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For decades, scientists have generally viewed the brain’s immune system as largely separate from the immune defenses operating throughout the rest of the body. The brain has its own specialized immune cells, along with the blood-brain barrier, which restricts many substances and cells from entering brain tissue. New research from Stanford is challenging that picture. Scientists found that large numbers of immune cells from elsewhere in the body enter the human brain as people age. The discovery could reshape scientists’ understanding of brain aging and may eventually create new possibilities for treating neurological diseases. The work, supported in part by…

By Enitan Abdultawab Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says he is not afraid of losing his job following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament were ended on Thursday after the Super Falcons suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the qualifying playoffs. The result means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991. Speaking to the press after the defeat, Madugu apologised to Nigerians and accepted responsibility for the team’s failure. “First of all, I have to apologise…

By Enitan Abdultawab Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has unveiled her new look after undergoing a series of non-surgical cosmetic procedures to enhance her facial appearance. The 40-year-old actress disclosed this in a recent post on her social media account, where she explained that she opted for threads, fillers and PDO treatment. Sharing her decision with her followers, Ogbodo said she believes people should feel free to change aspects of their appearance that they are not satisfied with. “I got me a new face, because I can,” the actress said. She explained that the procedures were carried out to lift her…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Federal University Kashere (ASUU-FUK) Branch, has commenced an Active Non-Compliance action over what it described as the unlawful reduction of salaries of its members by the Federal Government. ANC is a form of industrial action in which ASUU deliberately withdraws cooperation from specified official duties while not necessarily declaring a full strike. The union said the action followed a directive from its National Executive Council (NEC), after efforts to resolve the salary dispute with the university management failed. The branch disclosed this in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr Salihu Adam Jidda, and…

At least one person has died and around 40 others have been injured after a severe wildfire tore through cities on Croatia’s coastline on Thursday night and Friday morning.The blaze broke out near the village of Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday evening, and spread quickly towards the nearby tourist town of Omis, 6km (7 miles) away. Around 1,200 residents and tourists were evacuated, while 10 people were in intensive care in hospital, the prime minister said. Croatia’s fire chief Slavko Tucakovic described it as “one of the worst” blazes in the country’s history.Croatia is one of several European nations suffering devastating…

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Andy Burnham has warned that Britain is a “tinderbox” after a summer of intense heat and drought, but he faced criticism after confirming his government would look at watering down targets for electric vehicle sales.The prime minister said Britain had to “face up” to the changing climate, as he visited the scene of one of 37 fires across England and Wales, and the nation’s water and transport infrastructure felt the strain.Burnham announced 100 military personnel had been deployed to a wildfire in…

The first flight of the largest battery-electric aircraft to take to the skies lasted nearly half an hour while costing just $5 of electricity. That aviation feat comes at a time when jet fuel prices have skyrocketed because of the US war with Iran. The test flight of Heart Aerospace’s X1 demonstrator aircraft took place at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York on August 12. The X1 aircraft is comparable in size to a small regional airliner and can achieve a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25,000 pounds with the help of four wing-mounted electric motors. The battery-electric propulsion system…

Farmers must not carry the risks of the climate crisis alone, Andy Burnham has said, as he announced £65m of funding to help them manage the devastating drought.The prime minister is stepping up his response to the immediate climate crisis after facing a backlash from his own MPs and Labour’s grassroots for not addressing the climate crisis despite wildfires tearing through Britain and a drought affecting food producers. Labour MPs argued Burnham had taken too long to talk about the climate crisis and had not made it a priority.Some farmers have had to harvest their crops early, while others are…

In a report, officials said the proposed guidance would encourage best practice in terms of minimising exterior lighting to only what was necessary for safety and security.They said: “There are environmental benefits in terms of reduced emissions and lower adverse impacts on humans and wildlife, financial benefits in reduced energy usage and bills, and tourism economy benefits in terms of retaining and enhancing visitors’ ability to enjoy the night sky.”In the report, planting trees and fencing have been suggested report as ways of reducing the glare of outside lights.Officials acknowledged that some communities would prefer to have exterior lighting for…

Werro’s triumph was all the more impressive given she suffered a nasty fall in her semi-final on Thursday, before later being reinstated into the final.Replays showed the left hand of France’s Anais Bourgoin had clipped Werro’s right foot. But, clutching her chest in pain as she jogged across the line, she still faced a race against time to recover.That drama led to a congested 10-athlete final – but, despite Briton Jemma Reekie’s best efforts, there only ever appeared three contenders for gold.Hodgkinson had twice beaten Werro during the indoor season – including to win her first world title – but…