bbc--2020-04-16--Is there any evidence for Wuhan lab theory?

US State Department cables show that embassy officials were worried about biosecurity at a virus lab in Wuhan , China .
The lab is in the same city where the coronavirus outbreak first came to the world 's attention .
And President Donald Trump has said the US government is looking into unverified reports that the virus escaped from a laboratory .
So what , if anything , does this add to our understanding of the current pandemic ?
What do the cables say ?
The Washington Post newspaper has reported information obtained from diplomatic cables .
They show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sent on repeated visits to a Chinese research facility .
Officials sent two warnings to Washington about inadequate safety at the lab .
The column says the officials were worried about safety and management weaknesses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology ( WIV ) and called for more help .
It also claims diplomats were concerned the lab 's research on bat coronaviruses could risk a new Sars-like pandemic .
The newspaper says the cables fuelled more recent discussions in the US government about whether the WIV or another lab in Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus behind the current pandemic .
In addition , Fox News has also issued a report promoting the lab origin theory .
The outbreak came to light late last year when early cases were linked to a food market in Wuhan .
But despite rampant online speculation , there is no evidence of any kind that the Sars-CoV-2 virus ( which causes Covid-19 ) was released accidentally from a lab .
What kind of security measures do labs use ?
Laboratories studying viruses and bacteria follow a system known as the BSL standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are four levels , which depend on the types of biological agents being studied and the containment precautions needed to isolate them .
Biosafety Level 1 ( BSL-1 ) is the lowest and is used by labs studying well-known biological agents that pose no threat to humans .
The containment precautions increase through the levels until you arrive at Biosafety Level 4 ( BSL-4 ) which is the highest , and reserved for labs dealing with the most dangerous pathogens for which there are few available vaccines or treatments : ebola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of just two institutes in the US and Russia - smallpox .
The BSL standards are applied internationally , but with some cosmetic variations .
`` The Russians , for instance , label their highest containment labs as 1 and the lowest containment labs as 4 , so the exact opposite of the standard , but the actual practices and infrastructure requirements are similar , '' says Dr Filippa Lentzos , a biosecurity expert at King 's College London .
But while the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has published a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards are not enforced by any treaties .
`` They 've been developed to be in the best interest for working safely , for lab workers who do n't want to infect themselves or their community , and for the environment to avoid accidental releases , '' says Dr Lentzos .
But she adds : `` The 'stick ' comes with the purse strings .
If you want to do projects with international partners they require labs to be operating to certain standards .
Or if you have products to sell in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e.g .
tests , then you are also required to operate to international standards . ''
Indeed , the WIV had received funding from the US , along with assistance from American research institutes .
The cables recommended giving them even more help .
What kinds of security failures were the cables describing ?
The short answer is that we do n't know from the information provided in the Washington Post .
But , generally-speaking , there are multiple ways that safety measures can be breached at labs dealing with biological agents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Who has access to the lab , the training and refresher-training of scientists and technicians , procedures for record-keeping , signage , inventory lists of pathogens , accident notification practices , emergency procedures . ''
But how unusual were the concerns expressed in the diplomatic cables ?
Accidents happen .
In 2014 , forgotten vials of smallpox were found in a cardboard box in a research centre near Washington .
In 2015 , the US military accidentally shipped live anthrax samples instead of dead spores to as many as nine labs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Korea .
There are variations in safety standards across the large number of labs at the lower end of the BSL scale and many lesser breaches do n't make it into the news .
But there are relatively few labs that are designated BSL-4 .
Wikipedia lists over 50 around the world , of which WIV was one , but there is no authoritative list .
They have to be built to very high specifications because they deal with the most dangerous pathogens known to science .
As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So any concerns about procedures at one of these facilities would be more than noteworthy .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Were n't there previous claims of the virus leaking from a lab ?
Yes , almost as soon as the novel coronavirus came to light , there was speculation - much of it uninformed - about its origins .
One online theory , that went viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been engineered in a lab as a bioweapon .
This allegation has been repeatedly dismissed by scientists , who note that studies show the virus originated in animals - most likely in bats .
Viruses can also be engineered for the purposes of fundamental scientific research .
For example , gain of function studies may improve the ability of a pathogen to cause disease , to investigate how viruses could mutate in future .
But a US study of the coronavirus genome published in March found no signs it had been engineered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sequence data for known coronavirus strains , we can firmly determine that SARS-CoV-2 originated through natural processes , '' co-author Kristian Andersen , from Scripps Research in California , said at the time .
Then there is the allegation of an accidental release of a natural virus from a lab .
The proximity of the Wuhan seafood market , where the outbreak came to light , to at least two institutes carrying out research on infectious diseases fuelled speculation about a link .
That the WIV had carried out research on bat coronaviruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This work was entirely legitimate and published in international journals .
Given the country 's experience with the Sars outbreak in the early 2000s , this should come as no surprise .
Dr Lentzos said the issue of its origin was a `` very difficult question '' , and added that `` there have been quiet , behind-the-scene discussions ... in the biosecurity expert community , questioning the seafood market origin that has come out very strongly from China '' .
But there is currently no evidence that any research institute in Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , China foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian addressed the matter at a news conference , telling journalists the World Health Organization 's officials `` have said multiple times there is no evidence the new coronavirus was created in a laboratory '' .
President Donald Trump , who has been coming under fire over his administration 's response to the pandemic , said that the US government is investigating the lab theory .
China has repeatedly been accused of lacking transparency in the early stages of the outbreak , and Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come clean '' on what they know .
Amid this war of words between the countries , the painstaking - and largely unseen - scientific work to trace the origin of the virus will continue .

Pathogens can be made to mutate in a laboratory without the directed manipulation of their genes. In so-called "passage experiments", viruses or bacteria are passed from one lab animal to another in order to study how the agents adapt to their hosts. Past experiments have succeeded in making viruses more transmissible between animals using this low-tech method. But, again, there is no evidence that this played any role in the origin of the novel coronavirus.


bbc--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: 'What I fear most is not being able to survive'

America approved an unprecedented $ 349bn in relief last month aimed at helping small firms through the coronavirus lockdowns .
On Thursday , less than two weeks after the programme 's start , the money ran out , overwhelmed by demand .
The White House has requested an extra $ 250bn , but the relief has stalled as Democrats and Republicans in Congress fight over how to target the funds .
Now millions of business owners across the country are wondering how they will continue .
`` What I fear the most is not being able to survive , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York bakery Ovenly .
The business , which started in her kitchen in 2010 , has grown into four shops , 67 employees and some 150 wholesale clients , including major grocers such as Whole Foods .
Its fifth location was supposed to open at the city 's biggest airport this month .
But in March , Ms Kulaga shut her doors and laid off her staff , responding to health concerns and the drop in sales as the state restricted activity to try to slow the spread of the virus .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid programmes , including the new federal programme , which offers loans that do not need to be repaid if firms use 75 % of the money for paying staff .
Companies can re-hire former employees who have been laid off to qualify .
`` We had serious momentum and when this happened , it 's obviously devastating , '' she said .
As many as a quarter of small businesses fear they will not be able to survive more than two months of shutdown , according to surveys by the Chamber of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would dramatically alter the economic landscape in America , where 30 million small businesses employ almost half the country 's workforce .
Main Street America , which represents commercial districts with about 300,000 small firms , found that 7.5 million firms employing more than 35 million people are at risk of failure in the next five months .
`` Small businesses are really losing faith that the government is going to be able to support them through this crisis , '' says Patrice Frey , the organisation 's president .
`` That translates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strength of the American economy on the other side of this . ''
Washington , which approved the $ 349bn in small business loans last month as part of a bigger $ 2tn relief bill , is well aware it has a crisis on its hands .
Even before running out of money , the programme - called the Paycheck Protection Program - had faced problems , including delays at some of the banks through which the government is distributing the money and criticism that the money was not reaching the smallest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also beset a separate low-cost loan scheme offered directly by the Small Business Administration through an expansion of a programme created to address disasters like hurricanes .
The Federal Reserve has also announced its own `` Main Street '' loan programme .
But the central bank 's plan , while unprecedented , is expected to reach more mid-size firms , not the small `` mom-and-pop '' shops experts say face such risk .
• 'My firm is viable - but I ca n't get a loan' The government and many banks say some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of roll-out .
More than 1.6 million loan applications were approved for more than $ 339bn , the Small Business Administration said .
In the UK by comparison , banks and other financial institutions had loaned a total of about £1.1bn through the government scheme as of Wednesday .
`` I think it 's really kind of exceptional that the government could move that quickly and that effectively , '' JP Morgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon told reporters this week , when his bank announced it had disbursed more than $ 9bn of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applicants .
Ms Frey says those defences do n't `` change the reality on the ground , which is these businesses are on the edge and unless they receive more relief immediately and with fewer hoops to jump through , these businesses are simply going to dissolve . ''
New Yorker Fonda Sara , who has run the Zuzu 's Petals flower shop in Brooklyn for more than 40 years , is one of the people still waiting for a response from her bank about the pay cheque protection programme .
But even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cover wages for herself and another full-time staffer , Ms Sara says the help will do little to offset her losses as rent , utilities and other bills pile up while she misses out on spring - typically her busiest season .
`` No matter what financial aid I get from the city and the federal government , it will never be enough to sustain me or restore me , '' she says .
`` The only thing that will help me is if when I reopen my sales return to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and honestly no one knows if that will happen . ''
Ms Kulaga , who is waiting for funds after being approved for a $ 410,000 pay cheque protection loan , said the rules for how the money should be spent - quickly and primarily on wages - means that it will be of limited use to companies like hers , which have already cut workers and do n't know when they will be able to re-open .
The 40-year-old says she has considered re-hiring so that her staff receive the benefits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in eight weeks they would have to be laid off again and have to reapply for unemployment benefits . ''
Meanwhile , the company 's other expenses are mounting .
While laying off staff was `` a difficult decision , it was one ... that was required in order to preserve our cash ... so that we can actually survive while we are closed and also be prepared to re-open when the time comes , '' she says .
`` I hope that we can reopen and I do believe that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat is real , '' she says .

