Researchers have discovered a muscle-targeted therapy that could help protect muscle during weight loss treatment.

Weight loss medication has become widely popular over the past couple of years as it helps users cut out food noise and reduce their intake. However, there has been a growing concern these treatments that lead to rapid weight loss could also lead to loss of muscle.

In order to combat this, a new study suggests taking an additional medicine alongside the weight loss injections may help reduce the risk of muscle loss. For the research, a muscle-targeted therapy called apitegromab was tested to compare the effects on current jab users.

Apitegromab is an antibody that stops the activation of myostatin, which is a protein that regulates muscle mass. If the myostatin is activated it can inhibit muscle growth, which could later lead to fragility and issues with metabolism if left untreated.

Previous studies have found an absence of this gene has been associated with an increase in muscle strength and mass. To see how this antibody would work on weight loss injection users, researchers examined data from 102 adults taking weekly jab Mounjaro, otherwise known as tirzepatide.

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For the study, half of the group was given apitegromab alongside the jab while the other half were given a placebo which wouldn’t change the outcome of their results of using Mounjaro alone. The results found both groups saw similar overall weight loss.

However, people who took apitegromab alongside Mounjaro were found to lose significantly less lean mass, around 1.9kg less, in six months in comparison to those who took the placebo.

The study, which was led by experts from AdventHealth Translational Research Institute in the US, found lean mass accounts for 14.6 per cent of total weight loss in the apitegromab group.

According to phase two of the study, which was published in the Nature Medicine journal, this is almost half of the lean mass weight loss in the placebo group – which sat at 30.2 per cent.

While the findings seem promising, the researchers have called for more work to help confirm their findings on a larger scale.

However, they did state the study demonstrates “clinical proof of concept for a highly selective anti-myostatin antibody to preserve lean mass with tirzepatide therapy”.

Commenting on the study, Dr Marie Spreckley, from the University of Cambridge, said: “These findings suggest that apitegromab may improve the composition of weight loss by preserving lean mass while maintaining similar overall weight reduction.

“This is an important area of research because substantial weight loss, whether achieved through medication, dietary interventions or bariatric surgery, is often accompanied by some loss of lean mass.

“Strategies that help preserve lean mass while maintaining the benefits of weight reduction are of considerable interest, but whether they improve longer-term health outcomes remains to be established.”

She added: “Importantly, although apitegromab preserved lean mass, the study did not demonstrate clear improvements in physical function or cardiometabolic outcomes over the 24-week treatment period.

“Preserving lean mass is biologically plausible and potentially beneficial, but larger and longer studies will be needed to determine whether these changes translate into meaningful improvements in strength, physical function, quality of life, or long-term health outcomes.”

MADRID (AP) — Pope Leo XIV met Monday with six survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Madrid and vowed to consider their suggestions for how the Catholic Church can improve its response to the crisis, the Vatican said.

The meeting, which followed in the tradition of popes meeting with abuse survivors during their foreign trips, lasted about an hour and took place at the Vatican embassy in Madrid, the Vatican said in a statement.

Spain’s Catholic hierarchy has only recently begun reckoning with its legacy of abuse and cover-up after long dismissing the severity of the scandal that came to light thanks to reporting by the newpaper El País.

In 2023, the Spanish government’s ombudsman delivered a damning 800-page report estimating there were hundreds of thousands of possible victims in Spain over decades — based on a survey of 8,000 people. The report also examined 487 known cases.

Spain’s bishops rejected the estimate, saying its own investigation had uncovered 728 sexual abusers within the church since 1945.

During Monday’s meeting, the survivors told the pope their stories and recommendations for how the church should better respond, the Vatican said. Victims in Spain and elsewhere have long complained that the church’s response to the scandal was often retraumatizing, with victims often accused of only seeking money or to harm the church.

“The pope listened with affection and attention, assured them of his closeness — and that of the entire church community — and pledged his commitment to ensuring that the suggestions received serve as a foundation for further efforts, so that the church may truly be a safe and spiritually healthy place where wounds find comfort and healing,” said a statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The encounter marked the first known time Leo had met with victims while on a foreign visit, but it by no means was his first time hearing first-hand from survivors.

As a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, the former Robert Prevost was in charge of listening to victims as the point of reference for the Peruvian bishops conference. In that capacity, he became intimately aware of the abusive practices in the powerful Peruvian group, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, which Pope Francis formally suppressed last year.

Amid public outrage over the abuse crisis, Spain launched a reparations system earlier this year for clerical abuse cases too old to be prosecuted that requires the participation of the Catholic Church and the Spanish government.

