By Nikki Main Science Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Published: 22:34 BST, 3 October 2024 | Updated: 18:17 BST, 4 October 2024

A mysterious geyser erupted in a West Texas oilfield on Wednesday, sending salty water contaminated with oil 100 feet into the air.

Responders reported a smell of oil and rotten eggs coming from the geyser, which is a sign of hydrogen sulfide gas.

The fumes are poisonous and are typically present in natural gas deposits and at high levels, exposure can cause shock, convulsions, coma and death.

The geyser was located off of Interstate 20 near Toyah in Reeves County, an area that is known for hydraulic fracturing sites that inject wastewater into the ground.

This comes amid a series of earthquakes that have plagued the region, which experts have suggested are due to fracking. 

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A geyser erupted in Texas on Wednesday that spewed salty water contaminated with oil 100 feet into the air (pictured)

Reeves County Emergency Management responded to the geyser and reported that the toxic fumes coming from the eruption measured 250 parts per million.

The measurement is considered to be a moderately high level and can lead to symptoms like nausea, throat burning, dizziness and headaches.

Oil and gas attorney Sarah Stogner and well control specialist Hawk Dunlap also responded to the eruption and told the Houston Chronicle that the area has been plagued by geyser eruptions, like this one, that stemmed from ‘zombie’ wells. 

A zombie well is an abandoned oil or gas well that leaks toxic waste into the groundwater but can erupt if they aren’t filled properly.

Local officials are blaming the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) for the eruptions, saying the wells should be plugged once they’re no longer needed for hydraulic fracturing.

West Texas has been hit by a recent spate of earthquakes – the strongest of which was a 3.2-magnitude that took place that same day and originated 134 miles away from the geyser in Midland, Texas.

Wastewater injections have been linked to increased seismic activity and in January, the commission suspended 23 permits that allow oil and gas companies to inject wastewater into the ground after it found their practices were causing fault lines to rupture, inducing earthquakes.

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Scientists have attributed the recent spate of earthquakes in Texas to hydraulic fracturing and determined that the increase in seismic activity could be causing the geysers to erupt. Pictured: Hydraulic fracturing locations and injection wells in Texas

Texas is listed as the number one state for hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – and as of 2023, that number had increased to 373,133 active wells. 

Fracking involves miners drilling deep into the earth’s surface and releasing high-pressure water that creates a small explosion to release natural gas and oil that can be used to create energy.

The action brings groundwater to the surface and when it is injected back into the ground, it puts pressure on fault lines, resulting in more earthquakes. 

The RRC told hydraulic fracturing operators last year that it plans to start suspending permits that allowed companies to inject wastewater into the ground, although it has not stated when this would go into effect.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Texas Railroad Commission and Reeves County Emergency Management for comment.

Five more mortgage lenders have today announced cuts to home loan prices.

Barclays, HSBC, Halifax, Santander and NatWest are all making a number of interest rate reductions across various mortgage deals.

It marks the latest flurry of mortgage rate cuts in what is becoming an ever cheaper market for Britain’s borrowers.

Since the start of July, the lowest five-year fixed rate mortgage has fallen from 4.28 per cent to 3.69 per cent.

Battle to the bottom: Barclays, HSBC, Halifax, Santander and NatWest are all making a number of interest rate reductions across various mortgage deals

Meanwhile, the lowest two-year fix has fallen from 4.68 per cent to 3.89 per cent.

Barclays set the wheels in motion this morning when it announced a whole raft of cuts primarily benefiting first-time buyers and home movers, including a number of sub 4 per cent deals for those with the biggest deposits.

Its lowest two-year fix for buyers with a 40 per cent deposit or more, is falling to 3.99 per cent from tomorrow.

On a £200,000 mortgage being repaid over 25 years, that would equate to £1,055 a month. 

For buyers with a 15 per cent deposit, Barclays will be offering a rate of 4.46 per cent, which unless beaten by tomorrow, will be a new best buy.

Barclays says it is also reducing rates across its springboard and mortgage guarantee products aimed at first-time buyers struggling to raise a deposit.

The Barclays Springboard mortgage requires family or friends to help with the deposit.

In this case, the helper provides a 10 per cent deposit as security for five years and it’s placed into a Helpful Start account that earns interest and is returned after five years.

HSBC cuts rates 

Shortly after Barclays, we received word that HSBC is making another wave of mortgage rate cuts.

It says all its residential and buy-to-let deals are being reduced by up to 0.16 percentage points.

HSBC confirmed its two-year and five-year fixed mortgages for both home movers and first time-buyers are reducing by up to 0.25 percentage points.

Its lowest five-year fix for those remortgaging with at least a 40 per cent equity is now priced at 3.83 per cent. 

