Science & Health

Don't kiss at Rio Carnival, Brazil scientists tell pregnant women after finding Zika virus in saliva

Scientists have, for the first time, found active Zika virus in saliva and urine samples of patients.

Feb 6, 2016

Japan: Sakurajima volcano erupts 30 miles from Sendai nuclear plant spewing lava and ash 2km into sky

The volcano has erupted causing a 2km radius evacuation zone to be put in place.

Feb 5, 2016

Colombia sees three deaths due to Guillain-Barré syndrome, linked to Zika virus

The Guillain-Barré syndrome, which leads to muscle weakness and even paralysis in patients is believed to be linked to the Zika virus.

Feb 5, 2016

Nasa says asteroid could pass as close to 11,000 miles from Earth on 5 March

Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced on 2 January that an asteroid could pass extremely close to Earth next month, much closer than the Moon. Asteroid 2013 TX68 will make its closest pass by Earth on 5 March.

Feb 4, 2016

Stunning Nasa animation reveals dynamic magnetic fields of the sun

A stunning Nasa animation has captured magnetic field activity on the sun from January 2011 to July 2013, displaying it through multi-coloured moving lines. The video, uploaded online on 29 January, shows how magnetic field lines shoot off the powerful star, with some looping back towards the surface.

Feb 3, 2016

Smog shuts down 74 schools in Mumbai as Deonar fire creates toxic smoke

The smoke from the fire that began at the Deonar dumping ground on 28 January has led to a "40%" increase in pollution levels.

Jan 30, 2016

India braces for Zika virus; to issue advisory for pregnant women travelling to disease-hit countries

Health Minister JP Nadda said India is prepared to tackle the disease and a group will be formed to monitor its spread in the country.

Jan 30, 2016

Race for Zika vaccine gathers momentum as virus spreads

Zika is now present in 23 countries and territories in the Americas.

Jan 30, 2016

Mexico: Scientist creates 3D prosthetic leg for dog in need

Specialists at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidad del Valle de Mexico (UVM), in Mexico City, have placed the countrys first articulated prosthetic leg, printed using 3D technology in Mexico, on a dog. The prosthetic leg is unique as it allows the dog to preserve its natural anatomy, allowing the joints to move in a similar way as natural limbs do.

Jan 29, 2016

Did Zika virus come to Brazil during 2014 World Cup? Scientists speculate amidst worries over Rio Olympics

Studies linked the strain of the virus in Brazil to the Asian lineage that was first reported in the Zika virus outbreak in the French Polynesia island in 2013.

Jan 29, 2016

Zika virus could infect nearly 4 million people, World Health Organisation says

The World Health Organisation has called for an urgent meeting to decide if outbreak is international health emergency

Jan 28, 2016

Kolkata boy survives rare 'brain-eating' disease

A 14-year-old boy in Kolkata was treated at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) hospital and is said to have recovered completely.

Jan 28, 2016

Doomsday Clock remains at three minutes to midnight

Continued threats from climate change and nuclear arsenals prompted the scientists who maintain the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic countdown to global catastrophe, to keep the clock at three minutes to midnight.

Jan 27, 2016

Tim Peake: British astronaut shows how to have a shower in space

Peake is spending six months in space as part of his Principia mission.

Jan 27, 2016

Zika virus in Europe: Denmark resident tested positive

The mosquito-borne virus has spread in at least 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Jan 27, 2016