Author: Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Known for his clear reporting and in-depth analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
A carnivorous pitcher plant has been found to lace its sugary nectar with a powerful nerve toxin that helps incapacitate and kill its prey. The plant, Nepenthes khasiana, oozes sweet nectar along the rim of its pitcher-shaped traps, attracting insects such as ants. Researchers discovered the nectar contains isoshinanolone, a toxic nerve agent that disrupts the insects’ nervous systems, causing sluggish movement, muscle weakness and excessive grooming before they eventually fall into the pitcher or die. The nectar also includes water-absorbing sugars that make the rim extremely slippery, increasing the likelihood that drugged insects slide into the digestive fluids below.…
The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades have been approved in the US, raising hopes of tackling the growing threat of drug-resistant strains of the infection. Gonorrhoea causes more than 82 million infections worldwide each year, with cases rising sharply in Europe and at record levels in England. Resistance to existing frontline antibiotics has increased significantly, prompting the World Health Organization to classify the disease as a priority pathogen. Two new drugs have now been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration. Zoliflodacin, marketed as Nuzolvence, was approved on 12 December, while gepotidacin received approval a day earlier…
The US robot vacuum manufacturer iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and agreed to be taken over by a subsidiary of its Chinese supplier, Picea Robotics. Best known for launching the Roomba in the early 2000s, the US-listed company has struggled in recent years amid supply chain disruptions, falling demand after the pandemic and competition from cheaper rivals. Earlier this month, iRobot warned it could face bankruptcy. Under the restructuring deal, Picea will acquire the company, which iRobot said would strengthen its finances and allow it to continue operating. Chief executive Gary Cohen said the combination of iRobot’s…
A new review suggests psychedelic treatments such as psilocybin may help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis shows little evidence of lasting benefit. 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 for which 40–60% of patients gain limited relief from standard therapies. After analysing published studies and preliminary data, researchers found stronger evidence supporting psychedelics than cannabinoids like THC or CBD. Psilocybin appears to affect the brain’s default mode network, which is linked to rumination and is overactive in OCD.…
Scientists have detected changes in polar bear DNA that could help the animals adapt to rising temperatures, in what is thought to be the first clear evidence linking climate change to genetic change in a wild mammal. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears living in south-east Greenland show different genetic activity from those in colder northern regions. The differences are linked to genes involved in heat stress, metabolism and ageing, suggesting the bears may be adjusting to warmer conditions. By analysing blood samples, scientists focused on so-called “jumping genes” – mobile DNA elements that can…
The European Union’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be watered down, according to a senior MEP, in a move likely to spark backlash from environmental groups. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer amounts to a total ban on combustion engines. Rather than requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would instead face a 90% reduction target across their vehicle fleets, allowing some hybrid models…
Scientists have documented orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins teaming up to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a surprising cooperative strategy never seen before. Using drones, acoustic tags and underwater video, researchers found that resident killer whales, which specialize in catching Chinook salmon, often follow dolphins acting like “scouts.” The dolphins chase the salmon ahead, and after the orcas catch and break apart the fish, the dolphins feed on leftover scraps. The whales, normally protective of their prey, show no aggression, suggesting the partnership benefits both sides. Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation clicks, indicating the two species may be listening…
A new Cambridge University study places humans 7th out of 35 mammal species in a ranking of monogamy levels. Using genetic data to compare how many siblings share both parents, researchers found humans have 66% full siblings, putting us among the more monogamous mammals — though Eurasian beavers (72%) and several primates ranked higher. Animals such as feral cats, dolphins, chimpanzees and gorillas showed far lower monogamy rates, with gorillas at only 6%. Despite close genetic ties to humans, these species have far more promiscuous mating systems. Scientists suggest human monogamy may have evolved alongside paternal care, though cultural and…
Health authorities in England have identified a newly evolved variant of mpox, found in a patient who recently travelled to Asia. Genome sequencing revealed the virus to be a recombinant strain, combining elements of clade 1, known for more severe disease, and clade 2, the type responsible for the global mpox outbreak in 2022. The UK Health Security Agency said it is assessing the significance of the variant, noting that viral evolution is expected while different strains are circulating. Although most mpox cases are mild, officials urged those eligible to get vaccinated as a precaution. Mpox spreads through close physical…
Crystal Palace continued their impressive form with a dramatic late 2-1 win over Fulham, secured by Marc Guéhi’s 88th-minute header that sent the visitors into the Premier League top four. It marked Palace’s third victory over Marco Silva’s side this year, adding to Fulham’s growing frustration against Oliver Glasner’s team. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring on his first league start of the season after a slick move orchestrated by Adam Wharton. Fulham equalised through a brilliant outside-of-the-boot finish from Harry Wilson, capping a sharp one-two with Raúl Jiménez. Despite heavy pressure from the hosts, Palace held firm, with Dean Henderson…