5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Stock Up On in October, According to Dietitians

5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Stock Up On in October, According to Dietitians

October brings cooler weather, colourful produce and plenty of opportunities to make nutritious seasonal meals. According to dietitians, several foods that are widely available during autumn can provide nutrients and plant compounds associated with a healthy inflammatory response.

India’s ‘Cockroach’ Party Claims Mass Detentions Ahead of Major Delhi Protest

India’s ‘Cockroach’ Party Claims Mass Detentions Ahead of Major Delhi Protest

India is facing growing political tensions as a youth-led movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares for a major demonstration in New Delhi over controversial changes to the country's voter lists.

UAE prosecutors claim that a Flydubai co-pilot started radicalising in Australia.

UAE prosecutors claim that a Flydubai co-pilot started radicalising in Australia.

The United Arab Emirates has revealed new details about the alleged attempted hijacking of a Flydubai passenger aircraft, saying the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain began showing signs of extremist radicalisation while studying in Australia.

The revelations have triggered further questions about aviation security, international intelligence sharing and how the 29-year-old Omani national was able to obtain work as a commercial pilot despite concerns that had reportedly emerged earlier in his career.

What Happened on the Flydubai Flight?

According to UAE prosecutors, the co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.

The situation quickly became extremely dangerous. The captain, despite being seriously injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other people to intervene. An off-duty relief pilot, cabin crew members and passengers helped restrain the attacker and regain control of the aircraft.

The plane was eventually diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

Prosecutors Say the Aircraft Was Intended as a Weapon

According to prosecutors, al-Hammami allegedly intended to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

Authorities say the suspect admitted during questioning that he had acted alone, although the investigation is continuing to establish whether anyone else was involved.

Prosecutors believe those journeys were used to familiarise himself with the route and airport before the alleged attack.

Radicalisation Allegedly Began in Australia

One of the most significant revelations concerns al-Hammami's time in Australia.

Australian authorities have now launched an investigation into his time in the country and any possible links to extremist networks.

He Studied at RMIT University

Al-Hammami reportedly studied engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne but left Australia without completing the qualification.

RMIT has confirmed that he was a student between 2015 and 2017. Australian security agencies are examining what he did during that period and whether there were any warning signs or connections that should have attracted attention at the time.

The investigation does not mean that the university itself was responsible for his alleged actions.
9/11 Attacks Allegedly Influenced Him

Prosecutors say this eventually became connected to his decision to pursue a career in aviation.

Investigators also allege that he prepared himself physically and psychologically for the planned attack.

However, these claims remain part of an ongoing criminal investigation, and authorities are continuing to examine the evidence surrounding his motives and activities.

Questions Over His Aviation Career

The case has raised major questions about how al-Hammami progressed through the aviation industry.

He reportedly worked for Oman Air between 2020 and 2024, later spent several months with Royal Air Maroc in 2025 and joined Flydubai in January 2026.

Earlier reports also indicated that concerns about extremist views had emerged during his time with Oman's national airline. He was reportedly removed from flying duties and moved to an administrative position.

This has created an important question for investigators: how did someone who had reportedly attracted security concerns later become a commercial co-pilot flying an international passenger route?

How Did He Pass Security Checks?

The UAE investigation says al-Hammami met the professional and security requirements required for employment at Flydubai.

He reportedly possessed the necessary pilot licence, provided a certificate of good conduct and completed the required checks. Prosecutors said those procedures did not reveal indications of extremist beliefs or an intention to carry out an attack.

That finding is likely to become a major focus of the continuing investigation.

Aviation security depends heavily on identifying risks before an individual reaches a cockpit. The incident has therefore prompted renewed debate about whether existing background checks are capable of identifying gradual radicalisation that may not appear in conventional criminal or employment records.

Australia and New Zealand Investigate

Australia is not the only country examining al-Hammami's history.

New Zealand authorities have also launched an investigation because he reportedly received flight training there after leaving Australia.

The involvement of several countries demonstrates the international nature of modern aviation careers. A pilot can study in one country, receive flight training in another, work for several international airlines and eventually operate flights across multiple jurisdictions.

Captain and Passengers Helped Prevent Disaster

The actions of the captain, crew and passengers have received widespread attention.

Despite being seriously injured, the captain managed to help open the cockpit door. An off-duty pilot who was travelling on the aircraft noticed unusual activity around the cockpit and intervened.

