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.
The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a drive to reintroduce lost species, including the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket and white-faced darter dragonfly, once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs. These insects depend on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost due to human activity. LWT has been restoring habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the project. The trust said the species play key roles in the ecosystem: pollinating plants, breaking down plant matter, and keeping insect populations in balance. Senior nature recovery officer…
New Zealand is racing to protect its critically endangered birds, including the kākāpō, from the deadly H5N1 avian influenza before spring migration brings the virus to the region. With fewer than 250 kākāpō left, even a single outbreak could be catastrophic. In a world-first trial, the Department of Conservation vaccinated 10 captive birds from five endangered species, including the kākāpō, takahē, kakī, tūturuatu, and one kākāriki species. Using the H5N3 poultry vaccine, four species developed strong antibodies lasting at least six months, offering hope for protecting captive breeding populations and their wild offspring. Vaccination of wild birds is far more…
A simple two-minute cheek-swab test could identify children at risk of a potentially fatal heart condition years before traditional diagnosis methods, researchers have revealed. The condition, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), is genetic and accounts for over 10% of sudden cardiac deaths in children. It arises from abnormalities in the proteins between heart cells, disrupting both the structure and electrical activity of the heart. Often, it develops silently and can strike without warning. Scientists from Great Ormond Street Hospital and St George’s, University of London discovered that the same protein abnormalities can be detected in the cells lining the cheeks. This led…
Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, claiming a dominant pole-to-flag victory that extended his lead in the drivers’ championship to 34 points. The 24-year-old Australian controlled the race from start to finish, even managing to stay composed through light rain and three safety-car periods. For teammate and title rival Lando Norris, the weekend ended in heartbreak. Running second and closing on Piastri with just seven laps remaining, Norris suffered a sudden oil leak that forced him to retire. The British driver was left alone on the dunes at Zandvoort, helmet on and head bowed, as…
A new large-scale analysis has found that young children in the US are often prescribed ADHD medication almost immediately after diagnosis, contrary to recommended medical guidelines. Children aged four and five who are newly diagnosed are advised to undergo six months of behavioural therapy before starting medication, but the study shows this is frequently bypassed. The research, published in JAMA Network Open and involving more than 9,700 children, found that 42.2% of young patients received ADHD medication within one month of diagnosis, while only 14.1% began treatment after the recommended six months. Dr Yair Bannett, lead author and assistant professor…
A global systematic review has revealed that the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults. The analysis found that receiving the vaccine was associated with an 18% lower risk of heart attack or stroke, with slightly lower but still significant benefits for adults over 50. The study, the first of its kind worldwide, analyzed data from 19 studies, including randomized controlled trials and observational research. Researchers suggest the protective effect could be linked to reducing inflammation caused by shingles, which is known to contribute to heart and circulatory problems. Experts have welcomed the findings but emphasized…
Sharks may face a future where their vital teeth are weakened, making it harder for them to feed efficiently and potentially destabilizing marine ecosystems. A new study found that ocean acidification, driven by increased CO₂ absorption, could damage shark teeth faster than they are replaced. Shark jaws carry multiple rows of teeth that are constantly replaced, but higher acidity could accelerate erosion, leaving sharks less able to hunt. Researchers tested 60 naturally shed blacktip reef shark teeth in tanks simulating current ocean pH (8.1) and projected 2300 conditions (7.3). After eight weeks, teeth in the more acidic water suffered roughly…
Wild bees actively select flowers that provide a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, according to a new study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Ecologists tracked eight species of wild bumblebees in the Colorado Rockies over eight years, mapping their pollen diets and analyzing the macronutrient content of different flowers. Researchers discovered that pollen protein levels varied dramatically, ranging from 17% to as high as 86%. Seasonal changes also played a role: spring flowers tended to be rich in protein, while late-summer blooms offered more fats and carbohydrates. Bees adjusted their diets accordingly, depending…
Surgeons in China have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human for the first time, with the organ functioning for nine days. The study, published in Nature Medicine, marks a significant step in xenotransplantation, a field aimed at addressing the global organ shortage. According to the World Health Organization, only around 10% of the global demand for organ transplants is currently being met. The lung, taken from a Chinese Bama Xiang pig with six genetic modifications, was implanted into a 39-year-old male recipient. Researchers reported that the organ remained viable, avoided hyperacute rejection, and showed no…
A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet can help reduce the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline, even for those with high genetic susceptibility. The diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, appears to have protective effects on brain health over decades. APOE4 Carriers Benefit Most One of the strongest genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is the APOE4 variant. Having one copy triples the risk, while two copies increase it up to twelvefold. The research, published in Nature Medicine, found that people with the APOE4 variant who adhered…
