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Showing posts from April, 2026

Three takeaways from Hegseth's clash with lawmakers over Iran war

The hours-long hearing was the first time the US defence secretary had faced questions under oath since the conflict began. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vN6hpYx

MIT study finds children more vulnerable to cancer-causing chemical in water

A troubling new study from MIT reveals that a common environmental contaminant, NDMA—found in polluted water, certain medications, and even processed foods—may pose a far greater cancer risk to children than adults. In experiments with mice, young animals exposed to the chemical developed significantly more DNA damage and cancer, despite experiencing the same initial exposure as adults. The key difference lies in how rapidly children’s cells divide, which turns early DNA damage into dangerous mutations much more easily. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/7XMteiQ

BBC reports from scene of fatal Indonesia train crash

At least 15 people have died after a train crashed into the female-only carriage of a commuter train in Bekasi. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zJE9rRV

'I jumped around the house', Sebastian Sawe's parents celebrate marathon record

Emily and Simion Saw share their pride at the runner's historic sub-two-hour marathon win. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YghX8qA

Ukraine's drone commander has Russian oil, troops and morale in his sights

In a rare interview, Commander Robert Brovdi shared how his unit accounts for a third of all targets destroyed on the battlefield. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yS1l9bA

Pesticide exposure linked to 150% higher cancer risk in major study

A major new study finds that living in pesticide-heavy environments could raise cancer risk by up to 150%, even when the chemicals are considered “safe” on their own. The research suggests these mixtures may silently damage cells years before cancer appears. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/xwBULI1

Pirates seize another vessel off Somali coast as threat level increased

The UK's maritime monitor reports at least four suspected piracy incidents in the past week off the coast of Somalia. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1n8Xdre

Mezcal worm in a bottle DNA test reveals a surprise

The famous mezcal “worm” has long puzzled scientists, but DNA testing has finally cracked the case. Researchers found that all sampled larvae were actually agave redworm moth caterpillars—not a mix of species as once believed. While the discovery clears up a long-standing mystery, it also raises concerns about sustainability. Growing demand for mezcal and edible larvae could put pressure on wild populations and the agave plants they depend on. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/AgWlNUR

DNA research just rewrote the origin of human species

Scientists have uncovered a surprising new picture of human origins that challenges the long-held idea of a single ancestral population in Africa. By analyzing genetic data from diverse modern African groups—especially the highly distinct Nama people—and comparing it with fossil evidence, researchers found that early humans likely evolved from multiple intermingling populations over hundreds of thousands of years. Rather than a clean split, these groups stayed connected, exchanging genes even after beginning to diverge around 120,000–135,000 years ago. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/qH0xrJB

No 10 says Falklands sovereignty rests with UK after report of US 'review'

An internal Pentagon document reportedly raised the prospect of a change in position in retaliation for the UK not joining the Iran war. from BBC News https://ift.tt/L1hkrqB

Watch: Powerful tornados barrel through northern Oklahoma

There was significant damage in Enid, a city of about 50,000 people, according to local reports. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FuLq9Mx

AI just discovered new physics in the fourth state of matter

Physicists have taken a major step toward using AI not just to analyze data, but to uncover entirely new laws of nature. By combining a specially designed neural network with precise 3D tracking of particles in a dusty plasma—a strange “fourth state of matter” found from space to wildfires—the team revealed hidden patterns in how particles interact. Their model captured complex, one-way (non-reciprocal) forces with over 99% accuracy and even overturned long-held assumptions about how these forces behave. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/apMev9n

BBC visits migrant camp in northern France as new deal announced

A proposed three-year deal with Paris is aimed at stopping migrants crossing the Channel on small boats. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2vX6Omg

For the first time, scientists pinpoint the brain cells behind depression

Scientists have identified two specific types of brain cells that behave differently in people with depression, offering a clearer picture of what is happening inside the brain. By analyzing donated brain tissue with advanced genetic tools, the researchers found changes in neurons linked to mood and stress, as well as in immune-related microglia cells. These differences point to disruptions in key brain systems and reinforce that depression is rooted in biology, not just emotions. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/yk3LwDv

