Abolishing patient watchdog leaves NHS 'marking own homework', councils warn
The UK government plans to abolish Healthwatch, the independent organisation that represents patient views on local health and social care services, as part of broader NHS reforms. Under the proposed NHS Modernisation Bill, Healthwatch’s responsibilities would be transferred to integrated care boards (ICBs) and local authorities, which would handle patient feedback internally rather than through an independent body. The Department for Health and Social Care argues that these changes will streamline services, reduce bureaucracy, and provide patients with a clearer voice at the centre of health and social care. However, the Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils in England and Wales, has expressed strong concerns about the move. The LGA warns that abolishing Healthwatch risks creating a fragmented system that undermines accountability by allowing health providers to effectively "mark their own homework." Councillor Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA’s health and wellbeing committee, highlighted the dangers of losing an independent, locally rooted watchdog that challenges the NHS and social care providers when problems arise. The LGA fears this could widen the divide between health and social care services and calls for the government to collaborate with local councils to develop a clear and workable alternative model that maintains independence. Healthwatch currently employs over 500 staff and is supported by 4,000 volunteers across more than 150 local organisations in England. Its remit includes gathering patient feedback, advising the public on accessing services, influencing local health and wellbeing boards, and working with the Care Quality Commission on investigations. The government’s plan to centralise control under the Department for Health and Social Care also includes abolishing NHS England, aiming to redirect resources to frontline care. Critics argue that removing an independent patient voice risks weakening oversight and reducing the effectiveness of patient advocacy in the evolving health and social care landscape.
'Star City': Release date & how to watch Apple TV's superb Soviet space series
Apple TV is set to premiere "Star City," a new series exploring the Soviet Union’s secretive cosmonaut training facility, on May 29, 2026. The show’s first season will consist of eight episodes, with the initial two titled "The Eyes" and "A Bear on a Chain." Episodes will be released weekly every Friday, culminating in a season finale on July 10, 2026. "Star City" offers a dark, espionage-driven narrative set against the backdrop of the Cold War’s space race, providing a stark contrast to the American perspective popularized by series like "For All Mankind." The series delves into the lives of cosmonauts, scientists, engineers, KGB operatives, and spies operating within the Soviet space program’s clandestine headquarters near Moscow. It portrays the intense pressures, paranoia, and dangers faced both in space and on the ground, emphasizing the harsh realities behind the USSR’s efforts to outpace the United States in space exploration. The storyline incorporates elements of political intrigue, sabotage, and personal drama, reflecting the severe and often brutal environment of the era. "Star City" serves as a companion piece to "For All Mankind," Apple TV’s flagship series that imagines an alternate history where the Soviet Union wins the race to the moon. While "For All Mankind" focuses on the American side of the space race, "Star City" shifts the perspective to the Soviet Union, offering viewers a nuanced look at the Cold War’s hidden battles. The show’s tone is described as grim and humorless, aiming to provide an authentic glimpse into the Soviet space program’s secretive and unforgiving world. Available exclusively on Apple TV, "Star City" will be accessible globally, with viewers able to use VPN services to watch from abroad. The series promises to combine historical drama with espionage thriller elements, highlighting the high stakes and human costs behind one of the most intense periods of technological and political rivalry in modern history.
Rare Blue Moon hides the red light of an ancient star on May 31: Will you be able to see it?
