Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

At-home microplastics blood tests are being sold to increasingly concerned consumers, but leading researchers warn that the results may be inaccurate, unvalidated and of little practical use. Several companies now offer tests that claim to measure plastic particles in the body, with some available in Australia for up to $750. The market follows a growing body of research examining possible links between microplastics and human health. Microplastics are tiny particles formed as plastic waste breaks down. They can be inhaled, eaten or consumed in drinking water, but scientists have not reached a consensus on what their presence in the body…

The US House has voted for a third time to end the war in Iran, passing a war powers resolution that would prevent Donald Trump from continuing military action without congressional approval. The measure passed by 220 votes to 204 late on Tuesday, with all Democrats joined by seven Republicans. Three of those Republicans supported the resolution for the first time. Iowa Republican Zach Nunn said the latest developments meant sustained military operations now required authorisation from Congress. “With the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization,” Mr Nunn said. “I will not support another open-ended war.”…

UK inflation accelerated to 3.1% in August, marking an increase in the rate at which prices were rising.

Manchester United have renewed their interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who has returned to regular football after overcoming recent injury problems. The 24-year-old centre-back has long been admired at Old Trafford and is reportedly back on the club’s defensive shortlist as Michael Carrick continues to reshape the squad around a younger core. Jarrad Branthwaite remains on Manchester United’s radar Branthwaite’s performances are being monitored following his return, with reports indicating that he remains high on United’s list of potential defensive targets. His encouraging start has also led former Everton scout Bryan King to suggest that he could come back…

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates on Wednesday, September 16, for the first time in three years as US policymakers respond to stubbornly high inflation. The decision will come at the end of a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, with markets widely anticipating a quarter-point increase in the central bank’s benchmark rate. The Fed has held its target range at 3.5 to 3.75 per cent since its meeting in July. A rise would mark a shift away from the reductions delivered in 2025 and place renewed pressure on borrowing costs for households and businesses.…

A bizarre sideshow has emerged in the battle for Western Australian miner Canyon Resources, after mining fund manager Ben Cleary apparently launched an extraordinary tirade against activist investor Jeremy Raper. The confrontation has added a personal dimension to the dispute surrounding Canyon Resources, although the details of the wider battle were not disclosed. Cleary is described as a prominent figure in mining funds, while Raper is an activist shareholder involved in the challenge concerning the WA-based miner.

Residents of Piddington in Oxfordshire have voted in a symbolic independence referendum staged in protest against plans to accommodate up to 1,256 asylum seekers at a former military site nearby. The parish council announced the vote had taken place after villagers went to the polls, although the result has no legal force and the community remains part of the United Kingdom. Campaigners hope the independence referendum will send a message to Westminster about the proposed use of the former Bicester Garrison, where the Home Office is seeking planning permission for temporary asylum accommodation. The plans include modular accommodation, health and…

Anthropic is opening an office in Singapore in October, marking its first base in south-east Asia as the artificial intelligence company expands its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The Singapore office will be Anthropic’s fifth location in the region, following hubs in Tokyo, Seoul, Bengaluru and Sydney. The company said the city was a natural next step because Claude usage per head there is among the highest in the world. Anthropic’s data ranks Singapore second among 121 countries for Claude usage, behind Australia. Chris Ciauri, the company’s international managing director, said the expansion reflected the country’s importance to its regional…

Andrew Scott has spoken about his past fear that he would struggle to be cast in straight roles as a gay actor, saying the success of his “Hot Priest” character in Fleabag challenged that assumption. Scott discussed the issue during an “In Conversation With…” panel at the Toronto International Film Festival, shortly before attending the premiere of his new film Elsinore. Reflecting on concerns about being accepted in heterosexual romantic roles, the 49-year-old actor said: “I guess there was a fear that I wouldn’t be able to get cast in those roles. That’s what everybody said.” He added that his…

Manchester United are facing a fight to retain 15-year-old academy forward JJ Gabriel after he formally requested to leave, with Real Madrid reportedly exploring a move for the highly rated teenager. Gabriel joined United at the age of 11 and has emerged as one of the leading prospects at the club’s Carrington training ground. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also understood to be monitoring his situation. Real Madrid tracking JJ Gabriel after hat-trick The Athletic reported that Real Madrid were impressed by Gabriel’s display in United’s 5-0 UEFA Youth League win over Sabah last week. The attacker scored…