Author: Andrew Rogers

The Marsh Fritillary, once widespread across the UK and Ireland, has enjoyed a strong year in Northern Ireland thanks to favourable weather and long-term conservation work. The species has suffered steep declines over the past century as farming practices altered the grasslands and heathlands where its sole food plant, Devil’s-bit Scabious, grows. Butterfly Conservation has spent years working closely with farmers to restore and manage suitable habitats. Their latest autumn survey of caterpillar nests — silken webs formed by groups of larvae — shows dramatic increases at several sites. One location recorded 53 nests, up from 24 last year, while…

A government health panel has recommended against introducing prostate cancer screening for most men in the UK, saying the harms outweigh the benefits. The UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) found that widespread use of the PSA test would lead to high levels of overdiagnosis, detecting many slow-growing cancers that would never cause harm. Instead, the committee proposed targeted screening only for men with confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants, who are at higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. These men could be screened every two years between ages 45 and 61. The committee also said evidence was too uncertain to…

Premier League clubs are bracing for higher wage costs after the UK government confirmed in its latest budget that image rights payments will be taxed as income from April 2027. Currently, many players receive part of their earnings through image rights paid to limited companies, which are taxed at the 25% corporate rate. Under the new rules, these payments will instead be subject to the 45% top income tax rate — a major increase for many top-flight footballers. Agents say players signing new contracts are likely to demand higher wages to offset the extra tax, with some clubs expected to…

Archaeologists believe they have confirmed that a vast circle of enormous pits near Stonehenge was carved by Neolithic people, following a new analysis using multiple scientific techniques. The so-called Durrington pit circle, first announced in 2020, consists of about 20 massive pits arranged in a ring more than a mile wide, centred on the Neolithic sites of Durrington Walls and Woodhenge. Some pits measure 10 metres across and 5 metres deep, requiring remarkable planning, labour and engineering skill. Early reactions to the discovery were divided, with some researchers questioning whether the pits were natural features rather than human-made structures more…

Researchers have identified five major stages of human brain development, revealing that the brain does not reach its full “adult mode” until the early 30s. The study, based on brain scans from nearly 4,000 people aged from infancy to 90, uncovered four major turning points in brain organisation occurring at approximately ages 9, 32, 66 and 83. These shifts divide life into five broad developmental “epochs” marked by distinct changes in neural wiring. According to Prof Duncan Astle of Cambridge University, the findings show that brain development is not a smooth, gradual process but one punctuated by major transitions. Understanding…

Idrissa Gueye received applause from the Everton squad after personally apologising for the red card he received for slapping teammate Michael Keane during Monday’s 1–0 win at Manchester United. The midfielder became the first Premier League player in 17 years to be sent off for striking a teammate after a heated exchange with Keane in the 13th minute. The confrontation followed a misplaced pass from Gueye that gifted Bruno Fernandes a chance, prompting the midfielder to lash out. Everton went on to produce a heroic performance with 10 men for 85 minutes, earning David Moyes his first-ever win at Old…

People who stop using the weight-loss drug Mounjaro tend to regain lost weight and lose many of the accompanying health benefits, according to new research. Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, has helped users lose around 20% of their body weight in clinical studies. But previous research has shown that much of this weight often returns once treatment stops. A new analysis from the Surmount-4 clinical trial shows that improvements in blood pressure, blood glucose and levels of “bad” cholesterol also reverse after people discontinue the injections. Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said this outcome is…

Virgil van Dijk delivered a brutal assessment of Liverpool’s alarming slump after their 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, admitting the reigning champions are “a mess” and questioning whether all players are taking responsibility. The loss left Liverpool in the bottom half of the table with a negative goal difference, marking their sixth defeat in seven Premier League games. Van Dijk said the team’s second-half performance was “unacceptable” and conceded that panic set in after Forest took the lead. He also highlighted Liverpool’s ongoing weakness at set pieces, having now conceded nine such goals in the league. The captain admitted…

A 2025 report by Bank of America and its research institute shows growing confidence among U.S. small and mid-sized business owners. According to the study, 74% of these business owners expect their revenue to rise in the next year. Nearly 60% also plan to expand their operations, signaling strong optimism in a key sector of the economy. This confidence among smaller firms is a positive sign for overall growth, employment, and innovation. Small and mid-sized businesses make up a significant portion of the U.S. economy, so their outlook can influence broader economic trends. Experts note that increased revenue expectations could…

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The legislation requires the Justice Department to release all investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers hailed the bill as a major step toward accountability and public trust. Passed by unanimous consent, the bill ensures that the extensive records from federal investigations into Epstein’s alleged crimes will become available to the public. Senators emphasized that transparency is essential in high-profile cases involving criminal networks and powerful individuals. The move follows years of public scrutiny over Epstein’s connections and the handling of his previous criminal cases. Advocates for victims and…