Stargazers in the southern hemisphere will witness a rare astronomical event as a Blue Moon passes in front of the red supergiant star Antares in the constellation Scorpius, briefly obscuring its light. This occultation will occur on the evening of May 31, just hours before the second full moon of the month reaches its peak illumination. The Blue Moon, defined as the second full moon within a calendar month, is a relatively uncommon phenomenon occurring approximately every 2.5 years. The event will be visible in regions including southwestern Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Argentina, and Chile, where the moon will rise above the eastern horizon at sunset with Antares positioned near the lower right of the lunar disk. As the night progresses, the moon will move directly in front of Antares, temporarily blocking its red glow. This celestial alignment offers a unique opportunity for observers to witness the interplay between Earth's natural satellite and a distant star. In North America, the Blue Moon will rise on the evening of May 30, with Antares appearing close by in the night sky, though the occultation itself will not be visible. The moon and star will trace a low arc across the southern horizon before setting at sunrise. This event highlights the intricate motions of celestial bodies and provides an engaging spectacle for amateur astronomers and skywatchers. While the term "Blue Moon" does not indicate a change in the moon's color, the event remains significant for its rarity and the chance to observe an occultation involving one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Enthusiasts are encouraged to use binoculars or telescopes to enhance their viewing experience, as these tools can reveal detailed features of the moon and surrounding stars.
Hidden driving danger when edible cannabis and alcohol mix
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that combining cannabis edibles with alcohol significantly impairs driving ability more than using either substance alone. The study, involving healthy adults aged 21 to 55, found that this combination produces a synergistic effect on impairment and subjective intoxication. Alarmingly, standard field sobriety tests frequently failed to detect cannabis-related impairment, raising concerns about current methods for identifying impaired drivers. The findings also challenge existing legal intoxication thresholds, which may not adequately reflect the increased risk when alcohol and cannabis are used together. The controlled study involved 30 volunteers who consumed cannabis brownies containing either 10 or 25 mg of THC or placebo brownies, alongside alcoholic beverages adjusted to breath alcohol concentrations of 0.05% or 0.08%. Participants had prior experience with both substances but used cannabis infrequently to limit tolerance effects. Using a driving simulator and performance assessments, researchers measured impairment levels and found that the combined use of cannabis edibles and alcohol resulted in greater driving deficits than either substance alone. This suggests that the interaction between the two substances is more than additive, amplifying the risk of accidents. These findings have important implications for public safety and law enforcement. The current legal limit for alcohol intoxication in most U.S. states is a breath alcohol concentration of 0.08%, but this threshold may not account for the heightened impairment caused by simultaneous cannabis use. The study underscores the need for improved public awareness about the dangers of mixing cannabis and alcohol, as well as the development of more sensitive and reliable tools to detect impairment from cannabis, especially in combination with alcohol. As cannabis legalization expands, these insights are critical for informing policy and enhancing road safety measures. The research highlights a growing challenge in traffic safety: accurately identifying and managing impairment from multiple substances. With cannabis edibles becoming increasingly popular and alcohol remaining widely consumed, the risk of undetected impairment on the roads could rise without updated testing protocols and legal standards. This study calls for further investigation into combined substance effects and the refinement of impairment detection to better protect drivers and pedestrians alike.
Don’t shoot for the moon: aiming for ‘above average’ is key to success, maths suggests
A new mathematical model suggests that aiming for goals that are "above average" rather than striving for the highest possible achievement often leads to better outcomes. Developed by researchers including economist Matt Burgess from the University of Wyoming, the model challenges the popular motivational idea of "shooting for the moon" by showing that setting more moderate ambitions can reduce disappointment and increase success. The model simulates decision-making scenarios where individuals reject options below a certain threshold and accept those that meet or exceed it, such as job offers with specific salary expectations. The research builds on earlier findings in fisheries management, where boats that stopped searching after catching above-average fish yields performed better overall. By applying similar principles to various life situations—ranging from job hunting and housing choices to parking decisions and even dating—the model demonstrates that pursuing rewards that are better than average, but not necessarily the best possible, is often the most effective strategy. This approach balances the desire for improvement with the practical risks of holding out for rare, exceptional opportunities. Burgess explains that the model provides a mathematical underpinning for the common advice to avoid settling too soon while also cautioning against chasing unrealistic goals. The model’s flexibility allows it to account for different distributions of rewards and thresholds, reflecting real-world complexities where high rewards may be scarce or more common. This nuanced insight offers a valuable framework for individuals and policymakers seeking to optimize decision-making under uncertainty. Overall, the findings encourage a shift in how ambition is framed, suggesting that aiming for "above average" success may be a more achievable and satisfying path than relentlessly pursuing perfection. This has implications for personal goal-setting, career planning, and resource management, highlighting the benefits of calibrated ambition grounded in realistic expectations.