Other countries and churches have set up reparations mechanisms to compensate survivors and provide therapy, but the Spanish one is unusual in that it gives the government a strong role in the process and the final say in payouts.

The system, which is not legally binding, has drawn praise and some skepticism from advocacy groups and survivors. It gives people a year to apply.

Leo reaffirms church’s right to confessional secrecy

Leo also reaffirmed the right of the Catholic Church to maintain secrecy involving the sacrament of confession, amid efforts in Europe and elsewhere to force Catholic priests to report abuse that they learn about during the one-to-one conversations.

Independent investigations into clergy abuse around the world have identified the seal of confession as a major impediment to exposing and preventing abuse, and called for it to be abolished. The investigations have documented how abusers used the confessional to solicit sex from minors and then relied on the seal of confession to keep it secret.

In his speech to the Spanish parliament Monday, Leo framed the right of the church to keep priest-penitent conversations confidential as a matter of freedom of religion.

“To protect it legally, as is done in a similar way in some professions, means preserving a sacred space of inner freedom, where the believer can open his or her soul to God without fear of external pressures,” he said.

The seizure took place this Saturday, after reports came in people were riding the off-road bikes unsafely and at high speeds.

The latest bike seized was being ridden by two males in balaclavas down Market Street, Farnworth.

It has now been destroyed.

A spokesman for GMP Bolton said: “The Farnworth Neighbourhood team have been doing weekly operations targeting anti-social behaviour and the use of illegal bikes on the streets of Farnworth and Kearsley following an influx of reports surrounding unsafe use of off road bikes, specifically Sur-Rons within the area.

“On the evening of Sunday 7th July we have seized another Sur-Ron being driven down Market Street, Farnworth by two males in balaclavas. This will now be sent for destruction preventing further use on your roads.

“This targeted activity forms part of our ongoing commitment to making the streets safe for your use and tackling organised crime.

“We will continue to act on intelligence reported by the public and will use robust tactics where necessary to stop the use of illegal bikes and offenders will be dealt with and prosecuted.

“If you have any information that can assist our efforts please utilise 101, the GMP online reporting or report anonymously through crime stoppers.”

Another Sur-Ron bike was seized in Farnworth in mid May.

The rider attempted to ride away, before becoming trapped in a dead-end street.

Katie Price has been married to self-professed billionaire Lee Andrews since January and has now responded to questions surrounding his wild claims

As Katie Price continues battling to save her marriage, she’s shed light on why Lee Andrews keeps making outlandish statements. Her fourth husband’s assertions have faced fierce examination since the couple wed in January.

And the self-described billionaire has had his every intention challenged throughout. But Katie has now explained precisely why she believes her partner makes such declarations, including allegedly meeting Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian, reports the Mirror.

Katie disclosed he finds it “funny” to make such statements. This follows weeks after he vanished, leaving Katie concerned for his wellbeing. After early fears that her other half had been abducted, it emerged he was actually behind bars.

Yet with the assertions persisting, Katie confessed why Lee chose to circulate such stories. “He thinks it is funny to put it on Instagram,” Katie said.

Speaking to The Sun, the mother-of-five added: “And I am like, but you saying that Lee, you’re going to get sh*t for it..”

Katie had recently jetted to Dubai for a confrontation with spouse Lee but, despite announcing she would end their union, she maintained that she still “loves” the businessman. And while she couldn’t speak with him on that visit, she remains adamant about wanting to hear his side before turning the page on another relationship.

“I’m not a mug and when I finally see Lee, I am going to question him,” she admitted. “And if the answers I get are not right, that will be it: I’ll be done. That’s it. And I’ll just get on with my life… and not find a man on Instagram and message him…”

While the former glamour model was visiting Dubai, Katie chose to meet up with Lee’s former partner, Dina. The pair sat down for a conversation, which was filmed for a forthcoming instalment of her podcast, The Katie Price Show.

Although the full episode hasn’t yet been made available, selected excerpts have been released. In these clips, the two women can be heard talking about the circumstances.

Dina revealed: “Well I was basically dating Lee – unfortunately – for three and a half years so I know [you’ve] probably seen some of my pictures that showed up on social media.”

Katie then responded: “I came to Dina about one of the cases because I thought, is Dina involved? And then obviously we had a cup of tea, as girls do, we’ve had a long chat, and that’s for us to know, and for you to find out in the future. On that note, I’m glad we met Dina.”

