IT is one of the most frustrating things to face if you are dealing with a complaint or trying to return an unwanted item - an AI chatbot. But now I reveal how to best deal with robots and automated systems, and the quickest route to a real-life person.

Climate expert Dr Chris Tuppen gives a straightforward explanation of how man-made and naturally occurring climate change are not the same thing. To understand whether climate change is down to nature or man we must first look at what we mean by global warming. Some atmospheric gases act like a blanket around the planet that traps some of the sun’s warmth.

Across the Mobile Ecosystem Forum’s (MEF) events, research and member dialogues, one theme stood out in 2025: mobile is being rebuilt around trust, automation and richer user experiences. In 2026, these trends will deepen, changing how networks are exposed, how brands engage customers, and how people pay, prove their identity and stay safe.

Teesside University is working with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) on an ambitious project to explore how nuclear energy can do more than generate electricity, by co-producing hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and heat for industrial and domestic applications.

Geologists at the British Geological Survey (BGS) have completed a major update to the geological map of the Yorkshire Wolds, where the underlying rocks and sediments play a vital role as natural reservoirs for the region’s underground water resources.

Brits should have their wits about them this festive shopping season, with cybercriminals looking to get hold of the most in-demand items this Christmas.

In today’s fast-moving world of finance—shaped increasingly by automation, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic decision-making—the idea that relationships still matter might seem a little old-fashioned. But for businesses across Lancashire and beyond, especially SMEs navigating uncertainty and change, trusted human connections remain not just relevant, but essential.

More than 50% of Brits admit they have NEVER cleaned some of the most frequently touched items in their homes Mobile phones, laptops and remote controls are the main items being left off the list Cleaning experts share how and when we should be cleaning them, with guides to beat the filth

A technology expert has shared his advice on how businesses can avoid a crippling cyber-attack. As we enter the last quarter of the year, Roy Shelton, CEO of managed services provider Connectus Group warned that business leaders needs to be increasingly vigilant to rising threats. Mr Shelton said: “Hostile actors thrive on a lack of vigilance.

In June 2025 there was a major data leak, exposing 16 billion login credentials linked to platforms such as Apple, Facebook, and Google. This underscored the growing inadequacy of the old password-based security. This extraordinarily large leak, compiled from various infostealer attacks over time, highlights a persistent vulnerability that cybercriminals are only too eager to exploit.

A clean energy initiative in the Ribble Valley has been hailed in Parliament as a “brilliant” example of how rural communities can lead the way in delivering greener, more affordable energy solutions.

Prepare for a fun-filled May half term at the National Science and Media Museum with something for the whole family to enjoy – from nostalgic hands-on gaming to extraordinary interactive experiences exploring science’s big questions. As well as Wonderlab and the Kodak Gallery, this half term marks the exciting launch of new permanent gallery, Power Up.

From prehistoric settlements, Roman walls and roads, medieval villages, and industrial heritage...the North East is rich in archaeological treasures. And for the first time ever, a water company has recruited a specialist in-house archaeologist to help it protect the past, while it builds for the future.

The findings pave the way for the development of potential drug treatments and personalised therapies for people living with the degenerative condition. Over 900 genetic links to osteoarthritis, including 500 that have never been reported before, have been uncovered in breakthrough research involving Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Our consumer expert has advised people to check their mobile phone contracts after it emerged more than one third of pay-monthly mobile phone customers are out of contract. According to reports over the weekend, the regulator Ofcom estimates that 37 per cent of all phone users are in line for new deals.

Mobile phone theft in the UK is surging at an alarming rate, with new figures revealing a sharp rise in incidents that show no sign of slowing. According to recent Freedom of Information (FOI) figures, obtained by The Independent, at least 83,900 mobile phone thefts between July 2023 and 2024, nearly doubling the 45,800 reported over the previous five years.

At software conferences or tech meetups, the term 'Cloud Native' is thrown around like confetti. Along with it comes an avalanche of buzzwords: containers, orchestration, microservices. But what does it all really mean for your business? Let's cut through the jargon and explore why Cloud Native has become such a hot topic – and more importantly, whether it's right for you.

2024 has been a tumultuous year for developments in Science and Technology across a multitude of different disciplines. Next year looks certain to continue the explosion with huge breakthroughs poised to hit the mainstream in space research, quantum computing and the much-discussed and, I think, under-hyped area of Artificial Intelligence.

As the Christmas shopping season is in full swing, AI is revolutionising industries and enhancing productivity but it is also fueling a concerning trend: discount fraud. Coupon company Voucherbox warn of the ways cybercriminals are leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to create shockingly realistic fake websites, emails, and discount offers to dupe consumers.

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.

The government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The current approach to medical device trials systematically excludes large segments of the population. Women, ethnic minorities, elderly patients, and those with rare conditions are routinely underrepresented in clinical trials. This isn't just an issue of fairness – it's a matter of life and death.

Whether you’re travelling to visit family and friends or jetting off on a Christmas getaway, there can be lots to prepare before you can enjoy Christmas festivities. You might have planned your packing and wrapped your gifts, but have you thought about how to get the most out of your phone during your travels?

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.

Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.