For those needing a mortgage to cover 70 or 75 per cent of their home’s market value, HSBC’s five-year products come with a £999 fee and are also priced below 4 per cent at 3.99 per cent.

HSBC has also made further reductions in the higher loan-to-value ranges for first-time-buyers, offering 4.16 per cent to those fixing for five years with a 20 per cent deposit. The deal also offers £350 cashback. 

Home movers buying with a 15 per cent deposit can now secure 4.16 per cent when fixing for five-years with HSBC. 

Landlords looking to remortgage buy-to-let investments they hold in their own name, will also have reason to cheer.

Those fixing for five-years can remortgage with HSBC at a rate of 3.99 per cent with a £1,999 product fee if they have at least 35 per cent equity in the property.

On a £200,000 interest only mortgage that would mean paying £664 a month. 

Given the average five-year fixed rate across the entire market is 5.25 per cent, according to Moneyfacts – that could represent a monthly saving of £211. 

Homeowners rejoice: Halifax is cutting its remortgage rates by up to 0.24 percentgage points

Halifax cuts rates

Halifax then followed suit, by cutting mortgage rate on selected products by up to 0.11 percentage points for home movers and first time buyers.

Homeowners due to remortgage will benefit even more, with Halifax announcing reductions of up to 0.24 percentage points. 

The mortgage rates will take effect from tomorrow. 

Nicholas Mendes, technical manager at mortgage broker John Charcol said: ‘The latest round of rate reductions announced by Halifax comes as little surprise, given the broader trend observed in the market over the last few days. 

‘With HSBC and Barclays leading the way with similar rate cuts, Halifax’s move appears to be part of an industry-wide recalibration in mortgage pricing.

‘Halifax’s reduction in rates indicates a targeted strategy to attract both new customers and retain existing ones. 

‘Extending the completion dates on all products also provides borrowers with added flexibility. 

‘The continued repricing across various types of mortgage products reflects the banks’ efforts to enhance competitiveness.’

Santander and NatWest cut rates

Santander and NatWest also announced a wide range of range cuts for tomorrow.

From tomorrow, home buyers and people remortgaging wil see Santander’s fixed rate deals drop by 0.29 percentage points.

It means from tomorrow Santander will offer the lowest five-year fix on the market for home buyers purchasing with the biggest deposits.

All its mortgage rates for new build purchases are also reducing by up to 0.19 per cent alongside all its buy-to-let fixed rates, which are dropping by up to 0.17 per cent.

NatWest, meanwhile is also executing some healthy cuts across fixed rate deals aimed at home buyers, remortgagers and landlords.

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients said: ‘A number of lenders are already in the process of repricing – Coventry’s two and five-year fixes which top the best buy tables at 3.89 and 3.69 per cent respectively are being pulled tonight, while HSBC is repricing downwards today and NatWest and Barclays are repricing tomorrow.

‘Santander is also repricing tomorrow and is likely to top the ‘best buys’ with its new deals – a two-year purchase option at 3.84 per cent for those borrowing 60 per cent loan-to-value and a five-year fix at 3.68 per cent, also at 60 per cent LTV.

‘This ongoing rate war among lenders is great news for borrowers as there are some really compelling deals being launched, which will go some way to helping affordability.’

Will mortgage rates go lower? 

Today’s mortgage rate cuts comes after Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, singalled the central bank could take a ‘more aggressive’ approach to interest rate cuts if the economic conditions allow.

The Bank of England chose to hold base rate at 5 per cent last month, having opted to cut at the start of August. 

‘Following the Governor’s comments, which signalled potential lower long-term rates, markets are likely to readjust their forecasts,’ added Mendes.

‘If the Bank of England cuts the base rate to 4.75 per cent or even 4.5 per cent by the end of this year, it could have a significant impact on mortgage rates across the board.’

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients said a more aggressive approach to rate reductions has been welcomed by the markets

‘With Swaps falling on the back of the Governor’s comments, this should feed through to even lower mortgage pricing,’ said Harris.

By Harriet Sime Deputy Travel Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: 16:53 BST, 4 October 2024 | Updated: 18:14 BST, 4 October 2024

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When dreaming of bargain winter sun, most would look to the shores of South East Asia or the colourful cities of India.

But the South African city of Cape Town has been named as the best-value long-haul destination.

Cape Town beat the likes of Kenya, Egypt and Vietnam in Post Office Travel Money’s annual long-haul holiday costs barometer thanks to a weaker South African rand and a fall in local prices.

Surprisingly, Tokyo came second, followed by Hoi An in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia and Mombasa in Kenya.

The report compared the cost of 10 typical tourist staples – including meals, drinks, sun cream and insect repellent – at 32 popular long-haul resorts and cities.

