Author: Andrew Rogers

Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, or dancing may act as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A major analysis of 63 reviews covering nearly 80,000 people found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers. The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that heart rate-raising aerobic exercise delivered the strongest benefits. Resistance training and yoga also helped, though to a lesser degree. Group or supervised exercise produced even greater improvements, suggesting social connection plays a key role. Lead researcher Neil Munro of James Cook University said…

A return to Nepal’s traditional lentil-and-rice diet could help reverse a growing type 2 diabetes crisis, researchers say. Around one in five Nepalis over 40 now lives with the condition, driven largely by the spread of western processed foods and reduced physical activity. With diabetes medication often unaffordable, the disease brings severe health, social, and economic consequences for many families. Small studies in Kathmandu and surrounding communities show promising results. In one pilot involving 70 hospital patients, 43% entered remission after following a calorie-controlled traditional diet. An ongoing community trial has seen about half of participants free from diabetes after…

People who drink moderate amounts of tea or coffee show a lower risk of dementia, researchers say.A US study followed more than 130,000 adults for up to 43 years.Those drinking two to three coffees or one to two teas daily had 15–20% lower dementia risk. Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed slightly less cognitive decline than non-drinkers.Decaffeinated coffee showed no protective link.Researchers published the findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study cannot prove caffeine protects the brain.Lifestyle factors may partly explain the results. Lead author Yu Zhang from Harvard University said the evidence fits known biology.Tea and…

BP faces growing pressure from investors as it prepares to publish full-year results expected to show weaker profits. Analysts forecast earnings of about $7.5bn, down from nearly $9bn in 2024, after oil prices fell sharply in 2025. The company also suffered a fourth-quarter hit as crude dropped below $60 a barrel. Incoming chief executive Meg O’Neill will face demands to present a clear long-term strategy. Shareholder groups, including the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility and Follow This, want BP to explain how it will manage spending as fossil fuel demand declines. Activists argue BP’s recent return to oil and gas…

Houston’s rent growth has slowed, offering relief to renters and creating new opportunities for prospective homebuyers. The increase in rental options, combined with more affordable housing, is helping balance the local market. After years of rapid rent increases, Houston’s rental market is easing. Monthly rent hikes have moderated, allowing households to better manage living costs. Analysts say this slowdown gives renters more flexibility to save for down payments or explore homeownership. Stronger rental inventory is also contributing to a more balanced market. More available units mean renters have increased options when searching for housing. In some neighborhoods, the additional inventory…

Researchers say testing menstrual blood could offer a simple alternative to cervical screening.A sanitary pad with a sample strip can detect human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers.Women could use the test at home, avoiding invasive clinical procedures. Researchers in China compared menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.The study involved 3,068 women aged 20 to 54 with regular menstrual cycles.Findings were published in the BMJ. The pad-based test detected serious cervical cell abnormalities with 94.7% sensitivity.This matched the accuracy of samples collected by clinicians.Specificity was slightly lower, but negative results proved equally reliable. Experts say the method could help…

A major review published in The Lancet finds most statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs. Researchers analysed 19 randomised trials involving 124,000 people followed for over four years. Evidence supported only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects, including liver test changes and tissue swelling. The study found no strong evidence linking statins to memory loss, depression, sleep problems, or nerve damage. Lead author Christina Reith said benefits clearly outweigh risks for most patients. Experts called for updated labels to reduce misinformation and help patients make informed decisions.

Hidden-market sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram giveaways.They offer injectable medicines such as retatrutide as competition prizes. The Guardian found groups using countdowns and peer sharing to pressure users.Experts warn these tactics pose serious health risks. None of the promoted drugs hold UK approval.Law allows weight-loss injections only with prescriptions from licensed providers. Some sellers disguise drug sales as fitness or coaching programmes.Researchers say these practices trivialise medical risks and bypass safeguards.

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods should be regulated like cigarettes due to addiction risks and health harms.A study from Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Duke University found strong parallels with tobacco.They say UPFs are engineered to drive cravings and overconsumption through reward pathways.Marketing claims such as “low fat” were compared to historic cigarette healthwashing.The authors urged stricter regulation, shifting responsibility from consumers to food manufacturers.Some experts warned comparisons risk overreach but agreed stronger action is needed.

Toto Wolff dismissed rival claims about Mercedes’ 2026 engine legality.He insisted the power unit complies fully with regulations and FIA procedures.Wolff said rivals missed opportunities and should “get their shit together”.The row centres on engine compression ratios increasing under thermal expansion.Rivals Ferrari, Audi and Honda raised concerns with the FIA.Mercedes and Red Bull Racing deny any rule breach.Wolff accepted rivals may still protest after the Australian Grand Prix.