Health and Fitness

How do viruses jump from animals to humans?

Humans and animals are living in closer proximity than ever before. The demands on the livestock industry and the environment in general are intensifying thanks to our ever expanding population. The pandemic is raising questions about these practices, and how they may have contributed to this global crisis. Indeed, when you examine what it takes for an animal virus to jump to a human, it's quite clear that we're increasing the risk of catching viruses like the coronavirus. Click through the following gallery to see how it all works.

BBC Newsnight presenter inundated with support and announces 'I'm leaving' in shock exit

A top BBC presenter announced they decided to leave the broadcaster after more than 30 years at the corporation amid recent budget cuts.

Spanish cops looking for Jay Slater issue mass appeal for volunteers

The search will focus on the Masca gorge, around 3000ft above sea level and which has been combed by police, drones, dogs and helicopters since he was reported missing.

Woman DIES after being stabbed by man who stole her car and crashed it

The woman, in her 50s, was knifed in Mighel, south of Innisfail, at about 4.15pm. She then ran to a nearby house for help.

Murders that changed the world

Murders are always horrific, but some are more shocking and have greater impact than others. Political leaders, famous artists, and other powerful people have been victims of homicides that may have changed the course of history. Click here to see which homicides made waves.

Malaysia to redesign 'ugly' Olympic kit after fan backlash

Malaysian officials agreed Friday to redesign some of the country's kit for next month's Paris Olympics after fans derided the outfits as "ugly" and "cheap looking". "After taking into consideration and feedback from all parties, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council and national sports fans, the Olympic council acknowledges that the design of the official jacket was not well received," he said.

Ukraine strikes inside Russia disrupting the ability of Putin’s forces to use drones, MoD says

Ukraine strikes inside Russia disrupting the ability of Putin’s forces to use drones, MoD says - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also announces that military pledges outlined in 20 security agreements Kyiv has signed with its allies total $60 billion annually for the next four years

Death row inmate’s last words and meal revealed before he’s executed for killing ex-stepdaughter

Farage surrounded by pro-refugee protestors upon Question Time arrival

The Reform UK leader was earlier seen hot-footing it into the venue hosting tonight's leaders' debate ahead of the General Election , amid shouts from pro-refugee protesters outside the studio.

Minnesota candidate faces charges after reportedly hurling a tarantula at her roommate in nod to ‘Home Alone’

Minnesota candidate faces charges after reportedly hurling a tarantula at her roommate in nod to ‘Home Alone’ - A spider purchased at a pet store has landed a Minnesota County Board candidate with assault charges

The folk musician who sang himself out of Texas’s most brutal prison

Lead Belly is a name that still conjures mighty associations, implicit in that mix of metal and muscle, heavy power and raw appetite. It’s the stage name of an ex-con musician who became one of the prime figures in the history of 20th-century blues: the man who first defined such folk standards as Goodnight Irene, In the Pines, The Midnight Special...

What are considered war crimes, really?

The concept of internationally recognized war crimes is still a fairly new one, with significant developments within the last century that have formed the basis for how we define and categorize the offense today. So, instead of wondering how the horrific images and reports of civilian deaths can continue appearing in the headlines every day, click through to learn about what actions violate international laws, and how those norms governing conflict even came to be.

Notable People who died in 2024

The outrageous reason driver was fined $387

A lawyer who was fined $387 and docked 10 demerit points for 'using a phone' while driving has claimed she was actually holding a piece of banana bread.

Are these the world's most beautiful subway and metro stations?

There are a few train stations that hide exceptional design and art installations under city streets around the world. These are our pick of the 30 most beautiful subway and metro stations you NEED to see...

Kitesurfer dies in horrific shark attack

A kitesurfer has died in a tragic accident in New Caledonia, the French overseas territory. The kitesurfer, a 39-year-old man, was kitesurfing with a friend in Poindimié, on the north-east coast of Grande Terre, New Caledonia's main island. He got tangled in the ropes of his kite and ended up in the water. His friend wanted to rescue him, but he had to abandon his efforts when he was attacked by sharks. The prosecutor's investigation revealed...