Katie subsequently informed The Sun that the exchange had her “eyes opened”. However, despite the repeated cautions from previous girlfriends, Katie appealed to other former partners of Lee to “just leave it”. She maintains she’s received sufficient alerts from external sources and can now reach her own conclusions.

“I just need some time to think,” she confided to the publication. “I still cannot end things with Lee until I’ve spoken to him, but that was a lot.”

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He was found acting suspiciously by police and a search of his car uncovered £1,055 in cash, two mobile phones, and drugs worth around £700

A man has been jailed in Cambridgeshire after flouting two deportation orders that saw him removed from the UK twice. Atonio Guvane, 32, was seen by officers acting suspiciously in a grey Ford Focus parked at the entrance to a car park in Cottenham at about 4.30pm on April 22.

Guvane gave a false name. A search of his car uncovered £1,055 in cash, two mobile phones, and 20 bags of cannabis, with a street value of up to £700.

Further enquiries revealed Guvane was in the UK in breach of a deportation order and using an alias, Ersit Lika. He had previously been served with a deportation order in May 2022 while in prison for drug offences and was deported to Albania under the Early Removal Scheme the following month.

In November 2024, he was arrested in Brentwood, Essex, and later convicted and imprisoned for re-entering the UK in breach of that order. He was again deported to Albania on 27 February last year. There was no record of him applying for permission to re-enter the UK when he was found in Cottenham.

Guvane, of Osprey Drive, South Trumpington, Cambridge, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison at Huntingdon Law Courts on June 2.

He had pleaded guilty to knowingly entering the UK in breach of a deportation order, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug (cannabis), and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, at a previous hearing.

DC George McCready, who investigated, said: “Guvane showed a clear disregard for the law by re-entering the country after being deported not once, but twice, and continuing to involve himself in criminal activity.

“His actions in Cottenham suggested he was actively dealing drugs, and the sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending. We will continue to work with partners to identify and take action against those who enter the UK unlawfully and commit crime.”

The accolade is believed to be the first time a Yorkshire-produced coffee liqueur has received the title at a major international spirits competition.

Norse Code Hel Below, produced by Coffee Spirit Co, was awarded the Country Winner title for England in the Coffee Liqueur category, competing against established national and international brands.

The product is crafted in Yorkshire using the company’s Cold-Filter Brew process, developed to extract the flavour and complexity of speciality coffee. Unlike many products in the category, which often focus on sweetness and flavourings, Norse Code says it was created to showcase the coffee itself.

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Norse Code was founded in 2024 by coffee specialist Gordon Howell — a former UK Brewers Cup Champion and UK Coffee in Good Spirits Championship Champion — and drinks professional Yan. Together, they bring more than 35 years of combined experience across speciality coffee, hospitality and the drinks industry.

Bottles of Hel Below are available at Harlequin Coffee & Tea House in King’s Square, where the founders are pictured in the accompanying photograph overlooking the historic square.

The location is closely connected to York’s Norse heritage. Known during the Viking period as Konungsgarthr (“King’s Court”), King’s Square is widely identified as the probable site of the royal complex of the Viking Kings of York — the heritage from which the Norse Code brand takes its inspiration.

Bottles of the prize winning brews (Image: Robert Harrison Photography)

Gordon Howell, Co-Founder, said: “Every decision — from coffee selection and roast profile through to brewing and blending — was made to showcase the coffee itself. We wanted to create a coffee liqueur that coffee professionals would genuinely enjoy drinking while still being versatile enough for cocktails.”

Yan, Co-Founder, said: “To receive this level of recognition is a huge moment for a small independent producer. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of — not just for us, but for York and Yorkshire’s wider food and drink community.

“This award reflects years of work refining both the ingredients and the process. We wanted to create a product that genuinely celebrated coffee, and most importantly, something that York could be proud of.”

The company also produces Hel Above, a higher-strength coffee liqueur developed for Espresso Martinis, alongside limited-edition releases exploring the relationship between speciality coffee and premium spirits.

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council for land north of the A689 as part of the continued expansion of the Wynyard Park estate.

The latest reserved matters application, submitted by Bellway Homes Limited, seeks to deliver 179 homes on a seven hectare area which is undeveloped arable land.

It currently has permission for 170 homes however Bellway has undertaken a “re-plan of the development with the intent to reduce the number of larger five-bed properties and increase the number of in-demand smaller family homes”.

The latest scheme provides a “greater proportion” of three-bed properties and provides 32 affordable homes, one more than previously.

