Author: Andrew Rogers

Scientists have identified five major phases of human brain development, with four key “turning points” occurring at roughly ages 9, 32, 66 and 83, according to a large new study. Researchers analysed brain scans from nearly 4,000 people ranging from infancy to 90 years old, mapping how neural connections change over a lifetime. The findings suggest brain development is not a smooth, gradual process but moves through distinct eras marked by major shifts in structure and connectivity. The five phases are: During early childhood, the brain goes through “network consolidation,” where excess neural connections are pruned and more active pathways…

The dismissal of criminal cases against former FBI director James Comey and former state attorney Letitia James underscores the independence of the U.S. judiciary. The ruling demonstrates that courts can act as a check on prosecutorial overreach, even in politically sensitive and high-profile cases. Federal judges concluded that the prosecutor who filed charges against Comey and James was unlawfully appointed. This procedural error invalidated the indictments, regardless of the allegations. The decision highlights the judiciary’s essential role in ensuring that the legal system operates within constitutional boundaries. Judicial independence is a cornerstone of the U.S. legal system. Courts are tasked…

Idrissa Gueye was warmly applauded by his Everton teammates after apologising for his red card incident during Everton’s 1–0 win over Manchester United. The midfielder became the first Premier League player in 17 years to be sent off for striking a teammate after slapping Michael Keane during a heated moment at Old Trafford. The flashpoint followed Gueye’s misplaced pass, which led to a dangerous chance for Bruno Fernandes. Gueye was unable to address his teammates at half-time, but after the match he asked to speak to the group. In the dressing room he apologised directly to Keane, admitted fault for…

People who stop using the weight-loss injection Mounjaro are likely to regain weight and lose key health improvements, according to new research. Mounjaro, which contains the drug tirzepatide, has been shown to help users lose around 20% of their body weight. However, researchers analysing data from the Surmount-4 clinical trial found that once people stop taking the medication, weight frequently returns — along with the reversal of benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels and better blood sugar control. In the study, participants used tirzepatide for 36 weeks alongside diet and exercise support. They were then split into…

Virgil van Dijk has launched a powerful critique of Liverpool’s poor title defence, admitting the champions are “in a mess” and questioning whether every player is taking responsibility for the team’s alarming slump. Following a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool have slipped into the bottom half of the table with a negative goal difference. Van Dijk did not hide his frustration, describing the performance as unacceptable and admitting “panic kicked in” after Forest’s opener. He also acknowledged that the players are letting down manager Arne Slot. The captain was visibly angry in the aftermath, raising his voice in…

A person in Washington state has become 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 problems. Officials said the person’s backyard poultry flock had been exposed to wild birds, which is believed to be the source of the infection. State and federal health authorities confirmed there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, and no close contacts have tested positive.…

Thomas Frank has said Tottenham are not close to matching Arsenal’s willingness to spend £100m on a single player, despite major changes behind the scenes at Spurs. Since Daniel Levy was removed as chair in September, Tottenham have undergone a leadership overhaul, with the Lewis family installing a new management structure and committing fresh investment. While the ambition is to turn Spurs into Premier League title contenders, Frank admitted the club is not currently in a position to make blockbuster signings on the scale of Arsenal’s £105m move for Declan Rice. Tottenham’s record signing remains Richarlison at £60m in 2022.…

Ian Wright has spoken out in support of Jude Bellingham, arguing that some of the criticism aimed at the England midfielder is rooted in discomfort with seeing a confident, successful “black superstar”. Bellingham was criticised after reacting angrily to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with some suggesting he could be a disruptive influence in the squad. Wright rejected that narrative, claiming some people feel threatened by Bellingham’s talent and presence. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said Bellingham’s confidence, energy and success make certain people uneasy. He suggested outspoken black players who perform…

Manchester United’s proposal to sell personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has hit a major obstacle: new government plans to ban resale of sports and music tickets above face value. United’s PSL model — still in early consultation — included a key feature: allowing licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit, similar to the NFL’s thriving secondary PSL market. But new legislation, set for next year’s king’s speech, will restrict all resales to face value only, with government sources signalling they would oppose any attempt by United to create…

Arsenal fear that Gabriel Magalhães could miss a minimum of one month after suffering a thigh injury on international duty with Brazil, dealing a major blow to the Premier League leaders. The defender limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, later returning to London for further assessment. Early scans confirmed a muscle injury in his right thigh, and although testing is ongoing, Gabriel is already ruled out of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham and Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. Depending on the severity, Gabriel could be sidelined for over a…