GERMANY
New Neanderthal theory
Theories about when the last Neanderthals walked the Earth may have to be revised, according to a study that suggests they became extinct in their last refuge in Spain much earlier than previously thought. Previous dating of bone fossils found at Neanderthal sites in the region put the youngest at about 35,000 years. But researchers re-examined the bones using an improved method and concluded that the remains are about 50,000 years old. The study casts doubt on the idea that modern humans and Neanderthals co-existed — and possibly even interbred — because humans aren’t believed to have settled in the region until 42,000 years ago.
CANADA
No more pennies
Canada has started to phase out its penny, the coins that cost more than their one-cent value to produce. The Royal Canadian Mint on Monday officially ended its distribution of pennies to financial institutions. While people may still use pennies, the government has issued guidelines urging store owners to start rounding prices to the nearest nickel for cash transactions.
ENGLAND
Girl continues fight
In her first video statement since she was nearly killed, a Pakistani schoolgirl shot by the Taliban remained defiant in arguing for girls’ education, saying Monday she would keep up the same campaign that led to her attack. Speaking clearly but with the left side of her face appearing rigid, 15-year-old Malala Yousufzai said she is “getting better, day by day” after undergoing weeks of treatment at a British hospital. “I want to serve the people. I want every girl, every child, to be educated. For that reason, we have organized the Malala Fund,” she said in the video.
IRELAND
Test shows horse meat
Ireland’s government announced Monday that DNA testing has confirmed that Polish meat offcuts imported into Ireland and labeled as beef actually contain up to 75 percent horse meat, a discovery made as Ireland’s food-standards scandal forced a second burger manufacturer to shut operations.
Compiled from wire reports.
