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New fossils provide snapshot of the beginning of complex animals that led to us

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New fossils provide snapshot of the beginning of complex animals that led to us

WASHINGTON (AP) — Newly discovered fossils have given scientists their first real glimpse of when Earth made a crucial transition from plants and unrecognizably simple animals to the complex creatures that took over the world and would eventually lead to us.

And it happened millions of years earlier than researchers thought.

More than 700 fossils found in southwestern China’s Yunnan province offer a window into life from 539 million years ago, during the waning end of the Ediacaran period, a time of simple but strange animals that lived two-dimensionally in the oceans, never going up or down, researchers said.

But a study in Thursday’s journal Science said many of the fossils in this trove are remnants of more complex animals that lived three-dimensional lives, traveling up through the water and eating. Those are traits that had been thought to only spring to life at least 4 million years later in the Cambrian period, during what was called the Cambrian explosion of complex and recognizable animal life.

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“This really is the first window we have into how basically the modern animal-dominated biosphere was formed and developed and came through this weird Ediacaran transitional interlude,” said co-author and paleontologist Frankie Dunn of the Museum of Natural History at Oxford University. “We go from a two-dimensional world, and within the geological blink of an eye, animals have diversified. They’re everywhere. They’re doing everything, and they’re changing biogeochemical cycles. They’ve changed the world.”

The new finds were a short distance from a United Nations Chengjiang world natural heritage site for other fossils in an exposure along a roadside that’s not glamorous, but has different layers “where you can literally walk through time, geological time, in a landscape,” Dunn said. And one of those areas provides a “snapshot” where evolution brings forces together.

Complex animals with symmetry developed

In that spot, Dunn said, the group of fossils includes both bizarre examples of life that existed in earlier periods and disappeared, along with early examples of organisms that would evolve into modern animals. What’s important in those more modern animals are that their bodies are mostly the same on the left and right.

Nearly all of the animal life on Earth now have similar features on left and right sides, as well as a head and an anus. Before the fossils discovered in China, scientists saw traces of this symmetric body type in fossil tracks, but not the critters themselves.

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“Now we know what’s making them because we have those fossils for the first time,” said study co-author Ross Anderson, also of Oxford’s Museum of Natural History.

Help in settling ‘rocks versus clocks’ debate

Until now, there was a conflict in the field of paleontology. Genetic analysis of how fast traits mutated and evolved suggested that humans and starfish had their earliest common ancestor in the Ediacaran period, but the fossils or rocks weren’t there to show it happening, Dunn said. It was called a debate of “rocks versus clocks,” she said.

“What our new fossil site tells us is that actually perhaps the rocks and the clocks are in closer agreement than we thought,” Dunn said.

Emily Mitchell, a paleontologist at the University of Cambridge who wasn’t part of the research, said the new study “makes a huge amount of sense because the Ediacaran contains animals, we know there must have been a transitional stage between them and the Cambrian fauna. But until now we didn’t really have any evidence of this.”

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Some outside scientists, such as Jonathan Antcliffe at the University of Lausanne, questioned whether there’s enough evidence to call these fossils of complex animals, but most experts contacted by The Associated Press felt they were.

Trying to figure out how and why

Now that scientists know when this life explosion happened, they’ve got more questions and some theories.

“I’m really interested in understanding, not just when it happened, which is interesting, but how it happened and why it happened the way that it happened,” Dunn said. “So whether there are feedbacks that we can disentangle between Earth and life or between life and life. Once you have Ediacaran on the sea floor, is it inevitable that you’ll end up with something approaching a Cambrian explosion? They’re the kinds of questions that I find really interesting.”

Life on Earth started 3 billion years ago, but it took another 2.4 billion years before complex animals developed. Then they multiplied, diversified and took over rapidly, Dunn said.

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That’s probably because Earth had to build up oxygen levels high enough and evolution had to kick in with genetic changes, said University of California at Berkeley paleontologist Charles Marshall, who wasn’t part of the research.

Marshall said, “The Cambrian explosion was sudden because of the already rich developmental system that was in place.”

“What fundamentally changed across this period is the way the animals on the planet interacted with each other,” said Duncan Murdock, curator of Oxford’s museum, where many of the authors work. “Once animals turned up and started eating each other and churning up the sediment, they changed the planet forever. And the planet that we live on is very much built on the foundations from the Ediacaran and Cambrian.”

