Galaxy

28 Jul 2016

First image of secretive head of Al-Qaeda's Syrian branch Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani, with multi-million-dollar bounty on his head

The first image of the secretive head of Al-Qaeda in Syria has emerged - after years of speculation over his identity.
The face of Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani, the leader of the war-torn country's brutal Al-Nusra, has long been shrouded in mystery.
Although little is known about him, he is one of the most wanted jihadists in the world, with a multi-million-dollar bounty on his head.
Today, a picture of Al-Jolani - who has been head of the terror group since 2012 and uses a nom de guerre - was released for the first time.
It was posted online by Al-Nusra - just hours before the organisation dumped its official affiliation with Al-Qaeda in a groundbreaking decision.
The move means that there are no official Al-Qaeda groups fighting in Syria. This evening, Al-Golani revealed that the group's new name is Jabhat Fatah Al Sham.
In the newly-released image, the terror leader can be seen smiling at the camera, dressed in an Army-print jacket and sporting a long, black beard.
He sat in an ornately-decorated chair for the picture.
Al-Nusra have been locked in a deadly spat with jihadists from ISIS since the two groups split in April 2013.
They have carved out a fearsome reputation for kidnapping and executing captives.
Kyle Orton, a Syria expert and analyst for the Henry Jackson Society said of the release of Al-Jolani's picture: "By finally showing the face of its leader, Al-Qaeda has emphasised to the population that it is a local, accessible force that is 'one of them'."

Women who enter puberty later are more likely to live to the age of 90- Scientists

Scientists found women who start menstruation and experience menopause later in life may have increased chances of surviving nine decades.
The earlier a woman goes through the menopause, the faster her body deteriorates – raising her risk of an early death. 
And experts found those starting their periods over the age of 12 are at less risk of a number of health conditions, such as coronary heart disease.
They were also less likely to become smokers or have a history of diabetes.
Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, according to the NHS. 
The average British woman hits the menopause – defined as the time when her periods have stopped for 12 months – around 50.
However, one per cent of British women go through the menopause before they hit 40, with some girls hitting the menopause after just one period.
Study author Doctor Aladdin Shadyab, of University of California San Diego School of Medicine, said: 'Achieving longevity is an overarching public health goal with so many of us asking "how do I live longer?"
'Our study found women who started menstruation at age 12 or older, experienced menopause, either naturally or surgically, at age 50 or older and had more than 40 reproductive years had increased odds of living to 90-years-old.
'Those who experienced menopause later in life were more likely to be in excellent health overall, which may be a possible explanation for our findings.' 
The new study is the first to evaluate the association of reproductive factors with survival to a specific advanced age, such as 90 years old. 
Researchers tracked approximately 16,000 postmenopausal women over 21 years and found 55 per cent survived nine decades.
But he said more studies are needed to examine how lifestyle, genetics and environmental factors may explain the link between reproductive lifespan and longevity.
He added: 'This study is just the beginning of looking at factors that can predict a woman's likelihood of surviving to advanced age.
'Using my grandfather as inspiration, I am excited to take these results and continue to contribute to the science behind longevity.' 
Earlier this week scientists said the menopause speeds up ageing and raises the risk of an early death.
Researchers from the University of California estimated the biological age of more than 3,000 women, looking for changes to their DNA in blood cells. 
It is already known people with more of these changes are more likely to die at any given time.
They found women who went through menopause earlier had more of these changes.
However, another study published this week found women who go through the menopause earlier or later than average are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes.
The link was particularly strong for an early menopause, with those who have their last period before the age of 46 being 25 per cent more likely to develop the condition in later life.
But a late puberty, followed by an early menopause, ups the odds by almost 40 per cent.  
It is thought the results for early menopause can be blamed on lack of exposure to oestrogen.  
Low levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen are known to fuel appetite and are linked to high blood sugar levels – a symptom of diabetes. 
Oestrogen levels plunge at menopause, and women who go through menopause early will be exposed to less of it over their lives.

This is a free country: As Islamic preacher shouts 'Allahu Akbar' in police officer's face, during tense confrontation

An extraordinary standoff between a policeman and a man preaching Islam in the street has been captured on camera.
During the tense confrontation, which goes on for several minutes, the highly agitated man screams "Allahu Akhbar" in the officer's face.
A crowd gathers as the situation becomes increasingly tense but the Pc eventually tells them the man has "the right to assembly, to stand here and shout and offend."
But he adds: "If his actions go beyond that and he commits a public order offence, then he will be arrested."
As the officer then leaves, the crowd jeers and the man shouts "racist".
The incident in Birmingham city centre appears to have been sparked by an unknown complaint having been made against the man who is wearing traditional Islamic dress.
Clearly upset, he insists that a woman came up and threatened him, rather than the other way around.
He shouts: "Freedom of speech, we're not gonna take your racism any more.
"We're not terrorists, we're not suicide bombers, throw your television in the dustbin!
"This is a free country and we can speak freely in public."

