Creating usernames

Coronavirus vaccines that have been tweaked to deal with new variants of the disease will be fast-tracked for authorisation, the UK regulator has said. According to new guidance, manufacturers must provide robust evidence that the modified jab triggers an immune response, but lengthier clinical studies that don't offer data on safety or effectiveness won't be required. Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Hancock: 'We must be vigilant on variants' The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says researchers are now in a better position to measure immunity against COVID-19 by monitoring antibodies after vaccination. It claims this will "significantly reduce" the amount of time it takes to get a tweaked jab approved and ready for use. Advertisement And it also means the three-phase safety trials required for the original coronavirus … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Vaccines tweaked to deal with coronavirus variants to be fast-tracked by regulator

THE NEW Covid vaccine app is being trialled in the next two weeks on routes between London and Singapore, with hopes to launch more widely soon after. Created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the app, which will store evidence of a negative coronavirus test as well as proof of vaccinations, has raised hopes of summer holidays resuming. Nick Careen, the industry trade body's senior vice president for airport passenger cargo and security, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that "quite a few" governments have shown an interest in the app. Asked whether UK passengers would be able to use paper records as proof of vaccination or would need to upload digital evidence, Mr Careen said: "The chances are it will be a combination of the two. "Speaking specifically for the UK, there have been discussions and there have been some announcements in terms of digitising, and there is a digital record through the NHS of your vaccination regardless of how it is being … [Read more...] about Boost for holidays as new vaccine passport app for international travel launches in next two weeks

A glass box, 25 square meters (269 square feet) in size, contains a toilet, a bed, a table and chair and a sink — nothing more. This artistic installation is a replica of a prison cell at the high-security Silivri prison in Turkey and is titled Prison of Though t. Next door, the exhibition titled T he Museum of Small Things is taking place in a part of Berlin's Maxim Gorki Theater. The show features a collection of everyday objects political prisoners may have: a telephone card, a paper airplane, black tea. In video installations, actors explain how each object is used, providing insight into the lives of the imprisoned, their solidarity, as well as their communication with one another — and their hopes. The exhibition was curated by Turkish journalist Can Dündar, along with Hakan Savas Mican. Dündar has been living in Berlin since 2016. He incurred the wrath of Turkish President Erdogan's government after reporting on arms deliveries by the Turkish intelligence service to … [Read more...] about Art in exile: A prison cell as an exhibition venue

Shaggy is best known for his music career, but now the Wasn't Me hitmaker can add travel guru to his CV. Mr Luva Luva has just bagged a gig as Chief Caribbean Officer for Virgin Holidays , which basically involves reviewing luxury resorts, exploring the beaches, taking on watersports and hanging out with the locals. He's started the job already, and has been having a Boombastic time in Antigua, giving us all major travel envy in the process. However, there's a slight hiccup; Shaggy is about to go on tour for his latest album Wah Gwaan?!. The good news? He's looking for a Brit to come and cover for him in his absence. Yep, you can basically step in his shoes and visit the beautiful resorts, relax on those iconic Caribbean beaches , and just immerse yourself in the culture. Responsibilities will include exploring as many beaches as you can, trying out Antigua's best restaurants and bars (including sampling the rum cocktails and black pineapples the island is renowned … [Read more...] about Shaggy becomes Caribbean ambassador and wants a Brit to come and review Antigua

Amazon has changed the new logo of its smartphone app after users said the initial version reminded them of a smirking Adolf Hitler. The sales giant recently ditched its old logo, featuring the familiar symbol of a shopping cart, in favour of a brown Amazon box with a piece of tape with a jagged edge at the top. But combined with the smile-shaped arrow which also forms part of Amazon's branding, the tape looked like it could be part of a face - with what some shoppers thought was an uncomfortable resemblance to the dictator's distinctive moustache. The logo has since been changed again, with the tape now folded over in one corner and straight around the edges rather than jagged. Unlikely comparison: Amazon's first attempt at a new logo for its smartphone app (left) led some surprised shoppers to compare the image to Adolf Hitler (right) One user noticed the dubious logo on Sunday, saying: 'Well it happened.. my Amazon app icon finally updated to the … [Read more...] about Amazon changes its new smartphone app logo after shoppers say it reminds them of a smirking Adolf Hitler