Scientists at Nagoya University in Japan have identified two gut bacteria that appear to work together to trigger chronic constipation. The microbes, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, break down the protective mucus layer that lines the colon. This slippery coating is essential for keeping the colon lubricated and stool soft.…
SAS hero died crashing into pond at high speed during world championship parachuting contest
By GETHIN HICKS, REPORTER Published: 12:40 GMT, 19 February 2026 | Updated: 13:55 GMT, 19 February 2026 A heroic SAS soldier died after crashing into a pond while representing Great Britain at a global skydiving competition. Staff Sergeant Chris Good, 52, passed away on September 25, 2024, when he misjudged…
Do you suffer from IBS? This doctor says ‘gravity intolerance’ may be to blame
Gravity, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, keeps us down to Earth (literally), but our body’s relationship to it could explain our susceptibility to some common health conditions — for instance, irritable bowel syndrome. At least, that’s what Dr. Brennan Spiegel, director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai,…
Trump rushed into Iran crisis meeting as insider warns ‘strike within hours’
By PHILLIP NIETO, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 12:47 GMT, 19 February 2026 | Updated: 13:27 GMT, 19 February 2026 Donald Trump has been rushed into an Iran crisis meeting as a top US ally warns the President is set to strike ‘within hours.’ Trump summoned his top advisers for a…
Is our galaxy’s black hole actually made of dark matter?
An image of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* in polarised light, captured by the Event Horizon Telescope EHT Collaboration At the centre of our galaxy lies a supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A* – but one group of researchers is suggesting it may not be a black hole at…
The Prince and Princess of Wales express support for King Charles’ statement after Andrew’s arrest
The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed their support for the King’s statement following the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Prince William and Princess Catherine approve of King Charles’ words issued this morning, the Press Association understands. The King has said ‘the law must take its course’ after expressing…
New fear unlocked: runaway black holes
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com’s Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. Last year, astronomers were fascinated by a runaway asteroid passing through our solar system from somewhere far beyond. It was moving at around 68 kilometres per second, just over double…
Why these Lake Tahoe sleighs have wheels now » Yale Climate Connections
Transcript: For decades, Dianna Borges and her husband Dwight have given tourists a unique way to experience Lake Tahoe in winter – horse-drawn sleigh rides. Borges: “I like to tell people that Lake Tahoe is probably one of the most beautiful places this side of heaven.” As they glide through…
Queen Camilla arrives at Westminster engagement with King Charles set to appear at London Fashion Week just hours after Andrew arrested
Queen Camilla has arrived in Westminster for an engagement with young music scholars just hours after Andrew Mountbatten was arrested. The Queen, 78, arrived for her visit to Sinfonia Smith Square Hall, where she watched musicians from the Tri-Borough Music Hub perform. Meanwhile, King Charles is also set to appear at…
Police raid 22 homes in bid to take down ‘crime family who forced children into slavery and flooded streets with drugs’
A ‘family-run’ drug empire that forced disadvantaged kids as young as 12 into slavery has been hit by police who raided more than 20 homes believed to be involved in the crime ring. More than 250 officers were involved in raids of 22 homes across Manchester, Salford, Merseyside and Wales…