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White House officials question Zacharia’s future after brief first briefing

Katie Zacharia’s first White House briefing lasted about 15 minutes, including roughly 5½ minutes of questions. Officials questioned how long she would remain in the role, though some said she deserved more time.

“I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there”
Katie ZachariaWhite House press secretary

Supreme Court to hear DOGE’s bid to withhold internal documents

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over its internal documents.

Trump to campaign in Alaska as Republicans face a tight Senate race

Trump plans to travel to Alaska to campaign as Republicans face a tight Senate race there. Alaska has become a crucial battleground this fall.

Musk gives $276 million to Republican groups for 2026 midterms

Elon Musk has given at least $276 million to Republican groups since July, as the party seeks to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

Judge orders halt to taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded ads promoting the president and ordered it to cancel the remaining advertising purchase.

US archbishop urges Catholic soldiers to avoid planned Hasan execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio told Catholic service members to seek exemption from the planned firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, which the Pentagon wants to livestream in December.

Plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution draws criticism

The Pentagon plans to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution, but the proposal has drawn criticism from survivors and victims' relatives. President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on the broadcast.

The Pentagon has proposed livestreaming the execution of Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009.

Hasan, a former US Army major, is due to be executed by firing squad on December 3.

Survivors and victims' relatives oppose making it a public spectacle, saying a broadcast would not bring closure and could turn the killings into entertainment.

Some lawmakers also warn that a public execution could fuel radicalisation or give terrorist groups propaganda, while Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin says he sees no elevated security risk.

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Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

Tom Homan said there was an ongoing criminal investigation into Omar, and Omar said she had not been contacted about an investigation.

Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Omar’s Washington home under a warrant secured by the Justice Department.

The Justice Department confirmed the search was part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.

Omar and Democratic leaders condemned the operation, while Trump said he had nothing to do with it.

Talarico says flu caused campaign absence as false clinic rumor spreads

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico says he missed campaign events while recovering from the flu. An Ohio mental health facility denied claims that he was treated there.

Candidate
James Talarico, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas
Opponent
Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general and Republican candidate
Absence
Oct. 1 to Oct. 9, according to AP
Facility
Lindner Center of Hope, Mason, Ohio

GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

GOP groups Kean campaign source

Spending plans

MAGA Inc. and the Congressional Leadership Fund are pulling planned spending from the districts and redirecting it to other races.

A source close to Kean’s campaign said the race was fully funded for the final stretch.

Race outlook

The groups’ moves followed polling that suggested the incumbents’ re-election chances had weakened.

The campaign source said Kean’s race was fully funded and cited reservations about the Democratic opponent’s broadcast spending.

Kansas Senator Pays Six-Year-Old Campaign Bakery Bill

Sen. Roger Marshall paid $1,300 to a Kansas bakery after its owner said his campaign had left a $678.75 bill unpaid since 2020. The bakery owner confirmed the payment.

World

MI5 chief says Iran is seeking to target UK military sites

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. A suspected plot at RAF Fairford is under investigation, and seven men have been arrested and released on bail.

“The incident at RAF Fairford “is not unique. There have been other examples, not just in the U.K. but around the world,”
Ken McCallumMI5 director general

Explosives spill from truck carrying mortar grenades in Granada

A truck carrying mortar grenades and other explosives spilled part of its load onto the A-4002 in Granada. Authorities activated a pre-emergency phase and closed the road.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Ukraine investigates whether missile malfunction caused MiG-29 crash

A Ukrainian MiG-29 crashed in Odesa region in August 2026. Investigators are examining whether a missile malfunction caused the crash; the pilot ejected safely.

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

Drone attacks damaged three Yandex data centers in Russia, disrupting the company’s cloud and consumer services. Yandex has not given a reliable timeline for restoring full service.

Two stolen Renoirs recovered in France as police suspect another heist was planned

French investigators recovered two Renoir paintings worth about €4.2 million from behind a wall after the September theft. Four men face preliminary charges, and police said they feared another museum robbery was imminent.

Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

Russia’s Federal Security Service says it arrested a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin on suspicion of gathering information about Russian defense capabilities. The journalist was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody.

Russia says it arrested a Japanese journalist in the Sakhalin region on suspicion of spying.