Liverpool have secret weapon in Riccardo Calafiori race as Romano drops late evening bombshell

Bologna’s hold of highly-rated defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer is slipping. Juventus is understood to be a more than ideal next destination for the 22-year-old in the current window, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Rapper Killer Mike expected to avoid charges after Grammys arrest

Killer Mike is expected to avoid charges over a physical altercation that led to his arrest at the Grammys earlier this year after the rapper recently completed community service.

Gardeners' World cancelled after BBC announces shake-up as viewers make same complaint

Gardeners' World viewers were left unimpressed after many took to social media and revealed they didn't get the memo as the show did not air tonight.

Bodycam captures Connecticut gunman's deadly ambush on police

Nicholas Brutcher shot and killed two police officers in Bristol, Connecticut after he and police exchanged words following a fight inside a local bar in 2022.

Video: Footage shows the earthquake in Peru that triggered a tsunami warning

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 was recorded in the Peruvian department of Arequipa, reported the Geophysical Institute of Peru.

Tesco and Asda face legal action after E.coli sandwich infections

The UK Health Security Agency said on Thursday one patient had died in the E.coli outbreak, which investigators believe is linked to salad used in sandwiches.

Kinkajou - a rainforest animal - is rescued from a dusty rest stop in Washington state

Kinkajou - a rainforest animal - is rescued from a dusty rest stop in Washington state - Kinkajous are carnivores that live in tropical rainforests from southern Mexico through Brazil

Waikato youths go on overnight crime spree: Alcohol, cigarettes, lollies, ice creams stolen

The spate of thefts was part of an over 100km roundtrip from Cambridge to Waihī Beach.

Sea of Palestinian flags wave in Glasto after Abramovic's performance

Serbian artist Marina Abramovic led seven minutes of silence from the crowd gathered at the Pyramid Stage shortly before PJ Harvey's performance. A sea of Palestinian flags were seen waiving in the air after the performance.

Police issue over 100 infringement notices, seize cars after Manawatū boy racer meets

"We have no tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it wreaks in our communities."

'Wise' face of ancient Egypt's most powerful is revealed

Ancient Egypt's most powerful ruler lived to around 90 years old - and scientists have seen his face for the first time in more than 3,200 years. The team reconstructed the look using his skull.

WWIII begins tomorrow? What the "new Nostradamus" and other prophets had to say

Is a third world war inevitable? With so many terrible and politically charged events taking place worldwide, it can sometimes feel like we are walking on eggshells, never being quite certain when something could erupt, escalate, and end up starting WWIII. Whether it’s tensions between Russia and the West with the war in Ukraine, or difficulties between China and the United States over Taiwan, or even ongoing conflicts related to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute that continue to destabilize the region, it’s terrifying to think of what could be. A famous Indian prophet who has been deemed the "new Nostradamus" has made an incredibly specific prediction about the outbreak of World War Three, even going so far as to provide a specific date. Kushal Kumar is an astrologer who claims to have predicted several world events already, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the increasing tensions between Taiwan and China, and problems between Russia and NATO. According to Kumar, "Tuesday, June 18, 2024, has the strongest planetary stimulus to trigger WW3 although June 10 and 29 may have a say as well." Kumar used the Vedic astrological chart to make his predictions. In Hindu culture, this chart is considered the "map of our karma," according to The Economic Times. Unfortunately, it's not just Kumar predicting the start of a third world war: other prophets, experts, and even AI are pointing towards it being a reality. Click through to see what they're saying.

Northern Ireland's Green Party 'here to call others out' - O'Hara

The Green Party's leader in Northern Ireland has vowed to call out others for failures in the region and make their voice heard. Mal O'Hara described the environmental crisis in Lough Neagh, housing crisis, poverty and discrimination as among symptoms of too much of a focus by other parties on the constitutional question and identity politics.

Michael Hill Bayfair smash-and-grab robber sentenced to imprisonment

The youth was involved in a robbery at Michael Hill while he was on home detention.