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Associated Press journalist Siobhan Starrs contributed from London.

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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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How much prize money do Arsenal FC earn for winning Premier League title?

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How much prize money do Arsenal FC earn for winning Premier League title?

Arsenal have ended 22 years of hurt by winning the Premier League title, and with it earning a huge financial windfall.

After three years finishing as runners-up, Mikel Arteta and his squad finally got over the line – and with one game to spare.

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Person injured after falling from cliff edge in Skipsea

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Person injured after falling from cliff edge in Skipsea

They were left injured after falling from the cliffs at Skipsea, south of Bridlington, at 8.30pm on Saturday, Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team said.

The coastguard and paramedics were called to the scene.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said its crew was lowered onto the cliff face to reach the injured person, then helped lift them to safety on a stretcher.  

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“Although access to the casualty at the cliff base was possible, safely recovering them was another challenge entirely,” they said.

“Using specialist rope rescue equipment, the team established a technical rescue system from the cliff top.

“A coastguard rescue cliff technician was then carefully lowered down the cliff face to reach the injured casualty, package them safely into a stretcher, and carry out their recovery back to the top.

“Thanks to the teamwork, training, and professionalism of everyone involved, the casualty was successfully handed into the care of Yorkshire Ambulance Service and taken to hospital in a stable condition.”

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The coastguard urged people to “keep well back” from cliff edges and to “supervise children and dogs at all times”.

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Which kit will Arsenal FC wear to lift Premier League trophy today?

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Which kit will Arsenal FC wear to lift Premier League trophy today?

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Sunderland vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, latest updates and fan reaction

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Sunderland vs Chelsea FC: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

For Sunderland, the win completes a stellar first season back in the top flight, exactly one year on from the day when they confirmed their promotion from the Championship. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, with expert insight and analysis from Arthur Ferridge.

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Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal FC: Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke on target as champions sign off with win

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Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal FC: Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke on target as champions sign off with win

The Gunners avoided the crippling anxiety of a final-day shootout after Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, and their coronation here, Oliver Glasner’s last home fixture as Palace boss, started with 1,000 Arsenal fans lining Holmesdale Road to greet the champions’ two coaches.

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Ex-PM Rishi Sunak on crutches at Northallerton 10K race

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Ex-PM Rishi Sunak on crutches at Northallerton 10K race

The Richmond and Northallerton MP is normally seen in his running shoes at the annual race, joining hundreds on a route through the town.

Last year he finished the 10k route in a time of 47 minutes and 20 seconds, but this time was on crutches, watching from the sidelines as those taking part faced 24-degree heat.

Rishi Sunak MP attends Northallerton 10k (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Mr Sunak revealed last month he had hurt his leg over Easter while “showing off” to his daughters on the slopes.

Posting on social media after the accident, he said: “Pushed my luck on the slopes this Easter, showing off to my daughters.

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Rishi Sunak MP on crutches (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“I’m already on the mend and determined to keep up with my meetings and constituency work.”

The Northallerton 10K raises money for Pendragon Community Trust, with organisers saying 100 per cent of entry fees are donated to the local charity, which supports people with physical, mental and emotional difficulties and their families.

This year’s Northallerton 10k event was won by Lee Davies.

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Everything we know about Eston ‘murder’ as manhunt continues

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Everything we know about Eston 'murder' as manhunt continues

Police were called to Ayton Crescent at about 11pm on Saturday (May 23) where the victim was found with significant injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 39-year-old woman was arrested after the police helicopter was launched. She remains in police custody while police say they attempt to locate a second suspect.

Police say they are treating it as an isolated incident and there is no risk to the public.

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH/NORTHERN ECHO)

In an update at 6pm police confirmed efforts to locate the second suspect is ongoing.

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A cordon remains in place on Ayton Crescent and Mansfield Road with crime scene investigators working at the scene.

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH/NORTHERN ECHO)

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH/NORTHERN ECHO)

Superintendent Daryll Tomlinson said previously: “This is a fast-moving investigation, and we have quickly made an arrest. I would like to thank members of the public who have come forward with information, as well as the National Police Air Service for their support through the night.

“I would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public. Officers will remain at the scene in Ayton Crescent, and there will be an increased presence in the area.”

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed it attended on Saturday night.

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A spokesperson said: “We received a call at 11.22pm on Saturday to an incident at a private address on Ayton Crescent in Eston.

“Police attended the scene and we dispatched two emergency ambulance crews, a duty officer, a doctor and the Medicar.”

