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Changes to the microbes that live in the gut can identify people at greater risk of Parkinson’s disease long before symptoms develop, according to a new study that also raises hopes for novel therapies.Discovery of a Distinct Gut Microbiome Signature in At‑Risk IndividualsResearchers at University College London led by Prof Anthony Schapira identified a microbial pattern that is more pronounced in individuals carrying a genetic risk for Parkinson’s and even stronger in diagnosed patients. The signature was detectable in a small fraction of the general population, suggesting a pre‑symptomatic risk group.Scale of the Study and Microbial Shifts Quantified271 Parkinson’s patients, 43 genetically predisposed but asymptomatic participants, and 150 healthy controls were initially analysed.Differences were found in 176 gut microbe species (over a quarter of the total surveyed).Follow‑up validation used data from 638 Parkinson’s cases and 319 controls across the UK, South Korea and Turkey.The alterations were independent of medication use and correlated with dietary patterns high in processed foods and saturated fats.Implications for Early Diagnosis and Preventive StrategiesThe microbial signature could enable clinicians to flag high‑risk individuals years before motor symptoms appear, opening a window for interventions such as diet modification or microbiome‑targeted therapies. Alpha‑synuclein production, a protein linked to neuronal damage, may be influenced by gut inflammation driven by specific bacteria.Future Directions: Clinical Trials and Therapeutic ProspectsFurther research is needed to determine causality and to test whether reshaping the gut ecosystem can delay or prevent disease onset. Ongoing clinical trials will explore probiotic, prebiotic, and dietary approaches, while the findings reinforce the growing emphasis on lifestyle factors in Parkinson’s management.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a substantial increase in global fuel prices, affecting Americans and forcing them to make difficult trade-offs. Many are struggling to access essential items, including medication and groceries, while others are facing financial insecurity and even homelessness.The impact of rising gas prices is being felt across various aspects of life, from accessing essential medicines to facing the brink of homelessness amid an already rising cost of living. For Mandy, a 42-year-old mother in central Utah, higher gas prices have made it harder to visit one of her children, who has disabilities and lives hours away.“Before [Donald] Trump and [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu started their war, gas in my town was $2.70 a gallon. Now it’s $4.19 and I’m terrified it’s going to go closer to $5 before all is said and done. One of our children is disabled and lives in a group home two and a half hours away,” she said.Rising gas prices are also affecting people’s ability to access necessary medication. Lisa, a 56-year-old living with disabilities on a tribal reservation in Oregon, said rising gas prices had disrupted her ability to access necessary medication.“My caregiver and I have had to cut back our trips to pick up my prescriptions, even though they are necessary. Because I live in rural Oregon, the basic necessities are 40 minutes away, so if a doctor calls in an additional prescription after I’ve already been in town for the week, that prescription has to wait for the following week for me to pick it up,” she said.The strain is also being felt by food banks and pantries. Melissa Meyer, chief executive of IPM Food Pantry in Cincinnati, Ohio, said rising gas prices had driven more people to rely on food pantries – even as those same costs strain the operations of local food banks and their volunteers.“Increased gas prices put additional costs on our operations as we must increase gas costs for picking up and delivering food across five counties of south-west Ohio … We are not cutting back our services in any way, yet,” she said.The rising cost of fuel is also having indirect effects, such as impacting small businesses and artists. Cathi Newlin, a 63-year-old ceramic artist in Sacramento, California, who also cares for her husband with Parkinson’s disease, said her income had been hit as consumers pull back.“A substantial portion of our household income is generated from the sale of my art and the classes I teach. These are surely luxury items in any economy but when people have to spend more on basics like gasoline, they don’t have as much money or desire to spend on art. The rise in oil prices very much affects my income and the price of my materials,” Newlin said.