Kendall and Kylie Jenner set to launch new fashion line with Very Exclusive

The youngest offspring of the Kardashian/Jenner klan are at it again.
TV reality stars Kendall and Kylie Jenner are set to launch a new clothing range with Very Exclusive next month.
The full ready-to-wear collection includes statement dresses and co-ord pieces, alongside basics and footwear - and we predict the lace up knee high boots will be an instant hit.
The collection predominately features soft greys and nudes mixed with punchy blues and bold orangey reds tones, and the wearable palette showcases each of the sister's individual styles.
Model Kendall shared how the collection is a reflection of the pair's evolving tastes, stating “This collection is really important to us because it’s a reflection of our point of view in the fashion world today.
"It’s the perfect blend of our individual styles represented in one collection. We’ve matured a lot in our tastes and aesthetics and are inspired by so many people in the industry that creating this line is something we’re really proud of.”
Younger sister Kylie added: “We’re growing and learning with each new line we create. This collection is our most elevated and sophisticated yet. It’s so versatile. There’s something for everyone, no matter your age. Kendall and I are excited to start wearing it and can’t wait to see our friends in it too.”

Kylie Jenner shares the entire painful process as she gets new tattoo on her bum

Kylie Jenner has filmed herself getting her fifth tattoo - on her BUM.
The reality star, 18, documented the entire painful procedure on Snapchat for her dedicated fans to watch, flashing her lacy thong as she stripped off.
While the star is keeping her new inking under wraps, she showed tattoo artist Rafael Valdez hard at work on her new artwork.
We wonder if she'll attempt to rival Cheryl?
According to TMZ, the star has added to her original tattoo which read "Sanity", adding the word "before" so the final inscription reads: "Before sanity".
After getting her first tattoo only a little while ago, it didn’t take Kylie too long to get the bug.
She already has a little red heart on her left arm as well as a matching squiggle on her finger with her BFF.
Kylie also has Kris Jenner’s mum’s name – Mary Jo – inked on her.

Zika Virus: Scientists claim to have identified a vaccine that could stop the epidemic

Scientists believe they are on the cusp of developing a vaccine to protect people from the Zika virus.
Two new studies released today have identified antibodies that halt the infection by binding strongly to it.
The first, by the Washington University School of Medicine, studied antibodies from the Zika virus itself which successfully neutralized African, Asian and American strains of the infection.
Meanwhile University of North Carolina scientists examined antibodies produced by survivors of dengue fever, a similar mosquito-borne virus.
Both discoveries have been hailed as some the most precise investigations into Zika to date as the virus sweeps the world - and threatens to infect millions more before the epidemic burns out.
They have emerged just a day after the US Health Department started the first human trials of another experimental vaccine.
The first study by the Washington University School of Medicine was published in the journal Cell.
It identified six antibodies that bound strongly to Zika virus, and the precise spot on the virus that the antibodies recognized.
Study co-senior author Professor Daved Fremont said: 'Importantly, some of our antibodies are able to neutralize African, Asian and American strains of Zika virus to about the same degree.
'A vaccine designed to elicit similar antibodies might be able to protect people from Zika strains worldwide.'
Testing mice, Professor Fremont's team used a technique called X-ray crystallography to zero in on the binding site. 
They locked the virus and the antibodies into place together - or crystallized them - and visualized the adjacent structures by bouncing X-rays off them.
The two most protective antibodies bound to the same region of the viral envelope protein that covers the surface of the virus. 
Referring to the possibility of making a vaccine from an engineered viral protein rather than the whole virus, Professor Fremont said: 'We think that this piece of the viral envelope protein alone would be able to elicit a protective immune response to Zika.'
He said vaccines made from live weakened viruses are common and effective, but can't be given to pregnant women. 
Pregnancy suppresses a woman's immune system, so a weak virus that safely immunizes most people could make pregnant women ill.
In the case of Zika - where viral infection of pregnant women can cause devastating birth defects or miscarriage - a live-virus vaccine would be unusable, but a protein-based vaccine could be a lifesaver.
The researchers said the antibodies - which protected mice from a lethal dose of Zika in the study - could also potentially be used to treat high-risk patients, such as people with other medical conditions and pregnant women.
But since the antibodies in the study were obtained from mice, they would need to be modified to be more like human antibodies, before they could be used in people.
The researchers also warned that low levels of anti-Zika antibodies - too low to protect against disease - helped the related dengue virus infect cells in a petri dish.
They said people with dengue virus tend to get sicker the second time they are infected, because low levels of antibodies left over from the first infection help the virus invade.
Dengue and Zika are both circulating in tropical parts of the Americas, including Brazil.
The researchers said that it's possible that people who get infected with dengue after Zika - or after immunization with a Zika vaccine - would develop more severe dengue disease.  
But the dengue virus could also offer a cure for Zika, according to a study by the University of North Carolina. 
The study, published in mBio, looked at antibodies produced by survivors of dengue fever and its effect on the Zika virus. 
The technology currently exists to extract these antibodies and provide them to people who may be exposed to Zika now. 
'In essence, a therapeutic treatment using antibodies derived from selected Dengue and Zika virus survivors would protect pregnant women and others from contracting the Zika virus if they came in contact with it,' said the study's principal investigator, Ralph Baric, professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Going forward, the researchers said additional testing would allow further refinement of the therapeutic treatment to combat the inevitable mutations of the Zika virus that will develop as more outbreaks occur.
'Best next steps would be to assess antibody-mediated protection of the developing fetus in a small animal pregnancy model, study the structure of the antibody bound to the Zika virus and see if the ultimate mutations of the virus are weakened by the therapeutic treatment, as well,' Jesica Swanstrom, a postdoctoral researcher, said.

