Author: SKYNEWS

A cure for HIV could be on the horizon after scientists eliminated the virus from cells in a laboratory.Using a gene-editing tool known as Crispr-Cas, researchers were able to target HIV DNA and remove all traces of the virus from infected cells. Working essentially as scissors, the Nobel Prize-winning technology can cut DNA at certain points, allowing unwanted genes to be deleted or new genetic material to be introduced into cells.The study authors said their aim is to develop a robust and safe Crispr-Cas regimen, “striving for an inclusive ‘HIV cure for all’ that can inactivate diverse HIV strains across…

Campaigners and MPs are calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the Loan Charge scandal – accusing HMRC of “airbrushing” its approach to a harsh tax crackdown linked to several suicides. The Loan Charge Action Group (LCAG) has hit out at the Treasury Committee after it wrote to the tax office requesting information on its approach to contractor loan schemes. These were widely – but wrongly – promoted by employers as HMRC compliant in the early 2000s, and tens of thousands of workers who signed up for them are now facing life-ruining bills for tax on their salaries which their employer…

Kris Jenner has paid tribute to her sister Karen Houghton, who has died “unexpectedly” at the age of 65.The Kardashian star shared the news in a post on social media, along with touching photos of her sibling over the years. Karen was Kris’s only sister and the two were known to have had a complicated relationship.In a tribute shared on Instagram, Kris, 68, said: “It is with the heaviest heart and deepest sadness that I share that my sister Karen passed away yesterday unexpectedly.”My heart aches for my mom MJ and my niece Natalie and I pray that God guides…

Hundreds of high street jobs are at risk after Ted Baker’s British operations veered to the brink of administration.Sky News has learnt that No Ordinary Designer Label, which trades under the Ted Baker brand, filed a notice of intention to appoint Teneo Financial Advisory as administrators on Tuesday. The move is expected to result in store closures and job losses, although the scale of both was unclear.Although jobs are at risk, no redundancies would be announced on day one of the insolvency process, according to a source.Money latest:The story of olive oil’s 110% price rise It comes roughly 18 months…

The final episode of the Hairy Bikers has aired, after star Dave Myers died earlier this month.Myers died at the age of 66 towards the end of February, less than two years after revealing his cancer diagnosis. His death was announced by co-star Si King, who said he was with him when he passed.But the pair’s final show had already been filmed, taking place as Myers underwent chemotherapy.The BBC decided to continue to air the series in tribute to Myers, as it began shortly before he died. Tonight, the final episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, aired in which…

Tesco has lost an appeal in a row with discount rival Lidl over the use of a yellow circle against a blue background in its Clubcard branding.The High Court ruled last year that the UK’s biggest retailer had taken “unfair advantage” of the Germany-based firm’s distinctive reputation for low prices when it brought in the Clubcard Prices discount scheme. However, the judge in the case last April rejected the claim that Tesco had “the deliberate subjective intention of riding on Lidl’s coat tails”.Lidl has traditionally used a yellow circle on a blue background in its main logo.Money latest:Washing powder ‘shrinkflation’…

The Princess of Wales’s doctored family photograph has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation in the UK since it was posted on the royal’s Instagram on Mother’s Day.The photo aimed to quell speculation about Kate’s health since she spent a short period in hospital in January for abdominal surgery, shortly after her 42nd birthday. The princess has since been filmed smiling and looking happy while out shopping with her husband Prince William, but The Sun’s footage came after the edited image prompted far-fetched conspiracy theories – not just here but in the United States as well.Sky News analysis…

The Mais lecture has become a kind of rite of passage for all aspirant chancellors.This annual speech, held at the Bayes Business School in the City of London, was where Nigel Lawson laid out his thinking about reforming the economy in the 1980s. It was where George Osborne provided his plan for his first 50 days in office, where Gordon Brown explained the economics behind his policies.It is, in short, a very big deal.Money blog: Big drop in inflation predicted So the merest fact that Rachel Reeves has given this lecture is, in a sense, a part of the story…

Live music fans are being charged up to 20% extra on the face value price of a ticket by ticketing sites, according to research from Which?The consumer body compared the cost of a ticket to an Anne-Marie concert at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena last November – which had a face value of £45 – between vendors. Which? found that on average, the biggest ticketing sites add around 20% extra to the cost of a ticket but noted “charges can be lower or even sometimes higher than this”.Eventim charged a total of £56.37 after adding a £1.50 processing fee, £2.50 delivery and…

HMRC will close its self-assessment helpline line for almost six months every year, forcing customers to use its online services instead.Taxpayers will be unable to call the tax office from 8 April to 30 September, HMRC has confirmed, meaning people who would previously have spoken to an adviser about their enquiries will now have to self-serve online. The phoneline will close during the same period every year, it added.HMRC said it was taking the step because “around two-thirds of calls” to its helpline were “routine or simple enquiries, which can be resolved online using our digital services, tools and guidance”.It…