It is very exciting to clearly see for the first time multiple and extended filaments of gas connecting galaxies in the early universe,’ says researcher Faintly glowing wisps of gas have given astronomers a rare glimpse of one of the universe’s largest but most elusive features – the intergalactic filaments ... Read More »
Russia is helping China build a missile defence system, Putin says
Days after Beijing unveils state-of-the-art missiles, Moscow reveals plan that would ‘radically enhance China’s defence capability’ Russian president Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow is helping China build a system to warn of ballistic missile launches. Since the cold war, only the United States and Russia have had such systems, ... Read More »
PM Johnson makes final Brexit offer, draws guarded welcome from EU
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday, pitching a possible compromise for a last-minute exit deal that was cautiously welcomed by the EU though the two sides still remain far apart. In what Johnson’s supporters cast as a moment of truth ... Read More »
Curfews and internet blockages as death toll from protests mounts in Iraq
Curfews and internet blockages have been imposed in parts of Iraq, as officials react to mass protests against unemployment, government corruption and lack of basic services. In multiple cities, clashes between protestors and security forces have turned violent. At least eight people have died and more than 300 left injured ... Read More »
Asian markets fall as US ignites new trade war with Europe
Stocks drop in Sydney and Tokyo mirroring falls in US and UK, as Washington slaps 25% tariffs on range of European goods Asian markets have tanked after a below-par US jobs report compounded worries about the world’s top economy, while Washington opened up another front in its trade wars ... Read More »
Geoengineering: Sci-fi ways scientists could mimic volcanic eruptions to help avert climate disaster
Ideas about how to get sulphur dioxide in the stratosphere include using a fleet of spy planes, a giant hosepipe, rockets or sprayers attached to hydrogen balloons Climate change is the greatest test humanity has ever faced – and so far indications are we’re failing dismally. From increased flooding to ... Read More »
North Korea launches ballistic missile a day after agreeing to US talks
North Korea fired a ballistic missile Wednesday from an underwater launch platform, a US official told CNN, a day after Pyongyang and Washington agreed to resume nuclear talks. The US assessed that the missile was not fired from a submarine although the tested missile is designed to function as a ... Read More »
Hong Kong mops up, braces for fresh protests after National Day violence
Hong Kong awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday and calls for more protests following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police. Anti-government protests turned violent early on Tuesday and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse ... Read More »
Life on Mars could be found within two years but world is ‘not prepared’, Nasa’s chief scientist says
Leading astronomer says discovery will open up ‘whole new line of thinking’ Nasa is close to finding life on Mars but the world is not ready for the “revolutionary” implications of the discovery, the space agency’s chief scientist has said. Dr Jim Green has warned that two rovers from Nasa ... Read More »
Saudi Arabia: King Salman’s bodyguard shot dead in ‘personal dispute’ with friend, reports say
Death sparks tributes on social media to prominent security official A prominent bodyguard to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has been shot dead in a “personal dispute” with a friend, according to state media. Another Saudi national and a Filipino worker were also injured along with five members of the security forces when ... Read More »