Sunni Muslims came to mass to pray for father Jacques after priest was slain by ISIS fanatics

Muslims of the Comorian community have paid tribute to Rev Jacques Hamel after he was butchered in a French church by ISIS fanatics.
The Sunni Muslims attended Mass among other mourners at the Sacre Coeur basilica in Marseille on Thursday, the same day Pope Francis said the world is at war in the wake of the murder of the priest.
The Pope urged that it is not a 'war of religions'.
The 100,000 strong Comorian community - originally from the Comoro islands near Mozambique and Madagascar - in France is mainly settled in Marseille, but also in Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis and Lyon.
The 85-year-old Catholic priest was slaughtered by ISIS fanatics in a church in the Normandy town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, on Tuesday.
The attack came as France was still coming to terms with the Bastille Day massacre in Nice that killed 84 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.
Religious leaders of all faiths have also come together in the UK to pay their respects to the slain priest.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales issues a joint statement from Muslim leaders and the Cardinal saying:
'Together, as faith leaders, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those affected by the murderous assault that took place today at the Church of Saint-Etienne–du-Rouvray in France.
'We are deeply saddened and shocked by the brutal murder of Fr Jacques Hamel.
'To commit murder at a place where people gather in peace to worship adds another layer of depravity to the violence that we have witnessed over the past weeks. We pray for the courage to respond to all evil with truth, justice, and reconciliation.'

Paul Pogba drops hint he is moving to Manchester United

Manchester United fans might just be about to get excited if they've seen Paul Pogba 's latest Instagram post.
The picture, which is posted in a red, white and black colour palette, could suggest he is leaning towards joining the Red Devils, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The 23-year-old's impending move away has dominated the transfer market and his latest post was even liked by potentially a future teammate in United midfielder Jesse Lingard.
However, Pogba's Instagram post was offset by Pogba also changing his profile picture to him wearing a white shirt, amid Real Madrid 's interest in him.
A photo posted by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba) on

Kim Kardashian shares adorable video of giggling son Saint West

The proud mum shared an adorable video of the eight-month-old baby giggling in his pram on SnapChat, just a day after he was seen at her grandmother MJ's 82nd birthday party.
While she might not have included sound - good one Kim - you can definitely see that little Saint is one happy baby.
The newest member of the family joined the rest of the clan at the birthday bash in San Diego on Monday, including big sister North.
Doting mum Kim carried Saint as they were trailed by cameras for the family's reality show, Keeping Up With the Kardashians on Tuesday.
Unsurprisingly the tot looked like a complete natural in front of the lens and looked the picture of his dad Kanye at one point, when he shook his fist at the paprazzi.

Breast and ovarian cancer can be passed on by men through genes to their children




The sister of a colleague has died from ovarian cancer . The whole family is devastated by their loss, but now they’ve suffered a double whammy.

They’re reeling from the shock of learning that their beloved father had passed on a female gene which probably caused his daughter’s cancer .
They, in common with most families, were under the impression that breast and ovarian cancer genes are handed down from one ­generation to the next via the female line.
And they are – sometimes. Not only that, these cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, besides causing breast cancer are also implicated in ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer too.
Men with either of the faulty genes have a one in 10 risk of developing breast cancer themselves and a 25% risk of prostate cancer.
“It’s important to point out that half of women suffering with genetic breast cancer will have inherited it from their father,” says Gareth Evans, Professor of Medical Genetics and Cancer
Epidemiology at the University of Manchester .
What’s particularly saddening for families is that women could have taken preventative measures if they’d known these female cancers could be inherited from male relatives.
Most families don’t realise that the father’s side can raise their risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
Most women just assume that breast cancer comes down the mother’s line only.
But if these women knew about the connection with prostate cancer in their family, many women would get gene tested and maybe have a prophylactic mastectomy and their ovaries removed.
Professor Evans says it’s vital for women to understand they may inherit the faulty BRCA 1 or 2 gene from both sides of their family.
They should tell their doctor if they have a breast or ovarian cancer history in the family or any male relatives who’ve had prostate cancer, which can be associated with the faulty genes. Pancreatic cancer in a ­relative can also flag up faulty genes.
It works the other way too. Men run a risk of developing prostate cancer if there’s genetic breast cancer in the family.
Male carriers, however, can live long and healthy lives, unaware they can pass cancer genes on to the next generation.
Many cancers could be avoided if families are aware of the male link.
If a parent discovers they carry genes linked to inherited illnesses they have the responsibility to speak to their child, but only after taking advice from a genetic counsellor.