Astronomers finally solve Saturn’s decades-long spin mystery
Astronomers have resolved a decades-old mystery regarding Saturn’s seemingly changing rotation rate, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). For years, measurements suggested that Saturn’s spin was varying, an unusual phenomenon for a planet. The new research reveals that this apparent change is not due to the planet itself speeding up or slowing down, but rather a complex interaction involving Saturn’s northern lights, atmospheric winds, and electrical currents. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, shows that Saturn’s aurora heats the upper atmosphere, generating powerful winds. These winds create electrical currents that sustain the aurora in a self-perpetuating cycle. This process alters the electrical signals used to estimate Saturn’s rotation, leading to misleading measurements. The findings build on earlier research from NASA’s Cassini mission, which had first highlighted the puzzling variability in Saturn’s rotation rate but left the cause of the atmospheric winds unclear. To uncover the mechanism behind these winds, researchers led by Tom Stallard utilized JWST’s advanced infrared capabilities to observe Saturn’s northern auroral region continuously over a full Saturnian day. By analyzing emissions from the trihydrogen cation molecule, which indicates temperature changes in the upper atmosphere, the team produced the most detailed temperature and charged particle maps ever made of the planet’s aurora. These precise measurements, about ten times more accurate than previous attempts, revealed localized heating patterns that drive the atmospheric winds responsible for the electrical currents affecting rotation estimates. This breakthrough enhances understanding of Saturn’s atmospheric dynamics and highlights the intricate coupling between magnetic, atmospheric, and auroral processes on giant planets. It also underscores the importance of advanced space telescopes like JWST in solving longstanding planetary science puzzles, offering new insights into the behavior of gas giants both within and beyond our solar system.
Moment Blue Origin rocket explodes during test in Florida
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a hotfire test at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The incident occurred on the company’s launch pad and was described as an "anomaly" by Blue Origin. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all personnel involved were accounted for. The company has stated it will provide further updates as more information becomes available. The explosion took place during a critical phase of testing, which involves firing the rocket’s engines while it remains secured on the launch pad to verify performance and safety. Blue Origin, founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, has been developing the New Glenn rocket as part of its efforts to compete in the commercial space launch market. The New Glenn is designed to be a heavy-lift vehicle capable of carrying payloads to orbit and beyond, aiming to rival other providers such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. This incident highlights the inherent risks and technical challenges associated with rocket development and testing. While setbacks like these are not uncommon in the aerospace industry, they can delay launch schedules and impact investor and customer confidence. Blue Origin’s ability to quickly diagnose and address the cause of the anomaly will be crucial for maintaining momentum in its ambitious space exploration goals. The explosion also underscores the competitive nature of the rapidly evolving space sector, where companies are racing to develop reliable, reusable launch systems. As Blue Origin continues to refine its technology, the outcome of this event will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and space enthusiasts alike, given the company’s significant role in shaping the future of commercial spaceflight.
