DNA: How genes could affect our mind and body

Around the world different coronavirus variants are dominating and scientists are updating their jabs to tackle them more effectively. Vaccine research scientist Dr Paul McKay explained to BBC World News why the Delta variant, which was first identified in India, is now the dominant strain in the UK, how vaccines are updated and how long…

The Norwegian Refugee Council, which is providing aid in Afghanistan, is in talks with the Taliban in an effort to secure free movement for its aid workers, and to be able to work without interference. The council’s Secretary General Jan Egeland told BBC World News that the Taliban was responding positively. “We as humanitarians will…

At least 45 people were killed and some 150 were injured in a crush at a crowded Orthodox Jewish festival in Israel. The Lag B’Omer festival near Mount Meron had attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims. Eyewitness Menachem Engel, who was attending the festival, said he was about 100m away from where the incident happened….

Brazil has recorded 4,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day with hospitals struggling to cope with patient numbers. Tarsila Vieceli, a coronavirus instensive care unit doctor at one hospital told BBC World News the health system had collapsed. She said: “We have been working at full capacity for quite some time right now… it has…

Climate change is causing once-mighty rivers to dry up and temperatures to rise to deadly levels in Mexico.

Charlize Theron says countries have to start sharing vaccines if we are to reach the World Health Organization’s goal of vaccinating 70% of the planet next year. The actress, who has joined the social justice organisation Ford Foundation, wants the World Trade Organization to agree a waiver on vaccine patents – so countries can manufacture…