Pfizer will be let loose on AstraZeneca again tomorrow – but is another takeover bid likely? November 25, 2014 From tomorrow, Pfizer will once more be able to make a take-over bid for AstraZeneca, after a “final rejection” in May meant it could not approach the UK pharmaceutical firm for six months. The offer was worth £55 per share, valuing AstraZeneca at approximately £69bn. But it was not accepted, on the ground that [...]
Homosexuality “is an essential part of evolution”, say scientists – in hunter-gatherer days, it was an advantage to be bisexual November 25, 2014 Homosexuality has always been a stumbling block for evolutionary biologists promoting Darwin's theory of events. His laws of natural selection state that unless a trait is passed on reproductively from generation to generation, it eventually disappears – yet the percentage of the population that is gay, whether female or male, has remained roughly the [...]
Space, sea and saving humanity: Five of the most expensive, mind-blowing science missions ever untertaken November 25, 2014 From the discovery of penicillin to the invention of the computer, science has been fundamental to the survival and progression of humankind over the last few centuries. It has completely changed the way we live and thrive in the modern world, with the transformation set to continue – it would be difficult for anyone [...]
Common link between Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia found, and having one increases risk of the other November 25, 2014 Scientists have discovered that the same part of the brain is responsible for the development of both schizophrenia and Alzheimer's – a finding that could help doctors predict who is most likely to suffer from the latter disease. Schizophrenia tends to develop in adolescence or early adulthood, whereas Alzheimer's is a disease associated with ageing, [...]
London Christmas markets 2014: Where to shop, eat and be merry November 24, 2014 One of the best things about Christmas in London is the variety of markets on offer. Whether you want to browse, eat, drink or do some dedicated Christmas shopping, there will be somewhere nearby when you're in the capital. From the traditional stalls in Belgravia market to the funky arts and crafts market [...]
Iran nuclear deal deadline extended to end of June 2015 November 24, 2014 World powers have failed to meet today's deadline for an agreement over Iran's nuclear enrichment program, resulting in talks being extended to the end of June next year. Iran met with the UK, US, China, Russia, Germany and France in Vienna over the weekend to try to reach a compromise. The other participants want [...]
Bankers, watch out for the robots: Goldman Sachs has invested in a company that could use algorithms instead of analysts November 24, 2014 Bankers are often described as having robot-like qualities. With their ability to work all hours without running out of energy, their ruthless efficiency and mathematical skill, there are plenty of comparisons to be made with the machines. But now, they could actually become robots. According to the FT, Goldman Sachs has invested $15m, in [...]
Alistair Darling warns of economic woes if tax powers are devolved to Scotland November 24, 2014 Plans to devolve full tax and welfare powers to Scotland could lead to higher borrowing costs for the UK, according to Alistair Darling. The Labour MP and former chancellor, who led the “Better Together” campaign in the run up to the independence vote on 18 September, said in the FT that giving Scotland full control [...]
The astronauts with expensive taste: Caviar and special espresso machine sent up for a New Year’s Eve party in space November 24, 2014 While we're down here singing Auld Lang Syne as the clock strikes midnight, three astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) will welcome in the new year over a meal of caviar, lemons and Lavazza coffee. Samantha Cristofetti, Anton Shkaplerov and Terry Virt successfully docked at the space port this morning, and will be [...]
Will humans be replaced by robots? They might take some of our jobs, but they’ll also create new ones November 23, 2014 Strange, semi-human, and capable of tapping into our fear of the unknown, robots have sent shivers down our spines for decades – long before the Terminator was sent to Earth or the daleks even contemplated exterminating Dr Who. But now, the fictional threat of bloodthirsty machines has shifted to a much more real danger [...]
