Muons, Massive Waves and Restored Sight: The Winners at the ‘Oscars of Science’ – Podcast
The Breakthrough Prize, dubbed the "Oscars of science," handed out $3 million awards in physics, mathematics and life sciences at a high‑profile ceremony in Los Angeles. Jean Bennett was among the laureates, receiving the life‑sciences prize for co‑creating the first FDA‑approved gene‑augmented therapy that restores vision in patients with inherited retinal disease. The award highlighted a 25‑year research journey from a medical‑school brain dissection to a marketable treatment. The ceremony underscores how large cash prizes can elevate scientific breakthroughs to mainstream attention.
We Can Prove Which Twin Fathered the Child in This Paternity Dispute | Letter
A recent Court of Appeal ruling claimed it could not determine which monozygotic twin fathered a child, but Professor Michael Krawczak argues that molecular genetic techniques can reliably make that distinction. He cites research first proposed in 2012 and demonstrated...
Almost 2bn to Be Affected by Metabolic Liver Disease by 2050, Study Suggests
A new Global Burden of Disease study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology projects that metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) will affect 1.8 billion people worldwide by 2050, up from 1.3 billion in 2023. The disease, formerly called NAFLD, has risen...
NHS Improves Genetic Testing for Minority Ethnic Cancer Patients
The NHS has expanded its pre‑chemotherapy genetic screening to include a fifth DPYD gene variant that is more common among Black and minority‑ethnic patients. Previously, tests only covered four variants prevalent in white European populations, leaving many patients at risk...
Robin Weiss Obituary
Robin Weiss, a pioneering virologist who died at 86, led the 1984 discovery that CD4 is the cellular receptor for HIV and created the first UK HIV antibody test with Richard Tedder. The test enabled large‑scale, accurate detection of HIV,...
‘Should Never Have Been Prescribed’: Private UK Cannabis Clinics Face Call for Tighter Regulation
Oliver Robinson’s November 2023 suicide prompted a Manchester coroner to conclude that his privately prescribed medicinal cannabis probably contributed to his death. The inquest highlighted failures at Curaleaf Clinic, including reliance on outdated records and lack of coordination with NHS providers....
More Frequent Ejaculations May Boost Men’s Fertility, Research Suggests
A meta‑analysis of 115 studies involving nearly 55,000 men found that sperm quality deteriorates the longer men abstain, showing increased DNA damage and oxidative stress. The World Health Organization’s 2‑to‑7‑day abstinence rule was designed for higher sperm counts, not optimal...
Influencers Are Promoting These Three Health Tests – but They Risk Doing More Harm than Good
Social media influencers are promoting full‑body MRI scans, AMH fertility tests, and testosterone panels, prompting a surge in consumer demand for these pricey examinations. Medical authorities warn that these tests often detect incidental findings or provide misleading information, leading to...
Molecule in Python Blood Could Pave Way for New Obesity Drugs, Scientists Say
Scientists have isolated a gut‑bacterial metabolite, pTOS, that spikes in Burmese python blood after feeding and dramatically reduces appetite in obese mice. When administered to mice, pTOS caused a 9% body‑weight loss over 28 days without affecting energy expenditure. The...
What’s Behind the Injectable Peptide Craze? – Podcast
Injectable peptides such as BPC‑157, GHK‑Cu and TB‑500 have surged in popularity among biohackers despite lacking regulatory approval. The Guardian podcast explores why these grey‑market compounds have become mainstream, featuring insights from journalist Adrienne Matei and Imperial College peptide researcher...
Recreational Drugs Can More than Double Risk of Stroke, Study Suggests
A large meta‑analysis of 32 studies involving over 100 million people found that recreational drug use significantly raises stroke risk. Amphetamine users face a 122 % higher risk, cocaine users 96 % higher, and cannabis users 37 % higher compared with non‑users. The risk...