A new study from the University of Cambridge tested 130 newborn babies within hours of birth to see if boys and girls differ in how they focus on faces. The study found that female babies looked more at face-like images than male babies, suggesting some early biological differences in social attention.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 130 healthy newborns shortly after birth to limit effects of learning after birth.
Babies were shown face-like images while scientists recorded where they looked.
Female babies showed a stronger preference for looking at faces compared to male babies.
The study suggests biological factors might partly explain early differences in social attention between sexes.
Male fetuses are exposed to more testosterone before birth, which may influence brain and behavior differences.
The research does not prove the exact cause or predict how children will develop later.
Scientists hope these findings will help understand developmental conditions affecting social skills.
Future studies will explore if early social attention differences impact language learning and mental health risks.
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German prosecutors are investigating a 105-year-old man for his role as a guard at a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. He is suspected of being involved in multiple murders while working at the Stalag 326 VI K camp in western Germany.
Key Facts
The man is 105 years old and suspected of being a guard at Stalag 326 VI K, a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp.
He is accused of being an accessory to multiple murders during his time at the camp.
Stalag 326 VI K held between 180,000 and 200,000 Soviet prisoners of war from 1941 to 1945.
Soviet prisoners suffered from malnutrition, poor medical care, bad sanitary conditions, and forced labor.
Between 2.3 and 3 million of the 5.3 to 5.7 million Soviet prisoners died in German captivity during World War II.
Recent years have seen other investigations and trials of very elderly alleged Nazi camp guards.
Time is running out to prosecute such cases since many suspects are over 100 years old or have died.
Previous cases include convictions and deaths of alleged former guards before or shortly after trial.
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Two Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots safely ejected from their Hawk T2 training plane moments before it crashed near Anglesey. Both pilots have minor injuries and are expected to make a full recovery while RAF Hawk flights are paused during the investigation.
Key Facts
The crash happened near Pencarnisiog on Anglesey while the plane was flying out of RAF Valley.
The two pilots ejected and parachuted to safety just before the aircraft hit the ground and caught fire.
Both pilots have been treated for minor injuries and are reported to be in good spirits.
RAF has paused flying operations for Hawk T1 and T2 jets, including those used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team.
The Hawk jets are used to train fast jet pilots and are two-seat transonic aircraft.
RAF Valley is a training base for fighter pilots and mountain and maritime air operations.
An official investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
The Red Arrows were not scheduled to fly again until a show in France this weekend.
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Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least eight people, including civilians and damage to a maternity hospital. The United States increased diplomatic efforts to reduce the war’s impact, meeting both Russian and Ukrainian officials and inviting President Putin to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami.
Key Facts
Six people died and eight were injured in a Russian attack on a farm in Kharkiv, northern Ukraine.
Two people died in attacks on Kyiv, including one in a maternity hospital parking lot.
Russia used various weapons, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles and 282 drones, targeting military and logistic sites.
A Russian industrial facility caught fire after drone debris fell there, but no injuries were reported.
Poland and the Czech Republic deployed fighter planes to protect their airspace near Ukraine.
A Starlink internet station in Poland was deliberately damaged, possibly linked to Russia’s tactics; Russia denies involvement.
The US held separate talks with Russia and Ukraine at the UN to discuss the war but made no agreements.
German and Turkish leaders called for ceasefires and safe shipping in the Black Sea to protect food supplies and work toward peace.
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Newcastle University appointed Anant Ambani, heir to an Indian oil and gas fortune, as a professor of sustainability. The appointment has caused criticism from conservationists and academics because of Ambani’s links to the fossil fuel industry and his private zoo, which holds many animals including endangered species.
Key Facts
Anant Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest person, who made his fortune in oil and gas.
Ambani leads renewable energy efforts at Reliance Group, a major Indian conglomerate.
He owns a large private zoo called Vantara with over 150,000 animals, including endangered lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
Conservationists have questioned the sourcing of some animals at Vantara and criticized the zoo’s ethics.