Navy faces lawsuit over stalled $1.2bn clean-up of San Francisco shipyard filled with radioactive waste

Navy faces lawsuit over stalled $1.2bn clean-up of San Francisco shipyard filled with radioactive waste - During 1950s, ships used in atomic weapons tests leached contamination into shipyard

Cosafa Cup: Seychelles' Pirates fight back to deny Likuena of Lesotho

The Southern Africa regional tournament games continued on Friday with the Likuena and the Pirates facing each other in the Eastern Cape.

Doctors in Wales accept new improved pay offer

Doctors in Wales were recommended by their union to accept a new offer from the Welsh government.

"She eats Russians for breakfast"

European political groups have just reached an agreement on the distribution of key posts within the European Union. This agreement is to be ratified by EU-27 leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. What do we already know? Ursula von der Leyene has been reappointed head of the European Commission (for a second term). Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, has been appointed President of the European Council, and...

Grandparents help fund school trips as parents face financial strain - survey

A Zurich Municipal survey of parents with children aged five to 16 found that some 23% had to cut back on essentials to pay for trips, and the 'bank of gran and grandad' also played a big role

Hawke's Bay man missing for months found dead during severe weather

A man who has been missing since mid-March was found dead during flooding in Hawke's Bay earlier this week.

Russia bans further 36 New Zealanders from entering, brings number of banned to nearly 200

These sanctions come a month after the government announced more sanctions against Russia.

Panama’s next president meets migrants at the Darien Gap, promises to shut down the perilous route

Panama’s next president meets migrants at the Darien Gap, promises to shut down the perilous route - Panama’s president-elect José Raúl Mulino is visiting the jungle province of Darien, where he was to face one of his biggest challenges: controlling the world’s busiest migration route from South America bound for the United States

Moment Brits 'become first victims of Benidorm clampdown on boozing'

A video shows how two stunned British men became the first victims of Benidorm's booze clampdown as police kicked them out of the beach for drinking wine.

Thousands of holidays in turmoil as Gatwick suspends ALL flights

All flights have been temporarily suspended at Gatwick Airport after a British Airways flight was forced to an emergency stop on the runway.

Jill Biden praises Joe 'like a child' for answering all the questions

The 81-year-old US President's wife helped him on to stage at a 'Let's Go Joe' event in Atlanta where she then appeared to baby him about how well he had performed against his rival.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy charting ‘comprehensive plan’ to end war with Russia

Ukrainian president says as the war rages and casualties mount, a plan to end the 28-month conflict is in the works.

Former Nelson mayor Rachel Reese confronted by terrifying intruder who ‘claimed’ her house

'He was screaming and ranting at me, and I just thought, ‘I have to protect myself''.

No tsunami threat after magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes Peru coast

No tsunami threat after magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes Peru coast - At least three quakes hit near the coast of central Peru over a period of 10 minutes around 12.36am local time

New York Times gives Joe Biden bombshell ultimatum

After nearly 21 hours of silence, The New York Times has finally weighed in on Biden's disastrous debate performance, urging the president to drop out of the race for The White House.

Jonathan Ashworth hits out at Tories with mock mortgage advert

Labour's Jonathan Ashworth said he is going "on the hunt for Hunt" as he accused the Chancellor of shredding his own manifesto. As the shadow paymaster general unveiled a faux "Rishi's mega mortgages" shopfront aimed at highlighting the Tories' impact on mortgages, Mr Ashworth questioned if anyone had seen Jeremy Hunt out campaigning since the General Election was called. Speaking from Croydon, he said: "We are here today to unveil our latest estate agent shop, Rishi Sunak's mega mortgages, because we know with five more years of the Tories, means five more years of paying more on your mortgage."

Japan protests alleged sex assault cases involving US military in Okinawa

Recent attacks occurred within months of each other, stoking local anger over the continued US military presence.

Plane lands at Invercargill after emergency services put on stand-by

Emergency services were in attendence.

Hospital refuse to help father identify doctor behind son misdiagnosis

Hospital bosses have refused to let the father of a boy, nine, who died of sepsis help him identify a 'mystery' doctor who he says wrongly dismissed his symptoms as flu .

Amber Rutter eyes Olympic shooting gold just three months after giving birth

Amber Rutter eyes Olympic shooting gold just three months after giving birth - Rutter gave birth to son Tommy earlier this year and plans to spend five days in Paris to compete before heading home