Author: Andrew Rogers

Germany has launched a €500 billion stimulus plan to revive its economy and create new jobs. The government aims to strengthen the country’s infrastructure and defense sectors, which are expected to drive growth in the coming years. The plan focuses on modernizing roads, railways, and digital networks while increasing defense spending. Officials say this approach will help Germany remain competitive in Europe and globally. The move comes amid signs of slower economic growth and rising global uncertainties. Investments in infrastructure are expected to create thousands of new jobs. Large-scale projects will target transport networks, renewable energy, and digital services. Experts…

Scientists have successfully grown embryo-like structures in the lab that produced human blood cells, marking a major step forward for regenerative medicine. The breakthrough, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Gurdon Institute, could one day allow patients to receive bone marrow transplants using blood stem cells created from their own tissues, removing the need for donor matches. Dr Jitesh Neupane, the study’s first author, said it was “an exciting moment” when the blood-red colour appeared in the dish, visible to the naked eye. The embryo model, grown from human stem cells, mimics natural development in the early weeks…

Microplastics are now found in our blood, lungs, guts and even our brains. Scientists estimate the average person carries about 5g of plastic inside them — roughly a teaspoon’s worth. Austrian researchers recently showed that microplastics can alter gut bacteria in ways linked to depression and colorectal cancer. “Reducing exposure is a wise precaution,” said Dr Christian Pacher-Deutsch. The particles come from packaging, clothing, tyres and cosmetics. Some are tiny enough to enter organs and cells. “We’re finding them in almost every tissue studied,” said Dr Jaime Ross from the University of Rhode Island, whose mice exposed to microplastics showed…

Upstate New York is seeing a remarkable surge in ultra-luxury real estate, attracting buyers looking for expansive estates away from crowded coastal markets. The trend is highlighted by the $90 million Mill Farm listing, a 2,150-acre estate in Columbia County. Buyers are increasingly shifting their attention from traditional luxury markets like the Hamptons to more secluded areas, including the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Adirondacks. Experts say this move reflects a desire for privacy, open space, and lifestyle flexibility. Mill Farm exemplifies the type of property driving this market. With thousands of acres, private forests, and bespoke amenities, such estates offer…

The European Union’s economic policies are showing strong positive results, improving trade and financial stability across its member nations. Recent reports indicate that coordinated policy efforts have strengthened the EU’s economic outlook and supported growth in key sectors. EU leaders have focused on strategic measures to enhance trade agreements, increase investment, and stabilize financial markets. These policies aim to foster sustainable growth while protecting member countries from global economic shocks. Trade between EU nations has grown steadily, with exports rising across major industries, including technology, automotive, and renewable energy. Analysts say these improvements are a direct outcome of the union’s…

AstraZeneca has reached a deal with Donald Trump’s administration to lower prices on some of its medicines for the US Medicaid program in exchange for tariff relief. The British drugmaker follows Pfizer in agreeing to a “most-favored-nation” pricing model, meaning it will match the lowest drug prices offered in other developed countries. “For years, Americans have paid the highest prices in the world,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “This deal could bring prices down to the lowest anywhere.” AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, present at the announcement, said the negotiations were intense and that Trump’s team “really kept me up…

Global investment in nature-based solutions has seen a remarkable rise, doubling since 2013, experts report. These investments focus on improving water security and strengthening climate resilience through strategies such as wetland restoration and forest management. Nature-based solutions are approaches that use natural ecosystems to tackle environmental challenges while benefiting communities and wildlife. They include restoring forests, wetlands, and rivers, improving soil health, and protecting coastal habitats. The surge in funding reflects a growing recognition of their value for both people and the planet. Water security is one of the most urgent issues these solutions address. By restoring wetlands and conserving…

Donald Trump has warned he will impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods from 1 November – or sooner – accusing Beijing of “very hostile” moves to restrict rare-earth exports critical to US industries. The threat marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the world’s two largest economies, just months after both sides agreed to ease tariffs. Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Perhaps the time has come. It will be painful, but good for the U.S.A. in the end.” He said the White House is also preparing new export controls on “any and all critical software.” Beijing recently expanded its…

Researchers say they’ve developed the world’s first reliable blood test to detect myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Led by Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy at the University of East Anglia, the study found distinctive DNA-folding patterns in ME/CFS patients’ blood. Using samples from 47 patients and 61 healthy adults, the test showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity. “This could transform diagnosis and management,” Pshezhetskiy said. “For the first time, we have a simple, accurate test.” The research, published in The Journal of Translational Medicine, was co-authored by Oxford Biodynamics, which funded the study. Experts welcomed the findings but urged caution.…

New research shows about 90% of marine aquarium fish sold in the US are caught from the wild, not bred in captivity. The study, led by Dr Bing Lin from the University of Sydney, found most fish come from the western Pacific and Indian oceans. Globally, around 55 million marine animals are sold each year in an industry worth over US$2 billion, with the US driving two-thirds of demand. Researchers found 45 threatened or declining species, including Banggai cardinalfish and clarion angelfish, listed for sale online. “Much of the trade is opaque — from reef to retail,” Lin said. “Consumers…