Author: Andrew Rogers

A major trial has found that a daily low dose of aspirin can cut the risk of colorectal cancer returning after surgery by more than half in patients with specific gene mutations. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute studied more than 3,500 patients across Scandinavia, with genetic testing identifying 37% who carried mutations in the PI3K pathway. Those patients were randomly assigned aspirin or placebo for three years after tumour removal. Results showed aspirin users were 55% less likely to see their cancer return. The drug appears to work by reducing inflammation, interfering with the PI3K pathway, and preventing blood platelets…

A new daily pill could help people lose up to a fifth of their body weight, according to results from a large clinical trial of orforglipron, developed by Eli Lilly. Involving more than 3,100 adults with obesity but no diabetes, the 72-week study found that 18% of participants on the highest dose lost at least 20% of their body weight, while over half achieved a reduction of 10% or more. Average weight loss ranged from 7.5% with the lowest dose to 11.2% with the highest. The pill, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, works by lowering blood sugar, slowing digestion, and reducing…

Sky has placed 900 jobs at risk as part of its latest restructuring to compete with US streaming giants. The broadcaster, owned by Comcast, expects around 600 roles to be cut and 300 redeployed among its 23,000 UK staff. The move marks Sky’s third round of cuts in just over 18 months, following product launches such as the updated Sky Glass smart TV and the budget Sky Glass Air. Technology, product teams, and related corporate functions will be most affected. Since early 2023, Sky has cut nearly 3,500 roles while shifting from traditional satellite pay-TV toward streaming services like Sky…

US and Chinese negotiators have reached a framework agreement to transfer TikTok into US-controlled ownership, officials confirmed on Monday. The deal marks a breakthrough in a years-long dispute over the app’s Chinese parent ByteDance, which has faced scrutiny in Washington over national security risks. US trade representative Jamieson Greer and Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang both confirmed that the framework resolves core issues, though commercial terms remain private. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said final details would be settled during a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on Friday. The ownership battle dates back to 2020 when Trump ordered ByteDance to…

Andrew Bailey is under pressure from former Bank of England policymakers to ease government borrowing costs by scaling back the central bank’s bond-selling programme. With Britain’s long-term borrowing costs at their highest in 27 years, four ex-members of the Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) have warned that the £100bn annual programme of quantitative tightening (QT) risks driving gilt yields even higher. The Bank began unwinding its £895bn crisis-era bond holdings last year and has already sold about £100bn. It still holds around £560bn, much of it at a loss. Markets expect disposals to fall to about £70bn over the next…

France has suffered a fresh blow to its financial credibility after Fitch Ratings downgraded the country’s credit score from “AA-” to “A+”, citing deepening political instability and rising debt. The downgrade comes in the wake of France’s ongoing political crisis. Outgoing Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted after losing a parliamentary confidence vote over his unpopular budget plan, which had included sharp spending cuts such as scrapping two public holidays. His replacement, Sébastien Lecornu, now faces the challenge of restoring investor confidence while negotiating with a fragmented parliament. Fitch highlighted that France’s public debt—already at 113.2% of GDP in 2024—is…

Historic neighborhoods across the country are experiencing a cultural revival through art. Murals, sculptures, and other public art installations are turning once-neglected streets into vibrant spaces. These projects are not only beautifying communities but also highlighting the unique history and culture of each area. Local artists and residents are leading the way, collaborating to create pieces that tell the story of their neighborhoods. Many of the artworks reflect historical events, cultural traditions, and the everyday lives of longtime residents. This approach helps preserve local heritage while giving communities a fresh and engaging look. The impact goes beyond aesthetics. Businesses in…

Libraries across the United States are seeing record attendance as new community programs bring people of all ages through their doors. Creative workshops, storytelling sessions, and technology classes have proven popular, helping libraries become central hubs for learning and engagement. Many libraries have expanded beyond traditional book lending to offer interactive programs that meet the needs of their communities. In urban and rural areas alike, residents are finding that libraries now provide much more than quiet spaces for reading. The rise in attendance highlights the growing role of libraries as vibrant centers for education, creativity, and social interaction. Library community…

California Wine Country has officially reopened, inviting visitors to explore the famous vineyards of Napa and Sonoma once again. The region, known for its world-class wines, was temporarily closed due to recent wildfires that affected parts of Northern California. Local wineries have implemented enhanced safety measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for tourists. Visitors can now tour vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and dine at winery restaurants with confidence. Many wineries worked quickly to restore operations. Fire crews and volunteers helped clear debris, repair damage, and ensure that the vineyards remain healthy. Some of the most popular estates reopened…

This summer, U.S. national parks welcomed more visitors than ever before. Recent reports show that popular parks across the country experienced record numbers, reflecting a strong trend toward outdoor travel and nature-based tourism. Park officials said the increase in visitors comes after years of pandemic-related restrictions. Many families and travelers are eager to spend time outdoors, enjoy scenic landscapes, and take part in recreational activities. The National Park Service reported that parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon saw significant spikes in attendance. Yellowstone, for instance, reported its busiest July in history, with thousands of visitors exploring its geysers,…