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Earth sized planets that could harbour life roam the darkness of space - between the stars, according to new research. The wandering worlds - known as 'free floating' or 'orphan' planets - have been detected for the first time. They cross the Milky Way without companion planets or even a star - and there are probably billions out there. And despite having no sunlight organisms could survive in hydrothermal vents - opening up more opportunities in the search for extra...

The short answer is, we don't know. Fox was asked about whether he would eat chlorine-washed chicken after a UK-US trade deal was agreed. The international trade secretary, had just finished his speech on trade in Washington, when he was asked if he fancied eating some of this chemically treated poultry. He said: "In a debate which should be about how we make our contribution to global liberalisation and the increased prosperity of both the UK, the US and our trading...

Drinking alcohol improves memory for information learned before the drinking episode began, new research has found. In the University of Exeter study, 88 social drinkers were given a word-learning task. Participants were then split in two groups at random and told either to drink as much as they liked (the average was four units) or not to drink at all. The next day, they all did the same task again – and those who had drunk alcohol remembered more of...

"Shrinkflation" is dwindling UK consumer products, with 2,529 products reducing in size over the past five years. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) coined the term to describe products that shrink in size but are being sold for the same price. Chocolate bars,  toilet rolls, coffee and fruit juice are all among the 2,529 products now being sold in smaller packet sizes, with 614 products getting larger between 2012 and 2017. The ONS said the phenomenon of shrinkflation had not had an impact...

44 female BBC stars pen open letter to Tony Hall after gender pay gap reveal, which has shocked many in the media world and beyond. The women of the BBC have signed an open letter stating that they would like Tony Hall to sort the gender pay gap now. Read the full letter, below. Dear Tony, The pay details released in the annual report showed what many of us have suspected for many years … that women at the BBC...

A 20-year-old man died after swallowing "an object" as he was chased by police into a late night store in east London. Scotland Yard said they chased the man into the shop on Kingsland Road in Hackney after stopping a car at 1:45am on Saturday morning. Yours Locally convenience store, Hackney. The youth went into the Turkish-run Yours Locally convenience store where he was seen by police "trying to swallow an object". CCTV footage taken from one of the store's...

A drunk man broke into his partner's home and attacked her because she had voted 'voted Labour at the election' days before. The shocking attack led to jail time for the perpetrator. Prosecuting Stephen Parker said Cochrane slapped and punched Ms Greenwood and squeezed her cheek before saying: "That's what you get for voting Labour." Ms Greenwood tried to leave the house but Cochrane blocked her path to the front door and said: "I am going to kill you." Burnley...

A tiny school where children tell on teachers for leaving the lights on has been named the most eco-friendly in the country. Polesden Lacey Infant School, which has just 90 pupils, beat more than 780 schools across the country to win the coveted environmental award. Polesden Lacey Infant School Oakdene Cl, Great Bookham, Leatherhead KT23 4PT, which has won a national award and has been named as the Green School of the year. Head Teacher Rosie Keedy pictured with children...

A primary school was in chaos today after the entire teaching staff QUIT. Sixteen teachers - including two heads and a number of staff with more than 20 years' service - have left since the start of the year. Many teachers have previously been signed off for stress with the final seven members of staff leaving as the summer term ended today. Union reps and insiders are blaming the leadership at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School for the...