Photo: Umair Dingmar/Unsplash (CC0)
In today’s edition: new data shows homicides in England and Wales have fallen to the lowest level since records began; a world-first gene therapy reverses previously untreatable blood cancers; and a social experiment bridges political divides in the US.
New data show 499 homicides were recorded by police in the 12 months to September 2025, a drop of 7% year on year from 539: the lowest overall homicide figures since records were first recorded in 2003. Homicide involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales has fallen by 23%, and knife crime has also fallen, dropping by 9%.
Source: The Guardian
According to recently released research, the world-first gene therapy which turns white blood cells into a disease-busting “living drug” has reversed previously untreatable blood cancers. The treatment is an advanced version of CRISPR technology, and has triggered “deep remission” in nine children and two adults with T-cell leukaemia.
Source: Positive News
In a big victory for the victims of climate change-related natural disasters, The Hague District Court has ordered the Dutch government to draw up a concrete plan to protect residents of the tiny Caribbean island of Bonaire from future events.
Source: Euronews
The 2,600 modules are aligned to catch not just the midday sun, but also the morning and evening light – on both sides. In contrast to conventional systems, which peak at noon, this means electricity production is spread evenly throughout the day.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Concentrations of PFAs have more than halved over the last three decades, according to new data released by Harvard University researchers. The team studied whale tissue samples as the apex predators are considered “sentinels of marine pollution”.
Source: Euronews
The Scottish government and MSPs across the parties backed an amendment by Scottish Green Mark Ruskell to make swift bricks mandatory for all new dwellings “where reasonably practical and appropriate”. The bricks provide nesting places for swifts, also helping other endangered cavity-nesting birds including sparrows, starlings and house martins.
Source: The Guardian
Following other highly ranked schools which have announced generous financial aid for low-income families, the Ivy League university has stated the change will go into effect in the 2026-2027 academic year. Those whose families earn under $100,000 will have all costs eliminated, including housing and meal plans.
Source: The Hill
Two experimental payphones – one placed in San Francisco and the other in Abilene, Texas – are connecting strangers across party lines, allowing callers to speak directly with Democrats and Republicans in two of the US’s most ideologically opposed cities.
Source: The Guardian
With data suggesting approximately 40% of the general population having some form of a fear of flying – and 2.5% harbouring a clinical phobia – Portland airport has come up with an innovative solution to easing anxiety surrounding air travel: Beni the llama and Captain Jack the alpaca.
Source: Good Good Good
The show aims to help inmates along the path of rehabilitation by showcasing their talents, as well as acting as a form of music therapy by giving the women a chance to express themselves through art.
Source: Africa News
