this is bbc news, the headlines. interim trials of a new experimental drug for severe covid suggest it cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by about half. if authorised by regulators, the new drug which is a pill would be the first oral antiviral medication for covid 19. scientists have warned that the scale of deforestation risks turning the amazon into terrain more like savannah with deadly consequences for people in northern brazil. president biden has been trying to persuade democrats to support his one trillion dollar infrastructure bill. he went to capitol hill for a private meeting with lawmakers, saying they d get a deal done at some point. europe s first mission to mercury is expected to reach its destination in the next few hours. the bepi colombo spacecraft will fly by the planet at high speeds taking pictures of the planet.
fully vaccinated australians are to be allowed to enter and leave the country freely from november. it s the first time they will be able to do so without permission since australia closed its international borders in march 2020. scientists have warned that the scale of deforestation risks turning the amazon into terrain more like savannah, with deadly consequences for people in northern brazil. they say deforestation, combined with climate change, could cause extreme heat. lava from a spanish volcano that s been erupting for 11 days is pouring from a newly opened fissure. the wind is blowing toxic vapours released by the lava on contact with the sea back towards the land. president biden has been trying to persuade democrats in washington to support his one trillion dollar infrastructure bill. he went to capitol hill for a private meeting with lawmakers, saying they d get a deal done at some point.