Matthew Ward Agius
@wardagius.bsky.social
Reporting International current affairs, Science/Health/Tech at DW Deutsche Welle.
Sometimes heard on Your ABC.
AUS <> GER
Sometimes heard on Your ABC.
AUS <> GER
A couple of bugs in the system for the troops it turns out. French teams led by @pasteur.fr / @nrascovan.bsky.social have analysed centuries-old teeth to find out what ailed Napoleon's troops during their doomed retreat www.dw.com/en/napoleons...
DNA reveals hidden killer of Napoleon’s troops in Russia – DW – 10/24/2025
Genetic analysis has shed new light on one of history's deadliest military disasters — the French retreat from Russia in 1812.
www.dw.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
A couple of bugs in the system for the troops it turns out. French teams led by @pasteur.fr / @nrascovan.bsky.social have analysed centuries-old teeth to find out what ailed Napoleon's troops during their doomed retreat www.dw.com/en/napoleons...
The Big Beautiful Bill is close to being resolved but it's not popular even within the Republican Party.
www.dw.com/en/donald-tr...
www.dw.com/en/donald-tr...
How will Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' impact Americans? – DW – 07/02/2025
The battle for President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" appears to be nearing an end. But Trump's signature tax and spending policy isn't popular, even within his own party.
www.dw.com
July 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
The Big Beautiful Bill is close to being resolved but it's not popular even within the Republican Party.
www.dw.com/en/donald-tr...
www.dw.com/en/donald-tr...
"Third parties" never really go anywhere in the US and Musk's plan to primary lawmakers seems a more sensible attack plan, but there are ways a challenger party could work says @bernardtamas.bsky.social
How Elon Musk's third party threat could disrupt US politics – DW – 07/01/2025
Elon Musk wants to shake up the two-party system in the US after clashing with Donald Trump — but history hasn't been kind to third parties.
www.dw.com
July 3, 2025 at 10:52 AM
"Third parties" never really go anywhere in the US and Musk's plan to primary lawmakers seems a more sensible attack plan, but there are ways a challenger party could work says @bernardtamas.bsky.social
Could the US turn its sights to other digital taxes amid Canada's DST wind down?
www.dw.com/en/canada-us...
www.dw.com/en/canada-us...
Canada axes digital tax to ease Trump trade tensions – DW – 06/30/2025
Canada has withdrawn a tax that could have reaped billions in revenue to bring Donald Trump back to the table. It raises the possibility that other taxes targeting big tech could be in the US presiden...
www.dw.com
July 3, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Could the US turn its sights to other digital taxes amid Canada's DST wind down?
www.dw.com/en/canada-us...
www.dw.com/en/canada-us...
In Africa, 1 in 6 cancer drugs may be defective. "A few of them [manufacturers] really have a suspiciously high number of failing samples" one independent observer told DW.
www.dw.com/en/nearly-20...
www.dw.com/en/nearly-20...
Nearly 20% of cancer drugs defective in 4 African nations – DW – 06/29/2025
Across Africa, cancer medications have been found to be substandard or counterfeit. That means people are being given medicine that may not work, or that could even cause them harm.
www.dw.com
June 30, 2025 at 12:31 PM
In Africa, 1 in 6 cancer drugs may be defective. "A few of them [manufacturers] really have a suspiciously high number of failing samples" one independent observer told DW.
www.dw.com/en/nearly-20...
www.dw.com/en/nearly-20...
Challenging times in the fight against HIV, even amid the approval of the remarkable lenacapavir as a PrEP drug.
@avac.org ED Mitchell Warren wonders whether the moment will be squandered due to cuts in the US health budget www.dw.com/en/miracle-h...
@avac.org ED Mitchell Warren wonders whether the moment will be squandered due to cuts in the US health budget www.dw.com/en/miracle-h...
'Miracle' HIV drug lenacapavir approved amid US budget cuts – DW – 06/24/2025
The US has approved lenacapavir for HIV prevention. However, experts worry that cuts to the health budget will "squander" the drug's chance of reducing infections.
www.dw.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Challenging times in the fight against HIV, even amid the approval of the remarkable lenacapavir as a PrEP drug.
