UK researchers have homed in on a human gene implicated in thwarting most bird flu viruses from infecting people. Bird flu chiefly spreads among wild birds such as ducks and gulls and can also infect farmed birds and domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys and quails, Reuters said. Although the viruses largely affect birds, they can spill into bird predators, and in rare cases, humans are typically in close contact with infected birds.
NASA is looking to develop resources on the moon that initially include oxygen and water, and eventually may expand to iron and rare earths, and has already taken steps toward excavating moon soil in 2032, a scientist said on Wednesday. The US space agency plans to return Americans to the moon as part of its Artemis mission, including the first woman and person of color by 2025, and to learn from the mission to facilitate a trip to Mars, Reuters reported.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud covered the cost of sacrificial animals for 4,951 people from 92 countries who performed Hajj this year under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday. The gesture is yet another proof of the King's generosity, SPA quoted Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh as saying.
A team of assistants who were close to the late Queen Elizabeth II have been assigned to sort her private diaries and letters, according to The Independent. The team entrusted with the sensitive task of sorting through the late Queen’s private diaries and letters includes former footman Paul Whybrew, nicknamed “Tall Paul” within the royal household for his 6ft 4in stature. Whybrew has been trusted by the King to carry out the job, The Mail reported, with the newspaper dubbing him the “keeper of the Queen’s secrets”.
A Syrian pilgrim’s dream came true after having a pacemaker fitted by the medical team at King Abdullah Medical City Cardiac Center in Makkah, reported the Saudi Press Agency. The pilgrim had suffered from severe chest pain while performing the Umrah, the Ministry of Health said. He was moved to King Abdulaziz Hospital in Makkah when his health condition worsened.