England's women's football team is on a roll, maintaining a 100% record in their World Cup qualifying group after a win against Spain. While their target is to win a first world title, the journey is long, and several players have enhanced their prospects of selection. Eight players from the recent match against Spain look set to be in the first-choice XI for the World Cup, including Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren Hemp. Senior players like Leah Williamson and Ella Toone will also be key when they return from injuries. Three players who started against Spain have significantly boosted their chances. Centre-backs Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moy were exemplary, helping England keep a clean sheet against the world champions. Morgan, 25, and Wubben-Moy, 27, have had to be patient during Sarina Wiegman's tenure but did not look out of place. Morgan said she was proud of the team's concentration and organisation, while Wiegman praised them, saying, 'They showed up today. It says a lot about them. They should be proud of themselves.' Another player who impressed was Lucia Kendall, the 21-year-old Aston Villa midfielder tasked with taking on Barcelona's Patricia Guijarro. Despite a quiet evening, Kendall worked hard and nearly scored from close range. Wiegman also displayed trust in Laura Blindkilde Brown, who came on as a 72nd-minute substitute to help close out the victory. Her contributions to Manchester City's likely title success will enhance her chances for 2027. The upcoming match against Iceland will provide further opportunities for players like Jess Park, who has been in inspired form for Manchester United. New faces Erica Meg Parkinson and Keira Barry have received their first senior call-ups and will look to make an impression.

Birmingham City defeated Wrexham 2-0 at St Andrew’s, a result that pushes the Red Dragons further from the Championship playoff places. The loss leaves Wrexham four points behind sixth‑placed Hull City with only four games remaining.After a 5-1 drubbing by Southampton, the defeat marks Wrexham’s first back‑to‑back losses since August. Manager Phil Parkinson tried to steady the mood, saying, “We’ve had a tough week, but we’re not down and out yet. People may write us off, but inside the dressing room we’re still fighting.”Goals came from Carlos Vicente, who headed in his third goal for Birmingham since joining in January, and Christoph Klarer, who added a second‑half strike to seal the win.Wrexham’s attack was virtually silent – they failed to register a single shot on target, and goalkeeper James Beadle had little to do. In contrast, Birmingham’s keeper Arthur Okonkwo made several first‑half saves, keeping the hosts in control.The victory gave Birmingham their first win in over a month and lifted them to 15th place in the league table. The hosts dominated possession, forcing early saves from Okonkwo and creating chances for Ibrahim Osman and August Priske, though those early efforts were thwarted.In the second half, a well‑timed delivery from Kai Wagner allowed Vicente to rise highest at the far post and head home. Later, a corner from Paik Seung‑ho found Klarer, who muscled past Max Cleworth and finished confidently.Substitutes Josh Windass and Nathan Broadhead were introduced by Parkinson in a bid to spark Wrexham’s attack, but the visitors could not muster any meaningful threat in the final quarter.Birmingham manager Chris Davies praised his side’s performance: “We were excellent throughout. When the opposition doesn’t have a shot on your goal and you score two – we could have scored five – that’s everything.”

Southampton continued their impressive Championship form with a resounding 5-1 victory over Wrexham, catapulting them into the playoff places. The match at Stōk Cae Ras was marked by early goals from Kuryu Matsuki and Flynn Downes, setting the tone for a dominant performance.Building on the momentum from their stunning FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Arsenal, Tonda Eckert's side displayed exceptional form. Despite Wrexham's efforts to get back into the game, including a goal from Josh Windass, Southampton's Cyle Larin secured a crucial third goal. The visitors sealed their victory with late goals from Ross Stewart and Finn Azaz.Southampton's intent was clear from the onset, with Larin and Azaz both hitting the bar within the first eight minutes. Matsuki opened the scoring on 12 minutes, and Downes doubled the lead 10 minutes later. Wrexham's hopes were briefly rekindled by Windass's goal, but Larin's breakaway strike and the late goals from Stewart and Azaz ensured a convincing win.This victory marks Southampton's 10th in an unbeaten sequence of 13 league games, positioning them sixth in the Championship table. Their manager, Tonda Eckert, emphasized the team's focus and preparation for the upcoming games, highlighting the importance of maintaining their rhythm and humility.In contrast, Wrexham's manager, Phil Parkinson, acknowledged the team's poor performance in the first 20 minutes, which led to their decisive defeat. He stressed the need to learn from this loss and be ready for their next match.

