Author: Andrew Rogers

Researchers say they have created the first accurate blood test to detect myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The test, developed by scientists at the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics, showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity. It identifies unique DNA-folding patterns found only in ME/CFS patients, offering a potential breakthrough for faster diagnosis. “Many patients have gone undiagnosed for years,” said lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy. “Our discovery could change that.” The study, published in Journal of Translational Medicine, analysed blood from 47 patients and 61 healthy adults. Experts welcomed the progress but urged caution. “The findings…

A new study has revealed that about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US are taken directly from the wild. Researchers found that most species come from the western Pacific and Indian oceans, often without traceable origins. “The trade is incredibly opaque — from reef to retail,” said Dr Bing Lin of the University of Sydney, who led the study. The research, published in Conservation Biology, examined 734 fish species and found only 3% were bred in captivity. Fish on sale included 45 species listed as threatened, such as the Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish. Many species are…

Jaguar Land Rover has started a phased restart of its factories more than a month after a major cyber-attack. The hack, which hit on 31 August, forced global shutdowns across production and retail operations. JLR confirmed that manufacturing would resume this week at its West Midlands sites, including Wolverhampton and Solihull. The company also launched a financing scheme to pay suppliers faster and support cashflow during the restart. Vehicle production in Slovakia will follow soon, with Range Rover lines in Solihull restarting first. JLR’s sales fell 17% year on year to 85,495 vehicles last quarter, reflecting the production halt and…

Chicago set a new tourism record during the summer of 2025, with more than 3.5 million hotel room bookings from June to August. This achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2019 and highlights the city’s growing appeal to domestic and international travelers. The record-breaking tourism boom generated $949 million in hotel revenue, benefiting local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the city. Chicago’s mix of cultural attractions, world-class dining, and vibrant events helped attract a diverse array of visitors during the peak summer months. City officials noted that the surge in tourism reflects strong marketing efforts, improved infrastructure, and…

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…