The development would include 22 two bed properties, including at least four bungalows, 74 three bed homes, 75 four bed and eight five bed.

The plans form part of a wider 44 hectare site that was previously granted outline planning permission to provide up to 1,200 homes.

Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) is living through a nightmare in Coronation Street, having been arrested and charged with the murder of Theo Silverton – a crime she didn’t commit.

The police had plenty of evidence against Summer, but it was Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall) refusal to back up her story that sealed her fate.

After her arrest, Summer informed DS Lisa Connor-Swain (Vicky Myers) that Theo had been alive when she’d left his flat after their confrontation.

She revealed that Tyrone had watched her leave, and had also seen Theo at the window, proving that she was telling the truth. However, when Lisa questioned Tyrone, he denied everything.

With Summer’s situation looking hopeless, she took drastic action and turned off her insulin pump, which resulted in her being admitted to hospital.

Tragically, she confessed that she couldn’t stand to be in prison any longer and didn’t think she would survive it.

In tonight’s episode, Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) continued his vigil at her bedside, where he was joined by Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) and Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey).

As Summer shared her fears about returning to prison, Todd encouraged her to find someone to lean on for support, like a chaplain.

Heartbreakingly, Summer revealed that she didn’t believe God existed in prison, and that she was starting to lose faith that he was anywhere at all.

She tearfully expressed how it broke her heart to be questioning her faith, as it made her feel completely alone after the deaths of Billy Mayhew, Paul Foreman and her biological dad.

However, little did she know, hope was just around the corner.

After literally bumping into Gary Windass (Mikey North), who shared his theory that the police were prepared to pin Theo’s murder on Summer because she was a convenient target, Tyrone was given food for thought.

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Viewers will know that Tyrone lied to the police about seeing Summer that night because he was covering up his own misdeeds, having accidentally dropped a car on Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard).

After explaining everything to Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine), Tyrone made the decision to come forward with the truth, hoping that it would help get Summer out of prison.

Will the police believe his change of story, or has Summer’s fate already been sealed? And what will happen to Tyrone when the truth of his involvement with Carl’s accident is exposed?

MORE: Todd devastated with Summer at her lowest ever point in new Coronation Street spoiler video

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These are 10 of the most gorgeous heavily reduced chairs that are all guaranteed to get compliments at Dunelm

Adding a luxurious feel to any living room, bedroom, hallway or home office needn’t be an expensive endeavour. Dunelm has plenty of amazing budget-friendly furniture options that look opulent without breaking the bank.

The high-street retailer has reduced the price of almost 500 pieces of upholstered furniture in its spring sale, available to shop fully here. Dunelm’s discount event is offering up to 50% off accent chairs and cocktail chairs.

Accent chairs and cocktail chairs are an ideal way to make a room feel complete. They can help balance the layout, soften corners and complement existing furniture with texture or colour.

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Scrolling through the countless sale pages on the Dunelm website can be a tall task, but fortunately you don’t have to. I’ve gone through and found 10 of the most gorgeous heavily reduced chairs that are all guaranteed to get compliments from guests.

Elsewhere, the Cow Print Indy Accent Chair is available for £99 at Dusk. Perfect for your lounge, office or bedroom, let this modern accent chair seamlessly enhance your home interior.

Made with a plush fabric, it has smooth, curved lines and a soft seat pad for unmatched comfort as you work, rest and relax. It also features black metal legs for chic and flawless finish.

Or there’s the Tilly Swivel Accent Chair, available for £211.65 instead of £249 with the discount code ‘EXTRA15’ applied at checkout. Designed with a rounded back and deep cushioned seat, the chair is all about sink-in comfort.

The hidden swivel base adds a fun little twist, letting you glide and turn with ease. It’s ideal for relaxed corners, dressing rooms, or as a standout piece in your living space.

Alternatively, the Celine Velvet Accent Chair costs £160. It’s upholstered in plush velvet-style fabric that feels soft against your skin, with foam-filled cushioning for support.

There’s a deep seat and high back that keep you properly supported while you read, watch TV, or just take five minutes. Splayed metal legs give it a mid-century feel. The orange tone brings warmth into your living room.

For my top picks reduced in price at Dunelm, keep on reading. To shop reduced chairs directly from the retailer, click here.

Marcie Harriet Meadow Print Cocktail Chair – was £119 now £83.30

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Bring a touch of countryside chic to your home with the Marcie Harriet Meadow Print Cocktail Chair. Upholstered in a meadow‑inspired fabric, it adds gentle colour and pattern to any room.