Britain's Largest Family welcome 19th baby and still counting down to number 20

Britain's biggest family have welcomed their 19th baby into the world. largest 
Sue and Noel Radford became proud parents to Phoebe Willow earlier this month.
The 7lb 15oz girl, who was delivered after just a 40-minute labour, joins her nine brothers and nine sisters in the busy family home in Lancashire.
The couple, who run a successful bakery in Morecambe, vowed that they wouldn't have anymore children after the birth of Hallie Alphia Beau 13 months ago
But in January they confirmed that another was on the way.
Following the birth, Sue, 41, told The Sun: "Our friends and family keep saying I should have one to get an even number – so round it off to an even 20.
"I can’t rule it out. At the moment I am happy to have Phoebe with us, she is healthy and a little stunner."
The Radfords raise their huge family without claiming any extra state benefits aside from the regular child benefit.
The pair were childhood sweethearts.
Sue got pregnant with their first child Chris, 27, at the age of just 14.
Along with Chris, they are also parents to Sophie, 22, Chloe, 21, Jack, 19, Daniel, 17, Luke, 15, Millie, 14, Katie, 13, James, 12, Ellie, 11, Aimee, 10, Josh, nine, Max, seven, Tilly, six, Oscar, four, Casper, three and 13-month-old Hallie.
Mrs Radford lost baby Alfie at 21 weeks in July 2014.
Writing shortly after, Mrs Radford, said: "I think losing a child changes you as a person, I'm not the same person I was before I lost Alfie.
"I will never be that person again but I'm learning to live life as an angel mummy and put a smile on my face when there's times I really don't feel like smiling."
The couple also have three grandchildren and were featured on the Channel 4 show, 16 Kids and Counting.
The couple spend an estimated £30,000 a year of their own money bringing up their children - including birthdays with a budget of £100 per child and Christmas at £100 to £250 per child.
They also have a holiday abroad each year.
For breakfast, the family go through an impressive two boxes of cereal and 18 pints of milk.
Noel, 46, and Sue say the original plan was to have three children, but they loved the experience so much that they simply kept going.

Labour MP Toby Perkins Twitter hacked, as he was turned into a 'sexy model' in lingerie

A Labour MP was left red-faced after being transformed into a half-naked 'sexy model' in a Twitter hack.
Toby Perkins scrambled to fix his account today after his photo was replaced with a photo of a model dubbed 'Anna Nelson' and a link to a private webcam.
Complete with a verified Twitter tick, the account then started tweeting photos of a busty model with the caption: "I love to show my body on here."
Mr Perkins said: "I was on Twitter at about 8.30am and everything was fine. Then I sat down for breakfast and started getting phone calls."
The Chesterfield MP insisted he had "no idea" how he'd been hacked.
He joked: "A couple of people thought I'd lost a bit of weight on my holiday but I don't think so.
"It appears the forces of darkness have been overcome but I'm not taking it for granted yet that they won't come back."
Mr Perkins later tweeted: "Apologies for brief break in service, I believe my (temporarily hacked) Twitter account now back in safe hands."

Pope Francis tumbled to the ground as he arrives for Holy Mass in Poland

Pope Francis fell over as he arrived for a Holy Mass in front of millions of people watching around the world.
The head of the Catholic Church was walking towards an altar in Poland when he took a huge tumble and fell straight to the ground.
A group of other priests raced to help the Pope back to his feet just before the service began.
Pope Francis was arriving to celebrate a mass at the southern Black Madonna shrine of Częstochowa to mark the 1,050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland.
Despite the fall, the 79-year-old Pontiff got back to his feet and continued taking mass in front of thousands of people at the venue and millions more watching on live streams around the world.
Pope Francis arrived in Poland on Wednesday and will be in the country touring various religious and cultural locations until Sunday - when he is taken back to Rome.
The Pope arrived in Poland amid the horror attack on a French Catholic priest by ISIS murderers.
Speaking about the attack yesterday he said this and a string of other attacks were proof the "world is at war".

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