Ms Kulaga, who is waiting for funds after being approved for a $410,000 pay cheque protection loan, said the rules for how the money should be spent - quickly and primarily on wages - means that it will be of limited use to companies like hers, which have already cut workers and don't know when they will be able to re-open.


bbc--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: How long does it take to recover?

Covid-19 only emerged at the end of 2019 , but already there are signs it may take a long time for some patients to get back to full health .
Recovery time will depend on how sick you become in the first place .
Some people will shrug off the illness fast , but for others it could leave lasting problems .
Age , gender and other health issues all increase the risk of becoming more seriously ill from Covid-19 .
The more invasive the treatment you receive , and the longer it is performed , the longer recovery is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have only mild symptoms ?
Most people who get Covid-19 will develop only the main symptoms - a cough or fever .
But they could experience body aches , fatigue , sore throat and headache .
The cough is initially dry , but some people will eventually start coughing up mucus containing dead lung cells killed by the virus .
These symptoms are treated with bed rest , plenty of fluids and pain relief such as paracetamol .
People with mild symptoms should make a good and speedy recovery .
The fever should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although the cough may linger .
A World Health Organization ( WHO ) analysis of Chinese data says it takes two weeks on average to recover .
What if I have more serious symptoms ?
The disease can become much more serious for some .
This tends to happen about seven to 10 days into the infection .
The transformation can be sudden .
Breathing becomes difficult and the lungs get inflamed .
This is because although the body 's immune system is trying to fight back - it 's actually overreacting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people will need to be in hospital for oxygen therapy .
GP Sarah Jarvis says : `` The shortness of breath may take some considerable time to improve ... the body is getting over scarring and inflammation . ''
She says it could take two to eight weeks to recover , with tiredness lingering .
What if I need intensive care ?
The WHO estimates one person in 20 will need intensive care treatment , which can include being sedated and put on a ventilator .
It will take time to recover from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care unit ( ICU ) , no matter what the illness .
Patients are moved to a regular ward before going home .
Dr Alison Pittard , Dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine , says it can take 12 to 18 months to get back to normal after any spell in critical care .
Spending a long time in a hospital bed leads to muscle mass loss .
Patients will be weak and muscle will take time to build up again .
Some people will need physiotherapy to walk again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in ICU , there 's also the possibility of delirium and psychological disorders .
`` There does seem to be an added element with this disease - viral fatigue is definitely a huge factor , '' says Paul Twose , critical care physiotherapist at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board .
There have been reports from China and Italy of whole-body weakness , shortness of breath after any level of exertion , persistent coughing and irregular breathing .
Plus needing a lot of sleep .
`` We do know patients take a considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But it is hard to generalise .
Some people spend relatively short periods in critical care , while others are ventilated for weeks .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health We do n't know for sure as there is no long-term data , but we can look at other conditions .
Acute respiratory distress syndrome ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune systems go into overdrive , causing damage to the lungs .
`` There is really good data that , even five years down the line , people can have ongoing physical and psychological difficulties , '' says Mr Twose .
Dr James Gill , a GP and lecturer at Warwick Medical School , says people also need mental health support to improve recovery .
`` You 're finding breathing difficult , then the doctor says 'We need to put you on a ventilator .
We need to put you to sleep .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your family ? '
.
`` PTSD [ post-traumatic stress disorder ] in these most severe patients is not unsurprising .
There will be significant psychological scars for many . ''
There remains the possibility that even some mild cases may leave patients with long-term health problems - such as fatigue .
How many people have recovered ?
Getting an accurate figure is difficult .
As of 15 April , Johns Hopkins University reported about 500,000 people had recovered out of two million infected .
But countries use different recording methods .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild infections will be missed .
Mathematical models have estimated between 99-99.5 % of people recover .
There has been much speculation , but little evidence , on how durable any immunity is .
If patients have successfully fought off the virus , they must have built up an immune response .
Reports of patients being infected twice may just be down to tests incorrectly recording they were free of the virus .
The immunity question is vital for understanding whether people can be reinfected and how effective any vaccine may be .

More than one million people around the world are known to have recovered from coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University. But the road back to full health is not the same for everyone.


bbc--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: BCG rumours and other stories fact-checked

BBC teams are fact-checking some of the most popular fake and misleading coronavirus stories on social media .
Jack Goodman brings together what 's been debunked this week by BBC Monitoring , Trending and Reality Check .
The Bacille Calmette-Guérin jab has been given to children around the world to fight off tuberculosis , and was widespread in secondary schools in the UK until 2005 .
It 's still given in the UK when a child or adult might be at risk of coming into contact with tuberculosis .
It 's still common in many countries , such as Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should n't worry about coronavirus if they 've had the BCG jab because it gives them immunity .
A WhatsApp message in Arabic says that if you have the circular scar from the jab on your arm , you could be `` 75 % protected '' against Covid-19 .
However , the World Health Organization says there is no evidence that the BCG protects people from Covid-19 infection .
The health body says two clinical trials are under way involving BCG , and when completed , their findings will be evaluated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence , global search for the term `` BCG '' has spiked , according to Google .
The WHO is concerned that increased demand for the vaccine means there 'll be less of it available to inoculate children against tuberculosis .
Similar fears have also been voiced by suppliers in Japan , reporting a surge in demand for the BCG vaccine .
• The big rap singalong that never happened The head of Iran 's Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) unveiled a hand-held device this week which he claimed could identify people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfaces - up to a distance of 100m and within five seconds .
The Physics Society of Iran described the announcement as `` pseudoscience '' , `` unbelievable '' and on a par with `` sci-fi tales '' .
The device bears an uncanny resemblance to fake bomb detector tools sold by British fraudsters more than a decade ago , all of which claimed to use the same `` electrostatic magnetic ion attraction '' .
The bogus bomb detectors were in fact empty cases with an aerial which swings according to the user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in conflict zones and were used by a number of governments around the world .
This latest device has an almost identical case and antenna .
Even the packaging , which can be seen in a clip of it being unveiled on Iranian state TV , looks similar .
A video published by the Epoch Times , that contains claims that the coronavirus was created in a laboratory , has been marked false on Facebook where it has been watched almost 70 million times .
The opening feels like a slick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flash and crack of a lightning bolt followed by ominous music .
The hour-long video includes a theory about a lab in Wuhan creating the virus and leaking it , due to poor security .
The BBC 's science editor , Paul Rincon , says `` there 's currently no evidence that any research institute in Wuhan was the source of Sars-CoV-2 '' ( which causes Covid-19 ) .
Scientific analysis of the evidence shows the virus came from animals , and was not man-made .
A peer-reviewed study in March found no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stating that `` it is improbable that SARS-CoV-2 emerged through laboratory manipulation . ''
The video also refers to a study from Indian researchers that claimed to find four new sequences had been inserted into the new coronavirus , which were also present in HIV , to suggest the virus is man-made .
But that paper , never peer-reviewed , was withdrawn by its authors .
And the genetic information that had matched is common in many other organisms .
`` Those sequences are so short that they match with many different organisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't mean they 're related , '' says Dr Jeremy Rossman , a virologist at the University of Kent .
Epoch Times , based in New York City , was started by Chinese-Americans affiliated with a religious group called Falun Gong .
The site spent heavily on pro-Donald Trump Facebook adverts last year , reported NBC News .
But in August Facebook banned it from taking out more ads for violating its policies .
This week Bill Gates ' criticism of Donald Trump 's decision to halt funding for the WHO sparked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Gates .
It followed familiar themes , such as criticising Mr Gates ' support for vaccines .
Multiple posts resurfaced on Facebook claiming that a research institute funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation owns the patent on the coronavirus causing the current pandemic .
These claims are all totally unsubstantiated .
The suggestion that Covid-19 is a human creation sponsored by Bill Gates is false .
The Covid pandemic is not fake The coronavirus pandemic is `` fake '' and `` truly a farce '' is the claim of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Colombian news channel .
The video went up last month but has now been viewed 18 million times and is still being shared on Facebook , which is why we 're addressing it now .
The claim is clearly false - coronavirus does exist .
The man in the video goes unchallenged and says that present theories on viruses are all wrong , and recommends a video on YouTube that denies the existence of HIV to prove his point .
He does n't at any point explain why people are getting ill @

