Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have identified five major phases of human brain development, with key turning points at around the ages of nine, 32, 66 and 83, according to a large new brain-imaging study. Researchers analysed brain scans from nearly 4,000 people aged from under one year old to 90. They found that brain development does not follow a smooth, continuous path, but instead shifts course at specific life stages. The five brain “eras” are: The strongest developmental turning point was seen around the early 30s, when the brain enters its most stable “adult” mode. Researchers suggest major life milestones, such as parenthood,…

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from the Everton squad after apologising for his red card incident during Monday’s win at Manchester United, where he became the first Premier League player in 17 years to be sent off for striking a teammate after slapping Michael Keane. Everton went on to secure a dramatic 1–0 victory at Old Trafford despite playing with 10 men for most of the match, giving David Moyes his first away win there as a manager. Gueye, who could not speak at half-time, addressed the team after full-time, apologising directly to Keane and the squad for…

People who stop using the weight-loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) tend to regain weight and lose associated health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol, according to new research. Analysis of the Surmount-4 clinical trial found that among participants who stopped the drug after 36 weeks, 82% regained at least 25% of the weight they had lost within a year. Those who regained the most weight also saw reversals in waist size, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, often returning to pre-treatment levels. Experts say the results are not surprising, as excess weight is closely linked to poorer cardiometabolic…

Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt verdict on Liverpool’s struggles, admitting the champions are “in a mess” and questioning whether his teammates are taking enough responsibility for their alarming slump. Speaking after a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Van Dijk said the team had let down manager Arne Slot and themselves. The loss left Liverpool in the bottom half of the table with a negative goal difference, marking their sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches. The Liverpool captain described the team’s start to the second half as “unacceptable” and admitted panic set in after Forest took the…

A person in Washington state is believed to be the first known human to die from the rare H5N5 strain of bird flu, though health officials say the risk to the public remains low. The patient, an older adult with underlying health conditions from Grays Harbor County, had been hospitalized since early November with fever, confusion and respiratory symptoms. They are thought to have been exposed through a backyard flock of poultry that had contact with wild birds. State health officials confirmed that no other close contacts have tested positive and there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The…

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has opened its largest-ever Korean art exhibition, titled “Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared.” The exhibit features more than 200 pieces, including national treasures that highlight Korea’s rich artistic heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of artworks, from traditional ceramics and paintings to calligraphy and textiles. The exhibition emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of Korean art, tracing centuries of creative achievement. Curators say the collection was carefully selected to showcase both national treasures and lesser-known works, offering a comprehensive view of Korea’s artistic evolution. The exhibit provides context…

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has said the club are not close to spending £100 million on a single player, unlike rivals Arsenal. Spurs have undergone significant change following Daniel Levy’s departure as chairman and the installation of a new leadership team by the Lewis family. While there are plans to grow the club and increase competitiveness, Frank believes matching Arsenal’s spending model is not imminent. Arsenal’s £105m signing of Declan Rice in 2023 highlighted their ambitions, while Spurs’ record purchase remains Richarlison’s £60m move in 2022. Frank suggested that while such a fee could be possible in the distant…

Ian Wright has spoken in defence of Jude Bellingham, saying some of the midfielder’s critics are uncomfortable with seeing a “black superstar” succeed at the highest level. Bellingham faced criticism following his frustrated reaction to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with some suggesting he could be a disruptive influence within the squad. Wright rejected those claims, arguing the backlash is driven by fear of Bellingham’s confidence and success. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said Bellingham’s achievements and personality make certain people uneasy. He compared the reception of outspoken stars such as Bellingham…

Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) as part of funding a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has been jeopardised by the UK government’s new anti-touting measures. The PSL model being explored by United would allow licence holders to resell match or season tickets at a profit — something ministers now plan to outlaw. New legislation, set for next year’s king’s speech, will prohibit reselling sports or music tickets above face value. While football ticket touting is already illegal under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government sources say they would oppose any attempt by United to create a secondary…

Arsenal fear that defender Gabriel Magalhães could miss a minimum of one month after suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil. The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates last Saturday and returned to London for further assessment, where scans confirmed a muscle injury in his right thigh. While testing is ongoing, Gabriel is expected to miss Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham and Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. Depending on the severity, he could also be sidelined for upcoming Premier League games against Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa, as…