@avac.org ED Mitchell Warren wonders whether the moment will be squandered due to cuts in the US health budget www.dw.com/en/miracle-h...
@avac.org ED Mitchell Warren wonders whether the moment will be squandered due to cuts in the US health budget www.dw.com/en/miracle-h...
A species of leprosy/Hansen's disease causing bacteria, identified for the first time in 2008, was probably spreading in the Americas for thousands of years www.dw.com/en/secret-le...
Secret leprosy infected the Americas before European arrival – DW – 06/04/2025
European colonizers were thought to have brought leprosy to the Americas, but a new study reveals it existed there for thousands of years and was spread by a recently discovered bacteria species.
www.dw.com
June 5, 2025 at 7:05 AM
A species of leprosy/Hansen's disease causing bacteria, identified for the first time in 2008, was probably spreading in the Americas for thousands of years www.dw.com/en/secret-le...
The Swiss are very, very good at identifying landslide potential. Amid a warming climate, the rest of the world needs to catch up
www.dw.com/en/before-th...
www.dw.com/en/before-th...
How does Switzerland predict landslides? – DW – 05/30/2025
Switzerland is a success story in predicting landslides — but more must be done to help the rest of the world prepare for these deadly, unpredictable disasters.
www.dw.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:56 AM
The Swiss are very, very good at identifying landslide potential. Amid a warming climate, the rest of the world needs to catch up
www.dw.com/en/before-th...
www.dw.com/en/before-th...
Even if US pause on international student visa applications was lifted tomorrow, the action to delay new interviews for social media vetting is "tremendously damaging" to America's global rep for higher ed, says @mclem.org.
Visa application pause 'will be felt in every corner' of US – DW – 05/28/2025
Even a short-term pause on new student visa interview appointments could have major economic consequences and leave many uncertain about pursuing studies or careers in the United States.
www.dw.com
May 28, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Even if US pause on international student visa applications was lifted tomorrow, the action to delay new interviews for social media vetting is "tremendously damaging" to America's global rep for higher ed, says @mclem.org.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation may be operating, but thousands of aid vehicles remain blocked from Gaza amid an aid plan tantamount to ethnic cleaning, observers say www.dw.com/en/gaza-aid-...
Gaza aid group, mired in controversy, begins operating – DW – 05/27/2025
A new aid organization, endorsed by Israel, has lost its executive director before operations even began. Questions remain on its ability to effectively deliver humanitarian assistance to Gazans.
www.dw.com
May 27, 2025 at 6:48 PM
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation may be operating, but thousands of aid vehicles remain blocked from Gaza amid an aid plan tantamount to ethnic cleaning, observers say www.dw.com/en/gaza-aid-...
Countries like Spain are calling for arms embargoes on Israel unlikely to have substantial impact with US and Germany committed to supply.
Amid calls for arms embargo, who supplies Israel's weapons? – DW – 05/26/2025
Spain has called for an arms embargo on Israel, as violence in Gaza escalates. But real pressure would require action from three major weapons exporters.
www.dw.com
May 27, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Countries like Spain are calling for arms embargoes on Israel unlikely to have substantial impact with US and Germany committed to supply.
Historic pandemic agreement from @who.int at 78th World Health Assembly but enforcement potential remains unclear.
www.dw.com/en/pandemic-...
www.dw.com/en/pandemic-...
Pandemic preparedness: First Pandemic Treaty adopted – DW – 05/20/2025
It’s only the second time the World Health Assembly has adopted a health treaty, but key details of this Pandemic Agreement remain unclear. An analysis.
www.dw.com
May 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Historic pandemic agreement from @who.int at 78th World Health Assembly but enforcement potential remains unclear.
www.dw.com/en/pandemic-...
www.dw.com/en/pandemic-...
Foul play or hard ball?
www.dw.com/en/foul-play...
www.dw.com/en/foul-play...