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bbc--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Facebook alters virus action after damning misinformation report

Facebook is changing how it treats Covid-19 misinformation after a damning report into its handling of the virus .
Users who have read , watched or shared false coronavirus content will receive a pop-up alert urging them to go the World Health Organisation 's website .
A study had indicated Facebook was frequently failing to clamp down on false posts , particularly when they were in languages other than English .
Facebook said the research did not reflect the work it had done recently .
The California tech firm says it will start showing the messages at the top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
A spokesman for Facebook said it did not recognise the alerts as a being a change of policy , but instead told the BBC they were `` operational changes to the platform '' .
The messages will direct people to a World Health Organisation webpage where myths are debunked .
A Facebook spokesman said the move will `` connect people who may have interacted with harmful misinformation about the virus with the truth from authoritative sources , in case they see or hear these claims again off of Facebook '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ major study of misinformation on the platform across six languages by Avaaz , a crowdfunded activist group .
Researchers say millions of Facebook users continue to be exposed to coronavirus misinformation , without any warning on the platform .
The group found some of the most dangerous falsehoods had received hundreds of thousands of views , including claims like `` black people are resistant to coronavirus '' and `` Coronavirus is destroyed by chlorine dioxide '' .
Avaaz researchers analysed a sample of more than 100 pieces of Facebook coronavirus misinformation on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Arabic , Italian and French versions .
• It can take the company up to 22 days to issue warning labels for coronavirus misinformation , with delays even when Facebook partners had flagged the harmful content for the platform .
• 29 % of false content in the sample was not labelled at all on the English language version of the website • It is worse in some other languages , with 68 % of Italian-language content , 70 % of Spanish-language content , and 50 % of Portuguese-language content not labelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts are more successful , with only 22 % of the sample of misleading posts remaining unlabelled .
Facebook says it is continuing to expand its multilingual network of fact-checkers issuing grants and partnering with trusted organisations in more than 50 languages .
Fadi Quran , Campaign Director at Avaaz said : `` Facebook sits at the epicenter of the misinformation crisis .
`` But the company is turning a critical corner today to clean up this toxic information ecosystem , becoming the first social media platform to alert all users who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directing them to life-saving facts . ''
One of the falsehoods that researchers tracked was the claim that people could rid the body of the virus by drinking a lot of water and gargling with salt or vinegar .
The post was shared more than 31,000 times before eventually being taken down after Avaaz flagged it to Facebook .
However , more than 2,600 clones of the post remain on the platform , with nearly 100,000 interactions and most of these cloned posts have no warning labels from Facebook .
Mark Zuckerberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his company 's work in an online post saying : `` On Facebook and Instagram , we 've now directed more than two billion people to authoritative health resources via our Covid-19 Information Center and educational pop-ups , with more than 350 million people clicking through to learn more .
`` If a piece of content contains harmful misinformation that could lead to imminent physical harm , then we 'll take it down .
We 've taken down hundreds of thousands of pieces of misinformation related to Covid-19 , including theories like drinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing is ineffective at preventing the disease from spreading .
For other misinformation , once it is rated false by fact-checkers , we reduce its distribution , apply warning labels with more context and find duplicates . ''
Mr Zuckerberg insists that warning pop-ups are working , with 95 % of users choosing to not view the content when presented with the labels .
`` I think this latest step is a good move from Facebook and we 've seen a much more proactive stance to misinformation in this pandemic than during other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Emily Taylor , associate fellow at Chatham House and an expert at social media misinformation .
`` We do n't know if it will make a huge difference but it 's got to be worth a try because the difference between misinformation in a health crisis and an election is literally that lives are at stake , '' she said .

"If a piece of content contains harmful misinformation that could lead to imminent physical harm, then we'll take it down. We've taken down hundreds of thousands of pieces of misinformation related to Covid-19, including theories like drinking bleach cures the virus or that physical distancing is ineffective at preventing the disease from spreading. For other misinformation, once it is rated false by fact-checkers, we reduce its distribution, apply warning labels with more context and find duplicates."


bbc--2020-04-13--Greek artists fight race violence with a digital map

It was a warm spring afternoon in March 2018 .
Language classes had just finished for the day at the Afghan community centre in the heart of Athens .
The one remaining staff member popped out for lunch , locking the front door behind him .
A while later as he wandered back he smelt burning .
`` Your building 's on fire ! ''
a neighbour shouted .
Rushing back , he saw flames shooting from the windows .
The centre had been targeted in an arson attack .
No-one was hurt , but the computer system and essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that race attack is one of 100 that have been illustrated by 50 different artists and plotted on a digital map , which you can access online .
`` Many people stopped coming because they were scared , '' says board member Mohammed Mirzay .
The centre connects Afghan migrants with essential services such as translation , and is currently helping the community navigate the coronavirus lockdown .
`` We were particularly worried about the women and children who usually visited us . ''
This was not the first attack the Afghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its former president was beaten up by a neo-Nazi gang outside its old premises .
Members had also received death threats by phone and letter .
`` It was scary , but what can we do ? ''
says Mohammed Mirzay .
`` We had to carry on because people need us . ''
Today , the building lies empty and the community has premises in a different neighbourhood .
The only sign left of the attack is a white square with a QR code in the middle .
Scan it using your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local artist Giorgos Gousis pops up , showing the building on fire .
It 's part of X Them Out , a creative project documenting racist violence throughout Greece .
The illustrations have also been collated into a book and a touring exhibition .
`` Racist attacks are usually wrapped in silence , '' says Electra Alexandropoulou from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Greece , which worked on the project with the Racist Violence Recording Network ( RVRN ) and human rights organisation 360 .
`` We want to make everyone understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk , kiss and embrace , there was once bloodshed . ''
Many victims do not have papers and fear being deported if they report attacks , she adds .
In the years following the financial crash of 2008-2009 , Greece saw a wave of attacks against migrants .
Many were linked to the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party , which in 2012 won 18 seats in the Greek parliament .
According to RVRN , there was an `` immense increase '' in racially-motivated attacks from January to September that year , with many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A group called Crypteia , which admitted carrying out the attack on the community centre , is thought to be affiliated to Golden Dawn .
Since 2013 the party 's leaders have been on trial , accused of running a criminal organisation , with the verdict expected later this year .
X Them Out aims to keep the trial at the forefront of Greek minds .
More stories that you might like • How to argue with a racist Most attacks were carried out at night with few witnesses and many victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artists created images based on the activist network 's records .
`` I had heard of this case but I did n't know many details , '' says Alexia Othonaiou , who illustrated the 2013 murder of 27-year-old Pakistani labourer Shehzad Luqman .
`` I did n't know he was stabbed in the back while cycling . ''
While going through media coverage of the attack she was struck by the words of Luqman 's mother , whose reaction was : `` But people do n't do such things . ''
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this to her son , '' says Othonaiou .
`` It really touched me .
So I decided to illustrate the story from her perspective . ''
Exhibitions have taken place in Athens , Crete and Lesbos and there are more planned once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted , including in Thessaloniki and Volos .
All proceeds from the book go to the trial lawyers who are working without fees .
According to RVRN , racist violence has decreased over the last few years thanks to the disruption of Golden Dawn 's activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the number of attacks picked up last year and early in 2020 as new migrants arrived in Greece .
Alexandropoulou is hoping to add some of these to the map .
`` People have been very touched that we are taking such notice of this issue , '' she concludes .
`` But more needs to be done to stop these attacks happening . ''

"We want to make everyone understand that in the streets where we walk, talk, kiss and embrace, there was once bloodshed." Many victims do not have papers and fear being deported if they report attacks, she adds.


