Single classification system could end centuries of disagreement and improve global efforts to tackle biodiversity loss A plan to create the first universally recognised list of species on Earth has prompted hopes of an end to centuries of disagreement and confusion over how to classify the world’s library of life.The 10-point plan aims to finally bring order with an authoritative list of the...

Top public health expert urges further action as new cases surge to record highs of around 50,000 a day across countryThe United States is “still knee-deep in the first wave” of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the country’s top public health experts has warned, as the country approaches 130,000 Covid-19 deaths and new polling indicates Donald Trump’s approval rating over his handling of...

Ministers have been accused of trying to shift the narrative over response to pandemicCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageWhile ministers insist that it is too early to fully consider what lessons might be learned from the coronavirus outbreak, the UK’s death toll – the highest in Europe – is expected to prompt an inquiry into the handling of the pandemic.In recent...

At least four premises say they will shut after staff or customers contract virusCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAt least four pubs in England that reopened their doors for the first time on Saturday have been forced to close again after customers or staff tested positive for Covid-19.The Lighthouse Kitchen and Carvery in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, said a customer had...

Minister proposes mandatory hospital care as country grapples with fresh outbreaksCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageItaly’s health minister has proposed “sectioning” people who refuse hospital treatment for Covid-19 and has suspended flights from Bangladesh as the southern European country grapples with several new coronavirus outbreaks.The potential move towards...

Kongonaphon lived 237m years ago and paved way for gigantic successors, scientists sayA small, insect-eating reptile that lived 237m years ago was a miniature ancestor of the giant dinosaurs that went on to dominate the Earth, according to scientists examining fossils in Madagascar.The Kongonaphon kely measured about 40cm (16in) long and stood 10 cm (4in) tall at the hip, scientists said on...

Government to launch public information campaign amid criticism of lax face mask regime in EnglandCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDowning Street will launch an information campaign to tell the public in England that face coverings should cover both the nose and the mouth if they are to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.Amid criticism over the more lax regime in...

AI is on the march in the movie industry – but what would an android-written film actually look like? And will it be any good?A few years ago I moved to San Francisco, and almost everybody I met there immediately told me they were working on a startup. These startups all had the same innocent names – Swoon, Flow, Maker – and the same dreadful mission: to build AIs that automated some...

Your questions answered on what type of mask to wear to cut the risk of getting Covid-19Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageYes. Different types of mask offer different levels of protection. Surgical grade N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection against Covid-19 infection, followed by surgical grade masks. However, these masks are costly, in limited supply,...

Proposed £3bn environmental funding for UK contrasts with Germany’s £36bn investmentEnvironmental groups have reacted with disappointment to details of the government’s Covid-19 economic rescue package released by the Treasury.On Monday night the government announced some details of the announcement expected on Wednesday, including a £1bn energy efficiency upgrade for public buildings and...

President of science body issues call amid evidence coverings protect wearer as well as othersCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageRefusing to wear a mask in public during the Covid-19 epidemic should become as socially unacceptable as drink-driving or not wearing a seatbelt, the president of the Royal Society has said.He spoke as new research emerges suggesting the UK’s...

Goyt valley, Derbyshire: Wych elms have been pleasingly resilient to the fungal infection that has decimated populations across Europe, and this area boasts hundredsMy interest in elm trees was piqued this spring when someone happened to mention on social media that there were probably no more than 100 mature examples left in England.This instantly had the whiff of urban legend because just that...

Weeks and months after having a confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infection, many people are finding they still haven’t fully recovered. Emerging reports describe lingering symptoms ranging from fatigue and brain-fog to breathlessness and tingling toes. So why does Covid-19 cause lasting health problems? Ian Sample discusses some of the possible explanations with Prof Danny Altmann, and finds out...

Atlanta mayor tests positive for Covid-19; Kenya emerges from lockdown; Israel reimposes restrictions. Follow the latest updatesUS cases near 3m as White House claims country is a “leader” in global fight against virusFury as Boris Johnson accuses care homes over high Covid-19 death tollGlobal report: India sees record daily rise as capital opens giant hospitalWorld map: which countries have...