Several passengers and crew members then helped restrain the suspect.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Although the suspect has reportedly confessed to acting alone, UAE authorities have stressed that investigations are continuing.

Authorities are also investigating the suspect's background, his international travel and employment history, and the circumstancesunder which he was able to work as a commercial pilot.

What the Case Means for Aviation Security
Traditional screening systems can identify criminal records, forged documents or known security threats, but detecting gradual ideological radicalisation can be considerably more difficult.

At the same time, investigators will need to distinguish between genuine security failures and information that only became significant after the alleged attack.

Conclusion

The alleged Flydubai cockpit attack has raised serious international questions after UAE prosecutors said the co-pilot began his path towards extremism while studying in Australia.

Authorities say the 29-year-old allegedly planned to use the passenger aircraft in a suicide attack against Ben Gurion Airport and had previously flown the route to familiarise himself with the destination.

Australian and New Zealand authorities are now examining his time in their countries, while UAE investigators continue to investigate his aviation careerand whether anyone else was involved.

The incident also highlights the importance of the captain, crew, relief pilot and passengers who intervened during the flight. Their actions helped prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome and will remain a central part of the investigation into one of the most serious aviation security incidents of 2026.

Human Milk Provides a New Window Into Mammary Gland Function and Infant Growth

Human Milk Provides a New Window Into Mammary Gland Function and Infant Growth

Human breast milk may reveal much more than what a baby is eating. New research suggests that milk can provide scientists with a valuable, non-invasive window into the biological condition of the mammary gland and may help explain how maternal nutrition is connected with infant growth.

The study, led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and published online in Science, examined thousands of molecular measurements in human milk from mothers in three geographically and nutritionally diverse populations. Researchers found molecular patterns that were associated with maternal nutritional status, mammary gland function and infant growth.

French Students Vow to Continue Protests as Government Promises Education Reforms

French Students Vow to Continue Protests as Government Promises Education Reforms

French high school students have vowed to continue nationwide protests over the condition of the country's education system, saying government promises have failed to provide the concrete changes they are demanding.

The protests have entered their second week and have spread across France, with thousands of students, teachers, parents and trade union supporters taking part in demonstrations and school blockades.

Students Demand Better School Conditions

The movement has been driven by growing frustration over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, long school days and deteriorating school buildings.

Students and teachers say some schools lack adequate facilities and staff, while classrooms can become extremely uncomfortable during periods of hot or cold weather. In some areas, concerns have also been raised about maintenance problems and poor infrastructure.

Students have called for a major increase in education spending, with some representatives demanding around €10bn in additional investment to address the problems facing schools.

The demonstrations have attracted support from teachers, parents and education unions, turning what began as a student movement into a broader debate about public services in France.

More Than 71,000 People Join Demonstrations

The scale of the protests remained significant on Thursday, 8 October.

France's interior ministry said approximately 71,500 people participated in demonstrations across the country, including around 24,500 in Paris. Most demonstrations were peaceful, although some confrontations between protesters and police occurred later in the day.

Hundreds of schools have also been affected by blockades or closures. Education ministry figures indicated that the number of disrupted schools had begun to decline, but protests continued in major cities including Paris, Lille, Rennes, Nantes, Lyon, Toulon and Marseille.

Government Promises 3,000 More Teachers

Facing mounting pressure, Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced an emergency response aimed at tackling teacher shortages.

The government plans to deploy around 3,000 substitute teachers to schools experiencing particularly serious staffing shortages.

Other issues are also being considered, including France's demanding school timetables and the country's university application system, Parcoursup.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised that the government will present concrete and fully funded measures by the end of October.

However, student representatives say these promises do not go far enough.

Protest Leaders Refuse to Back Down

Student organisations have rejected what they consider vague government commitments.

The movement has already announced plans for further demonstrations, suggesting that the dispute could continue for weeks unless the government produces measures that satisfy students.

Tensions Between Students and Police
Police have used tear gas, batons and other crowd-control measures during some confrontations. At a Paris school, students erected barricades using rubbish bins before police intervened with tear gas.

The government has faced criticism over its handling of the demonstrations, particularly after a teenager suffered a serious hand injury following the use of a stun grenade.

Authorities subsequently suspended the use of stun grenades during the protests.

Public Support for Students

The protests appear to have significant public sympathy despite concerns about disruption and violence.