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: President Trump defends tweets against US states' lockdowns

President Donald Trump has defended tweets in which he appeared to endorse protests against stringent lockdown measures in several US states .
At his Friday briefing , he said some measures imposed by Minnesota , Michigan and Virginia had been `` too tough '' .
Earlier , he wrote in a series of tweets : `` LIBERATE MINNESOTA '' , `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN '' and then `` LIBERATE VIRGINIA '' .
The curbs , which include stay-at-home orders , are needed to slow the spread of coronavirus .
But protesters say they are hurting citizens by limiting movement unreasonably and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican president referred to in Friday 's tweets are all led by Democratic governors .
Mr Trump may be seeking to encourage his political base to protest against Democrats , the BBC 's Anthony Zurcher says .
Demonstrations calling on authorities to end the shutdown have occurred in Michigan , Ohio , North Carolina , Minnesota , Utah , Virginia and Kentucky .
But Mr Trump did not mention Ohio and Utah , which both have Republican governors .
His comments came shortly after the US saw its highest daily death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours on Thursday .
That rise could be because Johns Hopkins University , which records the data , began to include deaths with a Covid-19 probable cause .
The US has the highest number of cases and deaths worldwide , with nearly 700,000 confirmed infections and more than 36,000 deaths .
• The daunting reality of getting US back to normal • Why is NYC reporting sudden surge in virus deaths ?
More demonstrations against the lockdown measures are planned , including in Wisconsin , Oregon , Maryland , Idaho and Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ranging from a few dozen people in Virginia to thousands in Michigan .
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded to the president 's tweets , saying he called the White House to ask `` what they think we could have done differently '' but did not hear back .
`` The president unveiled a three step plan that mirrors exactly what we 're trying to do , '' Mr Walz told reporters .
What does federal guidance say ?
The president 's apparent support for the protests comes a day after his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That guidance recommends three phases of slowly re-opening businesses and social life , with each phase lasting a minimum of 14 days .
It includes some recommendations across all three phases including good personal hygiene and employers developing policies to ensure social distancing , testing and contact tracing .
Dr Anthony Fauci , from the White House coronavirus taskforce , cautioned that even as restrictions were eased `` it 's not game over '' .
He warned that the virus might rebound , and there could be setbacks along the way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of tweets calling for the `` liberation '' of three states with Democratic governors , as though they were enemy-controlled territory .
The governor of one , Michigan 's Gretchen Whitmer , recently was the target of a mass protest at the state capital against her sweeping lockdown orders .
A mixed crowd of conservatives , white nationalists and anti-government militias waved Confederate and pro-Trump flags , and signs accusing Whitmer of dictatorial overreach .
Another of the states , Virginia , had its own capital protests earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media fusillade suggests his goal is to reward - or encourage - such shows of force from his political base , as opinion polls indicate Trump 's approval rating is sagging after a boost during the early weeks of the outbreak .
Trump followed those incendiary tweets by criticising New York 's Andrew Cuomo , another Democrat , for mishandling the pandemic and spending too much time `` complaining '' .
Just a day after Trump reportedly told governors in a conference call they would `` call the shots '' on when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president wants to up the pressure - and the political risk - for Democrats by other means at his disposal .
Trump has benefitted in the past from a finely tuned sense of the sentiments - and resentments - of his supporters .
Friday morning could be an indication that he 's positioning himself to again stand in their midst .
Protesters say stringent restrictions on movement and businesses are an overreaction to the outbreak .
Organisers of the Liberate Minnesota protest wrote on Facebook : `` It is not the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota citizens ! ''
`` President Trump has been very clear that we must get America back to work very quickly or the 'cure ' to this terrible disease may be the worse option ! ''
The group added that the state 's economy would be `` dealt a death blow '' if restrictions continued .
The event now has over 600 attendees marked on Facebook and some 2,800 more users interested in the event .
Earlier this week , in Michigan , thousands of protesting workers blocked roads , demanding the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• How California kept ahead of the curve The governor is also facing federal lawsuits against her orders shuttering non-essential businesses and limiting travel .
However , public health experts , and some state governors including Republican governors , have stressed the importance of social distancing .
On Friday , Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he was establishing a `` strike force '' to `` safely and strategically '' re-open America 's second largest state .
The group of medical , public and private sector leaders will look into what services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The governor will offer a re-opening plan based on the findings on 27 April .
In addition , Mr Abbott said retail outlets that are able to deliver goods to customer 's cars , homes or other locations with minimal contact may begin operating on 24 April .
In Florida , the mayor of Jacksonville said he would re-open beaches with limited hours starting on Friday .
Mayor Lenny Curry said residents must still practice social distancing but could use beaches for exercise and recreation .
Parks in the city will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 are banned .
• China 's city of Wuhan , where the coronavirus outbreak originated last year , on Friday raised its official Covid-19 death toll by 50 % , adding 1,290 fatalities • In Nigeria , President Muhammadu Buhari 's chief of staff , Abba Kyari , died on Friday after contracting coronavirus • After a lockdown lasting 45 days , Chile 's President Sebastián Piñera , announced the country would begin a gradual return to full economic activity • Brazil has recorded its highest daily death toll from Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,100 , the highest in South America • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Just a day after Trump reportedly told governors in a conference call they would "call the shots" on when to begin easing restrictions, it appears the president wants to up the pressure - and the political risk - for Democrats by other means at his disposal.


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Japan doctors warn of health system 'break down' as cases surge

Doctors in Japan have warned that the country 's medical system could collapse amid a wave of new coronavirus cases .
Emergency rooms have been unable to treat some patients with serious health conditions due to the extra burden caused by the virus , officials say .
One ambulance carrying a patient with coronavirus symptoms was turned away by 80 hospitals before he could be seen .
Japan , which initially appeared to have the virus under control , passed 10,000 confirmed cases on Saturday .
More than 200 people have now died with Covid-19 and the capital Tokyo remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from around the world • Lessons from Hokkaido 's second wave of infections Groups of doctors at GP surgeries in the city are assisting hospitals with the testing of potential coronavirus patients in order to ease some of the pressure on the health system , officials say .
`` This is to prevent the medical system from crumbling , '' Konoshin Tamura , the deputy head of an association of GPs , told Reuters news agency .
`` Everyone needs to extend a helping hand .
Otherwise , hospitals would break down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the coronavirus outbreak was reducing the ability of Japan 's hospitals to treat other , serious , medical emergencies .
Hospitals are already turning away patients , and all this while the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 remains relatively low compared with other countries .
Doctors have complained of a lack of protective equipment , which suggests Japan has not prepared well for the virus .
This is despite the fact it was the second country outside China to record an infection , way back in January .
Meanwhile , Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not introducing restrictions to deal with the outbreak sooner for fear they could harm the economy .
His government has argued with the governor of Tokyo , who wanted tougher measures introduced more quickly .
Only on Thursday did Mr Abe extend a state of emergency to the whole country .
The government is also working to increase the rate of testing by introducing drive-through facilities .
In recent weeks , Japan has conducted far fewer tests than in other countries and experts say this has made it more difficult to track the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it conducted just 16 % of the number of PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) tests that South Korea did , according to data from Oxford University .
And unlike South Korea - which has brought its outbreak largely under control through a programme of large-scale testing - the Japanese government said that carrying out widespread testing was a `` waste of resources '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by local health centres , not on the national government level - and some of these local centres are not equipped to carry out testing on a major scale .
But , on Friday , Prime Minister Shinzo Abe indicated that the government was shifting its policy on testing and rolling it out more widely .
`` With help from regional medical associations , we will set up testing centres , '' he told a news conference .
`` If home doctors have decided testing is necessary , test samples are taken at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms '' he said .
`` Thus , the burden on public health centres will be lessened . ''
His comments came shortly after he announced a nationwide state of emergency due to the worsening outbreak .
The move allowed regional governments to urge people to stay inside , but without punitive measures or legal force .
It will remain in force until 6 May .
After the initial state of emergency came into force on 8 April , a number of other regional governors called for the measures to be extended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing and their medical facilities were overwhelmed .
Japan 's two emergency medical associations also issued a joint statement warning that they were `` already sensing the collapse of the emergency medical system '' .
And the mayor of Osaka appealed for people to donate their raincoats , so they could be used as personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for health workers whom he said were being forced to fashion PPE out of rubbish bags .
• Singapore 's health ministry confirmed 942 more coronavirus infections on Saturday , a new daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its handling of the outbreak , but case numbers have recently risen • The World Health Organization ( WHO ) advised countries to plot a cautious path out of lockdown rather than relying on antibody tests • US President Donald Trump defended tweets that appeared to encourage protesters to `` liberate '' states - run by the opposition Democrats - where stringent lockdown measures are in place • The UK death toll reached 14,576 as 847 new death were reported in hospitals • And as world coronavirus deaths passed 150,000 , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containment to slow the pandemic

The government is also working to increase the rate of testing by introducing drive-through facilities. In recent weeks, Japan has conducted far fewer tests than in other countries and experts say this has made it more difficult to track the spread of the disease.