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The South African city of Cape Town has been named as the best-value long-haul destination

 

Cape Town beat the likes of Kenya, Egypt and Vietnam in Post Office Travel Money’s annual long-haul holiday costs barometer thanks to a weaker South African rand and a fall in local prices

A three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine costs just £33.31 in Cape Town, while the typical price for a cup of filter coffee is £1.63 and bottle of local beer £1.81.

At the other end of the table, Sydney, Australia, was the most expensive city, with tourist staples costing nearly three times more for UK visitors than in Cape Town, with a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine costing £117.

Sydney was revealed to be even more expensive than New York, which came 30th, while all four Australian cities surveyed (Cairns, Melbourne, Darwin) appeared in the 10 most expensive list.

Sydney, Australia, was the most expensive city, with tourist staples costing nearly three times more for UK visitors than in Cape Town

Thankfully, a surge in sterling’s value against most long-haul currencies means that Britons planning winter sun holidays can expect to pay less than a year ago in over half of the destinations surveyed.

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Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: ‘Our research revealed wide variations in the cost of tourist staples across the 32 destinations we surveyed.

‘This means holidaymakers could save themselves a lot of money and make a big difference to the overall cost of their winter sun trip by doing some basic holiday homework before booking to find out where meals, drinks and other staples are going to cost the least.’

Cheap and cheerful: In Tokyo (second), the 10 tourist staples analysed for the study came to just £64.07

Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: ‘Our research revealed wide variations in the cost of tourist staples across the 32 destinations we surveyed.’ Above – Hoi An, the third cheapest city

In Sydney, the basket of tourist staples came to a wallet-emptying £164.92 

Doctors are warning the 1million Americans who visit Thailand every year to avoid a local dish dubbed ‘the world’s deadliest meal.’

Koi pla is made of raw fish ground with spices and lime and ‘just one mouthful’ is enough to cause cancer.

The freshwater fish it is made from are at high risk of being contaminated with parasitic worms known as liver fluke.

Once in the body, these microscopic parasites cause inflammation that damages cells and leads to cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) bile duct cancer.

Boston-based food policy expert and Northeastern University professor, Dr Darin Detwiler, told DailyMail.com: ‘If the fish is harboring the parasite, any consumption of the raw meat can introduce the parasite into the body, leading to infection. 

‘It just takes one mouthful.’ 

Koi pla, made of raw fish ground with spices and lime, is a favourite feast for parasites responsible for deadly liver cancer, doctors warn 

Over past decades, there have been extensive efforts to build awareness around the link to raw fish in a bid to curb rates. 

Other meals made from raw fish, such as pla som, pla jom and pla ra, can also trigger cancer, as they contain the same species of fish as koi pla. 

But despite warnings, a 2023 study found that these dishes are still popular in the northeast part of Thailand, which thankfully is less touristy than the south.

The research, led by Yi-Chen Wang from the National University of Singapore, took surveys in three sub-districts – Ban Kaengt, Na Tan, and Non Phayom – across three provinces in the area. 

A total of 820 questionnaires were obtained, with 66 percent of respondents confirming that they eat raw fish despite knowing about the risks. 

Close to 70 percent of the participants held the correct understanding that eating raw fish could lead to parasitic infection. 

More than a quarter of the participants (28.3 percent) incorrectly believed that other raw foods, such as raw shrimp, raw beef, vegetable and fruit, were also the sources of liver fluke infection. 

One of the major causes of bile duct cancer, which kills 20,000 Thais each year, is a parasitic flatworm native to the Mekong region and found in freshwater fish

When quizzed about the best methods to kill the parasite, 10 percent of respondents incorrectly believed that it could be killed by adding other ingredients, such as vinegar, lime juice, alcohol, or red ants. 

The best way of killing liver fluke is to thoroughly cook the fish before consuming it. 

Fish liver flukes are killed at an internal temperature of at least 145°F or you can freeze fish at -4°F for below for at least seven days. 

For consumers in regions outside Thailand, where raw freshwater fish is less common, the risk is much lower, but Dr. Detwiler told DailyMail.com that it still exists with improper food handling.

He said on the matter: ‘This specific parasite (opisthorchis viverrini) is not common in the US. 

‘However, foodborne parasites from raw or undercooked fish are still a risk, including tapeworms and other flukes. 

‘The parasite that leads to liver cancer in Thailand is predominantly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions where raw freshwater fish dishes are popular.

The best way of killing liver fluke (pictured) is to thoroughly cook the fish before consuming it, or by freezing it 

‘Cases of opisthorchis viverrini infection have been reported in the US – but they are rare. 

‘Infections in the US are typically “imported cases,” meaning the individuals acquired the infection abroad and then developed symptoms later. 