An Elabe poll for BFM TV found that 72% of French people considered the students' demands legitimate, although 55% believed the protests should come to an end.

Many people agree that France's schools need additional resources, while also worrying about prolonged disruption, property damage and confrontations with police.

Political Pressure Is Growing

The education protests come at a politically sensitive time for France, with a presidential election approaching.

Political figures from both the right and left have responded to the demonstrations. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has focused on damage caused during protests, while left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has expressed support for the students and criticised the police response.

The protests therefore extend beyond education. They have become part of a wider national argument over government spending, public services, inequality and France's financial difficulties.

France Faces a Difficult Choice

The government is under pressure to improve schools while also dealing with a large national deficit and debt burden.
Increasing education spending could address some of the problems highlighted by protesters, but the government must also convince financial markets that France can control its public finances.

What Happens Next?

For now, French students appear determined to continue their campaign.

The government has promised more teachers, additional funding measures and changes to some education policies. But student leaders want specific commitments rather than promises.

With further demonstrations already planned, pressure on the government is likely to remain high.

Conclusion

France's student protests have developed into one of the country's most significant social movements in recent months. What began as anger over missing teachers and poor school conditions has expanded into a national debate about education, public spending, policing and political priorities.

The government is attempting to calm the situation with thousands of additional teachers and promised budget measures. However, students say they will continue protesting until they see meaningful changes.

The coming weeks will show whether the government's proposed reforms can satisfy the protesters or whether France will face another escalation in its nationwide education protests.

Oil Prices Fall as Trump Says Iran Talks Are Productive and Eases Supply Fears

Oil Prices Fall as Trump Says Iran Talks Are Productive and Eases Supply Fears

Oil prices fell on Friday after US President Donald Trump said Washington was engaged in productive discussions with Iran and that the United States would not launch an attack against Iran before the November midterm elections.

The comments eased some fears about further disruption to oil supplies from the Middle East, although uncertainty surrounding the conflict and the vital Strait of Hormuz continues to keep energy markets highly volatile.

Brent and WTI Prices Move Lower

By 0220 GMT on Friday, Brent crude futures had fallen 72 cents, or 0.7%, to $103.53 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down 52 cents, or 0.6%, at $90.97.

Despite the decline, Brent remained on track for a weekly increase after rising about 4% on Thursday. The earlier jump came as attacks on oil-carrying vessels increased in the Middle East.

Trump Says Talks With Iran Are Productive

Trump's comments were closely watched by oil traders because any progress towards ending the conflict could reduce fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.

On Thursday, Trump said the United States was having “productive discussions” with Iran. He also said Washington would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm congressional elections.

The remarks came after reports that the administration was considering military action before the elections, increasing concerns about a possible escalation.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical

One of the biggest issues facing the global oil market is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route through which oil and fuel shipments equivalent to around 20% of global volumes passed before the war.

Iran is reportedly reviewing a US response to a proposal that could allow the strait to reopen within seven days.

However, shipping attacks and uncertainty around the route mean traders remain cautious.

New US Sanctions Add More Pressure

While diplomatic discussions have offered some hope, the United States continues to apply economic pressure on Tehran.

Washington announced fresh sanctions on Thursday targeting individuals, networks and 17 vessels accused of transporting Iranian crude, oil products and petrochemicals.

The measures demonstrate that diplomatic discussions are taking place alongside continued economic pressure, leaving markets uncertain about how quickly the conflict could be resolved.

Hurricane Adds Another Supply Risk

Oil markets are also dealing with a separate disruption in the United States.

Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Gulf of Mexico, forcing producers to shut down around 1.3 million barrels per day, equivalent to approximately 62.9% of current oil production in the region, according to US government figures cited by Reuters.

The Gulf of Mexico is an important source of US crude production, meaning weather-related shutdowns can add further volatility to global energy markets.

What Could Happen to Oil Prices Next?

The direction of oil prices will depend heavily on developments involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and Middle Eastern shipping.

If diplomatic talks lead to a sustained reduction in tensions and the strait reopens, concerns about supply shortages could ease considerably.
On the other hand, additional attacks on tankers or a wider military escalation could quickly reverse the recent decline and push prices higher.

This uncertainty has made oil markets particularly sensitive to political statements and developments in the region.

