Crete wildfire: rapidly spreading blaze threatens holiday beach resorts

A huge wildfire is spreading through the Greek island of Crete, fuelled by strong winds.

The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon near Lerapetra, and so far, at least 1,500 people from villages, tourist resorts and coastal hotels have been evacuated.

It comes as a scorching heatwave grips the European continent, with temperatures reaching over 40C degrees.

The Royal Society’s free Summer Science Exhibition is back for another year.

One particular entry to this year’s exhibit is London-based Drake Music, and their technology, titled PhotoSynth, which, powered by machine learning, allows users to create music from facial expressions.

We hear from the CEO of Drake Music, Sally Currie.

Plus, vanilla, the universally popular flavour which is used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, could be under threat due to climate change.

Also in this episode:

-Microsoft: layoffs across gaming division.

-Japanese island experiences 900 earthquakes in two weeks.

-A new interstellar object is moving through our solar system.

-And finally, Sophie Ellis-Bextor says AI cannot copy human connection in music.

If you have been affected by the wildfires in Crete, get in touch by emailing megan.howe@standard.co.uk

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