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Double warning over antibody tests

Hopes that coronavirus antibody tests could help the UK end its lockdown have been dealt a blow - after the World Health Organization questioned whether they offer any guarantee of immunity .
The UK has placed antibody tests - which check if someone has had Covid-19 - at the centre of an eventual `` back-to-work '' plan to restart normal life .
But experts said they may not prove if someone is protected from reinfection .
The UK 's testing co-ordinator has also warned people not to buy private tests .
The government has already paid for three-and-a-half million antibody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that is reliable enough to use - and stresses that it will not approve the use of any test until it can be sure its findings can be fully depended on .
Professor John Newton said the public should not purchase unapproved antibody tests until a working test is approved .
`` We are breaking new ground with this work every day and I am confident this major research effort will make a breakthrough , '' he said of efforts to develop a valid serology test , which measures levels of antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , please do n't buy or take any unproven tests .
They may not be reliable for your intended use ; they may give a false reading and put you , your family or others at risk . ''
He added : `` As soon as we have found a test that works for this purpose , we will be in a position to roll them out across the country as a back-to-work test . ''
• Explained : Testing and why it matters • Should we all be wearing face masks now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective gear they need ?
Speaking in Geneva , the World Health Organization 's ( WHO ) Dr Maria van Kerkhove cast doubt on the benefit of rapid serology tests due to a lack of evidence around coronavirus immunity .
She said : `` There are a lot of countries that are suggesting using rapid diagnostic serological tests to be able to capture what they think will be a measure of immunity .
`` Right now , we have no evidence that the use of a serological test can show that an individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
She added : `` These antibody tests will be able to measure that level of seroprevalence - that level of antibodies but that does not mean that somebody with antibodies means that they are immune . ''
Dr van Kerkhove said it was `` a good thing '' that so many tests are being developed , but she added : `` We need to ensure that they are validated so that we know what they say they attempt to measure they are actually measuring . ''
Still too much we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests is there are n't any that work at scale , but even if they did there are potential issues .
There are no guarantees that if you have antibodies against the coronavirus that you are completely immune .
And even if your antibodies do protect you from becoming sick , then you may be able to harbour the virus in your body and pass it to others .
There will be many challenges before immunity passports - when if you pass the antibody test you can go back to life as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problem with a virus that has only been around for a couple of months - there is still too much we do not understand .
However , the main appeal of antibody testing is to find out how many people have really been infected with the virus .
Her colleague Dr Michael Ryan said antibody testing also raised ethical questions .
`` You might have someone who believes they are seropositive [ have been infected ] and protected in a situation where they may be exposed and in fact they are susceptible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , unions representing doctors and nurses have raised concerns about revised coronavirus guidance that allows some personal protective equipment to be reused at hospitals in England .
It comes following warnings that some hospitals could run out of the gowns used in intensive care units this weekend .
The UK announced 847 new coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals in its latest figures on Friday , taking the total to 14,576 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mental health On Friday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said swab tests - which assess whether someone currently has the coronavirus - will soon be rolled out to other key workers , including police officers , prison staff and firefighters .
He added some 50,000 NHS workers had been tested for the virus so far .
However , he said it was `` frustrating '' there was currently more capacity tests each day than the numbers that were being taken up .
On Thursday , 38,000 tests were available but only 21,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion of who will be eligible to be tested .
The government has an overall target of 100,000 tests a day by the end of April .

The government has already paid for three-and-a-half million antibody tests, but has not yet found one that is reliable enough to use - and stresses that it will not approve the use of any test until it can be sure its findings can be fully depended on.


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Stars set for One World: Together At Home concert

A star-studded special concert is to be live-streamed and broadcast on TV to support frontline workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak .
The One World : Together At Home show will see more than 100 artists including the Rolling Stones and Billie Eilish play live from their homes .
The eight-hour global event is run by the Global Citizen movement and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
Lady Gaga , who helped organise the event , will also perform .
`` We may be apart right now , but coming together has never been more important , '' Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event will also be telling real-life stories of nurses and doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak .
Proceeds generated from the concert will go to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health American TV personalities Stephen Colbert , Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon will host the show , which will also feature Taylor Swift , Jennifer Lopez , Chris Martin , Pharrell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Elton John and Paul McCartney .
Viewers from around the world will be able to watch the two-part event starting on Saturday night : • A live stream will be running from 19:00 BST on Saturday to 03:00 BST on Sunday • A TV broadcast will be running between 01:00 and 03:00 BST on Sunday In the UK , BBC One will screen highlights of the concert at 19:15-21:15 BST on Sunday .
It will include extra performances from British artists like Little Mix , Sir Tom Jones and Rag ' N @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US event will also be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days .

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bbc--2020-04-17--New mum meets baby after emergency birth in coma

A woman met her son for the first time , twelve days after giving birth and recovering from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , was given an emergency caesarean while in a medically-induced coma .

A woman met her son for the first time, twelve days after giving birth and recovering from the coronavirus.
Yanira Soriano, 36, was given an emergency caesarean while in a medically-induced coma.


bbc--2020-04-18--Concern over UK protective kit guidance change

Concerns have been raised that updated government guidance on personal protective equipment ( PPE ) could put hospital staff and patients at risk .
Healthcare workers have been advised to reuse gowns or wear different kit , such as plastic aprons with coveralls , if stocks in England run low .
Unions representing doctors and nurses have expressed concerns about the updated Public Health England guidance .
The government said it is working to provide the PPE stocks hospitals need .
There have been warnings some hospitals could run out of the gowns used in intensive care units this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have previously been advised to wear long-sleeved disposable fluid-repellent gowns .
But Public Health England changed its guidance on Friday , outlining three options if the gowns are not available as `` some compromise is needed to optimise the supply of PPE in times of extreme shortages '' .
One option is for hospitals to reserve the gowns for surgical operations and procedures which are likely to transmit respiratory pathogens .
• Are NHS staff getting the protective gear they need ?
Another is for staff to reuse `` ( washable ) surgical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( for example , long-sleeved laboratory coat , long-sleeved patient gown or industrial coverall ) with a disposable plastic apron for AGPs ( aerosol-generating procedures ) and high-risk settings with forearm washing once gown or coverall is removed '' .
Chris Hopson , chairman of NHS Providers , which represents healthcare trusts across England said some trusts will run out over the weekend .
Mr Hopson said in a tweet : `` We have now reached the point where the national stock of fully fluid-repellent gowns and long-sleeved laboratory coats will be exhausted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He said that national leaders have left `` no stone unturned '' - but the gowns are made in China and those that were ordered weeks ago are currently only arriving in `` fits and starts '' .
The Royal College of Nursing said the guidance was developed without a full consultation and the British Medical Association ( BMA ) - which represents doctors - said any change must be driven by science , not availability .
Dr Rob Harwood , consultants committee chairman at the British Medical Association , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that staff reuse equipment , this must be demonstrably driven by science and the best evidence - rather than availability - and it absolutely can not compromise the protection of healthcare workers .
`` Too many healthcare workers have already died .
More doctors and their colleagues can not be expected to put their own lives on the line in a bid to save others , and this new advice means they could be doing just that .
It 's not a decision they should have to make . ''
A Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice has been issued today to make sure that if there are shortages in one area , front-line staff know what PPE to wear instead to minimise risk . ''
The spokesman added the advice is in line with World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidance on PPE use in `` exceptional circumstances '' .
Niall Dickson , chief executive of the NHS Confederation , representing health service trusts , said the situation was `` worrying '' and `` less than satisfactory '' .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a chance , and I do n't think it 's definite , but there is a chance that hospitals could run out or , indeed other parts of the system could run out of the gowns which are required to treat some , not all , Covid patients . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health The UK announced 847 new coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total to 14,576 .
Elsewhere , Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Queen will not be marking her 94th birthday next Tuesday with the traditional gun salutes this year .
• The World Health Organization questioned whether antibody tests will offer any guarantee of immunity against coronavirus • Testing will be rolled out to people working in public services such as police , fire and prison staff , the health secretary has said • Scientists at the University of Oxford said they should have at least a million doses of a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that the coronavirus crisis is pushing them to the brink of financial failure • Chancellor Rishi Sunak extended the government 's furlough scheme by another month until the end of June • Four charter flights will depart between Tuesday and Sunday from Bangladesh to take up to 850 British nationals home , with priority being given to vulnerable passengers most at risk of coronavirus • Providing hotel rooms for those sleeping on England 's streets should lead to a long-term reduction in rough sleeping , says a charity supporting the homeless • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring artists including Rolling Stones and Billie Eilish will be live-streamed and broadcast on TV • US President Donald Trump has defended his tweets after appearing to endorse protests against lockdown measures in several US states Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The reality is that there is a chance, and I don't think it's definite, but there is a chance that hospitals could run out or, indeed other parts of the system could run out of the gowns which are required to treat some, not all, Covid patients."