Anyone with information that could assist this police is asked to call 101 quoting reference SE26098497 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers

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Papa Johns shops close after owner’s vile behaviour

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Wales Online

When we asked why his takeaways had shut, Sam Ransom claimed he had just sold them for £850,000. Papa Johns told us a different story

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Pizza chain Papa Johns has cut ties with a man who owned several of its takeaways in south Wales. The shops closed after our court report from last weekend revealed the franchisee, Sam Ransom, had terrorised his ex-girlfriend and her family after she dumped him.

Ransom, 35, was handed a community order after repeatedly sneaking onto the family’s property at night to damage their cars, security lights and other items. We understand he was already on a final warning from Papa Johns following our 2022 report on how he sent vile messages calling one of his teenage employees a “loser”.

The franchisee said he owned Papa Johns shops in Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Newport, and two in Bristol.

After we published the court report, Ransom’s branches were shuttered and barricaded with steel screens by a firm that secures vacant properties.

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When we contacted Ransom for comment, he vehemently denied the closures had anything to do with his court case or with how the Papa Johns head office felt about his offences. The shops happened to be shut that week because he had just sold them for a total of £850,000, he told us, in what he claimed to be purely coincidental timing.

Ransom initially offered to provide us with proof of the supposed sale, but none materialised. And when we ran his claims by Papa Johns, the business gave a rather different version of events.

A spokesman for Papa Johns said: “Mr Ransom’s conduct fell far short of the standards and values we expect of our franchise owners and, as a result, we have terminated his franchise agreement and ended our association with him. The restaurants are temporarily closed as we actively seek new ownership.”

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Last week Ransom was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court after he was found guilty of a theft and criminal damage spree targeting his ex-partner. He was furious about the end of their long-term relationship and decided to cause havoc at her family’s Bridgend home on three consecutive weekends.

One of the victims, the father of Ransom’s ex, watched the sentencing from the public gallery. When Ransom entered the courtroom at the start of the hearing, he gave the dad a long stare and smirk.

Prosecutor Laura Thomas said the woman had been in a relationship with Ransom for around 10 years. After their breakup Ransom turned up at the home on each of the first three weekends of January 2025.

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The spree started with him ripping down a house sign that had been screwed onto the entrance to the property’s driveway. “A replacement sign was put up a few days later and that, again, was taken down and thrown into a river near the house,” said Ms Thomas.

“The defendant and another person entered the driveway multiple times on the evening of January 11. They damaged the lights that edged the driveway leading to the house, and again caused damage to the house sign.”

In that incident, Ransom and his accomplice threw stones at the property, causing damage to a downpipe and dents to the paintwork of a Kia Niro belonging to his ex-girlfriend’s brother.

The following weekend Ransom returned and again ripped off the house sign before turning his attention to his ex-partner’s Toyota Aygo.

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It was night-time and the family were in bed when they heard an “almighty bang and smashing noise”, said the prosecutor. “They called police, petrified, and a neighbour came out to check what was going on. They could see the rear window of the Toyota had been completely smashed. The two bricks that caused the damage were still lying on the driveway.”

Ransom, of Station Road in Nantybwch, Tredegar, pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal damage and one of stealing house signs and security lights, but the magistrates found him guilty of all offences. The victims made an application for £4,043 in compensation for damage.

The court heard Ransom had previous convictions, dating back to 2024, for assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing police. In that case he had received a community order.

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Ransom’s solicitor Declan McSorley said: “My client is particularly hardworking, running a series of businesses from multiple locations across south Wales. He fits his relationships into his work, which is excessive in hours, as opposed to working on relationships.”

Mr McSorley said he agreed with the probation service’s recommendation of a community order. The magistrates decided to follow that recommendation, imposing a 24-month order with rehabilitation activity, 150 hours of unpaid work, and restraining orders protecting the victims for two years each. No compensation was ordered because a civil case is anticipated.

When we approached Ransom for comment, he messaged us from a WhatsApp account with a profile picture that showed US President Donald Trump alongside the words “fake news”.

After he answered our call, we asked if he would like to express any remorse for his actions. He replied: “I can’t because I’m gonna go for a retrial.”

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Ransom claimed he was somewhere else at the time of the crimes. When we asked if he had anything to say on his previous conviction, for assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing police, he said: “I’ve got nothing to say about that one.”

