Author: Andrew Rogers

The top legal adviser to the European Court of Justice has said the European Commission should not have released billions of euros to Hungary. Advocate general Tamara Ćapeta argued that Hungary failed to implement the judicial reforms required to unlock around €10bn in suspended funds. The commission froze payments in 2022 over concerns about corruption and rule-of-law backsliding under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In 2023, it concluded that Hungary had made sufficient reforms and lifted part of the suspension. The European Parliament challenged that decision, claiming the commission committed serious errors. Ćapeta said the commission inadequately assessed Hungary’s judicial reforms…

Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming and dancing can act as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A large analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers. Scientists reviewed 63 studies involving nearly 80,000 people. They found aerobic activities that raise the heart rate had the strongest effect on depression. Resistance training and yoga also helped, though to a lesser degree. Group and supervised exercise delivered additional benefits, suggesting social interaction plays a key role. Neil Munro of James Cook University…

Doctors say Nepal’s traditional lentil and rice diet could help reverse a growing diabetes epidemic.One in five Nepalis over 40 now lives with type 2 diabetes.Medication remains unaffordable for many families across the country. Pilot studies in Kathmandu showed strong results from a calorie-controlled traditional diet.Nearly half of participants achieved diabetes remission within months. Researchers based the diet on dal bhat, yoghurt, and fruit.Participants lost only 4–5kg on average. The programme is led by University of Glasgow with Dhulikhel Hospital.Mike Lean said Asian populations need less weight loss to reverse diabetes. The approach relies on community support rather than hospitals.Volunteers…

People who drink a small amount of tea or coffee each day may face a lower risk of dementia, researchers say. A large US study found that those who regularly drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea had a 15–20% lower dementia risk over four decades. They also showed slightly better cognitive performance than people who avoided caffeine. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analysed health data from more than 130,000 participants in long-running US studies. Caffeinated coffee drinkers showed less cognitive decline than those who…

BP faces growing calls to end years of strategic turbulence as it prepares to publish full-year results. Analysts expect weaker profits after oil prices fell for a third straight year in 2025. Forecasts put annual profits near $7.5bn, down from almost $9bn in 2024. Fourth-quarter earnings likely slumped after crude prices dropped below $60 a barrel. Incoming chief executive Meg O’Neill will face pressure to outline a clearer long-term strategy. Activist investors want BP to prepare for declining fossil fuel demand. A shareholder resolution led by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility urges tighter control of oil and gas spending.…

Researchers say menstrual blood testing could offer a simple, non-invasive alternative to cervical screening.A sanitary pad fitted with a sample strip can detect human papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer.Women could use the test at home instead of attending a clinic. Researchers in China compared menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.The study involved more than 3,000 women aged 20 to 54 with regular periods.Findings were published in BMJ. The pad-based test detected serious cervical cell changes with 94.7% sensitivity.This matched the accuracy of clinician-collected samples.Specificity was slightly lower, but negative results were equally reliable. Researchers said the test…

A major review finds statins do not cause most side-effects listed on medicine labels. Researchers analysed 19 trials involving 124,000 people and published the results in The Lancet. Evidence supported only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects, including liver test changes and tissue swelling. The study found no strong link between statins and memory loss, depression, sleep problems, or nerve damage. Lead author Christina Reith said benefits far outweigh risks for most patients. Experts called for updated labels to counter misinformation and support informed decisions.

Sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram giveaways.They offer injectable medicines as prizes. The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an unapproved experimental drug.Posts pressure users to enter within 24 hours. Experts warn these promotions pose serious health risks.They misuse marketing tactics meant for consumer products. One group offered retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II.None of these injectables have UK approval. UK law allows weight-loss injections only with prescriptions.Unapproved drugs cannot be legally sold or advertised. Another seller hides drug sales behind fitness coaching codes.Platforms say they ban illegal drug sales.

Researchers from Harvard University, University of Michigan, and Duke University argue ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than real food.They say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption, causing widespread health harm.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, highlights parallels with tobacco marketing and design.Researchers urge stricter controls, including marketing limits and industry accountability.Critics warn comparisons may overreach and say diet quality also matters.

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He insisted the power unit fully complies with regulations and FIA procedures.Rivals questioned Mercedes and Red Bull Racing for exploiting thermal expansion to boost performance.FIA discussed the issue but reached no resolution.Mercedes believe rivals missed an opportunity and should focus on themselves.Wolff did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix but said Mercedes felt “robust”.