Author: Andrew Rogers

iRobot, the US company behind the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and agreed to be taken over by one of its Chinese suppliers. The company said it will be acquired by a subsidiary of Picea Robotics, its main manufacturing partner, as part of a restructuring deal filed in Delaware. iRobot warned earlier this month that bankruptcy was a possibility after years of financial pressure. Once valued at more than $3bn during the pandemic, iRobot has struggled with supply chain disruptions and growing competition from cheaper robot vacuum brands. Last year it reported a net…

A new review suggests psychedelic treatments such as psilocybin may help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), while cannabis-based treatments show little benefit. The review, led by Dr Michael Van Ameringen of McMaster University and published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, examined existing evidence on alternative OCD treatments. It found stronger signals for psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, than for cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This is significant given that 40–60% of people with OCD gain limited relief from standard treatments such as SSRIs and exposure therapy. Researchers believe the difference lies in how the substances affect the brain. Psilocybin appears…

Scientists have identified genetic changes in polar bears that could help them adapt to rising temperatures, offering new insight into how the species may respond to climate change. Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that polar bears in south-east Greenland differ genetically from those in colder northern regions. By analysing blood samples, they discovered increased activity in so-called “jumping genes” – mobile DNA elements that influence how other genes function – particularly in bears living in warmer environments. The study, published in Mobile DNA, is believed to be the first to show a statistically significant link between climate…

Robert Irwin’s recent win on the U.S. version of Dancing with the Stars is generating a surge of interest in Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Although not directly linked to U.S. tourism, the celebrity spotlight is influencing international travel trends. Tourism experts note that U.S. pop culture continues to shape global travel decisions. American audiences inspired by Irwin’s TV appearance are now considering trips to the Sunshine Coast, where the wildlife expert grew up. The Sunshine Coast is known for its beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural attractions. Visitors can explore koala habitats, national parks, and coastal towns that offer a mix of…

The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be watered down, according to a senior European parliamentarian, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners. Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer represents a complete ban on combustion engines. Rather than requiring zero CO₂ emissions from all new cars from 2035, manufacturers would instead face a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale. The shift…

Researchers have documented northern resident orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins working together to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia — a cooperative strategy never seen before. Drone footage, underwater video, and acoustic tags showed dolphins racing ahead like “scouts,” tracking Chinook salmon that they cannot catch themselves. The orcas followed closely behind, captured the fish, and shared pieces with their pod. The dolphins then fed on leftover scraps. Remarkably, the whales showed no aggression, even though they usually guard fresh kills. Acoustic recordings revealed alternating echolocation from both species during dives, suggesting they may be listening to each…

Humans have been ranked 7th out of 35 mammal species in a new monogamy study from the University of Cambridge — placing us above meerkats and gibbons, but below highly faithful species like Eurasian beavers and moustached tamarins. Researchers analysed genetic data to compare how often siblings share both parents. Humans showed 66% full siblings, while beavers reached 72%, indicating even stronger pair-bonding. Species lowest on the list included dolphins, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas. The study highlights that, despite societal variation, humans overall fall within the monogamous group — an unusual trait among mammals. Scientists believe this behaviour may have…

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House has introduced a new bill to extend pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies. The legislation could help millions of Americans maintain health insurance and ease the financial burden of healthcare. The subsidies were first expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to make health coverage more affordable. They helped many Americans pay lower premiums and gain access to essential care. The new bill aims to continue these benefits for another year. Supporters of the bill say extending subsidies will prevent people from losing insurance coverage. Without these subsidies, millions could face higher costs or be forced to…

Health officials in England have detected a newly evolved mpox variant in a traveler who recently returned from Asia. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus is a recombinant strain — containing genetic material from both the more severe clade 1 and the less aggressive clade 2, the version behind the 2022 global outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency announced that it is still assessing how significant this new form may be. While most mpox cases are mild, officials urge at-risk groups to get vaccinated. Experts note that viruses naturally evolve, and with both clades in circulation, a recombinant strain was…

Marc Guéhi struck in the final minutes to earn Crystal Palace a dramatic 2-1 win over Fulham, pushing Oliver Glasner’s side into the Premier League’s top four. Fulham had dominated spells and looked set for a point, but Guéhi met a near-post corner to seal a result that sent the away end into celebration and left Marco Silva frustrated once again against Palace. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring on his first league start of the season after Adam Wharton unlocked Fulham’s defence with a clever move down the left. Fulham responded through a brilliant outside-of-the-boot finish from Harry Wilson, but…