Keith Altham, a trailblazing music journalist and publicist, has passed away at the age of 84 after battling Parkinson's disease. He was a key figure in shaping the careers of some of the most influential musicians of all time.Altham began his career as a music journalist, writing for publications like The New Musical Express and Fabulous. However, it was his work as a publicist that earned him the most recognition. In 1971, he founded KA Publicity, which became a go-to agency for many of the biggest names in rock music.His impressive client list included The Rolling Stones, The Who, Marc Bolan, The Beach Boys, Slade, Status Quo, and Van Morrison. Altham's ability to understand the needs of both artists and journalists made him a natural at PR.One of Altham's most notable contributions to music history was suggesting the stage name Reg Presley for Reg Ball, the lead singer of The Troggs. He also famously advised Jimi Hendrix to set fire to his guitar during a concert, a stunt that became an iconic moment in rock music.Altham's relationships with musicians were built on trust and respect. He was known for his wit and candor, often providing Sting with candid advice during some of the most turbulent years of his career.Throughout his life, Altham was celebrated for his contributions to the music industry. He will be remembered as a pioneer in rock music PR and a true legend in British music history.

Eric Overmyer, a highly influential figure in the world of television, has died at the age of 74. He succumbed to complications from Parkinson's disease, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in the industry. Overmyer was best known for his collaborations with David Simon, creator of 'Homicide: Life on the Street', 'The Wire', and 'Treme'. His work on these series, along with 'Bosch', an Amazon Prime series based on Michael Connelly's novels, cemented his reputation as a masterful showrunner. Overmyer's versatility in television was evident in his extensive portfolio, which included roles as a writer and producer on shows like 'St Elsewhere', 'The Slap Maxwell Story', 'The Cosby Mysteries', and 'Law & Order'. His ability to drive complex narratives with sharp dialogue was a hallmark of his work, influenced by his background as a playwright and poet. His best-known play, 'On the Verge', continues to be frequently produced and showcases his unique storytelling style. Overmyer's impact on television was not limited to his own creations; he also worked with other notable writers, including George Pelecanos and Dennis Lehane. Throughout his career, Overmyer remained busy, working on various projects, including the miniseries 'Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis' and the series 'The Affair' and 'The Man in the High Castle'. His legacy in the television industry is undeniable, and his contributions will continue to be celebrated by audiences and creators alike.

England's women's football team has made a surprise call-up for 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson for their World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland in April. Parkinson, who plays for Portuguese side Valadares Gaia, has previously featured in the Lionesses pathway but will now join Sarina Wiegman's senior squad for the first time. The Singapore-born player was chosen due to midfield injuries to Ella Toone and Grace Clinton, with Wiegman describing Parkinson as a 'very dynamic midfielder who likes to go forward … aggressive, technical.' Parkinson was part of the under-23 squad for fixtures against Norway and the United States last year and will now take on a significant step up to the senior level. Wiegman noted that while it's a big leap, Parkinson gets the chance to show her capabilities at the senior level. The 23-player squad also sees the return of Arsenal forward Beth Mead after missing the last set of internationals with a hairline shin fracture. Manchester City's captain Alex Greenwood is back in the squad after sitting out recent games due to injury. The Lionesses face Spain at Wembley on April 14, before taking on Iceland in Reykjavik four days later. This match against Spain will be the first between the nations since the Euro 2025 final, where England became back-to-back European champions under Wiegman's management.

According to a report by IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring firm, Pakistan was the world's smoggiest country in 2025 with concentrations of hazardous fine particles known as PM2.5 up to 13 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO's) recommended level.The report, which sourced data from 9,446 cities in 143 countries, regions and territories, found that only 13 countries and territories managed to keep their average fine particulate levels below the WHO guideline, an increase from seven in 2024.Pakistan's PM2.5 level was 67.3 microgrammes per cubic metre, significantly exceeding the WHO standard of 5 microgrammes per cubic metre. In comparison, Pakistan's average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 73.7 microgrammes.Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to higher likelihoods of neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.Bangladesh and Tajikistan ranked second and third on IQAir's list of the most polluted countries while Chad, statistically the smoggiest country in 2024, was in fourth place in 2025.The report also noted that Loni, a city in northern India, was identified as the world's most polluted city in 2025 with average PM2.5 levels of 112.5 microgrammes per cubic metre.Globally, only 14 percent of cities met the WHO air quality standard in 2025, down from 17 percent a year earlier. The report highlighted that wildfires, driven by climate change, were a key factor behind worsening global air quality in 2025 as record levels of biomass burning in Europe and Canada released about 1,380 megatonnes of carbon.