Blue Origin rocket explodes during test in latest setback for Jeff Bezos-owned company
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a scheduled test at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, causing a massive fireball that destroyed the launchpad. The incident occurred during a “hotfire” test and was described by the company as an “anomaly.” No personnel were injured, and all employees were accounted for, according to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. The explosion has raised concerns about NASA’s ambitious plans to build a lunar base and return humans to the moon within the next two years, as Blue Origin was contracted to launch key missions supporting these efforts. The New Glenn rocket is central to Blue Origin’s role in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a $20 billion moon base and conduct multiple lunar missions. Blue Origin recently secured a contract to launch the first of three planned missions this year to begin construction of the lunar base. The company is also competing with SpaceX to provide a lunar lander for the Artemis IV mission, scheduled for 2028, which will mark the first human moon landing since 1972. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the difficulty of developing heavy-lift launch capabilities and announced a thorough investigation into the explosion to assess any impacts on the Artemis timeline. The explosion’s shockwaves were felt along Florida’s Space Coast, with residents in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach reporting shaking homes and an orange glow visible as far as South Carolina. Emergency officials confirmed there was no threat from fumes or other hazards, though flames continued to burn at the launchpad for hours after the incident. Blue Origin has faced several setbacks recently as it competes with SpaceX for NASA contracts, and this latest incident underscores the challenges of advancing new space technologies. Bezos expressed determination to identify the cause and rebuild, stating that despite the setback, the company will continue its efforts to fly. NASA and Blue Origin are expected to provide updates on the investigation and any potential effects on lunar missions as more information becomes available.
Prostate cancer screening only for 'a few thousand' high risk men
Scientific advisers have recommended that prostate cancer screening using PSA blood tests should be limited to a small group of men at high risk due to a dangerous genetic variant and a family history of cancer. The UK’s National Screening Committee concluded that for most men, the potential harms of screening outweigh the benefits. While screening can save lives, it also frequently leads to unnecessary treatments that may cause significant side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The final decision on whether to implement these recommendations rests with health ministers across the UK. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, causing around 12,000 deaths annually. Screening typically involves a PSA blood test followed by an MRI scan if results are elevated. However, a major review found that screening 1,000 men in their 50s would prevent only two deaths over 15 years but would also result in 20 men being diagnosed with cancers that would never become life-threatening. Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that they pose little risk during a man’s natural lifespan, yet a diagnosis can cause long-term psychological distress. Moreover, 12 of those 20 men would likely undergo unnecessary treatment that can damage the prostate and lead to lasting side effects. The committee emphasized that current medical tools cannot reliably distinguish between aggressive and indolent prostate cancers, complicating treatment decisions. As a result, they advised against screening all men, including Black men—who have twice the risk of prostate cancer—and those with a family history of cancer, since the disease’s prevalence makes family history a poor predictor of individual risk. The only group recommended for regular screening are men with a BRCA2 gene mutation combined with a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer. For these high-risk men, PSA testing every two years between ages 45 and 61 is advised, potentially affecting only a few thousand men annually. Some of these men are already receiving informal screening under existing clinical practices.
UK's rudest chalk figure gets a glow-up to stop it fading in the rain
The Cerne Abbas Giant, a 55-metre chalk figure carved into a hillside near Cerne Abbas village in Dorset, is undergoing a significant restoration to combat the effects of increasingly wet weather. Managed by the National Trust since 1920, the iconic naked figure wielding a club has faced fading and dulling outlines due to heavier winter rains washing away chalk and damp conditions encouraging algae growth. To preserve the Giant’s distinct whiteness, around 300 staff and volunteers are applying approximately 17 tonnes of fresh chalk in a physically demanding process expected to take up to 15 days. The National Trust highlights that changing weather patterns, including wetter winters and drier summers, have accelerated the erosion of the chalk edges and slowed grass regrowth, which normally helps protect the figure’s outline. While the Trust stops short of directly attributing these changes to climate change, it acknowledges that observations align with broader trends reported by the UK Met Office. The Met Office notes the UK’s climate has shifted significantly over recent decades, with warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers expected to persist, increasing the likelihood of record-breaking temperatures in the near future. This restoration comes after just seven years since the Giant’s last major chalking, a shorter interval than the usual decade-long maintenance cycle, reflecting the growing challenge of preserving the figure amid evolving environmental conditions. The National Trust also uses sheep grazing to keep grass trimmed around the figure, but the altered climate complicates these efforts. The ongoing care of the Cerne Abbas Giant underscores the broader impact of climate variability on cultural heritage sites and the need for adaptive conservation strategies to maintain their visibility and significance for future generations.