In our 2022 report on Ransom’s previous controversy, we revealed one of his staff – a 17-year-old earning minimum wage – had asked for a free pizza while working an overtime shift only for Ransom to brand him a “loser”, order him to “stop looking for handouts”, brag about his own wealth, and then sack the teen.

If you would like to contact us about a story we should be investigating, email us at conor.gogarty@walesonline.co.uk

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice

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Fulham 2-0 Newcastle: Cottagers end season with a win as Eddie Howe comes in for more scrutiny

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Fulham 2-0 Newcastle: Cottagers end season with a win as Eddie Howe comes in for more scrutiny

This will have been a fitting second-off. Issa Diop’s header after Kevin’s free-kick hit the bar got the ball rolling, Cairney gave the season a rollicking finale with a lovely strike for the second, but whether Silva stays or goes, Fulham go into the summer with much to reflect upon and regret.

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County Durham MP questions Amir Ahmed Bhatti High Court case

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Amir Bhatti loses High Court appeal against Durham NHS Trust

Mark Kelly Foy, the MP for the City of Durham, said that the decision of Amir Ahmed Bhatti to take appeal his ban from clinical practice to the High Court, “leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many”.

Earlier this year, Mr Bhatti, the former clinical lead for breast services at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), asked the High Court to overturn restrictions preventing him from treating patients.

Mary Kelly Foy, City of Durham MP (Image: MARY KELLY FOY MP)

But in a judgment handed down on May 11, Deputy High Court Judge Elizabeth O’Neill ruled the trust was entitled to keep the restrictions in place because of ongoing “serious safety concerns”.

Ms Foy said: “Every single woman and family member of anyone impacted by last year’s breast surgery services scandal within County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust will be pleased to read this news. I’m sure those that I have met will be.

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Mr Amir Ahmed Bhatti (Image: SUPPLIED)

“However, I know the fact that this person is still paid while they’re suspended during the investigation leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many, and the audacity he has shown to challenge the trust’s decision to suspend him from practising speaks volumes.

“I am pleased the High Court agreed with the trust’s decisions, which it said were ‘based on patient safety concerns and ongoing investigations’.

“As the trust attempts to rebuild patient confidence following the failings, I think the new senior leadership should be applauded for showing their clear intention to focus on the importance of patient safety.”

The High Court case forms part of the fallout from a major investigation into the trust’s breast surgery service, launched after external reviews uncovered cases involving “missed cancers, unnecessary procedures and concerns about outdated clinical practices,” in what the report called “decade-long systemic failures”.

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A County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust sign (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Mr Bhatti, who has worked for the trust since 2005, was first restricted from carrying out breast cancer surgery in February 2025 following concerns raised during the breast service investigation.

However, the restrictions were widened in October 2025, preventing him from undertaking any clinical practice, including general surgery, outpatient work and multidisciplinary meetings.

In court, Nicola Newbegin and Annie Davis, representing Mr Bhatti, argued the trust had acted “irrationally” and “failed to properly follow NHS disciplinary procedures”.

They also argued there was no justification for preventing him from carrying out general surgery when the concerns related to breast services.

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In refusing the application, Judge O’Neill said the trust was entitled to take a precautionary approach while investigations remained ongoing.

The University of North Durham Hospital (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The judge concluded there was “no serious issue to be tried” in relation to the trust’s decision to maintain the restrictions and ruled that “the application is refused”.

Mr Bhatti was ordered to pay the trust’s legal costs, assessed at £47,000.

He remains employed by the trust on full pay while the wider investigation continues.

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Responding to the ruling, CDDFT chief executive Steve Russell said: “We note the outcome of the recent High Court proceedings relating to breast surgeon Mr Amir Bhatti, which found in the Trust’s favour.

“The restrictions were introduced by the Trust on patient safety grounds while investigations and patient reviews continue. We continue to believe this was the right action in light of the patient experiences we have heard and continue to hear through the review process.”

Mr Russell added the trust recognised the case may cause “further distress for affected patients and families” and said it remained “deeply sorry for the worry and upset caused”.

He said “significant changes” had been made within breast services over the past year and that improvements were “now leading to better outcomes for patients”.

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Mr Bhatti hasn’t made a statement about the most recent development surrounding the court case, but a spokesperson for the consultant previously said that “serving the best interests of all our patients is of paramount importance” and when things go wrong “, we learn from this and make the necessary changes and improvements”.

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