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The promise of banking umbilical cord blood
Private cord blood banking is booming around the world – but would it be better to set up more public banks as the uses for umbilical cord blood increase? In 2019, Praveen Gudipati and Ramya Raj, a couple based in Houston, Texas, gave birth to their first child, Kiaan. Before he was born, they made…
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Rajasthan: India’s gig workers see hope in new state law
Getty Images By Cherylann Mollan BBC News, Mumbai Gig workers in India are celebrating a small but significant victory in their ongoing fight for labour rights and better working conditions. The work is gruelling, hours are long, the pay is meagre and there’s no job security or access to basic rights like paid leave, insurance…
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Niger’s coup leader General Tchiani: The ex-UN peacekeeper who seized power
ORTN By Paul Melly Africa analyst Once involved in peacekeeping efforts in war-hit countries, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has now triggered a major crisis in West Africa by staging a coup in Niger. Low-profile and hitherto little known outside his immediate circle, he was the commander of Niger’s presidential guard until he emerged from the shadows…
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How indigenous conservation protects Canada’s environment
In Canada, centring conservation with the country’s indigenous peoples is allowing its original stewards to reconnect to their land and culture – and proving remarkably effective. Every year, when the frozen streams have melted and greenery emerges after months of winter stillness, Dolcy Meness knows it’s time. Packing their truck, she and a colleague set off…
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Ukraine war: Russia still gets key war kit despite sanctions
Reuters By Paul Adams BBC Diplomatic Correspondent On Tuesday, the UK government announced what it described as the “largest ever UK action” targeting Russia’s access to foreign military supplies. The sanctions included businesses and individuals in Turkey, Dubai, Slovakia and Switzerland. The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said the measures would “further diminish Russia’s arsenal and…
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Where people have to choose between food or home insurance
Getty Images By Natalie Sherman & Brandon Drenon BBC News As extreme weather events multiply, home insurance providers in the US are rapidly raising rates – or quitting the business altogether – forcing many into severe financial distress. Gretchen Bradford decided this year not to pay for home insurance. The 59-year-old has lived her whole…
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Russian convicts released to fight with Wagner accused of new crimes
Joint Press Service of Krasnodar Regional Courts By Arsenii Sokolov, Tim Whewell & Nina Nazarova BBC World Service A prisoner believed to have been released early to fight with Wagner mercenaries in Ukraine has been accused of committing a double murder in Russia after returning home from the war. Demyan Kevorkyan, who was given an…
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Is AI a threat to the world of fabric design?
By Stephanie Power Technology reporter Last year my partner and I thought it would be funny to send Christmas cards designed by artificial intelligence (AI). So we went to one of the AI-powered websites that create pictures from a text description. We asked it to draw a springer spaniel going down a hill on a…
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Football referees: Why should I be abused for 90 minutes?
IFA By Ali Gordon BBC News NI From being pushed, to threatening behaviour and sexist abuse, two female football referees have spoken out against the violence they endure. Maria Creaney, 37, and 16-year-old Halle O’Brien are being supported by the Irish Football Association’s (IFA) Catch Yourself On campaign. Last year Maria had to abandon a…
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Last-minute summer holiday bookings rise as Brits flee rain
By Ez Roberts Business reporter, BBC News School holidays are in full swing but it can be hard to believe this is peak summer for anyone who finds themselves on a UK beach. Record rain has struck the UK, leading to a rise in last-minute holiday booking, travel agencies report. One of these last-minute bookers…