‘Cases are generally linked to individuals who have immigrated from or traveled to regions where the parasite is endemic, such as Southeast Asia. 

‘Specifically, the majority of these cases have been observed among refugees from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, particularly in communities where the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish is common.’

Outside of Thailand, koi pla is not a popular dish and it is very rarely found on restaurant menus.  

The recent study calls for greater education around liver fluke and its prevalence in raw fish. 

It also highlights the need for effective disease control programs, and the researchers noticed that a resurgence of infection was common, once a program ceased. 

They add: ‘The success of a national health control program [in Thailand] greatly depends on community support to implement educational campaigns, promote public awareness, and facilitate individual behavior change.’

Forwards: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Dan Cole (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton), Ben Earl (Saracens), Greg Fisilau (Exeter), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester), Tom Pearson (Northampton), Ethan Roots (Exeter), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath), Tom Willis (Saracens).

Backs: Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).

Rehabilitation: Henry Slade (Exeter), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Luke Northmore (Harlequins).

Not considered for selection: Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), George Ford (Sale), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Will Muir (Bath), Max Ojomoh (Bath), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale).

By Xantha Leatham Deputy Science Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: 15:13 BST, 4 October 2024 | Updated: 17:43 BST, 4 October 2024

Women aged between 40 and 60 get an average of just 6 hours and 36 minutes of sleep per night due to frequent insomnia and night sweats, a study shows.

A poll of 1,000 women in this age bracket reveals the harsh reality of menopause, with broken sleep and joint pain emerging as the two most prominent issues.

Surveyed women reported that they are affected by sleep difficulties and insomnia for an average of 10 days per month.

They said they regularly wake up between 3-4am, leading to severe levels of exhaustion and fatigue.

A fifth of women said the impact of sleep deprivation and other menopausal symptoms has strained relationships, leading to increased arguments with partners or colleagues.

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Women aged between 40 and 60 get an average of just 6 hours and 36 minutes of sleep per night due to frequent insomnia and night sweats, a study shows (stock image)

The report also found women in this age group are managing just 6 hours and 36 minutes of sleep per night – below the NHS-recommended 8 hours.

This means that over two decades, exhausted women navigating the perimenopause and menopause could sleep 17.5 per cent less than recommended, losing the equivalent of 425 days of sleep over 20 years.

The worst-hit are women in their late fifties, averaging just 6 hours and 12 minutes of sleep per night, with one in five regularly getting just 5 hours.

Other common symptoms include feeling emotionally flat, pains in the joints, brain fog and irrational thinking.

The poll, commissioned by sleep-tech firm Simba, also showed that women regularly experience lower libido, general anxiety and heart palpitations during this stage of life.

Lisa Artis, deputy CEO at Simba’s charity partner The Sleep Charity, said: ‘Menopause isn’t just about the odd hot flash, it’s a rollercoaster of physical and mental symptoms.

The worst-hit are women in their late fifties, averaging just 6 hours and 12 minutes of sleep per night, with one in five regularly getting just 5 hours (stock image) 

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‘While many people think of night sweats as the main hallmark of menopause, our research shows women are battling a breadth of symptoms daily.

‘These aren’t just minor inconveniences. 

‘Women could be spending up to a third of their midlife years feeling disconnected from their emotions, battling anxiety and coping with extreme fatigue.

‘And it’s happening month after month. 

‘This is a monumental toll on people’s mental and physical health.

‘The harsh truth is that women are navigating their work, home life, and relationships while managing severe and often invisible symptoms that chip away at their health and wellbeing, which demand greater recognition, support, and effective solutions.’

Selected Simba products have the ‘M-Tick’, a menopause-friendly label designed to help women easily identify products that can support them with symptoms. 

ABOUT CIRCIDIAN RHYTHMS

Our internal circadian rhythms, or circadian clock, is responsible for waking our bodies up in the morning and ensuring they get a good night’s rest.

In a healthy person, cortisol levels peak at around 8am, which wakes us up (in theory), and drop to their lowest at 3am the next day, before rising back to its peak five hours later.

Ideally, this 8am peak will be triggered by exposure to sunlight, if not an alarm. When it does, the adrenal glands and brain will start pumping adrenaline. 

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By mid-morning, the cortisol levels start dropping, while the adrenaline (for energy) and serotonin (a mood stabilizer) keep pumping. 

At midday, metabolism and core body temperature ramp up, getting us hungry and ready to eat.

After noon, cortisol levels start their steady decline. Metabolism slows down and tiredness sets in. 

Gradually the serotonin turns into melatonin, which induces sleepiness. 

Our blood sugar levels decrease, and at 3am, when we are in the middle of our sleep, cortisol levels hit a 24-hour low.