In other news

A team of Chinese and Dutch scientists has discovered how a single plant cell can regenerate into a new plant by flipping two genetic switches. This breakthrough could help develop technologies to quickly regenerate high-yield crops, safeguarding global food security, and provide insights into regenerative medicine in humans. Researchers from Shandong Agricultural University and BGI-Research in China, and Radboud University in the Netherlands, published their findings in the journal Cell. The study revealed that differentiated somatic cells in plants can regain the ability to generate all cell types required to form a complete organism, a process known as somatic or non-reproductive embryogenesis.

Chinese researchers have used artificial intelligence to discover hidden protein features shared among unrelated species that have evolved similar traits independently. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used an advanced AI protein language model to examine complex protein structures and found that convergent evolution is driven by adaptation to similar environments or lifestyles. The findings have implications for understanding how genes and proteins relate to the emergence of similar traits in different species.

The Chinese government is set to begin construction on a monumental railway linking Hotan in Xinjiang with Lhasa in Tibet next month. The 1,980km line, dubbed one of the 'projects of the century', will traverse mountain ranges, glaciers, and permafrost zones at high altitudes, connecting two autonomous regions in northwestern and southwestern China. The project is expected to cost around 400 billion yuan (US$56.2 billion), making it one of China's most expensive rail projects. The railway holds strategic value for Beijing beyond commercial considerations, with potential benefits including increased connectivity and economic growth. The project presents extreme engineering challenges due to the harsh terrain and high altitudes.

The article discusses how three U.S. athletes, Dustin Nippert, Austin Dean, and Jameel Warney, achieved success in their careers by playing in South Korea. Despite not reaching their full potential in their respective sports in the U.S., they found success in South Korea, with Nippert having a successful career in Korean baseball, Dean playing in the Korean Baseball Organization, and Warney having a successful stint in the Korean Basketball League.

A 9-year-old Ukrainian girl named Solomiia was reunited with her mother after being trapped in Russian-occupied territory for three years. Solomiia and her grandmother, whom she calls Bunia, were among a group of Ukrainians fleeing Russian occupation. Rescue workers had been waiting at the Ukrainian border for days, and their rescue marked a significant moment for the family and those involved in their evacuation.

A British army horse named Quaker, who was involved in a chaotic incident in London last year where five horses broke free and galloped through the streets, has been retired to a sanctuary in Buckinghamshire due to injuries sustained during the incident. The horses were spooked by construction noise and caused significant disruption, injuring five soldiers and four civilians. Quaker suffered a broken bone and serious bleeding and was deemed unfit to return to duty.

Department stores are struggling to attract younger consumers who prefer online shopping, but they remain popular among older generations due to their generous return policies, promotional events, and personalized customer service. Retail experts say that department stores need to adapt to the changing consumer landscape, particularly the influence of social media on younger shoppers. Despite the challenges, some department stores like Bloomingdale's are thriving by focusing on luxury brands and high-end customers. The key to their success lies in providing exceptional customer service and creating a personalized shopping experience.

The article discusses the recent selection of Takaichi Sanae as the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), making her poised to become the country's first female prime minister. Known for her brash, nationalistic, and polarizing stance, Takaichi's ascension marks a significant shift in Japanese politics, likened to a transition from calm ambient music to heavy metal. The article contextualizes this change within global political trends and highlights potential implications for Japan's future leadership.

The article discusses the challenges facing NASA's Artemis III mission to return humans to the moon by 2027, with SpaceX's Starship being a crucial component. Despite the ambitious goals, the Starship is still in development, with several test flights having ended in failure. The complexity of the mission, including the need for multiple refueling launches, has raised concerns among experts. Meanwhile, China is making rapid progress in its lunar ambitions, with some predicting it will be the first to walk on the moon in the next five years.

An Irish start-up, Manna Aero, is expanding its food delivery drone service to the UK, pending regulatory approval. The company has completed over 200,000 deliveries in Ireland, Finland, and the US, using autonomous drones that cruise at 262ft and carry items like burgers, fresh meat, and eggs. While some residents in west Dublin have complained about the noise, the CEO believes that perception is the issue and that the technology will be accepted over time. The UK's regulatory environment is considered less drone-friendly than the EU's, but Manna is in dialogue with the Civil Aviation Authority and hopes to launch in the UK in 2026.

A New York Times investigation into the September 9 arson attacks in Nepal reveals that the coordinated destruction of government buildings and properties may not have been a spontaneous response to the killing of 19 anti-corruption protesters by security forces the day before. The investigation suggests that the attacks were pre-planned, with 'ready-to-use lists' of targets surfacing online hours after the shootings. Experts say the scale and coordination of the attacks indicate a high level of organizational prowess, potentially involving inside help. The interim government has formed a commission to investigate, but a lack of forensic analysis and slow judicial process may hinder efforts to determine responsibility.