Author: Andrew Rogers

A return to Nepal’s traditional lentil-and-rice diet could help tackle a growing type 2 diabetes crisis, researchers say. In Nepal, about one in five people over 40 has diabetes, while medication remains largely unaffordable and complications often lead to severe disability or early death. Doctors say western junk food, combined with lower activity levels, has driven the surge. Pilot studies in Kathmandu and surrounding communities show promising results. Around half of participants achieved diabetes remission within four months after following a calorie-controlled traditional diet of yoghurt, fruit, and dal bhat. Average weight loss was modest, at just 4–5kg. The work…

People who drink a couple of teas or coffees a day may face a lower risk of dementia and slightly slower cognitive decline, scientists say. A large US study of more than 130,000 people found that those who drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily had a 15–20% lower dementia risk over four decades than non-drinkers. The findings were published in Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers analysed long-term data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed slightly better cognitive…

BP faces growing pressure from shareholders as it prepares to publish full-year results expected to show weaker profits. Analysts forecast earnings of about $7.5bn, down from nearly $9bn last year, after oil prices fell for a third straight year and dipped below $60 a barrel. Investors want reassurance that BP can move beyond recent turbulence and set a clear long-term direction. Incoming chief executive Meg O’Neill will face demands to outline a new strategy as activist shareholders question BP’s renewed focus on fossil fuels. Investor groups including Follow This and the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility have filed resolutions urging…

Researchers say a menstrual blood test could offer a simple alternative to cervical screening.The method uses a sanitary pad fitted with a blood sample strip.It can detect human papillomavirus, which causes most cervical cancers. Women could use the test at home without a clinical examination.This may help reach people who skip routine cervical screening. Researchers in China compared pad samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.The study involved more than 3,000 women with regular menstrual cycles.Findings were published in BMJ. The pad-based test showed high sensitivity for detecting serious cervical cell changes.Its accuracy was comparable to clinician-collected samples. Cancer Research UK said…

A major review published in The Lancet finds most statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs. Researchers analysed 19 trials involving 124,000 people followed for over four years. Evidence supported only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects. These included liver test changes, mild liver abnormalities, urine changes, and tissue swelling. The study found no strong evidence linking statins to memory loss, depression, sleep problems, or nerve damage. Researchers say benefits in preventing heart attacks and strokes far outweigh the small risks. They call for updated drug labels to help patients and doctors make informed decisions.

Hidden sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram competitions.They offer injectable medicines as prizes to attract users. The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an experimental drug without approval.Posts pressure users with 24-hour entry deadlines. Experts warn these promotions create serious health risks.They apply aggressive marketing tactics to unlicensed medicines. One group offered retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II as prizes.None of these injectable products hold UK approval. UK law bans the sale or promotion of unapproved weight-loss drugs.Telegram and Meta say their rules prohibit such activity.

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than real food and need stricter regulation.Scientists from Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and Duke University say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harms similar to smoking.Authors warn marketing claims like “low fat” can delay regulation, echoing historic tobacco tactics.They call for measures such as marketing restrictions and stronger industry accountability.Some experts caution comparisons may overreach, urging focus on diet quality and reformulation instead.

The U.S. Commerce Department has unveiled a new national strategy aimed at reenergizing travel and tourism across the country. The plan targets attracting up to 90 million international visitors annually, boosting both jobs and tourism spending. Officials say the strategy focuses on increasing global awareness of U.S. destinations, improving travel access, and promoting regional attractions. The goal is to strengthen the United States’ position as a top international tourism destination. The plan includes initiatives to enhance visa processes, expand marketing campaigns, and support local tourism infrastructure. By simplifying entry and promoting unique travel experiences, officials hope to encourage longer stays and…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival claims over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He insisted the design complies with regulations and urged competitors to focus on themselves.The row centres on engine compression ratios and thermal expansion while cars are running.Rivals including Ferrari and Audi raised concerns with the FIA.Wolff said Mercedes communicated transparently with the FIA.He did not rule out protests after the season opener in Melbourne.

Researchers believe cosmic dust helped deliver life’s building blocks to early Earth.At the University of Sydney, PhD candidate Linda Losurdo has recreated cosmic dust in a laboratory.The work aims to explain why meteorites contain organic molecules linked to life.Cosmic dust forms around dying stars and carries carbon-based compounds called CHON molecules.Scientists debate whether these compounds formed on Earth or arrived from space.Losurdo recreated space conditions using a vacuum and high-voltage plasma.The artificial dust matches infrared signatures seen in real cosmic samples.Experts say the method could advance research into early life on Earth and other planets.