Newcastle University said the appointment recognizes Ambani’s work in conservation, biodiversity, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
Several academics and conservation experts expressed concern that Ambani’s appointment damages the university’s credibility.
Critics worry that billionaire influence could affect the independence of academic research on sustainability.
Anant Ambani recently launched Vantara University focused on wildlife conservation and veterinary science.
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President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, their first meeting there in over ten years. They will discuss issues like trade tariffs, artificial intelligence safety, and global concerns including Iran, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews with a military welcome including flyovers and a 21-gun salute.
An elaborate arrival ceremony at the White House includes military bands, a flag display, and a flyover with B-2 and F-22 aircraft.
Trump and Xi will hold meetings in the Oval Office and attend a state dinner with several tech and finance leaders.
The tariff truce between the U.S. and China has been extended for two months, following an agreement made in Busan, South Korea.
Topics likely to be discussed include trade, advanced artificial intelligence technologies, and safety protocols regarding AI.
Melania Trump and Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, have planned a joint visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art.
On Friday, Trump and Xi will meet again for tea before Xi departs back to China.
Tech executives attending the state dinner include Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, and OpenAI's Sam Altman.
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Archaeologists found an ancient wall under a hospital on the Ile de la Cité in central Paris. The wall dates back to the Gallo-Roman period and could help confirm where the first settlement of Paris was located.
Key Facts
The ancient wall is about 20 meters (66 feet) long.
It was discovered this summer beneath a hospital on Ile de la Cité.
The site is very close to the Notre Dame Cathedral.
The wall dates from the Gallo-Roman period, a time when Romans ruled parts of France.
The discovery might settle a long-standing debate about Paris’s original location.
The French culture ministry announced the find.
This is considered a major archaeological breakthrough for understanding Paris’s history.
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The documentary NAZA by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, about Israeli intelligence’s role in Gaza, will be released in cinemas in over 50 countries and later online for free on the Guardian’s website. The film has received awards and strong public reactions, including threats against the filmmakers from Israeli political figures.
Key Facts
NAZA is a documentary about the Israeli military’s planned bombing in Gaza and its civilian casualties.
It premiered at the Venice Film Festival with a record 25-minute standing ovation and won the special jury prize.
The film features anonymous interviews with 24 members of Israeli intelligence and military.
It will have screenings across the U.S., UK, Australia, and many other countries, followed by free digital release on the Guardian website.
The documentary draws on investigative journalism from the Guardian and other Israeli-Palestinian outlets.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others called for revoking the filmmakers’ citizenship and accused them of treason.
Rightwing activists protested at the filmmakers’ families’ homes, with some making violent threats.
The filmmakers said they made the film to expose the systems behind the killing of Palestinian civilians and that threats will not stop them.
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Pope Leo XIV is visiting France on the first official state visit by a pope since 2008. The Vatican sees this visit as an important event in its relationship with France.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV is making a state visit to France.
This is the first visit of its kind by a pope to France since 2008.
The Vatican considers the visit significant.
The visit is meant to strengthen ties between the Vatican and France.
The article includes related international news but focuses on the pope’s visit.
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Pete Byrne, the lead singer of the British new wave band Naked Eyes, died at age 74 after a short illness in Los Angeles. He was known for bringing the band several hit songs in the US during the 1980s, including their popular cover of "Always Something There to Remind Me."
Key Facts
Pete Byrne was the frontman of Naked Eyes, a British new wave and synthpop band.
He died peacefully on September 14 in Los Angeles after a brief illness.
Naked Eyes was part of the "second British invasion," when UK bands became popular in the US through MTV in the 1980s.
Their biggest hit was a cover of "Always Something There to Remind Me," which reached the Top 10 in the US, Canada, and Australia.
The band had three other US Top 40 hits but never reached the UK Top 40 charts.