The man worked for Japan’s Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, but Russian officials have not named him.

Russia’s Federal Security Service alleges he gathered information about the country’s defense capabilities for a Japanese intelligence agency.

It says he was preparing to leave Russia when arrested, then was flown to Moscow and placed in custody.

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Saudi-led coalition warns civilians before reported strike on Sanaa oil site

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Yemen’s capital before a planned operation. Houthi media later reported that the site was hit.

The Houthis seized strategic territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The Houthis have attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities, according to the Straits Times.

The Saudi-led coalition urged civilians to leave the Yemen Oil Company's Sabah central station in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation.

Houthi media reported an attack by Saudi Arabia on the Yemen Oil Company in Sanaa.

Researchers search Nikumaroro for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane

A team from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University is examining a lagoon on Kiribati’s Nikumaroro island for an object that may be Earhart’s plane.

Team size
17 members
Island
Nikumaroro, Kiribati
Object under investigation
Taraia Object
Aircraft sought
Lockheed Electra 10E

US threatens to halt intelligence sharing and weapons channel over Ukraine strikes

The Trump administration warned Ukraine it could suspend intelligence sharing and the PURL weapons channel unless Kyiv stops attacks on Russian energy facilities. The warnings came as Trump announced an energy ceasefire.

US administration Ukraine

Strikes on Russian energy sites

The administration reportedly demanded that Kyiv halt strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Ukraine said it was willing to respect an energy ceasefire, but wanted details and said it should cover energy infrastructure on both sides.

Ceasefire terms

Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire.

Zelensky said the announcement was news to him and that Ukraine was awaiting details from the American side.

NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack

General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and, if needed, break an attack on alliance territory. He said conflict with Russia is not inevitable.

Business

Japanese firms offer personalized bath products and training

Japanese companies are promoting tailored bath products made with regional ingredients, while a new online certification course teaches people about bathing culture.

“share the joy of bathing”
Tsutomu TanakaYuyaku brand overseer

BOJ Officials Lean Against October Rate Hike, See Possible Move in December

Bank of Japan officials are leaning against raising interest rates again in October but are still considering a move as soon as December.

IMF raises Japan’s 2026 growth forecast to 0.7%

The IMF raised its forecast for Japan’s economic growth in 2026 to 0.7% and expects growth to stabilize next year.

Nissin to relaunch Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles in Japan

Nissin Foods will launch its revamped Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles nationwide in Japan on October 26, inspired by a Singapore crab dish.

Aeon's net profit nearly tripled as drugstore business performed well

Japanese retailer Aeon said its net profit for the six-month interim period was 13.3 billion yen, about three times the level a year earlier. Strong drugstore business helped drive the increase.

Aeon’s net profit triples to 13.3 billion yen in March-August period

Aeon reported net profit of 13.3 billion yen for March to August 2026, 3.3 times the year-earlier figure, as shopping malls and drugstores performed well.

Japan’s wholesale prices rise 6.8% in September, slower than in August

Japan’s wholesale prices rose 6.8% from a year earlier in September, down from 7.6% in August, Bank of Japan data showed.

Japan’s wholesale prices rose 6.8% in September compared with the same month a year earlier.

These prices are for goods traded between companies and are also described as producer or input prices.

The increase was slower than August’s 7.6% rise.

Bank of Japan data showed the change.

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Japan’s 2026 rice harvest forecast to fall 1%

Japan’s 2026 rice harvest is projected to fall 1%. The forecast is relatively high despite concerns about prolonged rain in September.

Prolonged rain raised concerns about its impact on the rice harvest.

The Japan Times reported the forecast of a 1% fall in Japan’s 2026 rice harvest.

Japan-controlled tankers return to the Middle East after months away

Japan-controlled tankers have returned to the Middle East after months away, during more than seven months of conflict in the Persian Gulf.

Tankers
Japan-controlled
Return
Middle East
Conflict duration
More than seven months

Aeon’s first-half profit rises 1.7%, but second-quarter profit falls 23.5%

Aeon reported first-half recurring profit of ¥108.2 billion, up 1.7% from a year earlier. Profit in the three months to August fell 23.5%.

