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A study suggests a test of menstrual blood might be explored as an alternative to conventional cervical screening, and charities called the finding encouraging. The NHS is already sending at-home vaginal swab kits in some areas to people who have missed screening, with wider distribution planned this year.

Chase Johnson, treated for triple-negative breast cancer in 2021, received an experimental a-lactalbumin vaccine as part of a Phase 1 trial and remains cancer-free years after surgery; researchers report immune responses in most participants and the vaccine is moving into Phase 2 testing.

Epic Games says downtime for Fortnite update 39.40 will start Feb 5 at 9:00am GMT in the UK, with matchmaking disabled around 8:30am GMT, and maintenance expected to last 90 minutes.

At a 28 January meeting the Climate Change Committee welcomed progress across the Net Zero Programme, with fleet rationalisation removing 34 vehicles since January 2025 and migration of EV chargers to EZO on track for completion by April 2026.

A patient recounts repeated hip dislocations and long waits for adequate pain relief across several NHS hospitals, and says specialist care in France provided more consistent attention.

State ministers and the national Economic Survey have proposed studying age-based limits on social media for children, while experts warn enforcement and age verification would be challenging.

Barry Manilow says he is recovering after surgery to remove a cancerous spot from his lung and, on his doctor's advice, has postponed mid‑February Westgate Las Vegas residency dates; tickets for those dates will be refunded.

Volunteers in New Zealand have cleaned more than 500 remote hiking huts this summer, trekking in with gloves and basic supplies to help maintain a publicly owned network of over 950 huts.

Graig Community Council said bookings at Graig Community Hall are at an all-time high, and councillors agreed to form a working group and move the centre's finances into the main council remit.

A large Swedish study of about 2.7 million people found boys are more likely to receive autism diagnoses in childhood while girls’ diagnosis rates rise in adolescence, with no significant sex difference by age 20.

A BMJ study tested HPV detection from menstrual blood collected on a sanitary pad in 3,068 women and found sensitivity for detecting CIN2 comparable to clinician-collected samples; the authors described the method as a possible non-invasive alternative, while noting the findings are observational.

LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of the 5th Dimension, has died aged 90 at his home in Las Vegas; his representative said he died of natural causes after a stroke.

New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be the first player of Colombian heritage to play in a Super Bowl, after helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl LX with a key interception in the AFC Championship.

NASA's Juno spacecraft measured Jupiter's equatorial diameter at about 88,841 miles and its polar diameter at about 83,067 miles, both modestly smaller than earlier estimates, using radio signals that passed through the planet's atmosphere.

A four-year-old girl died after being left unattended in a pool at Deer Lake Athletic Club in Independence Township, Michigan, and police say the incident is under investigation with a report to be sent to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

The Princess of Wales made an unplanned stop at the Tŷ Hafan charity shop in Lampeter on February 3, meeting staff and volunteers; she had earlier visited local textile producers and is patron of the children's hospice.

A two-decade study of about 105,600 women found higher adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with an 18% lower overall stroke risk and up to a 25% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke; the authors note the study shows an association rather than proof of causation.

A US emergency doctor reposted a viral video of an 87-year-old woman with notably smooth skin and said decades of ultraviolet exposure, not just age or genetics, are the main driver of visible skin ageing.

Target's new CEO Michael Fiddelke told staff the company has lost trust with shoppers and employees and pledged to work on rebuilding those connections; the company says it is focusing on merchandising, store experience and supporting its teams and communities, Reuters reported.

Millie Mackintosh has returned to social media after reports that she and husband Hugo Taylor have quietly separated; sources say both are prioritising co-parenting their two young daughters.

Health secretary Wes Streeting plans a larger pay increase for resident doctors and proposes financial penalties for trusts that fail to provide rest areas and hot food.

Ofsted found the Calderdale village school met expected standards across key areas and gave a strong rating for inclusion; inspectors reported pupils enjoy school, feel safe and attend regularly.

Six activists were acquitted of aggravated burglary at Woolwich Crown Court, while jurors did not reach verdicts on some criminal damage and other charges.

Researchers report that CART4-34, a CAR-T therapy targeting the IGHV4-34 receptor, eliminated B‑cell cancer cells in mice while sparing healthy B cells, and the developers say a phase I trial is being planned.

A 53-year-old woman bought a red Julian Macdonald purse for 50p at a Koala North West charity shop and found an old passport-style photograph tucked inside; she is trying to trace its owner to return it.

An awareness event at Jersey Library marked World Cancer Day and brought charities and health services together, with speakers urging people to discuss cancer openly. Officials noted Jersey runs screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer and said work is under way to review other screening options.

Red Nose Day 2026 takes place on Friday 20 March; this year features a customisable red nose and official merchandise is on sale via the Comic Relief website, Amazon and TK Maxx.

The government published a 10-year cancer plan aiming to meet waiting-time standards by 2029 and to have 75% of patients cancer-free or living well at five years by 2035, while experts warn its success depends on unproven technologies and clearer workforce plans.

A video filmed on January 8 in Ardabil shows a truck driving into a crowd; independent reporting says one woman was killed and three people were injured.

The Princess of Wales released a video for World Cancer Day saying cancer journeys include fear and exhaustion but also strength, and that people affected are 'not alone'. The footage included her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital last January when she confirmed she was in remission.