Impact on Consumers

Changes in crude oil prices can eventually affect consumers through petrol, diesel, transport and other energy-related costs.

Higher oil prices can also increase inflationary pressure because energy is an important input for transportation, manufacturing and other industries.

A sustained decline in oil prices could therefore provide some relief to consumers and businesses, particularly if lower crude prices are reflected in fuel markets.

Conclusion

Oil prices declined on Friday as hopes for diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran eased some concerns about Middle Eastern supply disruptions.

Brent crude fell to around $103.53 a barrel, while WTI dropped to approximately $90.97.

For now, traders are closely watching the US-Iran discussions. Any genuine progress towards ending the conflict could help stabilise global energy markets, while renewed escalation could send oil prices sharply higher again.

Teenager Becomes First Person to Receive Testicular Tissue Transplant in the UK

Teenager Becomes First Person to Receive Testicular Tissue Transplant in the UK

A pioneering medical procedure in the UK could offer new hope to boys and young men whose fertility has been affected by chemotherapy.

Doctors in Edinburgh have performed the UK's first testicular tissue transplant on a 19-year-old man who was left with no detectable sperm following intensive chemotherapy. The procedure involved transplanting tissue that had been removed from his testicle and frozen before his treatment. Doctors now hope the tissue will begin producing sperm again.

A New Approach to Fertility Preservation

The young man had testicular tissue removed and frozen in 2023 before undergoing treatment for a serious blood disorder. His treatment included high-dose chemotherapy associated with a bone marrow transplant.

Chemotherapy can damage the cells responsible for sperm production. Three years after his treatment, medical tests showed that there was no sperm in his semen.

In August 2026, NHS Lothian specialists transplanted some of his previously frozen testicular tissue back into his body. The procedure is part of a clinical trial supported by more than a decade of research at the University of Edinburgh.

Why the Procedure Is Important

For adult men and older teenagers, sperm freezing is an established way to preserve fertility before potentially damaging medical treatment. However, this option is not available to boys who have not yet reached puberty because they do not produce sperm.

Testicular tissue is different. It contains spermatogonial stem cells, which can later develop into sperm-producing cells after puberty.

Researchers hope that freezing this tissue before chemotherapy and transplanting it back later could provide a future fertility option for boys who would otherwise face permanent infertility.

The Patient Has New Hope

The 19-year-old patient, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said fertility had been a personal concern for a long time.

He said he had always wanted to have children but had begun to accept that this might not be possible. The experimental procedure has now given him renewed hope, although doctors do not yet know whether it will successfully restore sperm production.

His recovery from the procedure has reportedly gone well, and doctors will continue monitoring him closely.

When Will Doctors Know If It Worked?

The transplant is still experimental, so the outcome is not guaranteed.

Doctors expect to assess the transplanted tissue after several months. Some of the tissue will eventually be removed and examined to determine whether sperm production has restarted.

If viable sperm are produced, the approach could eventually become an important fertility-preservation option for young people facing treatments that can permanently affect reproductive function.

Years of Research Behind the Breakthrough

The procedure is the result of more than a decade of research by scientists at the University of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh programme began developing ways to collect and preserve testicular tissue from boys before potentially sterilising treatment.

More than 1,200 patients in the UK and around 3,100 worldwide have now had testicular tissue stored for possible future clinical use.

Earlier research also provided evidence that transplanted tissue could potentially resume sperm production. In 2026, researchers in Belgium reported the first human case in which previously frozen prepubertal testicular tissue produced mature sperm after transplantation.

A Potential Future for Children Facing Cancer Treatment

The significance of the UK procedure extends beyond one patient.

Children undergoing cancer treatment or other intensive therapies often have excellent prospects of surviving their original illness, but some treatments can have long-term consequences, including infertility.

For boys who are too young to provide a sperm sample, preserving testicular tissue before treatment could eventually provide an opportunity to have biological children in adulthood.

Researchers stress that the UK procedure remains experimental and more work is needed before the technique can become a standard fertility treatment.

Conclusion

The first testicular tissue transplant in the UK represents an important step in fertility-preservation research. For the 19-year-old patient, the procedure has created a possibility that previously seemed unlikely: the chance that he may one day produce his own sperm and potentially have biological children.

Although doctors are still waiting to see whether the transplanted tissue will successfully produce sperm, the development could eventually transform fertility care for boys who undergo chemotherapy before puberty.