Animal apocalypse: Deadly bird flu infects hundreds of species pole-to-pole

Brown skuas and south polar skuas, two gull-like species that nest in Antarctica, are sometimes called the “pirates of the Southern seas.” These migratory seabirds are fierce, competitive predators that hunt or scavenge anything, from eggs and adult birds to seafood, mammals or garbage. “They’re really tough animals — and they’re dying,” says Antonio Quesada, director of the Spanish Polar Committee. He gravely recounts why this season’s field […]

August 13, 2024 100

Local

From jellyfish to basking shark, we’re developing 100 new signs to deepen deaf people’s connection with the ocean

New British sign language terms will cover marine creatures like this jellyfish. JDScuba/Shutterstock By Audrey Cameron, The University of Edinburgh For deaf people including schoolchildren, teachers and scientists, talking about marine species like the shortfin mako shark, loggerhead turtle and tiny phytoplankton usually means spelling out each term letter by letter. The lack of specific British Sign Language (BSL) signs for many marine species and concepts has made it […]

August 13, 2024 25

Environment

Réunion is a tropical island getaway – our climate study shows that it could attract more tourists during European summers

The town of Cilaos is just one of many draws for visitors to Réunion. Balate Dorin By Ariel Sarah Prinsloo, University of the Witwatersrand and Jennifer Fitchett, University of the Witwatersrand You’re scrolling through Instagram, only half paying attention to your friends’ updates, when a photo of a beautiful, pristine beach grabs your eye. Somebody you know is lounging on that very beach – and suddenly you want to […]

August 13, 2024 28

World

Gaza war: 75 years after signing of the Geneva Conventions, Israel’s deadly attack on a Palestinian school shows their limitations

By Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, University of Bristol Gaza is reeling after a missile strike launched by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted a building and mosque within a school complex in Gaza City on August 10. The Israeli military said the school was operating as a Hamas command and control post, but the buildings were reportedly also sheltering more than 6,000 displaced people. Palestinian authorities have stated that the attack […]

August 13, 2024 16

World

Rape and murder of Indian medic sparks widespread doctors’ strike

The rape and murder of a medic has triggered a pan-India strike by doctors. All non-emergency services at government hospitals in more than ten states have been halted, hitting medical care for millions. Doctors say they want the government to ensure their security on hospital premises and a swift trial for the victim. One suspect has been arrested. He worked as a civic defence volunteer and had uninterrupted access to […]

August 13, 2024 27

World

In Japan, Storm Maria weakens to a depression

Tropical Storm Maria that lashed parts of Japan with historic levels of rain has been downgraded to a depression. But officials warn that heavy rains and flood risks could linger. Here's our East Asia correspondent William Denselow.

August 13, 2024 52

World

Trump-Musk interview hit by technical glitches

Technical problems hit Donald Trump's interview with Elon Musk on the social media platform X, with the entrepreneur blaming a "massive" cyber attack for the problems.The former president spoke about his assassination attempt, immigration, the war in Ukraine, and called his rival Kamala Harris a "third rate phony candidate". Corresponding for us is Nick Harper from Washington.

August 13, 2024 19

World

Trump sues DoJ over FBI classified docs raid

Donald Trump is suing the United States' Department of Justice for $100 million. The former US President is seeking damages over the FBI's search of his Florida residence, during which law enforcement agents found hundreds of classified documents that he'd taken from the White House. Corresponding for us is Benji Hyer.

August 13, 2024 19

Africa

African member states demand two permanent seats on UN Security Council

African member states at the United Nations are demanding two permanent seats on the UN Security Council with the veto abolished. A United Nations Security Council meeting took place on Monday with the aim of redressing the historical injustice and enhancing Africa's effective representation on the Council. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations in New York.

August 13, 2024 18

World