Author: Andrew Rogers

A new review suggests psychedelic treatments, particularly psilocybin, may help reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis shows little lasting benefit. The review, led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University and published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, examined evidence for alternative OCD treatments. It found stronger support for psychedelics than for cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, which appear to offer only short-term relief. Researchers believe the difference lies in how the substances affect the brain. Psilocybin reduces activity in the default mode network, which is linked to rumination and obsessive thinking in OCD, while cannabis…

Scientists have identified genetic changes in polar bears that could help them cope with rising temperatures, offering new insight into how the species may respond to global heating. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears living in south-east Greenland show distinct genetic differences from those in colder northern regions. The study suggests that warmer conditions are influencing how certain genes are expressed, particularly those linked to heat stress, ageing and metabolism. The team analysed blood samples from bears in two Greenland regions, focusing on so-called “jumping genes” – mobile DNA elements that can alter how other…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is likely to be watered down, according to a senior European parliamentarian, in a move that could anger environmental campaigners. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party, said the European Commission is expected to drop the requirement for all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035. Instead, carmakers would need to achieve a 90% reduction in fleet-wide emissions, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale. The proposed shift follows lobbying from Germany, Italy and much of the European car industry, which…

Researchers have observed northern resident killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins cooperating to hunt salmon off British Columbia — a partnership never documented before. Drone footage, underwater cameras, and acoustic tags showed dolphins racing ahead of the whales as “scouts,” locating large Chinook salmon that dolphins cannot catch alone. The orcas then pursue and capture the fish, while the dolphins feed on leftover scraps. Remarkably, the whales show no aggression, even though they normally guard fresh kills. Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation clicks from both species during dives, suggesting they may even be listening to each other to improve tracking.…

A new Cambridge University study has ranked humans 7th out of 35 mammal species for monogamy, placing us above meerkats and gibbons — yet still behind Eurasian beavers. Researchers compared genetic data to calculate how often siblings share both parents, finding humans show 66% full siblings. Beavers scored 72%, while meerkats had 60%. At the bottom of the list were chimpanzees, dolphins and mountain gorillas, which show highly promiscuous mating behaviour. Although human monogamy varies across cultures and history, the results suggest we fall firmly within the “monogamous mammals” category — even if experts note social and religious pressures also…

Health officials in England have identified a newly evolved mpox variant after testing a person who recently returned from Asia. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus is a recombinant form containing elements from two known mpox clades – the more severe clade 1 and the less virulent clade 2, which caused the global mpox outbreak in 2022. The UK Health Security Agency said it is investigating the significance of the new variant. While most mpox cases are mild, people eligible for vaccination are being urged to get protected. “It’s normal for viruses to evolve,” officials noted, stressing the importance of…

Crystal Palace climbed into the Premier League’s top four after Marc Guéhi headed home a late winner to stun Fulham, sealing a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage. The match looked set to end level after Harry Wilson’s brilliant strike cancelled out Eddie Nketiah’s opener, but Guéhi rose at the near post in the closing minutes to snatch all three points for Oliver Glasner’s side. Nketiah put Palace ahead with a sharp finish after a move orchestrated by Adam Wharton, but Fulham hit back with a superb goal as Wilson played a slick one-two with Raúl Jiménez before bending in a…

Far from the snow-capped Himalayas and bustling Kathmandu trails lies Nepal’s Terai – a lush, lowland region rich in wildlife, culture and tradition. Home to the indigenous Tharu people, the Terai offers a slower, more intimate window into Nepali life, where national parks teem with rhinos and elephants, and villages welcome travellers as family. In the remote village of Bhada, visitors stay through the Community Homestay Network – a project empowering local women by hosting guests in traditional homes made from mud, timber and paddy stalks. One such host, Shyam Chaudhary, invited a guest to cook in her kitchen, preparing…

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to expand the use of artificial intelligence across its agencies. The plan aims to improve public-health programs, patient care, and research initiatives through effective integration of AI technologies. HHS officials said the strategy focuses on three key areas: governance, research and development support, and operational integration. By creating a structured framework, the department intends to ensure that AI is applied safely, ethically, and efficiently in healthcare and public health operations. The governance component establishes clear policies and guidelines for AI adoption, including ethical standards, transparency, and…

Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a high-stakes finale with championship leader Lando Norris starting alongside him in second and Oscar Piastri third. Verstappen, on strong late-season form, says he will go “all out” with nothing to lose. Norris, however, remains favourite for the title. He leads by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes third or better, or simply finishes ahead of both Verstappen and Piastri. Verstappen must win and hope Norris misses the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris to finish sixth or lower. Qualifying was tight,…