Hyogo company offers plant-based alternative to Akashi octopus

A company in Hyogo Prefecture has begun offering a plant-based substitute for Akashi-brand octopus after its price rose sharply.

Science & Tech

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

SpaceX launches more than 6,300 pounds of cargo to the space station

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched from Florida on Tuesday with science, supplies and the final pair of roll-out solar arrays for the International Space Station. It is due to arrive Thursday.

Honey bee stingers use two pistons to pump venom continuously

Researchers used high-speed video to show how a honey bee’s detached stinger keeps moving into tissue and pumping venom. The mechanism could inspire less invasive medicine-delivery pumps.

Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple has unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, a streaming box for televisions, with a faster processor and new voice features.

The device uses an A19 chip that Apple says is 50% faster than the previous model’s processor, with twice the graphics performance.

Its three built-in microphones let users speak to Siri from across the room, and Siri AI can answer questions about what people are watching; its launch support in India is English only, with no Hindi.

The box also adds smart-home controls and lets users pair up to four compatible Apple speakers for surround sound.

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Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Sports

Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Shanghai Masters and Jannik Sinner’s season-ending knee injury mean Zverev cannot be caught in the rankings. He will be the first German man to finish a season at No. 1.

“It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true”
Alexander Zverevtennis player

Retired Kei Nishikori reflects on his career and French rivals

The former world No. 4 from Japan looks back on his career, his love of clay courts and his relationships with French players.

Alexander Bublik smashes racket and cooler, then wins at Shanghai Masters

Bublik smashed his racket and a drinks cooler after losing the first set to Brandon Nakashima, cutting his hand. He recovered to win in three sets.

UN rights office condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against Coco Gauff after her match against Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

Zverev and Bublik meet in the Shanghai Masters round of 16

Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik are set to face each other in the round of 16 in Shanghai.

Alex Eala and Zeynep Sonmez lose in Wuhan Open doubles first round

Eala and Sonmez lost 6-2, 6-3 to Dayana Yastremska and Anhelina Kalinina. Eala is expected to play in Ningbo, Tokyo and Hong Kong over the next three weeks.

Davidovich beats Hurkacz to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

Alejandro Davidovich beat Hubert Hurkacz in three sets to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals. He will next face France’s Arthur Gea, ranked 44th.

Alejandro Davidovich beat Hubert Hurkacz 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) at the Shanghai Masters in China.

The Spanish player recovered after losing the first set, breaking Hurkacz’s serve twice in the second and winning a close final-set tie-break.

It was Davidovich’s second win over Hurkacz in two weeks; he had also beaten the Polish player in the Chengdu final.

The result sends Davidovich to his sixth Masters 1000 quarter-final, and his first since Monte Carlo in 2025.

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Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva withdraw from Wuhan Open

After meeting in the China Open final in Beijing, Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva both withdrew from the Wuhan Open. Zheng cited fatigue after a demanding run of matches.

Zheng beat Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the China Open final.

Zheng and Andreeva withdrew from the Wuhan Open.

The Wuhan Open singles main draw started.

Alex Eala loses Wuhan opener but has more matches ahead

Alex Eala lost to Chinese qualifier Shi Han after winning the first set at the Wuhan Open. She is still due to play doubles there and compete in Hong Kong in November.

Singles opponent
Shi Han, a Chinese qualifier
Match result
Eala won the first set but lost the next two
Doubles partner
Zeynep Sonmez
Next named tournament
Hong Kong Open, at the beginning of November

Isner and Querrey oppose ending best-of-five Grand Slam matches

John Isner and Sam Querrey say men’s Grand Slam matches should remain best-of-five sets, disagreeing with Juan Carlos Ferrero’s prediction that the format will soon end.

Juan Carlos Ferrero John Isner and Sam Querrey

Future of best-of-five

Ferrero predicted that five-set matches at Grand Slams would soon be a thing of the past.

Isner said the five-set format should stay, and Querrey said he agreed.

Players' views

Ferrero's prediction was not accompanied by a stated view about how many players support the format.

Isner said the majority of players want to keep five sets; Querrey estimated about 98% of top-100 players would agree.

Rafa Jódar faces Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in Shanghai quarter-finals

Jódar meets Van de Zandschulp in the Shanghai Masters round of 16, with a quarter-final place at stake. The match is scheduled for about 6 a.m. Spanish time.

