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Cambridge scientist Marta Shahbazi mourned after fatal train collision in Spain
Original report:
Colleagues have paid tribute to developmental biologist Marta Shahbazi, who died while travelling to a conference in Spain to receive a scientific excellence award. Her Cambridge laboratory highlighted her research into early human embryo development and pregnancy failure.
Science
Flint water researcher Siddhartha Roy receives Maddox prize amid scientific disputes
Original report:
Scientist Siddhartha Roy helped challenge official assurances about Flint’s lead-contaminated water. In a Guardian podcast, the 2026 Maddox prize winner discusses how later research questioning claims of permanent brain damage among children changed his relationship with the community.
Science
Dinosaur bone yields heme traces, but fossil blood-cell claim faces scrutiny
Original report:
Researchers studying a 115-million-year-old dinosaur from Brazil report heme traces and structures resembling red blood cells. An outside expert questions the structures’ identification, while finding the chemical evidence more persuasive.
Science
New Zealand Satellite-Trail Composite Sparks AI Claims and Night-Sky Debate
Original report:
Astrophotographer Brendan Larsen combined hundreds of exposures above Mount Taranaki into a striking record of satellite trails. Its viral spread brought accusations of AI generation, alongside discussion about the growing presence of satellites in the night sky.
Science
Varda expands orbital trials of drug manufacturing in microgravity
Original report:
California-based Varda Space Industries has three spacecraft in orbit, including one growing crystals of a potential cancer drug. The experiments test whether microgravity can improve pharmaceutical manufacturing, but commercial viability and consistently reliable results remain challenges.
Science
NASA’s Swift observatory faces uncontrolled re-entry after unsuccessful orbital rescue
Original report:
The Swift space observatory is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on 4 November after a failed effort to raise its orbit. NASA says most of the spacecraft will burn up, although some components are expected to reach the surface.
Health
England’s consultants announce November strike over pay, hours and pensions
Original report: date unavailable
Consultant doctors in England plan a 48-hour walkout from 25 November, providing emergency cover only. The BMA is seeking changes to pay, working hours and pensions, while the government says industrial action would increase pressure on the health service.
Health
GP online access disrupted after Silicon Practice enters administration
Original report: date unavailable
Patients at GP surgeries in England and Wales have lost access to some online services after digital supplier Silicon Practice entered administration. NHS England says affected patients should contact practices by phone or in person, while the NHS app remains operational.
Health
UK clinicians seek earlier action on vitamin D deficiency among young people
Original report: date unavailable
Nearly a quarter of UK 11- to 18-year-olds were classified as vitamin D deficient in survey data cited by the BBC. Clinicians warn that symptoms can be overlooked and are calling for changes to diagnostic thresholds and wider food fortification.
Health
Discarded fruit and vegetable parts offer overlooked fibre, researchers say
Original report: date unavailable
Peels, seeds and stalks often thrown away can contain substantial dietary fibre, according to King’s College London researchers. Their findings support using more of some foods, although dietitians stress that preparation, tolerability and safety matter.
Health
Children’s emergency warning system to escalate care when families raise concerns
Original report: date unavailable
Emergency departments in England are introducing a standardised system to spot children whose condition is worsening. Alongside checks of vital signs, concerns raised by parents, carers, staff or children themselves will trigger an immediate escalation of care.
Health
England GP trial to assess blood tests for multiple cancers
Original report: date unavailable
More than 20,000 patients with symptoms such as persistent bloating could join an NHS trial of blood tests for multiple cancers. Researchers will assess whether the tests can help GPs identify who needs further investigation.