The Know Daily - Monday 3 February 2025

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A brain-connected implant is helping paralysed patients feel objects and shapes. Patients were able to control a bionic arm and detect the sensations of different surfaces, a development dubbed “a major breakthrough” by the team of researchers behind the study.

🛬 Airport expansion

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed her support for Heathrow Airport’s expansion proposal – but what does the plan entail?

Break it down for me.
The West London airport intends to build a third runway, which would allow for an extra 260,000 flights and 140m more passengers annually. It also includes a new terminal building and the demolition of Terminal 3 in order to make space for more satellite terminals and public transport. 

The expansion was given the green light by parliament in 2018, but has been delayed by the Covid pandemic and legal challenges. However, even if the government fully backs the proposals, the planning procedure could take up to 2 years with construction taking another 6 to 7 years. The runway would also lead to demolishing homes in the area, diverting rivers and rerouting the M25 motorway. 

What’s the reaction been?
Environmental groups have opposed the expansion as carbon emissions, air and noise pollution are likely to rise, explained The Guardian. What’s more, independent advisers on the Government’s Climate Change Committee recommended there be “no net airport expansion across the UK”. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also opposes the plans, saying it would undermine the years-long efforts spent cleaning up the capital’s air.

What’s the other side?
Those in favour have noted it’ll be good for businesses and the job market. The growth will “make Britain the world’s best connected place to do business” by linking the UK to emerging markets and destinations that other airports don’t offer, said Reeves. In response to environmental concerns, Heathrow airport said they’re looking at the best options for the runway that’ll be “in line with strict tests on carbon, noise and air quality”.

Is it just Heathrow?
Nope. Other London airports are looking at expanding, and are further along than Heathrow’s, reported the BBC. Outside of the capital, Manchester and Birmingham are undergoing terminal renovations, in a bid to accommodate more travellers.

💰 Money Monday: Tax on wine and spirits sold in the UK increased over the weekend, in a bid to match inflation. Here’s what the change means and how prices will be affected.

🗣️ Security talks: UK PM Keir Starmer will meet with all 27 EU nations today – these are the topics on the table.

🎵 Music’s best: The 2025 Grammys took place this weekend – check out the winners here.

🚘 Smoother driving: Self-healing roads could be the key to stopping the UK’s pothole issue.

🥼 Gene therapy: A “groundbreaking” sickle cell disease treatment has been approved for use by the NHS.

🚆 Night routes: Europe is welcoming a host of new sleeper trains this week, running between Belgium and Italy.

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: The UK’s top 100 restaurants, the best of travel photography and a cheeky approach to required in-person working.

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