Author: Andrew Rogers

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. They were recognized “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance,” announced the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. The three scientists share 11 million Swedish kronor, about £871,400. “We could only reach Sakaguchi,” said Prof Thomas Perlmann. Their research explains how the immune system avoids attacking the body’s own cells, preventing autoimmune diseases. Sakaguchi discovered regulatory T-cells, or T-regs, which act as brakes on the immune system. “They keep us safe,” he said. Brunkow and Ramsdell found that the FoxP3 gene controls these T-regs. Mutations…

George Russell won the Singapore Grand Prix with a flawless drive from pole to finish.He led every lap and secured Mercedes another strong result.“This one feels amazing,” Russell said. “The car was perfect today.” Behind him, chaos brewed at McLaren.Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided at the start.Norris muscled past his teammate to grab third from fifth on the grid.He brushed Piastri’s car while avoiding Max Verstappen. Piastri exploded over team radio.“Are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way?” he said.“That wasn’t very team-like, but sure…” The team told him they would review it later.Piastri snapped…

1George Russell delivered a stunning qualifying performance to take pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, strengthening his case as Mercedes continue talks over a contract extension. The Briton’s lap was nearly two-tenths faster than Max Verstappen’s, a remarkable margin around the Marina Bay street circuit. Verstappen, however, was left fuming after claiming his final attempt was ruined by Lando Norris. The Red Bull driver accused his close friend of obstructing him on an in-lap, costing him downforce through the closing corners. “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you,” Verstappen said. “It will be…

Conservationists are drawing inspiration from Berlin’s thriving goshawk population to bring the apex predator into British cities. Dr Paul O’Donoghue, director of Rewilding UK, hopes to release 15 goshawks each into Chester and London as part of an “assisted colonisation” project. Once persecuted to near-extinction in the UK, goshawks have rebounded in parts of Europe and adapted well to city life. In Berlin, Amsterdam and Prague, the raptors hunt pigeons in streets and nest in busy parks, seemingly unfazed by traffic or people. “It proves this can be done quickly – without much fuss, but with so much excitement,” O’Donoghue…

Ryanair says up to 600 flights a day could be cancelled next week as French air traffic controllers prepare to strike, potentially disrupting the travel plans of as many as 100,000 passengers daily. The country’s largest ATC union, SNCTA, has called for walkouts between 7 and 10 October, cutting capacity across western European skies. Routes between the UK and destinations such as Spain, Italy and Greece are expected to be among the worst affected, as many flights cross French airspace. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, renewed his call for the EU to protect overflights, arguing that only flights landing in or…

Autism should not be regarded as one condition with a single underlying cause, scientists say, after new research found distinct genetic profiles among people diagnosed in early childhood compared with those diagnosed later in life. The international study, involving genetic data from more than 45,000 autistic individuals in Europe and the US, revealed that children diagnosed before the age of six typically showed early and stable difficulties with social interaction and communication. By contrast, those diagnosed after the age of 10 were more likely to develop increasing social and behavioural challenges during adolescence and had a higher risk of mental…

Scientists in the US have created human eggs from skin cells in a major step that could one day transform fertility treatment for women and same-sex male couples. The early-stage research, led by Prof Shoukhrat Mitalipov at Oregon Health and Science University, used a cloning-inspired technique to turn skin cell nuclei into eggs capable of being fertilised. While the process is still highly inefficient and produced embryos with chromosome abnormalities, experts say the proof of concept opens the door to new possibilities in reproductive medicine. The approach could eventually help women who are infertile due to age, illness, or cancer…

New Zealand’s only falcon, the kārearea, has been voted Bird of the Year in the country’s beloved annual poll, securing the title for the second time after first winning in 2012. Known as the nation’s fastest bird, the kārearea can reach speeds of up to 200km/h while hunting prey, which range from small mammals and lizards to birds larger than itself. With just 5,000 to 8,000 left in the wild, the species remains threatened, facing dangers from habitat loss, predators such as cats and stoats, and collisions with power lines and buildings. “The kārearea is just a stunning bird,” said…

Walk down any supermarket aisle in 2025 and you’ll find colourful cans promising “calm” or “focus.” These functional drinks – often infused with ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom, magnesium, or CBD – are marketed as quick fixes for stress, energy, and mental clarity. The trend has exploded. According to Grand View Research, the global market for functional beverages is set to hit $248.5 billion by 2030. In the UK, a broader shift away from alcohol is fuelling demand: a YouGov survey found that 44% of 18- to 24-year-olds now choose low- or non-alcoholic alternatives. “These products fit perfectly into today’s wellness…

Jennifer Lawrence was honoured with the prestigious Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, becoming the youngest performer to receive it at 35. Reflecting on her career and the state of culture in the US, Lawrence said: “Our freedom of speech is under attack in America, including in the world of film, where we realise that we are all connected and need empathy and freedom.” The actress, who presented her new film Kill Me Love, urged young filmmakers to pursue their dreams and stressed the importance of watching films. She also highlighted the impact of female creators such as…