Human fingerprint on record temperatures ‘has rarely, if ever, been clearer’, says reportThe record-breaking heatwave in the Siberian Arctic was made at least 600 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a study. Between January and June, temperatures in the far north of Russia were more than 5C above average, causing permafrost to melt, buildings to collapse, and...

Tensions over how to quell outbreak in Catalan capital as cases flare up around the worldPolitics live – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePart of the northern Spanish region of Catalonia has gone back into lockdown, with Barcelona suggesting it might also follow suit with restrictions in some districts, as authorities sought to control a resurgence of coronavirus cases emerging just...

Scientists ‘disappointed’ app has not been deployed since first one was scrappedCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageInfection rates dropped dramatically on the Isle of Wight following the launch of an NHS contact tracing phone app, which was later scrapped in an embarrassing government U-turn, according to an analysis.After having initially suggested the app would be...

Bob Hamblett suspects Dominic Cummings had an economic reason for the U-turn. Simon Fairlie worries about the psychological implications. Plus letters from Jonathan Myerson, Andrew Firth, and Margaret DeighanMarina Hyde (Johnson has seen the light on ‘face coverings’. Just not the toxic mask-ulinity, 14 July) takes the PM at his word that it’s “the scientific evidence” that has brought...

There’s no definition of what stage four might mean, or when it could come into effect in Melbourne, but authorities haven’t ruled it outWhat you need to know about Melbourne’s lockdown rulesMelbourne map: where Covid-19 cases are rising or fallingSign up for Guardian Australia’s coronavirus emailAs Victoria grapples with more than 200 new Covid-19 cases each day, questions are being asked...

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,...

Authorities distributed an arrival form with outdated questions about coronavirus hotspot countries, inquiry toldNew South Wales Health made a “serious mistake” in using an out-of-date arrival form template for the Ruby Princess when it docked in Sydney, the special inquiry into the cruise ship that resulted in a Covid-19 cluster has heard.Commissioner Bret Walker SC on Wednesday heard the...

Study shows rate of Covid-19 infection halved every eight to nine days during MayCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe rate of coronavirus infection in England was significantly reduced in the month before lockdown restrictions were lifted, a study has found.According to the research from Imperial College London, the rate of infection throughout the country was halving...

Restrictions imposed on Indian city of Bangalore and state of Bihar; Venezuela’s capital Caracas to go into a strict lockdown on Wednesday; Face masks mandatory in France; Follow the latest updatesCities worldwide reimpose lockdowns as Covid-19 cases surgeFrance: baby boy infected with coronavirus in wombDoes coronavirus spread in the air and how do we stay safe?Revealed: the inside story of...

Tourism, transport and the climate crisis found to be major drivers of rise in alien plants and animals, which can decimate ecosystemsAn increase in the spread of non-native plant and animals species around the world could lead to dramatic biodiversity loss, a new study has found, causing permanent damage to ecosystems as they are pushed past biological tipping points.The study, published in...

A maximum of 84 hotdogs in 10 minutes is possible, says sports science studyThe four-minute mile and the two-hour marathon were once believed impossible: now a new gauntlet has been thrown down for the world of elite competition. A scientific analysis suggests competitive eaters have come within nine hotdogs of the limits of human performance.The theoretical ceiling has been set at 84 hotdogs in...

People will have to book to visit V&A, Science Museum and Natural History MuseumCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe V&A, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum have announced plans to have a staggered reopening in which they anticipate 80% fewer visitors.The three museums, all neighbours in South Kensington, will reopen on different days in August...