Ancient DNA reveals a hidden Neanderthal group frozen in time

A remarkable genetic breakthrough has uncovered what may be one of the clearest snapshots yet of a Neanderthal “community” living together 100,000 years ago in what is now Poland. The findings reveal that these individuals shared genetic ties with Neanderthals spread across Europe and the Caucasus, hinting at widespread ancient lineages that later disappeared. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/o3CLRSB

Arrests in Nigeria after abduction of local monarch 'held for ransom'

The kidnappers raided his palace on Saturday and are believed to be holding him in a forest. from BBC News https://ift.tt/uvSDCPm

US singer D4vd pleads not guilty to murder in death of missing teen girl

Prosecutors say the singer, real name David Anthony Burke, could face life in prison due to the nature of the case, if convicted. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wyA36qQ

Rebel Wilson's claims against actress are 'malicious concoctions', Australian court hears

Wilson has been accused of defaming the star of her film The Deb over an incident involving a bath in Bondi. from BBC News https://ift.tt/oaUPzpq

Rat poison found in HiPP baby food jar in Austria, police say

The brand warned on Saturday that consuming the purées may be potentially "life-threatening". from BBC News https://ift.tt/WLhcPbZ

Why are gray whales dying in San Francisco's waters? US scientists search for clues

Climate change and shifting migration patterns are bringing rare research opportunities and new mysteries. from BBC News https://ift.tt/c8hpSHD

Watch: Obama and Mamdani sing with children in New York

The former US president and New York City mayor meet for the first time at a child care centre in the Bronx. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7RnYsAV

Harry and Meghan's trip felt like a royal tour - except many Aussies weren't interested

The Sussexes' four-day tour of Australia appears to have fallen flat with some. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WfU8Ik7

BBC reports from Lebanese border town as residents try to return home

BBC Arabic's correspondent Carine Torbey reports from the border town of Khiam, as the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon goes into its second day. from BBC News https://ift.tt/N6Q1Fxn

Scientists discover bacteria can “explode” to spread antibiotic resistance

Scientists have uncovered a surprising twist in how bacteria share genes—including those that spread antibiotic resistance. Tiny virus-like particles called gene transfer agents (GTAs), once ancient viral invaders, have been repurposed by bacteria into delivery systems that shuttle DNA between neighboring cells. The study reveals a key control hub of three genes, dubbed LypABC, that triggers bacterial cells to burst open and release these DNA-packed couriers. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/iXMAxgp

AI identifies early risk patterns for skin cancer

A massive Swedish study shows that AI can spot people at higher risk of melanoma using routine health data. Advanced models significantly outperformed basic methods, identifying high-risk groups with striking accuracy. Some individuals flagged by the system had up to a 33% chance of developing melanoma within five years. This approach could pave the way for smarter, more targeted screening. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/4D2ClPJ

Three years of messages at once - a chronicle of Sudan's war pours in as trapped reporter's phone turns on

As the conflict enters its fourth year, journalist Mohamed Suleiman shudders at what has been lost. from BBC News https://ift.tt/qVzupsU

Moment gunman tackled by school principal

CCTV footage shows a high school principal charging towards a former student who was armed in Oklahoma. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Txb0XgC

Cameroon separatists to pause fighting ahead of Pope visit

The separatists say their decison reflects responsibility, restraint and respect for human dignity. from BBC News https://ift.tt/9JDMRtr

Sixteen injured after ex-student opens fire at high school in Turkey

Students and teachers are among those who were injured in the attack in the country's south-east. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ug2oG1h

Police officers among seven arrested over deadly Haiti stampede

An investigation is under way into what led to the deaths of 25 people at Laferrière Citadel on Saturday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TuUPiDt

Trump's threat raises risks and leaves predicaments unchanged

The conflict is now a test of wills - Iran’s capacity to absorb strikes versus Trump’s tolerance for the war's costs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AnDaj4g

Celebrities and fans pay tributes to Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle died in Mumbai on Sunday after being admitted to the hospital following a heart attack. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hVuAypc

Hidden weak spots in HIV and Ebola revealed with breakthrough nanodisc technology

