Author: Andrew Rogers

In the mountains of the southern Peloponnese, normally resilient Greek firs are turning brown and dying in vast patches. Forest researcher Dimitrios Avtzis was sent to assess fire damage this year but instead found hundreds of hectares of dead trees where flames had never reached. The scale of loss was so unusual that he immediately alerted the environment ministry. Experts say prolonged drought is the main trigger. Greece has seen steadily hotter, drier conditions and a sharp decline in winter snowfall, reducing the slow-release moisture fir forests depend on. Weakened by lack of water, trees are then attacked by bark…

About one in 10 people in the UK aged 70 and over may have brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a large new population-based study. The research, published in Nature, analysed blood samples from nearly 11,500 people and found that more than 1 million over-70s could meet NHS criteria for anti-amyloid treatment, far higher than current estimates. The findings are not a diagnosis but suggest many people carry early disease markers. Experts say the study could improve early detection, though current treatments are expensive and not widely available on the NHS. The likelihood of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes rises…

A carnivorous pitcher plant has been found to drug its prey with a toxic nerve agent before consuming it. Nepenthes khasiana, which grows in nutrient-poor soils, lures insects with sweet nectar secreted along the rim of its pitchers. Researchers discovered that this nectar contains isoshinanolone, a nerve toxin that disrupts insects’ nervous systems, slowing movement, weakening muscles and triggering excessive grooming. Affected ants often fall into spasms and tumble into the pitcher, sometimes dying before reaching the bottom. The nectar also includes sugars that absorb water, making the rim extremely slippery and increasing the chance that prey will slide into…

The U.S. airline industry is showing signs of growth, highlighted by a significant jump in American Airlines’ stock. Investors are optimistic about the travel sector’s recovery and the increasing demand for flights in the coming months. American Airlines reported strong performance indicators, which contributed to the stock surge. Analysts say the rise reflects confidence in the broader airline industry, as more travelers return to domestic and international routes. Passenger demand has steadily increased, signaling a rebound from past downturns. Industry experts note that rising bookings and higher load factors are encouraging signs for airlines. The growth is supported by an…

The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades have been approved in the US, offering fresh hope against rising drug-resistant strains of the sexually transmitted infection. Health experts say the development could be a major breakthrough as global cases climb to more than 82 million a year and resistance to existing antibiotics continues to grow. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two new antibiotics, including zoliflodacin, a single-dose oral treatment shown to cure more than 90% of genital gonorrhoea infections in clinical trials. Gepotidacin, developed by GSK, has also been cleared after proving effective against resistant strains. The…

The US company behind the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and agreed to be taken over by one of its Chinese suppliers, Picea Robotics. iRobot, which pioneered consumer robot vacuums in the early 2000s, said the deal with a Picea subsidiary forms part of a restructuring plan aimed at stabilising its finances. The company has struggled in recent years due to supply chain disruptions, rising competition from cheaper rivals and weakening demand after the pandemic boom. Chief executive Gary Cohen said combining iRobot’s design and research strengths with Picea’s manufacturing and technical expertise would…

Team USA finished the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha with a strong and confident performance. U.S. shooting athletes earned six medals in total, including two gold, two silver, and two bronze. The results marked a successful end to the international season and showed the team’s depth and consistency. The ISSF World Cup Final brings together the top shooters from around the world. Only athletes with strong results during the season qualify. Competing at this event means facing the highest level of pressure and precision. Team USA met that challenge with calm focus and steady execution. From the first day…

A new review suggests psychedelic treatments, particularly psilocybin, may be more effective for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) than cannabis-based therapies. The review, led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University and published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, examined alternative treatments for OCD, a condition in which up to 60% of patients gain little relief from standard therapies such as SSRIs and exposure therapy. After analysing published studies, conference data and preliminary findings, researchers found stronger evidence supporting psychedelics than cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Van Ameringen said the difference may lie in how the substances affect the brain.…

Scientists have identified genetic changes in polar bears that could help them adapt to rising temperatures, offering new insight into how the species may respond to climate change. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears in south-east Greenland show distinct genetic activity compared with bears in colder northern regions. The study links warmer local temperatures to increased activity in so-called “jumping genes” — mobile DNA elements that can influence how other genes function. These genetic shifts are associated with heat stress, metabolism and ageing, suggesting the bears may be biologically adjusting to warmer conditions and changing…

The United States has launched the Trump Gold Card visa, a high-value program designed to attract global talent and premium travelers. The initiative highlights innovation in travel and immigration policy, though it has sparked public debate. Officials say the visa aims to encourage skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals to visit or relocate to the U.S. The program may also boost tourism, especially among affluent travelers seeking exclusive experiences. The Trump Gold Card visa offers applicants enhanced benefits, including expedited processing, longer stays, and access to certain business or investment opportunities. These features are intended to make the U.S. more…