Foul play? Hardball? Questions abound on Trump tariff U-turn – DW – 04/11/2025
A 90-day pause on global tariffs has Donald Trump's opponents crying foul and claiming market manipulation, while others have evoked "The Art of the Deal." What's next for the US president's economic ...
www.dw.com
April 11, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Foul play or hard ball?
www.dw.com/en/foul-play...
www.dw.com/en/foul-play...
Reports suggest Germany's asylum seeker numbers are down, but that doesn't mean the world is a safer place... www.dw.com/en/asylum-ap...
Why are asylum applications in Germany and EU down? – DW – 04/10/2025
New statistics reportedly show post-COVID lows in asylum applications to Germany. But does the data provide a complete picture of displacement abroad?
www.dw.com
April 10, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Reports suggest Germany's asylum seeker numbers are down, but that doesn't mean the world is a safer place... www.dw.com/en/asylum-ap...
The US has long beefed with key trading partners over restrictions on American cattle and poultry products.
The reasons why US producers fall fowl of places like Australia, Argentina, the EU and UK are varied, but could be addressed with changes to agri practices.
www.dw.com/en/trumps-ta...
The reasons why US producers fall fowl of places like Australia, Argentina, the EU and UK are varied, but could be addressed with changes to agri practices.
www.dw.com/en/trumps-ta...
Trump’s tariffs: Why won’t countries buy US meat products? – DW – 04/09/2025
Several countries don’t import US chicken rinsed in chlorine chicken or beef products containing growth hormones. The Trump administration has used the bans to justify higher trade tariffs. Is US meat...
www.dw.com
April 9, 2025 at 9:12 AM
The US has long beefed with key trading partners over restrictions on American cattle and poultry products.
The reasons why US producers fall fowl of places like Australia, Argentina, the EU and UK are varied, but could be addressed with changes to agri practices.
www.dw.com/en/trumps-ta...
The reasons why US producers fall fowl of places like Australia, Argentina, the EU and UK are varied, but could be addressed with changes to agri practices.
www.dw.com/en/trumps-ta...
"Europe has become very French over the last five years"
www.dw.com/en/france-em...
www.dw.com/en/france-em...
Could France's Macron be the new leader of Europe? – DW – 04/07/2025
French President Emmanuel Macron is Europe's "point man," and in the absence of a formal German government, he is driving France's vision of Europe amid war to its east and incoming tariffs across the...
www.dw.com
April 9, 2025 at 7:44 AM
"Europe has become very French over the last five years"
www.dw.com/en/france-em...
www.dw.com/en/france-em...
Climate change poised to double heart disease in Australia, and the trend is likely applicable everywhere else says Euro cardiologist. @escardio.bsky.social journal editor.
www.dw.com/en/climate-c...
www.dw.com/en/climate-c...
Climate change making heart disease worse among Australians – DW – 03/25/2025
Climate change will affect human health as well as the environment. An Australian study shows millions will be at greater risk of heart trouble as temperatures rise.
www.dw.com
March 26, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Climate change poised to double heart disease in Australia, and the trend is likely applicable everywhere else says Euro cardiologist. @escardio.bsky.social journal editor.
www.dw.com/en/climate-c...
www.dw.com/en/climate-c...
As reports of a Witkoff meeting in Russia emerge, what's at stake for Europe? @news.dw.com www.dw.com/en/us-russia...
US-Russia meeting on Ukraine: What is at stake? – DW – 03/12/2025
The planned meeting between the US and Russian leaders to discuss the war in Ukraine signals a sea change in US foreign policy that will have a profound global impact.
www.dw.com
March 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
As reports of a Witkoff meeting in Russia emerge, what's at stake for Europe? @news.dw.com www.dw.com/en/us-russia...
Are the Arctic's relatively peaceful days -- once described as "Arctic exceptionalism" -- soon to be a thing of the past? @news.dw.com
www.dw.com/en/whats-dri...
www.dw.com/en/whats-dri...