bbc--2020-04-18--Climate change: 'Bath sponge' breakthrough could boost cleaner cars

A new material developed , by scientists could give a significant boost to a new generation of hydrogen-powered cars .
Like a bath sponge , the product is able to hold and release large quantities of the gas at lower pressure and cost .
Made up of billions of tiny pores , a single gram of the new aluminium-based material has a surface area the size of a football pitch .
The authors say it can store the large volume of gas needed for practical travel without needing expensive tanks .
• Behind the wheel of a hydrogen-powered car Car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US over the past number of years .
In 2017 , CO2 emissions from cars , trucks , airplanes and trains , overtook power plants as the largest source of US greenhouse gas emissions .
As well as developing electric vehicles , much focus has been on hydrogen as a zero emissions source of power for cars .
The gas is used to power a fuel cell in cars and trucks , and if it is made from renewable energy it is a much greener fuel .
However , hydrogen vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is extremely light - In normal atmospheric pressure , to carry 1kg of hydrogen which might power your car for over 100km , you 'd need a tank capable of holding around 11,000 litres .
To get around this problem , the gas is stored at high pressure , around 700 bar , so cars can carry 4-5kg of the gas and travel up to 500km before refilling .
That level of pressure is around 300 times greater than in a car 's tyres , and necessitates specially made tanks , all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles .
Now researchers believe they have developed an alternative method that would allow the storage of high volumes of hydrogen under much lower pressure .
The team have designed a highly porous new material , described as a metal-organic framework .
The product , with the glamorous name of NU-1501 , has been built from organic molecules and metal ions which self-assemble to form highly crystalline , porous frameworks .
`` It 's like a bath sponge but with very ordered cavities , '' said Prof Omar Farha , from Northwestern University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` With a sponge , if you spill water and you wipe it , in order to reuse the sponge , you squeeze it .
`` With this material we use the same thing - we use pressure to store and release these gas molecules . ''
`` So , it works exactly like a bath sponge except in a very smart programmed way . ''
The key ability of the new framework is that it can potentially store hydrogen and other gases at much lower pressures while not needing an enormous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts of hydrogen and methane within the pores of the metal-organic framework and deliver them to the engine of the vehicle at lower pressures than needed for current fuel cell vehicle , '' Prof Farha said .
His team have gained experience in developing these adsorbent materials for the US Department of Defence , to protect soldiers against nerve gas attacks , The researchers say there is now funding available to develop this type of material for transport applications .
The new material has already beaten tough targets set by the US Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery systems for alternative fuels .
But to go further , the scientists will need significant buy-in from car manufacturers .
The research has been published in the journal , Science .

"We can store tremendous amounts of hydrogen and methane within the pores of the metal-organic framework and deliver them to the engine of the vehicle at lower pressures than needed for current fuel cell vehicle," Prof Farha said.


bbc--2020-04-17--Nasa to launch first crewed mission from US in decade

Nasa has announced that next month it will launch its first crewed mission from US soil in almost 10 years @ @ @ @ @ spacecraft it is carrying are due to take off from Florida ’ s Kennedy Space @ @ @ @ @ taking two astronauts to the International Space Station ( ISS ) .
Both the rocket @ @ @ @ @ private company SpaceX .
Nasa has been using Russian rockets for crewed flights since its @ @ @ @ @ 2011 .
If successful , SpaceX – headed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk - will @ @ @ @ @ to send Nasa astronauts into space .
The Falcon Nine rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft @ @ @ @ @ space centre ’ s historic Pad 39A , the same one used for the Apollo @ @ @ @ @ will take astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley approximately 24 hours to reach the ISS @ @ @ @ @ two Russian cosmonauts are currently aboard the ISS .

The rocket and the spacecraft it is carrying are due to take off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center on 27 May, taking two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Lockdown protesters 'responsible' - Trump

Carly was already a high-risk pregnancy .
Now , she fears the toll of Covid-19 on hospitals could put her @ @ @ @

At the coronavirus press briefing, President Trump said thatsome governors have been too tough with coronavirus restrictions.
He said protestors in Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia have a right to express their views because "they’ve been treated a little bit rough".


bbc--2020-04-18--Captain Tom Moore: How will coronavirus fundraising be spent?

What began as a 99-year-old Army veteran walking laps of his garden for charity has evolved into a story that has captured the hearts of a nation desperate for positive news during the coronavirus pandemic .
Capt Tom Moore 's initial hopes of raising £1,000 by lapping his Bedfordshire garden 100 times before his 100th birthday seem like a distant memory , with the total now surpassing a staggering £21m .
The fund continues to rise and has been earmarked for the NHS .
What will happen to the money ?
What is NHS Charities Together ?
Having recently been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer , Capt Tom was inspired to walk the 2.5km ( 1.6 miles ) around his home garden with the aid of a frame to raise money for NHS Charities Together .
Capt Tom himself said he set about raising the money `` for the sake of the nurses and the NHS we have , because they are doing such a magnificent job '' .
The umbrella organisation supports its 143 member health service charities , which are typically linked to specific hospitals or NHS trusts .
Many of the funds donated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charities to use at a local level - and that 's where the kind of money raised by Capt Tom will be spent .
Donations since the pandemic started have been used to help set up wellbeing spaces in hospitals .
These include sleep pods , reclining chairs and so-called `` wobble rooms '' - areas where staff have a safe space to release emotions after a traumatic experience , such as losing a patient .
Wellbeing packs including everyday items such as porridge , tea or hand cream have also been given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said was `` like a hug in a box '' .
The money has also helped pay for electronic tablets that allow patients who are in isolation in hospital to have contact with their friends and family .
In the long term , the funds will be used in planning to allow people to leave hospital quicker and safely , and also provide mental health support for staff and volunteers involved in dealing with the pandemic .
Chairman Ian Lush said : `` It 's extraordinary to see the amount of money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and towards all the NHS charities , who will take good care with the money that he 's raising . ''
Will JustGiving earn from this ?
When Capt Tom finished his 100th lap live on BBC Breakfast , his JustGiving fundraising page temporarily crashed .
His current total is the largest raised in a single campaign on the site , and the company itself has become one of more than 900,000 donors , giving £100,000 .
In March 2019 the website abolished its 5 % mandatory platform fee from donations , replacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When donating , people are asked if they would like to make a contribution , starting at 10 % , and they must opt out of this amount if they do not wish to pay it .
In a statement a spokeswoman said : `` This model provides donors with choice and transparency , as well as allowing JustGiving to maintain the technology that keeps our site running 24/7 , provide top-notch customer service and give everyone the best experience on JustGiving . ''
She added that 97 % of all monies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as with any other fundraiser on the donation site .
For an online card transaction paid in pounds on JustGiving , 1.9 % on each donation plus 20p is deducted .
Other currencies are subject to a 2.9 % plus 20p deduction .
A significant proportion of this is understood to go to card companies but JustGiving also receives a proportion , which is used towards operating costs .
JustGiving was unable to provide a figure for how much money had been generated by transaction fees and contributions .
Tom Moore was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 30 April 1920 .
He attended Keighley Grammar School before training as a civil engineer and enlisting in the Army during World War Two .
He rose to captain and served in India and Myanmar , then known as Burma .
He will celebrate his 100th birthday on 30 April and while his initial plans were scuppered by coronavirus , he said the national outpouring of love and support for him was `` a party enough for me '' .
For the past 12 years Capt Tom has lived with his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Georgia - at a house in Marston Moretaine , a small Bedfordshire village .
His name has been added to a list of the village 's most notable people on Wikipedia , where he stands alongside a former speaker of the House of Commons , two cricketers and a man who lost an arm at the Battle of Waterloo .
And his fame is spreading , with people from all over the country seeking to wish him well ahead of his birthday at the end April .
Village postmaster Bill Chandi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arriving .
What has been the reaction ?
Capt Tom 's daughter Hannah called her father a `` beacon of hope in dark times '' .
`` I think we all need something like this to believe in and it 's for such an amazing cause , '' she said .
Former F1 champion Damon Hill congratulated him on the `` brilliant idea and for pulling it off '' , while current champion Lewis Hamilton called him a `` total inspiration '' .
Capt Tom 's story brings some solace during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , called the feat an `` extraordinary act of solidarity '' .
Capt Tom 's efforts have even raised the attention of royalty , with the Duke of Cambridge calling him a `` one-man fundraising machine '' .
Actor Tom Hardy , who played a Spitfire pilot in the World War Two film Dunkirk , is one of the high profile names calling for Capt Tom to be knighted among a series of supportive Instagram posts .
And with more than half a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Honours Committee calling for a knighthood , could his heroic achievement be given a royal seal ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
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bbc--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Stars take part in One World: Together At Home concert