Naked Eyes split after their second album in 1984 due to the band members living in different countries and the record label losing interest.
Pete Byrne wrote and produced music for other artists and released solo albums after Naked Eyes stopped touring.
He is survived by three children and four siblings.
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President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet and discuss key issues including trade, arms sales to Taiwan, and the conflict near the Strait of Hormuz. China may offer to pressure Iran to ease tensions, while asking the U.S. to limit arms sales to Taiwan, creating a possible trade-off between these two strategic regions.
Key Facts
Trump and Xi will hold a formal meeting to discuss trade and other pressing issues.
China wants the U.S. to stop selling arms to Taiwan based on a 1982 agreement.
In return, China may pressure Iran to ease conflict affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global oil shipments and is impacted by the war involving Iran.
The U.S. has paused a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, calling it a useful point for negotiation.
China has increased military pressure on Taiwan with regular incursions and drills.
The 1982 agreement involves a U.S. promise to reduce arms sales to Taiwan gradually.
The Six Assurances are U.S. commitments that prevent consulting China about Taiwan arms sales.
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Hurricane Polo, a strong Category 4 storm, is moving near the southwest coast of Mexico. It is causing concerns about heavy rain, flooding, and landslides in the area.
Key Facts
Hurricane Polo is currently a Category 4 hurricane.
The storm is located just off the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Residents in beach towns along the coast are preparing for heavy rain.
There is a risk of flooding and mudslides caused by the storm.
The hurricane is moving in a northwest direction near Mexico.
Authorities are likely monitoring the situation to warn and protect people.
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In France, authorities are investigating cases where men secretly film women in public using smart glasses. These videos are shared online and generate money without the women's permission.
Key Facts
Secret filming of women with smart glasses is becoming common in France.
This trend began in the United States and has spread to other countries.
Men use smart glasses to record women without telling them.
The videos are posted online to make money.
The filming happens in public places like streets.
Women filmed feel tricked and violated by this behavior.
French officials are now looking into the issue.
Smart glasses are wearable devices that can record video discreetly.
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President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a state summit. The meeting was planned to show strong ties between the U.S. and China despite ongoing competition between the two countries.
Key Facts
President Trump greeted President Xi at Joint Base Andrews, the first such welcome there in 11 years.
The summit was marked by formal ceremonies and symbolic gestures.
The meeting aimed to display stable relations between the U.S. and China.
There is a deep rivalry between the two nations beneath the surface of the summit.
The event took place in Washington, D.C. on a Thursday.
The leaders hoped to manage tensions while engaging in diplomatic talks.
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Tunisia experienced severe water and electricity shortages during the summer, causing long waits for bottled water and damage to poultry farms due to heat. The problems are linked to years of low investment in infrastructure, and while the water shortage improved in late August, there are worries about similar issues next summer.
Key Facts
Tunisia faced repeated power and water outages over the summer.
Many people had to wait in long lines to buy bottled water.
High heat damaged poultry farms in the country.
Millions of Tunisians were affected by these shortages.
The water shortage started to get better in late August after authorities distributed millions of water bottles.
Experts say the problems come from many years of underinvestment in Tunisia’s water and electricity systems.
There is concern that these shortages might happen again next summer.
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Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez spoke at the United Nations and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for resuming diplomatic relations with Venezuela. This marks a change from her past criticism of the U.S. and comes after Trump’s actions, including the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and a large U.S. oil deal involving Venezuelan reserves.
Key Facts
Delcy Rodriguez thanked President Trump for restoring diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Venezuela.
In 2019, Rodriguez strongly criticized the U.S. for sanctions and economic harm to Venezuela.
Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s former president, was captured by U.S. forces in January and is now in jail in New York.
Maduro is accused of crimes including leading a drug cartel, but Venezuela and others say this is false and illegal under international law.
President Trump announced a major U.S. oil deal that gives the U.S. control over a large part of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
The U.S. has eased some economic sanctions against Venezuela since January, including sanctions on Rodriguez.
