in her kitchen preparing food for Auli, a post-harvest festival where locals give…

Max Verstappen will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole position ahead of title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, setting up a dramatic final race of the season. Verstappen’s lap of 1:22.207 secured P1, with Norris two tenths back and Piastri close behind. Despite Verstappen’s qualifying advantage, Norris remains in control of the championship. He leads by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes third or higher, or simply ahead of both rivals. Verstappen must win and hope Norris misses the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris sixth or worse. McLaren are prepared to…

A new study has detected widespread contamination of cereal products across Europe with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a toxic “forever chemical” linked to reproductive harm and other health risks. Conducted by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN), the analysis found average TFA levels in breakfast cereals up to 100 times higher than those found in tap water. TFA is formed when pesticides containing PFAS break down in soil. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are long-lasting chemicals used in manufacturing and consumer goods since the 1950s. They can persist in the environment for centuries and have been associated with cancer, thyroid problems, liver…

Former Newcastle, West Ham and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has announced he is being treated for prostate cancer, which has spread to his pelvic bone. The 56-year-old revealed in an Instagram video that he was diagnosed about 18 months ago after insisting on a PSA test during a routine check-up. An MRI and biopsy confirmed aggressive cancer, and he underwent a radical prostatectomy last December. Six months later, rising PSA levels showed the cancer had returned, leading to medication and seven-and-a-half weeks of radiation therapy. Hislop, who played for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup, urged men not…

A new survey from the Migraine Trust has found that people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK are more likely to receive poorer migraine care and to fear discrimination. Among 2,200 respondents, 23% of mixed-ethnicity, 19% of Asian and 16% of Black participants said their ethnicity negatively affected their care—compared with just 7% of white respondents. Many reported poorer treatment, dismissal of symptoms, and even racism. Black respondents were also more likely to worry about discrimination at work because of migraines (37%) and to fear not being believed about their symptoms. One respondent, Abigail Kabirou, said stereotypes about Black…

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s strengthened squad can handle further injury setbacks after confirming Kai Havertz will be out for a few more weeks. The Germany forward, sidelined since August after knee surgery, struggled to “go to the next level” in rehab and will face a longer recovery than expected. Arteta must now decide whether to continue with Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker for Wednesday’s match against Brentford or turn to Viktor Gyökeres, who recently returned from a muscle injury. Gabriel Jesus is also pushing for a comeback after 11 months out. William Saliba and Leandro Trossard remain doubts after…