A star-studded global event is under way to support frontline workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak .
The Killers , Sheryl Crow , Annie Lennox and One Direction stars Liam Payne and Niall Horan have all performed .
In total , the One World : Together At Home show will see more than 100 artists including the Rolling Stones , Billie Eilish and organiser Lady Gaga play live from their homes .
Real-life stories from medical staff on the front line are also being told .
The eight-hour event run by the Global Citizen movement and the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on TV .
It began with a montage of people under lockdown applauding the efforts of healthcare workers around the world - from France , Spain , the UK and US and elsewhere .
`` To all of our frontline healthcare workers , we are with you .
Thank you for being there for us , '' read an on-screen caption .
Lady Gaga , who curated the line-up , dedicated the show to first responders and medical staff , saying the artists all wanted `` to give back a little bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
She went on to play a ragtime version of Charlie Chaplin 's Smile , adding : `` We want to get to the other side of this pandemic and we know you do too . ''
Paul McCartney joined the programme shortly after , calling health-care workers `` the real heroes '' and remembering his mother Mary , who was a nurse during the Second World War .
Proceeds generated from the concert will go to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the WHO , but Lady Gaga has made clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telethon and will focus on entertainment and messages of solidarity .
The event involves a six-hour pre-concert , which started at 18:00 GMT on Saturday , followed by the main two-hour TV broadcast from 00:00 GMT on Sunday .
Kicking it off , actress Jameela Jamil said : `` We are here for a moment of respite and hopefully joy as we celebrate our true heroes .
Thank you for risking your lives every day to save the lives of others . ''
First to perform was US singer songwriter Andra Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her apartment .
One Direction star Niall Horan followed shortly afterwards singing Black and White with an acoustic guitar from his living room and former bandmate Liam Payne appeared with the song Midnight .
`` It 's a pretty dark time for us all right now ... and I feel we 're all being brought a lot closer together by this solidarity , '' he said .
Two members of The Killers performed their hit Mr Brightside while US singer Adam Lambert gave a rendition of the Tears for Fears song Mad World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ora urged viewers to stay safe and follow WHO recommendations , before singing I Will Never Let You Down .
Annie Lennox , meanwhile , appeared to address President Donald Trump 's threat to pull funding from the WHO earlier this week .
`` In this unprecedented moment in history we have a collective responsibility to make sure that global health systems are strong enough to identify and prevent future pandemics before they happen again , '' said the singer , although she did n't mention President Trump by name .
Ellie Goulding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mental health issues arising from the lockdown , urging viewers to reach out to friends if they were feeling low .
`` I know it 's hard , '' said Christine , whose real name is Heloise Letissier , `` and do n't hesitate to reach out to people virtually if you feel down . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health '' We may be apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never been more important , '' Global Citizen said in a statement earlier .
American TV personalities Stephen Colbert , Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon are hosting the main two-hour show , which will also feature Taylor Swift , Jennifer Lopez , Chris Martin , Pharrell Williams , Rita Ora , Sam Smith , Elton John and Paul McCartney .
The entire event is being streamed live on Amazon Prime Video , Facebook , Instagram , TuneIn , Twitch , Twitter and YouTube ; with Apple , Music , Apple TV , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
In the UK , BBC One will screen highlights of the concert at 19:15-21:15 BST on Sunday .
It will include extra performances from British artists like Little Mix , Sir Tom Jones and Rag ' N ' Bone Man and additional footage will also be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days .
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bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Spanish PM promises to ease confinement of children

Spanish children have been kept indoors since 14 March , under strict measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 .
Now Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aims to relax the rule on 27 April so they can `` get some fresh air '' .
Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau , who has young children herself , this week pleaded with the government to allow children outside .
Spain has seen more than 20,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic and almost 200,000 reported cases .
In a televised briefing on Saturday evening , Mr Sánchez said Spain had left behind `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutal onslaught of the pandemic '' .
But he said he would ask parliament to extend Spain 's state of alarm to 9 May as the achievements made were `` still insufficient and above all fragile '' and could not be jeopardised by `` hasty decisions '' .
Another 565 deaths were reported on Saturday , well down from the peak of the pandemic , and the government allowed some non-essential workers to resume construction and manufacturing last Monday .
However , the main lockdown measures remain in place , with adults only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmacies or work considered essential .
Children have been barred from leaving their homes completely .
'These children need to get out' Spain 's eight million children have already spent five weeks confined to their homes and there has been growing unease at the risk to their health .
The Spanish Children 's Rights Coalition has warned of mental and physical health problems for children as a result of confinement measures and called for boys and girls to be allowed outside to play and do some physical activity .
`` These children need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor demanded .
`` Wait no more : Free our children ! ''
Other countries such as Denmark have begun opening up schools for under-11s while Norway is set to reopen kindergartens on Monday .
Germany will reopen some schools on 4 May although the most populous state will begin opening up from Monday .
Sweden has kept its schools open throughout the crisis .
However , none of these countries has been as badly hit by the virus as Spain .
From a week on Monday , the prime minister said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that he had not yet decided how it would be organised and it would have to be `` limited and subject to conditions to avoid contagion '' .
`` The proposal is that starting from 27 April they have the opportunity to leave their homes and for a while in the day they get to enjoy fresh air , '' he said , without specifying for how long that would be .
Mr Sánchez said he would discuss the details of easing the restrictions with regional leaders on Sunday and following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxation would only apply to under-12s but that has not been confirmed .
He accepted that many children were living in homes of 40-50 sq m ( 430-540 sq ft ) in size and that the youngest would be allowed out in the street .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

There has been growing social and political pressure on Prime Minister Sánchez to allow children, in particular, to go outside. Opposition leader Pablo Casado tweeted that "these little heroes are climbing the walls" after more than a month of not being allowed out beyond the confines of their homes.


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Orthodox Easter weekend marked under lockdown

The world 's Orthodox Christians are celebrating Easter - the most important festival in their calendar , amid a series of restrictions and bans .
Officials in Eastern Europe and the Middle East urged people not to attend services , fearing this would lead to a spike in coronavirus infections .
However , in Georgia , worshippers are still able to attend churches .
The traditional Holy Fire ceremony went ahead in a near-deserted Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem .
The church was closed last month and only a handful of Orthodox clergy , some of them wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceremony on Saturday .
A candle is traditionally lit with the Holy Fire in the crypt of the Holy Sepulchre by Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III , to symbolise the resurrection of Jesus .
Instead of the flame being passed on to thousands of pilgrims , this time the ceremony was attended by the Armenian Orthodox patriarch , four assistants and Coptic and Syrian archbishops , Israeli media report .
The church bells tolled and the flame was carried out of the church by Theophilos III and others to be taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flown to 10 countries .
How is Orthodox Easter being marked around the world ?
Russia 's Orthodox Church agreed to break its annual traditions and is urging millions of believers not to attend church .
Worshippers usually attend late-night processions to receive blessings .
This year services are being held only in the presence of priests and other clergy .
In Ukraine , police are now deployed near churches in the capital Kyiv and elsewhere to prevent believers from gathering in large numbers .
In Greece , the authorities are using drones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been set up to prevent the customary exodus of several million people to the countryside and the islands .
When the Holy Fire arrived in Athens on Saturday evening it was taken to the Jerusalem patriarchate in Athens and was not distributed to churches elsewhere .
The Church has backed the ban and thousands of police have been deployed to prevent Greeks using the holiday to visit relatives or second homes .
The Holy Fire was also taken on Saturday to the Church of the Holy Nativity in the Palestinian town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt 's Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II held a Good Friday service without a congregation at a monastery north-east of Cairo .
The service was televised live on Coptic Orthodox TV channels and showed deacons and priests gathered with gaps between them to prevent the spread of Covid-19 .
In Romania , people have been told they will not be allowed to leave their homes to receive the Holy Fire on Easter night or take bread splashed with holy water and wine , as is traditional .
It will however be distributed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Klaus Iohannis appealed to Romanians to give up on the idea of having their loved ones close to them , in order to prevent the spread of the virus .
Bulgaria has imposed a curfew on the capital Sofia to stop traffic in and out of the city to stop people heading off on holiday .
Churches in Serbia and Montenegro have told worshippers to celebrate Easter at home .
But North Macedonia 's Orthodox Church says it will not use force to prevent people going to church .
• Orthodox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why Georgia is different It 's never been this quiet in Tbilisi .
The government has banned the movement of all private cars ahead of Easter Sunday .
Cemeteries , which Georgians traditionally visit on Easter Monday , are also shut .
Those violating the state of emergency law , which among other restrictions bans gatherings of more than three people , face hefty fines of almost £800 ( $ 1,000 ; €900 ) .
And yet many Georgians are questioning why the government made an exception for the Orthodox Church .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country since the crisis began .
The Church has refused to adapt its customs .
Priests continue to give Holy Communion with a shared spoon .
At least two priests have already tested positive for Covid-19 .
But the Easter midnight service went ahead .
Parishioners were welcomed at Tbilisi 's Sameba Cathedral despite a curfew .
The country 's health authorities have pleaded with people to listen to the science for the sake of their country .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