A new nanodisc-based platform lets scientists study viral proteins in a form that closely mimics real viruses, revealing how antibodies truly recognize them. This approach uncovered hidden interactions in viruses like HIV and Ebola that traditional methods missed. By recreating the virus’s membrane environment, researchers can better understand how immune defenses work. The technique could speed up the development of more effective vaccines. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/cwmLWUB

Justin Bieber headlines Coachella with nostalgia-fuelled set

The star spent much of the gig singing along to YouTube videos of early hits like Baby and Never say Never. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lKkuzFa

Artemis II mission was a triumph - now comes the hard part

The mission was almost flawless but there are considerable obstacles ahead before a Moon landing. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OyQ6FYi

Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks

BBC Middle East Correspondent Hugo Bachega hears from people affected by this week's attacks. from BBC News https://ift.tt/wKzNBeb

Lyse Doucet: Historic US-Iran talks must bridge deep distrust

Face-to-face talks would mark the highest-level engagement between Iran and the US since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. from BBC News https://ift.tt/c9TxXDu

German transgender far-right extremist arrested in Czech Republic

German media reports say Marla-Svenja Liebich used to be a member of a neo-Nazi group called Blood and Honour. from BBC News https://ift.tt/abjeEYg

Spreading Islamist insurgency dominates Benin's presidential campaign

Cross-border raids from militant Islamists are increasingly threatening the West African state's stability. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yGzYQ3l

Best-selling The Housemaid author Freida McFadden reveals true identity

One of the biggest mysteries in publishing is solved, as The Housemaid writer reveals her real name. from BBC News https://ift.tt/3qpw6iv

What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran

The provisional truce comes more than a month after the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8pXTyrd

Scientists discover hidden gut trigger behind ALS and dementia

A new study reveals that gut bacteria may play a key role in triggering ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Harmful sugars produced by these microbes can spark immune responses that damage the brain. This breakthrough explains why some genetically at-risk people develop the diseases while others don’t. Even more promising, reducing these sugars improved brain health in experiments, hinting at new treatment possibilities. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/jhZs0iQ

Has Artemis II shown we can land on the Moon again?

The Artemis II mission has been near flawless to date, but has the test flight shown Nasa is ready to send humans to the lunar surface? from BBC News https://ift.tt/5wHvk1i

Former Migos rapper Offset shot in Florida - reports

Reports suggest the former Migos rapper is in a "stable" condition. from BBC News https://ift.tt/islKCZt

Spain's huge pork industry seeks salvation from swine fever threat

Countries around the world, including the US, have already stopped imports over the outbreak. from BBC News https://ift.tt/102VDrI

Artemis's stunning Moon pictures - science or holiday photos?

The story behind the beautiful pictures beamed back to Earth from the Artemis II astronauts. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BTIZpWo

US says it has arrested relatives of late Iranian ​general Qasem ​Soleimani

The niece and grand-niece of Qasem Soleimani are in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, officials said. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IPJt3HM

Buried Roman sanctuary discovered beneath Frankfurt hints at shocking rituals

A hidden Roman sanctuary discovered beneath Frankfurt is offering rare clues about ancient rituals, including possible human sacrifice. With major funding secured, scientists are now racing to uncover how this mysterious, multi-god cult site operated. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/nwtZpek

France's Muslim gathering ban overturned by courts

The Paris police department had argued that the four-day gathering was a security threat because it could be a target of terrorism. from BBC News https://ift.tt/nmu4IGM

A gene mutation may trap the brain in the wrong reality in schizophrenia patients

A newly identified gene mutation may help explain why schizophrenia patients struggle to update their understanding of reality. The mutation disrupts a brain circuit involved in flexible decision-making, causing mice to stick with outdated choices even when conditions change. Researchers pinpointed the issue to a key thalamus–prefrontal cortex pathway. By reactivating this circuit, they were able to restore normal behavior—raising hope for future therapies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/tTpIBOu

We entered Race Across the World to honour dying wish

Margo Oakley and her brother-in-law Mark Blythen bonded when their sister and wife Julia was terminally ill. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TKMxlkX

Billion-plus people, three million officials, 33 questions - India begins huge census

The two-phase exercise - the world’s most ambitious - will see three million officials count every Indian. from BBC News https://ift.tt/v7Beyqm