Animals that carry infectious diseases like Ebola and the virus causing COVID-19 thrive in human-made habitats such as cities and farmland, scientists have found. Researchers reviewed 184 studies of 376 host species – animals that pass a virus to humans – including bats, birds, rodents and primates. They found the conversion of natural habitats to human-used … Read more
Islam’s most holiest site, the Kaaba at the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca, was given a new £4.5m silk cover today as part of the annual hajj pilgrimage. More than 150 artisans and technicians, with the help of two cranes, put the black cloth, known as the Kiswa, over the four sides of … Read more
China has never been far from controversy in recent months, whether it be down to Covid-19, political unrest, spying concerns or human rights violations. But just how safe is money invested in the economic superpower, and should you pull your support? Experts insist China still offers attractive investment opportunities. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite … Read more
Beavers are massively changing landscapes in the Arctic by building dams, which melt permanently frozen ground and release greenhouse gases, a new study says. Over the last few years, beavers have expanded into many tundra regions where they had never been seen before, due to an abundance of vegetation. But they are also building more … Read more
Boris Johnson reveals he has been changing ‘a lot of nappies’ while helping to raise his newborn son Wilfred during lockdown Boris Johnson revealed he has been changing newborn son Wilfred’s nappies The PM has rarely spoken about his and Carrie Symonds’ baby in public Mr Johnson attended Bovingdon Primary Academy in Hertfordshire on Friday … Read more
Lying on my stomach, right arm flung over my head and with my left cheek squashed against the pillow, I feel snug and secure as I drift off. Apart from during my two pregnancies, this is the position in which I’ve slept all my life. But I’m starting to wonder if — despite the initial … Read more
The shops are now open – but it’s not quite ‘business as usual’. While you might be itching for some retail therapy after months of lockdown, stores are having to make changes to ensure the safety of shoppers. From socially distanced queues just to get in, to changing rooms being closed – the new normal … Read more
The skulls of urban red foxes are getting smaller as they adapt to their city environment, according to a new analysis. After studying hundreds of fox skulls, researchers in Scotland found the faces of city dwelling red foxes are changing as they adapt to urban areas. Snouts of urban red foxes are shorter and wider … Read more
NHS diabetes chief warns of the danger of piling on ‘life changing’ lockdown pounds as he fears many Britons have gained weight while stuck indoors Professor Jonathan Valabhji has warned of negative health effects of lockdown He warned that adults were burning fewer calories with fewer daily activities But added that the pandemic was an … Read more
When the lockdown was imposed in the UK, shoppers flocked to supermarkets and cleared the shelves of loo roll, tinned goods and pasta. But a new report from John Lewis and Waitrose has revealed a shift in priorities for middle class Brits, who are now investing in homemaking goods – with sales of baking and … Read more