It will however be distributed to the homes of believers who request it. President Klaus Iohannis appealed to Romanians to give up on the idea of having their loved ones close to them, in order to prevent the spread of the virus.


bbc--2020-04-18--Sahar Tabar: Jailed Iranian Instagram star 'has coronavirus'

An Iranian Instagram star has contracted coronavirus in prison , her lawyer says .
Fatemeh Khishvand , better known by her Instagram name Sahar Tabar , came to fame after posting photos in which she resembled what has been described as a zombie version of Angelina Jolie .
Ms Khishvand was arrested in late 2019 for crimes including blasphemy and instigating violence .
But the head of the prison where she is being held denied she was infected .
`` The news released by the lawyer of Fatemeh Khishvand is not true and I deny it , '' Mehdi Mohammadi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's prison , told Iran 's ISNA news agency .
Iran has suffered the highest coronavirus death toll in the Middle East , with new figures announced by a health ministry spokesman on Saturday bringing the total to more than 5,000 .
However , there are fears the true number could be much higher .
Ms Khishvand 's lawyer Payam Derafshan wrote an open letter to Iran 's judiciary , which he posted on his Instagram account .
He said he had been told by Ms Khishvand 's mother that his client had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prison after displaying symptoms of the virus .
He added that Ms Khishvand - who was , he said , a minor when the `` crimes '' were committed - had not been eligible for temporary release because her case was still being processed .
In March , Iran released 85,000 prisoners - including including British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe - in a bid to stem the spread of the virus .
Ms Khishvand made international headlines in 2017 when her heavily edited Instagram photos went viral .
Her account has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users voiced concern amid reports she had undergone as many as 50 cosmetic surgeries , she told Russia 's Sputnik News that the images were the result of `` Photoshop and makeup '' .
She joined a long list of online Iranian influencers who have fallen foul of the law .
In 2018 , a teenager was arrested after posting videos of herself dancing online .
The same year , an official in the city of Mashhad was arrested after footage emerged showing a crowd of men and women dancing at a mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were arrested for Zumba dancing in 2017 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Iran has suffered the highest coronavirus death toll in the Middle East, with new figures announced by a health ministry spokesman on Saturday bringing the total to more than 5,000. However, there are fears the true number could be much higher.


bbc--2020-04-18--Hong Kong: High-profile democracy activists arrested

Police in Hong Kong have arrested 15 of some of the city 's most high-profile pro-democracy activists .
The group includes 71-year-old media tycoon Jimmy Lai as well as a number of prominent lawmakers .
They are accused of organising , taking part in or publicising unauthorised assembles during last year 's mass protests in the Chinese territory .
They are due to appear in court next month .
• The background you need on the Hong Kong protests The government has not explained the high-profile arrests but they come days after Beijing 's most senior official in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with dissent .
Before the coronavirus outbreak , Hong Kong had witnessed almost weekly demonstrations against a proposal to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland .
While that was later abandoned , the protests morphed into demands for greater democracy and less control from Beijing , and anger against the government remains .
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai runs the Apple Daily newspaper , which is frequently critical of the Hong Kong and Chinese leadership .
Mr Lai , who was estimated by Forbes in 2009 to be worth $ 660m ( £512m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year on charges of illegal assembly and intimidation .
Democratic Party founder and barrister Martin Lee , 81 , was another prominent figure to be detained .
The 81-year-old - who is known as the father of Hong Kong democracy - said he was `` very much relieved '' by his arrest , according to AFP news agency .
`` For so many years , so many months , so many good youngsters were arrested and charged , while I was not arrested .
I feel sorry about it , '' he @ @

The government has not explained the high-profile arrests but they come days after Beijing's most senior official in the city called for a new security law to deal with dissent.


bbc--2020-04-18--Thomas Thabane: Lesotho's PM sends army into streets

Lesotho 's prime minister , who is accused of murdering his estranged wife , has deployed the army on the streets to `` restore order '' .
In a TV address , Thomas Thabane accused unnamed law enforcement elements of seeking to undermine democracy .
The decision comes a day after the constitutional court ruled against his decision to suspend parliament .
The prime minister has so far resisted pressure to resign over the killing of his then-wife Lipolelo Thabane in 2017 .
The case has shocked many in the small landlocked kingdom , which is entirely surrounded by South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart of Lesotho 's murder drama • A murder mystery , the prime minister and his estranged wife The prime minister was involved in bitter divorce proceedings with his estranged wife Lipolelo when she was shot dead three years ago .
Two months later , Mr Thabane married his current wife Maesaiah , with whom he was living at the time of the murder .
Maesaiah Thabane was charged in connection with the killing in February and has since been released on bail .
Mr Thabane 's own lawyers have argued that as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution and can not be charged with murder .
The case has been referred to the High Court , which will be sitting as the Constitutional Court when it decides whether the case against Mr Thabane can proceed .
The 80-year-old prime minister has previously said he will step down in July , resisting pressure from his own party to leave office immediately .

Mr Thabane's own lawyers have argued that as prime minister he should be immune from prosecution and cannot be charged with murder. The case has been referred to the High Court, which will be sitting as the Constitutional Court when it decides whether the case against Mr Thabane can proceed.


bbc--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: The view from my window

Coronavirus: The view from my window

Like many of us , photographer Jemima Yong is spending a lot of time indoors due to the restrictions caused by the spread of coronavirus .
But she has been drawn to document a small piece of land outside her London home .
Here , Yong talks about her work , entitled Field 2020 .
`` During the lockdown , I have been working from home at a desk by the window where the sunlight comes in .
`` I ca n't help but notice every now and then what is going on outside .
`` From here , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their precious outdoor hour - exercising , walking their dogs , or simply playing - except on their own or in small groups because of social distancing .
It is within this new distance that a story of solidarity can be read .
`` Typically , I work in the theatre photographing and creating performance .
`` I am drawn to the ways in which photographs can capture the intangible - relationships , atmosphere , the essence of things .
I seek out the spaces in between people that evoke a sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of seeing is turned outwards onto everyday life .
`` I began to photograph the activity on the field in black and white to abstract the images , drawing attention first to textures , lines , shapes , gestures , and then to the space and its meaning .
`` As I made more photographs , a visual pattern began to emerge of people alone together , energetic and active because of or - in spite of - their solitude .
`` Distance is the subject , perhaps more so than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am photographing a social change much more than I am individuals .
`` The green is not large , yet people have been respectful of each other 's expanded personal space .
`` In a dense city like London , it is hopeful to see my community able to share a scarce resource in a sort of unspoken solidarity : a portrait of a collective adapting to a new normality . ''

"From here, I can see a green where some spend their precious outdoor hour - exercising, walking their dogs, or simply playing - except on their own or in small groups because of social distancing. It is within this new distance that a story of solidarity can be read.


bbc--2020-04-18--The internet has fun with the BBC News theme tune

As part of their lockdown entertainment , people have been sharing videos on social media of their takes on the @ @ @ @ @

As part of their lockdown entertainment, people have been sharing videos on social media of their takes on the BBC News theme tune.