Author: OMN AI

A major review finds that most listed statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs.Researchers published the analysis in The Lancet after reviewing 19 trials with 124,000 participants.The study found evidence for only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor side-effects.These included small liver test changes, mild liver abnormalities, urine changes, and tissue swelling.Researchers found no strong evidence for problems such as memory loss, depression, sleep issues, or nerve damage.They concluded that statin benefits far outweigh risks for most patients.Experts called for updated drug labels to reflect the evidence and support informed decisions.

The European Union has ordered TikTok to change its platform design or face massive financial penalties. The European Commission said the video app violated EU online safety rules. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation launched in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s features shape user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to mental wellbeing. Investigators focused on autoplay and endless content feeds. They said these features can harm users, especially children. Regulators also said TikTok did not implement sufficient safeguards to reduce these risks. TikTok rejected the findings through a company spokesperson. The firm called…

Lawmakers Push for Consistent Global Standards Starting January 2027, all companies importing oil and gas into the European Union will need to follow strict monitoring, reporting, and verification rules for methane emissions. In a letter obtained by Euronews, 24 US lawmakers urged the EU not to grant exemptions to American energy producers, even if domestic US standards fall short. The lawmakers highlighted that methane is a short-lived but extremely potent greenhouse gas—up to 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over the short term. They said that clear, consistent rules are crucial to prevent wasteful flaring or venting of natural…

Alphabet Leads the Sell-Off Wall Street suffered a broad decline on Thursday after Alphabet, Google’s parent company, dropped more than 4%, dragging major indexes down. The S&P 500 fell 1.2%, the Dow lost 606 points, and the Nasdaq slipped 1.5%, marking a sixth loss in seven sessions since the S&P 500 hit a record high. Despite reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits, Alphabet’s announcement that it could double its spending on equipment and investments to roughly $180 billion (€152bn) unsettled investors. This figure far exceeded analyst expectations of $119 billion (€100.5bn), raising concerns about rising costs in the tech sector. Weak Job…

Sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through giveaways on WhatsApp and Telegram.They offer injectable medicines like retatrutide as competition prizes. Retatrutide remains experimental and lacks approval anywhere in the world.Experts warn these promotions create serious health risks. Groups use countdowns and raffles to pressure users into fast decisions.Some prizes include other unapproved injectable substances. UK law allows weight-loss injections only with valid prescriptions.Unlicensed drugs cannot be legally sold or advertised. Some sellers disguise drug sales as fitness coaching programmes.Researchers say these tactics bypass safeguards and endanger public health.

For two months, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files reveal years of alleged sex trafficking by the wealthy financier. President Donald Trump now urges Americans to move on. Washington, however, shows little sign of letting the story fade. Justice department concludes its review Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the government review has ended. Congress mandated the review through legislation passed in November. Blanche said prosecutors found no grounds for new criminal charges. He confirmed the files include emails, photographs, and extensive correspondence. He added that the material alone cannot justify…

Ultra-processed foods should face controls similar to tobacco, according to researchers from Harvard University, University of Michigan and Duke University.The study argues UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption, mirroring cigarette design.Researchers highlighted health harms and marketing tactics that resemble past tobacco strategies.They published the findings in Milbank Quarterly.The authors called for tighter regulation, including marketing restrictions and industry accountability.Some experts warned against overreach, saying food differs from nicotine and needs nuanced policy.

SpaceX Soars as Tesla Faces Challenges Elon Musk’s SpaceX has reached a $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn) valuation after merging with his AI venture xAI, bringing it closer to Tesla, which currently sits at $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn). This means Musk now derives more of his personal wealth from the rocket company than from his electric car business. Tesla has faced a rough start to 2026, with shares down around 6% following a 16% drop in vehicle deliveries in January and a 3% decline in 2025 revenue — the company’s first annual decline on record. Competition in China and Europe, along with the…

Netflix faced tough questions from US senators over its $82bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, amid concerns for consumers, workers, and competition. On Tuesday, members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee, including Democrats and Republicans, warned the deal could raise prices and threaten cinemas. The Department of Justice is reviewing the merger, which would give Netflix control of Warner Bros’ film and TV studios and the HBO Max streaming service. Rival bidder Paramount Skydance continues to push its competing offer. Senators’ questions revealed bipartisan unease, while the DoJ decides whether to approve or block the deal. Senators probe theatres and workforce…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints about the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He insisted the power unit fully complies with Formula One regulations.Wolff said other manufacturers missed an opportunity and should focus on themselves.Rivals questioned Mercedes and Red Bull Racing over engine compression advantages.Audi, Ferrari, and Honda raised concerns with the FIA.Wolff said the FIA approved Mercedes’ design and backed its interpretation of the rules.He did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix.