Lead Story
HPV vaccine has 'virtually eliminated' cervical cancer deaths in young English women
A newly published UK study found that no women in their early twenties died of cervical cancer in England between 2020 and 2024, following the rollout of the HPV vaccine. Among 20-to-24-year-olds, roughly 90% of whom were vaccinated, there wasn't a single cervical cancer death; the 25-to-29 age group also saw a 100% drop to zero, while the 30-to-34 group, who had less access to the vaccine, saw a 63% decrease. Researchers called it an "incredible milestone" showing the vaccine has reduced the risk of cervical cancer death before age 30 to effectively zero. A separate global analysis of 121 studies, released in May, found even a single vaccine dose offers strong protection against HPV infection.
Read more →Lead Story
HPV vaccine has 'virtually eliminated' cervical cancer deaths in young English women
A newly published UK study found that no women in their early twenties died of cervical cancer in England between 2020 and 2024, following the rollout of the HPV vaccine. Among 20-to-24-year-olds, roughly 90% of whom were vaccinated, there wasn't a single cervical cancer death; the 25-to-29 age group also saw a 100% drop to zero, while the 30-to-34 group, who had less access to the vaccine, saw a 63% decrease. Researchers called it an "incredible milestone" showing the vaccine has reduced the risk of cervical cancer death before age 30 to effectively zero. A separate global analysis of 121 studies, released in May, found even a single vaccine dose offers strong protection against HPV infection.
Solar becomes the EU's largest power source for only the third month ever
Solar generated a record 52 TWh of electricity across the EU in June, making up 25% of the bloc's monthly generation and making it the largest single power source for the month — ahead of nuclear (21%), gas (15%), wind (14%) and hydro (12%), with coal down to just 8%. It beat solar's previous monthly high of 47 TWh (23%) set in May. According to energy think tank Ember, June is only the third month on record that solar has topped the EU's generation mix, after May 2026 and June 2025, capping average annual growth of more than 20% since 2021.
Read more →Solar becomes the EU's largest power source for only the third month ever
Solar generated a record 52 TWh of electricity across the EU in June, making up 25% of the bloc's monthly generation and making it the largest single power source for the month — ahead of nuclear (21%), gas (15%), wind (14%) and hydro (12%), with coal down to just 8%. It beat solar's previous monthly high of 47 TWh (23%) set in May. According to energy think tank Ember, June is only the third month on record that solar has topped the EU's generation mix, after May 2026 and June 2025, capping average annual growth of more than 20% since 2021.
UK teen social media trial finds curfews and app-free periods boost sleep and focus
A month-long UK trial of 309 households testing three ways to curb teen social media use — a 9pm-to-7am overnight curfew, a 15-minute daily limit, or removing selected apps entirely — found teenagers across all three groups reported better sleep, improved concentration, more time spent studying and more family interaction. The overnight curfew delivered the most consistent sleep benefits and was easiest for families to sustain, with many continuing it after the trial ended; fully removing apps produced the biggest gains in focus but also the most social disruption, while the 15-minute limit had the lowest compliance. The findings are informing the UK government's approach to protecting teenagers online.
Read more →UK teen social media trial finds curfews and app-free periods boost sleep and focus
A month-long UK trial of 309 households testing three ways to curb teen social media use — a 9pm-to-7am overnight curfew, a 15-minute daily limit, or removing selected apps entirely — found teenagers across all three groups reported better sleep, improved concentration, more time spent studying and more family interaction. The overnight curfew delivered the most consistent sleep benefits and was easiest for families to sustain, with many continuing it after the trial ended; fully removing apps produced the biggest gains in focus but also the most social disruption, while the 15-minute limit had the lowest compliance. The findings are informing the UK government's approach to protecting teenagers online.