The curved back and generously cushioned foam‑and‑fibre seat offer a cosy spot to relax. Light wooden legs give the chair a fresh, modern feel, making it perfect for bedrooms, reading corners, or adding softness to your living space. Get it here.

Vivian Dining Chair Ditsy Fabric – was £99 now £69.30

A playful ditsy print adds charm to a smart, streamlined silhouette. The Vivian Dining Chair Ditsy Fabric features a supportive seat that is made for long, comfortable mealtimes.

Dark‑stained wood‑effect legs add warmth and stability. Get it here.

Charnwood Alora Chenille Occasional Armchair – was £259 now £207.20

The charming Charnwood Alora Chenille Occasional Armchair brings a touch of nature indoors with its soft chenille fabric and delicate pattern. The design is both elegant and inviting, making it a lovely addition to bedrooms, lounges, or reading corners.

The curved arms and supportive back offer comfort without taking up too much space, while the floral print adds a gentle splash of colour and character. Get it here.

Arianna Tulip Print Occasional Armchair – was £299 now £209.30

Add a touch of sophistication to any living space with the Arianna Tulip Print Occasional Armchair. Designed for both style and comfort, this occasional chair features a foam-filled seat for a luxurious seating experience and gracefully curved arms that enhance its elegant silhouette. Get it here.

Petit Ditsy Floral Print Occasional Armchair – was £169 now £135.20

Bring vintage style and softness to your space with the Petit Ditsy Floral Print Occasional Armchair. Upholstered in a delicate floral pattern, it adds a gentle touch of colour and character to any room.

The curved arms and rounded back create a beautifully inviting silhouette, whilst foam and fibre cushioning keeps the seat wonderfully comfortable for everyday relaxation. Finished with turned rubberwood legs, it’s a timeless piece that makes any corner feel special. Get it here.

Eliza Wooden Arm Occasional Armchair – was £149 now £119.20

With its sleek wooden arms and vibrant starling blue upholstery, the Eliza Wooden Arm Occasional Armchair is perfect for a variety of spaces. Whether it’s in the living room, study, or even commercial environments, its timeless design ensures it complements a range of styles, from classic to contemporary.

It’s not just about looks, though; the Eliza chair also offers comfortable seating that suits both home and professional settings. Get it here.

Beatrice II Spring Flowers Fabric Snuggle Chair – was £399 now £319.20

A timeless favourite with a refreshed silhouette, the Beatrice II Spring Flowers Fabric Snuggle Chair pairs joyful pattern with classic comfort. The updated shape offers enhanced support and a more refined profile, while the vibrant floral print brings a lively, uplifting feel to any room.

Perfect for creating a cheerful, cosy corner, it adds personality and style to both modern and traditional spaces. Get it here.

Tulip Floral Print Curved Swivel Accent Chair – was £249 now £199.20

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Finished in a floral tulip print fabric, the Tulip Floral Print Curved Swivel Accent Chair adds colour and pattern to your living space while remaining easy to style. The rounded, curved shape creates an inviting seat with a soft, modern feel.

Built on a rubberwood frame with foam filled cushioning, it offers reliable support for everyday use. A smooth swivel base allows easy movement, making it a practical and stylish choice for lounging, reading, or entertaining. Get it here.

Lucilla Dining Chair, Spring Garden Print – was £169 now £118.30

The Lucilla Dining Chair features a Spring Garden print fabric that brings a fresh, uplifting feel to your space. The cushioned seat offers a comfortable sit, while the casual, easygoing shape makes it ideal for relaxed dining settings.

With its decorative printed upholstery and simple silhouette, this chair adds both character and everyday comfort to your table. Get it here.

Bella Utopia Occasional Armchair – was £159 now £127.20

The Bella Utopia Occasional Armchair’s plush velvet texture is complemented by the calming teal hue, creating an inviting atmosphere in any room. Whether placed in your living room, study, or professional setting, the chair is a versatile and stylish addition to your home or workplace.

It’s a statement piece that combines both comfort and modern elegance. Get it here.

A spectacular Southern Lights display has been captured on camera from space.

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir filmed the timelapse from onboard the SpaceX Dragon shuttle.

The Southern Lights are just as common as the Northern Lights, and regularly take place over Antarctica, but relatively few people live in latitudes close to the South Pole, so they are not as well-known as their northern counterpart.

These lights occur near the poles because Earth’s magnetic field channels charged particles from the Sun toward those regions, where they collide with the atmosphere and create shimmering waves of colour.