Health news EMA approves Pfizer's anti-COVID pill for use in the EU The antiviral drug Paxlovid reduced hospital admissions and deaths from COVID in at-risk people by up to 90 per cent, Pfizer said. 27/01/2022
Health news Patient without COVID vaccine denied heart transplant by US hospital The Boston hospital said it is their policy that all transplant patients be COVID vaccinated because of the higher risks of them dying from the virus. 27/01/2022
Culture news Spotify removes Neil Young's music in COVID conspiracy theory row The musician threatened the removal of his material from the platform in protest against content featured in comedian Joe Rogan's podcast that spotlighted a well known COVID-19 conspiracy theorist. 27/01/2022
Earth News Empty ‘ghost flights’ may be burning as much fuel as 1.4 million cars As the summer season approaches, airlines could be forced to make thousands more of these empty flights at a high cost to the planet. 27/01/2022
Norway COVID was in Europe weeks before first confirmed cases, claims study Researchers in Norway say COVID-19 was likely far more widespread in Europe -- and around the world -- before a first official diagnosis was made. 27/01/2022
Culture news Elton John postpones Texas concerts after contracting COVID-19 The concerts, part of John's "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour, were scheduled for January 25 and January 26. 26/01/2022
Health news COVID with Omicron is less severe than Delta, new study finds The study from the US shows that there were shorter hospital stays, less need of intensive care and fewer deaths with Omicron. 26/01/2022
Spain 'I'm old, not stupid': Spain's elderly criticise online banking For some, making a deposit, withdrawing money, or paying taxes has become a headache. 26/01/2022
United Kingdom UK PM Boris Johnson again urged to resign over Downing Street parties Johnson has so far ruled out resignation but several of his own lawmakers have urged him to do so or face a vote of no confidence. 26/01/2022
Germany Debate on making COVID-19 vaccine mandatory begins in Germany Lawmakers will decide whether to make three shots compulsory for everyone over 18 - or not. 26/01/2022
Earth News ‘They slap us to force us to work': Inside a fast fashion factory New research reveals how cancelling orders and refusal to pay for work impacts vulnerable garment workers in Bangladesh. 26/01/2022
World News COVID-19 in Europe: Finland, Denmark, & Netherlands ease restrictions Here is our summary of the COVID-19 situation across the continent. 25/01/2022
Health news Pfizer/BioNTech to start clinical trials on new Omicron COVID vaccine A new formulation of the COVID-19 jab based on the highly infectious Omicron variant is now in clinical trials, the drugmakers said on Tuesday 25/01/2022
Culture news Neil Young demands exit from Spotify due to COVID 'conspiracy' In an open letter Young criticised Joe Rogan's podcast which is exclusively hosted on Spotify for spreading misinformation. 25/01/2022
United Kingdom Police to investigate lockdown parties at the heart of UK government The parties in Downing Street, which have caused outrage and sparked calls for Boris Johnson to resign, are already being investigated by a senior civil servant. 25/01/2022
United Kingdom Lockdown birthday party claim increases pressure on Boris Johnson The new allegation that a short birthday bash was held for the prime minister is the latest in a string of accusations of Downing Street gatherings that are being investigated. 25/01/2022
Health news Omicron survives up to 8 days on plastic surfaces, new study finds The Japanese researchers found Omicron can last up to eight days on plastic surfaces and 21 hours on skin. 24/01/2022
World News COVID-19 in Europe: Germany maintains restrictions as infections rise Several countries in Europe are still registering a record number of COVID-19 infections — here is our summary of the situation across the continent. 24/01/2022
Sport Delegates from over 20 countries arrive at Winter Olympics villages The Beijing Winter Olympics gets underway on 4 February. 24/01/2022
Italy Voting begins in Italian presidential election amid COVID-19 pandemic Italy's next president will have an important role in acting as a neutral referee among the various parties — as Italy struggles to emerge from the pandemic — and will work to enact reforms to help the recovery and boost economic growth. 24/01/2022