Author: Andrew Rogers

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a portfolio review under its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. According to Bloomberg, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to assess its operations in China, where sales have declined sharply. Diageo’s holdings include a majority stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed producer and distributor of baijiu. Shares in the Chengdu-based group have fallen significantly over the past year, prompting interest from Chinese strategic buyers and private equity firms. Lewis, who took over on 1 January, has a reputation for aggressive restructuring from…

Same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may help reinforce social bonds and reduce tension when groups face environmental or social pressures, researchers suggest. Writing in Nature Ecology & Evolution, scientists led by Prof Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London analysed records from 59 primate species, including chimpanzees, Barbary macaques and mountain gorillas. They found the behaviour to be widespread and more common in species living in harsh, dry environments with scarce resources and higher predation risks. The study indicates such behaviour is also linked to longer lifespans, pronounced size differences between sexes and complex social hierarchies, all traits associated with…

West Ham United edged past Queens Park Rangers after extra time in the FA Cup, securing a much-needed 2-1 win and temporary relief for manager Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers were pushed hard by Championship opposition and required extra time, underlining ongoing concerns despite ending a 64-day winless run. The decisive moment came when new signing Taty Castellanos headed home the winner from a cross by Crysencio Summerville, who also scored West Ham’s opener in one of his stronger displays for the club. QPR had levelled through Richard Kone, briefly raising hopes of an upset. While the victory papered over…

Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have reported a new minimally invasive heart bypass procedure that could benefit high-risk patients. The approach aims to reduce complications while improving recovery for people with coronary artery disease. Traditional coronary artery bypass surgery involves opening the chest and stopping the heart, which can be risky for older adults or patients with other medical conditions. The new minimally invasive heart bypass technique uses smaller incisions and specialized tools, reducing trauma to the body. Experts say that less invasive procedures may lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. Patients may experience…

Chelsea began the Liam Rosenior era with a convincing 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic to reach the FA Cup fourth round. Despite the comfortable victory, anger among the travelling Chelsea supporters was directed firmly at the club’s owners rather than the pitch. Rosenior’s rotated side controlled possession and struck just before half-time through teenage defender Jorrel Hato. Second-half goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu extended the lead after Charlton briefly pulled one back via Miles Leaburn. Late contributions from substitutes Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández, after a penalty won by Estevão Willian, completed the rout. While Rosenior delivered a…

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 run until 2031, will significantly improve on his current agreement signed in 2023 and is understood to be worth more than £15m a season. Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, prioritised securing the future of the Hale End graduate after extending contracts for several other key players. Saka has been in strong form as Arsenal opened a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with his workload carefully managed following a minor…

People who stop taking weight-loss injections regain the weight they lost in under two years, according to a major new analysis. The study, led by researchers at the University of Oxford and published in the BMJ, reviewed 37 studies involving more than 9,300 participants using GLP-1 weight-loss medications. On average, people regained weight at a rate of 0.4kg per month after stopping treatment and returned to their original weight within about 1.7 years. This rate of regain was almost four times faster than that seen after behavioural weight-loss programmes such as diet and exercise plans. Participants lost an average of…

Nottingham Forest boosted their survival hopes with a late comeback win against West Ham United at the London Stadium. West Ham took the lead through a Tomas Soucek goal, but momentum shifted after a second-half effort by Crysencio Summerville was disallowed. Forest responded immediately as Nicolás Domínguez headed in an equaliser from a corner. West Ham’s defensive frailties resurfaced late on when Alphonse Areola clumsily fouled Morgan Gibbs-White, allowing him to score the winning penalty in the 89th minute. The defeat leaves West Ham seven points behind Forest in 17th place and winless in ten matches under Nuno Espírito Santo.…

Manchester City will be without Rúben Dias for up to six weeks due to a hamstring injury.The setback deepens Pep Guardiola’s defensive crisis, with Josko Gvardiol also sidelined long term.City are considering a move for Marc Guéhi to ease centre-back shortages.They are close to signing Antoine Semenyo, who is due for a medical after Bournemouth’s match with Tottenham.City have agreed to trigger Semenyo’s £65m release clause.With multiple injuries and absences, Guardiola said the squad must cope without major spending.

Novo Nordisk has launched its Wegovy weight-loss pill in the US at a significantly lower price than injectable alternatives. The once-daily pill is the first and only GLP-1 tablet on the market and recently received regulatory approval. Self-paying patients can access the starting dose for $149 a month, far below typical injection prices. The pill offers a needle-free option that may appeal to more patients. The move accelerates a price war with rivals including Eli Lilly, which sells competing injections. Novo hopes the launch will help regain market share after recent profit warnings. The Wegovy pill is currently approved only…