Author: BBC World Service

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Science In Action - Vera C. Rubin Observatory first images

A spectacular new 10-year telescopic survey of the universe gets underway in Chile. Also, a project to create human chromosomes completely synthetically.

Almost three decades ago Tony Tyson (now of UC Davis) and colleagues were standing in the control room of the world’s biggest (at the time) digital astronomical camera. It was 3am when he suggested astronomers could do better.

This week, the Vera C Rubin Observatory unveiled first images from the telescope he envisioned. Unprecedented in so many ways, expect many discoveries to come from this unique machine.

Another ambitious project known as SynHG kicks off this week, on the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first draft of the human genome, with a plan to develop the technology to potentially create a whole synthetic version. Jason Chin of MRC Laboratory of Molecular Laboratory in Cambridge and colleagues will be extending their previous work in synthetic biology to human DNA, whilst Joy Zheng of the University of Kent will be running a parallel project examining the ethical side of the objectives, and possibilities.

Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alex Mansfield Production Coordinator: Jazz George

Photo Credit: NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory

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Newshour - Iran’s supreme leader delivers first video message since US strikes

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei has said the United States gained nothing from its attacks on the country's nuclear sites. Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first video statement since the end of the conflict, said it had been little more than showmanship by President Trump. The Iranian leader has been in hiding since Israel launched its attacks. He also said future attacks against Iran would come at great cost. Also in the programme: Research that would enable scientists to build human DNA from scratch; and a new beach resort for tourists- North Korean style. (Photo: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a video message to the nation. Iran, 26 June 2025. Credit: Abedin Taherkenareh /EPA/Shutterstock)

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Focus on Africa - Youth-led protests erupt in Kenya

People from Kenya’s growing Gen Z movement hold protests demanding justice and police accountability. We ask whether the police is acting on behalf of the Kenyan government. The protests marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations.

Also in the programme: a quarter of a century after their land was seized, a small group of white farmers in Zimbabwe accept a controversial compensation deal from the government.

And why food drops in South Sudan conducted by a American company called Fogbow are proving so controversial?

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Charles Gitongo and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Gabriel O' Regan Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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Newshour - President Trump: “We’re going to meet with Iran”

President Trump says the United States and Iran will hold a meeting next week, but that they do not need to sign an agreement. He also denied reports that the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities failed to finish the job. We hear from the BBC's Lyse Doucet, who's in Iran, and ask what chance there is that new negotiations could work.

Also in the programme: in Kenya, there are reports of several people having been killed and more than 400 injured at events marking the first anniversary of protests against attempts to raise taxes; and where old rockers go to roll - Rod Stewart on taking the tea-time slot at the Glastonbury Festival.

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Newshour - NATO meets for ‘consequential’ summit

NATO leaders have been meeting in the Netherlands at a time when President Trump's 'America First' policies have strained the transatlantic alliance. We listen to some of President Trump's comments and ask what they might mean for the defence of Europe. Also in the programme: our Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet reports from the Iranian capital, Tehran; and an interview with British rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, who will be playing at the Glastonbury Festival this month.

(Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump at a press conference at the NATO summit; Credit: REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw)

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Focus on Africa - Chad: A rise in intercommunal violence

A new bout of intercommunal violence in Chad, has left more than 40 people dead, according to the Chadian Government. This includes women and children. What's behind the recent rise in violence?

Also, the border town of Zalambesa re-opened after years of tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Will it stay that way?

And we discuss the mixed reviews of Tyler Perry's latest movie, Straw.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Joseph Keen, Nyasha Michelle, Alfonso Daniels and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi