Author: Andrew Rogers

Plants growing close together can warn one another about incoming stress, helping their neighbours survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either in isolation or packed closely so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light stress, isolated plants suffered heavy damage, while crowded plants coped far better by rapidly activating defensive mechanisms. Within just one hour, densely grown plants switched on more than 2,000 genes linked to protection against a wide range of stresses. In contrast, isolated plants showed little additional gene activity, indicating they lacked the same…

Netflix has revised its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) offer for Warner Bros Discovery by making it an all-cash deal, aiming to speed up approval and block a hostile bid from Paramount Skydance. The offer keeps the valuation at $27.75 per share but removes equity complexity, allowing WBD shareholders to vote as early as April. Netflix said the structure gives greater certainty and remains unanimously backed by WBD’s board. Under the deal, WBD investors would also receive shares in a spun-off global networks business, including CNN and Discovery Channel, which Netflix is not acquiring. Paramount continues to pursue a larger $108.4bn takeover and…

Federal policies aimed at lowering prescription costs for seniors are now taking effect. Through expanded Medicare drug price negotiations, millions of Americans can expect to see reduced costs for essential medications. Officials said the policy allows Medicare to directly negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. This step is expected to bring significant savings for seniors who rely on medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Many older Americans could pay hundreds less annually. Healthcare experts say that negotiated drug prices are a long-awaited change. By allowing Medicare to leverage its purchasing power, the government can secure…

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well patients with breast cancer will respond to specific treatments. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA in the blood and can indicate treatment effectiveness before therapy begins or after just four weeks. Researchers studied 167 patients with advanced breast cancer and found that low or undetectable DNA levels were strongly linked to better treatment responses and longer periods without disease progression. Patients with higher DNA levels were less likely to benefit from the same therapies. The findings suggest doctors could avoid ineffective treatments, switch strategies earlier and personalise care.…

Newcastle United missed a chance to climb the table after a drab 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium. Despite dominating possession, Newcastle created little and failed to seriously test José Sá. Wolves defended compactly and threatened occasionally on the counter. Eddie Howe admitted his side lacked quality in attack, while Wolves showed growing resilience under Rob Edwards.

Nvidia suppliers have reportedly paused production after Chinese customs blocked imports of the company’s H200 AI chips, despite US approval for their export. The move, reported by the Financial Times, has added confusion for suppliers who were preparing to ship large volumes to China. Chinese officials have warned domestic tech firms against buying the chips, without clarifying whether the restriction is temporary or a full ban. The situation is further complicated by a US requirement that the Taiwan-made chips transit through the United States, triggering a 25% tariff. Analysts remain split on whether allowing China access to the powerful H200…

A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled after widespread criticism over its ethical design. The decision was confirmed by Yap Boum, a senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who said the trial raised serious concerns about withholding a proven, life-saving vaccine from thousands of infants. The $1.6m study, overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services under secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, planned to randomise newborns so that only half would receive the hepatitis B birth dose in a country with one of the world’s…

West Ham United are prepared to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back to the club for the rest of the season, a condition that has met resistance from Flamengo. The Brazilian side have seen an opening €35m bid rejected and are considering increasing their offer to around €40m, but are reluctant to loan Paquetá back, believing they could secure him for a lower fee in the summer. Paquetá has made clear his desire to return to Brazil after a difficult period in England. Although cleared of spot-fixing allegations last year, the investigation derailed…

BP has warned it will take a writedown of up to $5bn on its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it refocuses on fossil fuels. The impairment, largely affecting its gas and transition divisions, will not hit underlying profits when BP reports full-year results in February. The move follows the appointment of new chair Albert Manifold and signals a further retreat from renewable ambitions. BP has already cancelled hydrogen projects in several countries and is seeking to sell a stake in its solar arm, Lightsource. The update comes amid weaker oil trading and falling crude prices, with Brent averaging $63.73…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a strategic review under its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. The owner of major brands including Guinness and Johnnie Walker is said to be working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to assess options in China, where sales have been declining. According to reports, Diageo could divest its majority stake in Shanghai-listed Sichuan Swellfun, a baijiu producer and distributor in which it owns more than 63%. Shares in the Chengdu-based company have fallen sharply over the past year, reflecting weaker demand. Lewis, who took over on 1 January and built…