Previous sanctions were linked to significant hardship and deaths in Venezuela.
Trump’s government has continued attacks on Caribbean and Pacific vessels, according to a UN report.
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China and the United States have different goals for developing artificial intelligence (AI). China focuses on using AI widely across its economy under strict government control, while the U.S. aims to develop the most advanced AI technology quickly. Both countries believe that the leader in AI will gain economic and military power in the future.
Key Facts
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan aims to use AI in 90% of its economy by 2030.
China is less concerned about job losses or dangerous AI but worries about AI threatening its political control.
China faces challenges like an aging population, high youth unemployment (19%), and weaker domestic demand.
China’s chip technology lags behind U.S. companies like Nvidia.
China excels in electricity supply, essential minerals for AI hardware, and robot installation.
China controls most of the key minerals needed for AI and technology, using export limits to slow other countries.
Over half of the world’s new industrial robots in 2024 are installed in China.
Chinese open-source AI models are among the most popular globally for low-cost development.
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Yemeni government forces say they stopped attacks by the Houthi group in the Taiz area. Heavy fighting is ongoing as both sides try to control key locations in southwestern Yemen. The conflict has caused many deaths, injuries, and forced people to leave their homes.
Key Facts
The Houthi group launched attacks to seize a key road linking Aden, Lahj, and Taiz governorates.
Yemeni government forces said they killed and wounded many Houthi fighters while stopping the attacks.
The Houthis control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and recently took over the port city of Mocha and parts of the Red Sea coast.
Control of the Kahboub Mountains would allow the Houthis to cut off government-held areas from the coast.
Government forces claim full control of Mount Qarfan, which is near important valleys and the coast.
Houthis say Saudi Arabia has conducted nearly 1,000 air and missile attacks since fighting escalated, causing civilian deaths and injuries.
The Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia, including a recent attack on Riyadh.
The World Health Organization reports 674 people killed and nearly 3,000 injured in recent fighting, with over 158,000 people displaced.
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A Sri Lankan court convicted 15 men for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people and injured more than 500. The men received long prison sentences, while others were acquitted or died during the trial. Officials who failed to prevent the attacks have also been held accountable.
Key Facts
On April 21, 2019, coordinated bombings targeted churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing 279 people, including 45 foreigners.
Indika Rohan’s 13-year-old daughter was killed in one of the attacks at St Sebastian’s Church.
Police arrested 25 suspects, all Muslims, believed to be behind the planning of the attacks.
A High Court in Colombo convicted 15 men of charges including murder, conspiracy, and possession of explosives.
Sentences ranged from 200 to 260 years in prison depending on involvement.
Nine suspects were acquitted, and one died during the trial.
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ordered former officials to pay compensation for failing to act on intelligence warnings before the attacks.
Some former officials, including police and intelligence chiefs, have been sentenced to death for negligence, but Sri Lanka has not executed anyone since 1976.
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Pakistan has closed several main roads leading to its capital, Islamabad, and set up security barriers ahead of a planned protest march on September 27 by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Authorities have arrested some of Khan’s family members and party lawmakers as part of preventive measures. Police expect 20,000 to 25,000 people to join the march demanding Khan’s release.
Key Facts
Multiple highways connecting Islamabad with other cities and provinces have been closed to block access to the capital.
Security barriers made from welded shipping containers filled with gravel and sand have been placed around Islamabad.
Workers have been using schools and colleges to house police officers brought in from Punjab and Sindh provinces.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Imran Khan, is organizing a large march for his release on September 27.
Khan has been in prison since August 2023 and remains a major opposition figure.
Some family members of Khan and PTI lawmakers have been detained under a law allowing preventive detention without charge.
Other opposition parties planned protests but have not faced the same level of restrictions as PTI.
Authorities are treating the protest as a serious threat, with over 19,000 police personnel deployed in Islamabad.
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