Entertainment

Sean Combs Taken From Fort Dix for Treatment of Head Injury

Sean Combs was taken from Fort Dix prison for treatment of a head injury early Saturday and returned before sunrise. How he was injured has not been confirmed.

“Sean’s health and well-being are our immediate concern, and we appreciate everyone who has reached out.”
Combs’ spokesperson Juda EngelmayerSpokesperson for Sean Combs

Ben Affleck says he spent three years playing StarCraft after becoming famous

On a podcast, the actor recalled staying home to play StarCraft for three years after becoming famous. He also discussed other games and said real-time strategy games have fallen out of style.

Amanda Seyfried says she is uncomfortable filming sex scenes for now

The actor said she turned down a TV role that required frequent sex scenes, but did not rule out taking on similar work in the future.

Harry and Meghan to make first joint public visit since UK return

The couple are due to visit Nottingham on Thursday for their first official joint outing since returning to Britain in August. They plan to visit organizations supporting food access and young people.

Julianne Moore’s son Caleb Freundlich marries Kibriyaá Morgan

Caleb Freundlich and Kibriyaá Morgan have married after dating for nine years. His mother, actor Julianne Moore, shared the news on Instagram.

Princess Eugenie shares video of daughter on eighth wedding anniversary

Princess Eugenie posted a video of Jack Brooksbank holding their two-month-old daughter, Adelaide, as she marked their eighth wedding anniversary.

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after an incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The charges say she allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital and later kicked a nurse in Queens.

She was arraigned in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault and has pleaded not guilty, according to one account.

A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released.

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Monique Smit says she sometimes misses brother Jan amid estrangement

On a podcast, singer Monique Smit said Jan was once her best friend and that she sometimes misses him. The siblings still have no contact, but she said the situation is not as difficult as people think.

Monique joined in enthusiastically while Jan performed at a Snollebollekes event.

Monique discussed her relationship with Jan in the podcast Huilen is voor jou te laat.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

Series
The Americans
Network
FX
Run
Six seasons, ending in 2018
Podcast
Dear Chelsea, hosted by Chelsea Handler

Collin Gosselin alleges abuse by mother Kate ahead of memoir release

Collin Gosselin says his mother, Kate, physically and emotionally mistreated him as a child. His memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” is due out Oct. 13.

Collin Gosselin Kate Gosselin

Alleged treatment

Collin says his mother dragged him by the ear and mistreated him and his siblings.

Kate previously said reports of abuse were unfounded.

His placement in an institution

Collin says he was removed from the home and placed in an institution, with little contact with his family.

Kate said he was sent for treatment for educational and social challenges and that the decision was the best thing she could do for him.

Amber Portwood says boyfriend has supported her through mental health journey

The Teen Mom alum says she has been dating a private partner for nearly a year and describes him as a steady source of support while she manages bipolar disorder.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed after early-stage detection

Pope Leo XIV is due to be admitted to hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule found at an early stage. The nodule’s size and whether it is cancerous have not been disclosed.

EU regions urge stronger local role in cardiovascular health strategy

The EU Committee of the Regions unanimously adopted recommendations calling for more prevention and greater involvement of local authorities in European cardiovascular health efforts.

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

Flu season is kicking off early. The story raises the question of whether people are getting vaccinated but gives no further details.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

Researchers followed participants and assessed changes in cognitive performance and movement symptoms.

The study was published in Neurology.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

Age
39
County
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Confirmed cases
1,136 as of Friday
Hospitalizations
219

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

Traditional view of exercise adaptation Exercise-memory research

Effects of a break

Muscle gains and insulin sensitivity can drift back toward their starting levels, often within weeks.

Cells may retain memories of earlier training during a period without exercise.

Regaining fitness

The traditional “use it or lose it” view implies that benefits fade when training stops.

People with a training history may get fit again faster, and previously trained mice grew bigger muscles when they retrained.

A transfer RNA may help restore drug sensitivity in prostate cancer

Researchers found that restoring a specific transfer RNA made treatment-resistant prostate tumors sensitive to androgen receptor-targeting drugs in experimental models.