What's driving the changing face of Arctic geopolitics? – DW – 03/12/2025
Rarely in the news, the Arctic has returned to the spotlight following the return of Donald Trump as US president. But who owns this polar region, and why is it so important to Arctic nations?
www.dw.com
March 12, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Are the Arctic's relatively peaceful days -- once described as "Arctic exceptionalism" -- soon to be a thing of the past? @news.dw.com
www.dw.com/en/whats-dri...
www.dw.com/en/whats-dri...
Three fatal public attacks where a car was weaponized have happened in Germany these past three months. None appear to share motivations, save to harm innocent people using an auto.
Rather than looking to a shared psychology, the perpetrators may share something else.
www.dw.com/en/is-there-...
Rather than looking to a shared psychology, the perpetrators may share something else.
www.dw.com/en/is-there-...
Is there a shared psychology behind car attacks in Germany? – DW – 03/04/2025
Another car ramming attack has struck a German town but with no clear motive. Is there a way of understanding why these attacks keep happening?
www.dw.com
March 4, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Three fatal public attacks where a car was weaponized have happened in Germany these past three months. None appear to share motivations, save to harm innocent people using an auto.
Rather than looking to a shared psychology, the perpetrators may share something else.
www.dw.com/en/is-there-...
Rather than looking to a shared psychology, the perpetrators may share something else.
www.dw.com/en/is-there-...
Though authorities have ruled out political motives behind Monday's tragedy here in Mannheim, locals are saddened, shocked and resigned to another public attack.
"It's daily news now, here in Germany."
www.dw.com/en/mannheim-...
"It's daily news now, here in Germany."
www.dw.com/en/mannheim-...
Mannheim attack: 'It's daily news now, here in Germany' – DW – 03/04/2025
Locals express dismay at another public attack after two people were killed and around a dozen were injured in a car attack in Mannheim on Monday.
www.dw.com
March 4, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Though authorities have ruled out political motives behind Monday's tragedy here in Mannheim, locals are saddened, shocked and resigned to another public attack.
"It's daily news now, here in Germany."
www.dw.com/en/mannheim-...
"It's daily news now, here in Germany."
www.dw.com/en/mannheim-...
WHO says potential toxic contamination at play in DRC disease outbreak that's killed 60.
www.dw.com/en/another-m...
www.dw.com/en/another-m...
Another mystery disease outbreak in DR Congo: What we know – DW – 03/03/2025
Is a new virus causing a disease outbreak and deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or is the cause already known to science?
www.dw.com
March 3, 2025 at 1:10 PM
WHO says potential toxic contamination at play in DRC disease outbreak that's killed 60.
www.dw.com/en/another-m...
www.dw.com/en/another-m...
Among cancers you're unlikely to survive, pancreatic cancer tops the list. But researchers are racing to spot the telltale signs sooner, and sever the connections that make it grow.
Scientists find promising pancreatic cancer leads – DW – 02/25/2025
Pancreatic cancer kills three in four people within the first year. But new research is offering hope to people in years to come.
www.dw.com
February 26, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Among cancers you're unlikely to survive, pancreatic cancer tops the list. But researchers are racing to spot the telltale signs sooner, and sever the connections that make it grow.
Press freedom continues to decline globally and democracies are joining the slide.
Press freedom on the decline: Can the situation improve? – DW – 02/21/2025
Press freedom is going backwards and dangers for journalists continue to rise. Even the nations where press freedom is faring comparatively well face challenges. Despite this, observers have hope.
www.dw.com
February 21, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Press freedom continues to decline globally and democracies are joining the slide.
Some STI rates in Europe are at record highs according to the most recent drop of data from @ecdc.europa.eu and scientists have a pretty good idea why www.dw.com/en/stis-in-e... @news.dw.com
www.dw.com
February 12, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Some STI rates in Europe are at record highs according to the most recent drop of data from @ecdc.europa.eu and scientists have a pretty good idea why www.dw.com/en/stis-in-e... @news.dw.com