Author: admin@primenews

Australia’s most-watched TV network has denied accusations it paid for sex workers and illicit drugs to secure an interview with an alleged rapist. A former Seven Network producer, Taylor Auerbach, made the allegations while giving evidence in a defamation case. Bruce Lehrmann is suing another channel, Network 10, over what he says are false claims he raped a colleague. Seven has faced intense scrutiny over its exclusive with Mr Lehrmann but says it “acted appropriately at all times”. “Seven is appalled by the allegations made in recent days. We do not condone the behaviours described in these allegations. They do…

Ronda Rousey says she hid “concussions and neurological injuries” for years during her trailblazing run as UFC bantamweight champion. American Rousey, 37, became the first woman to join the UFC in 2012, defending her title six times before defeat by Holly Holm in 2015. Rousey says the loss caused her to “self-assess” her career for the sake of her long-term health. “It’s hard to look at footage of that match,” Rousey told BBC Sport. “Because I can literally see in my eyes I’m suffering from a neurological injury decades in the making. “It [ticks] me off when people see that…

UK scientists say they have found a new cause behind much of the damage asthma causes. Cells lining the airways are squeezed to destruction during an attack, their research shows. And drugs to prevent this, rather than manage its aftermath, might break the cycle of harm, the Kings College London researchers told the Science journal. The airways of people with asthma are sensitive to triggers such as pollen, pets and exercise. They become inflamed or swollen, causing symptoms including coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Existing drugs or inhalers can reduce this inflammation and help keep the airways open. But repeated attacks can cause…

The tiny, tweezer-like set of metal jaws was in place. Gently gripping the patient’s gall bladder. But the grasping device was not physically connected to anything – it appeared to be levitating inside the person’s body. In reality, the jaws were being controlled remotely by a robot arm wielding a special magnet. “We could see the critical structures, the blood vessels,” says Dr Matthew Kroh of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. It wasn’t long before he had removed the troublesome gall bladder with the help of his robotic assistant. This was one of two dozen or so similar surgeries he…

Google, the search engine used by more than a billion people around the world, is reported to be considering charging for premium content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The company, owned by Alphabet Inc, is said to be revamping its business model and looking at putting some of its core product behind a paywall. It would be the first time Google had charged for any of its content. Google said it did not have anything to announce “right now”. According to the Financial Times (FT) it is said to be looking at whether to add certain AI-powered search features to…

The hard rock band Kiss has sold its back catalogue of songs to a Swedish music investor for a figure thought to be upwards of $300m (£237m). Stockholm-based Pophouse Entertainment also bought the group’s brand, likeness and intellectual property. The sale marks the band’s retirement from live performances on their End of the Road World Tour. Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen have also sold their back catalogues for multi-million dollar figures. Both artists sold to big music houses for $500m (£395m) and $450m (£355m) respectively. Although details of the Kiss deal have not been revealed it is understood to be…

Boeing has paid $160m (£126m) to Alaska Air to make up for losses it has so far suffered following a dramatic mid-air blowout in January. Alaska said the money would address profits lost in the first three months of the year and it expected further payouts in the months ahead. Regulators temporarily grounded nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9’s after a door plug fell from an Alaska Air plane shortly after take-off. Thousands of flights were cancelled. However, a law firm which is representing some of the passengers on the Alaska flight has criticised the move. “Apparently, Boeing thinks it…

GPS is being blocked across swathes of Israel in order to disrupt missiles and drones, as tensions rise with Iran. Iran has vowed to respond after a strike on its consulate building in Syria on Monday – which Israel was widely believed to be behind – killed 13 people, including a senior general. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also announced it was halting all leave for soldiers serving with combat units. It comes a day after reservists were called up to bolster air defence units. Israeli authorities seem to believe an Iranian response is imminent and could come as soon…

One person was killed and three others were injured after part of a crane fell from a building in the US city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Crews were in the process of increasing the crane’s height when a section of it came loose, officials said. Pictures from the scene show the huge metal structure fell onto a car that was driving across a bridge, crushing the front of it. A construction worker died after falling with the crane section. Two of those injured were taken to hospital while a third was treated at the scene. Officials said the collapse happened…

Argentina is facing an insect repellent shortage as the country prepares for its worst-ever dengue season. Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that can be deadly, or cause serious illness, in some cases. A vaccine for dengue has been developed but its rollout is still in early stages and most people still rely on preventative measures to avoid the virus. Residents report that it is almost impossible to buy repellent. Many supermarkets and pharmacies have displayed “no repellent” signs, and in the few places where it is still available, especially online, resale prices are astronomical. The government has attributed the problem…