Short News

Blind kids read LEGO

A new kind of LEGO bricks help blind children learn the Braille system of reading by touching. Each brick has a number of knobs that represent letters.

Germany to shut down coal

The German government has decided to stop using coal. Over the coming 19 years, the country will replace all 84 coal power stations with renewable energy.

More countries try to quit smoking

Nearly two thirds of the world’s population now live in countries that restrict tobacco use, for example by banning the sale of cigarettes to children.

UK declares climate emergency

The British Parliament has declared a climate emergency, adding pressure for the UK government to ramp up its climate and environmental ambitions.

Less HIV in Nigeria

A recent survey indicates that the prevalence of HIV in Nigeria may be only half of previous estimates. This makes it more feasible to defeat the disease.

DNA solves poop mysteries

In the USA, DNA testing is now being increasingly used to track down dog owners who don’t dispose properly of their dog’s excrement.

Fat parrot breaks breeding record

The world’s fattest parrot species, the endangered kakapo, has had its best breeding season. 147 adults are alive today, but this year 76 chicks have hatched.

Belize triples protected sea areas

The small Central American country Belize triples the size of its protected marine areas. The expansion limits fishing and protects coral reefs.

Rwanda pardons women for abortion

Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame pardons 367 women who were jailed for abortion. However, women in Rwanda still do not have access to free abortion.

Norway’s electric car sale rises

Norway improves its own world record of highest share of electric cars, as electric cars achieved a market share of 58.4 % among new registrations in March.

South Korea lifts ban on abortion

The Constitutional Court of South Korea has ruled to decriminalise abortion from 2020. Abortion has been illegal in South Korea since 1953.

Sudan’s dictator ousted by army

After months of protests, the Sudanese army has removed the dictator Omar al-Bashir from office. However, the protesters continue to demand democratic reforms.