26 articles from SUNDAY 30.8.2020

Starwatch: Moon to pass close to Mars in Pisces constellation

The close encounter will be seen all around the world, and in much of South America the moon will actually pass in front of MarsThis week, the moon and Mars come together for a close encounter. So close, in fact, that from certain parts of the world, the moon will actually obscure the planet. The pairing takes place in the zodiacal constellation of Pisces, the fish. Continue...

The Guardian view on African success: a step closer to conquering polio | Editorial

We are tantalisingly close to eradicating the disease. Things may slip backwards because of science, thugs and exponents of ignorancePolio arrives, if it announces itself at all, as a high temperature. Or a sore throat. Maybe a headache, or an upset stomach. It can go within a week or so, and be mistaken for flu. It is transmitted by poor hygiene, largely affects children under five, and many...

Covid vaccine rush could make pandemic worse, say scientists

Experts say strong evidence of efficacy needed to avoid approval of inferior vaccinesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe rush to immunise populations against Covid-19 could lead to the rollout of a vaccine that is not very effective and risk worsening the pandemic, leading scientists have said.Politicians and commercial companies are competing to be the first to...

AstraZeneca diabetes drug improves survival in kidney disease patients study shows

The British drugmaker said Farxiga was shown in a study to cut the risk of dying from any cause for people suffering from chronic kidney disease by 31% when compared to a group on placebo. Farxiga is among AstaZeneca's five best-selling drugs and brought in revenues of $1.54 billion in 2019 for treating diabetes. It also reduced the risk of deteriorating kidney function by 39% in the...

Police in England and Wales break up illegal raves as Covid fines introduced

Forces called to house parties and unlicensed music events across the countryCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePolice received dozens of reports of illegal gatherings over the weekend and seized sound systems as new rules in England imposing £10,000 fines on organisers came into force.Officers in the West Midlands, Essex, Norfolk, West Yorkshire and South Wales dealt...

UK treasury minister calls for return to work to help economy recover from coronavirus

Steve Barclay issues plea to employers amid words of caution from unions and industry bodyCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageStaff should start to return to offices where possible from next week to help the economy “get back to normal”, the UK’s Treasury secretary, Steve Barclay, has argued, saying businesses should liaise with employees to make them feel...