UK News: Quarter of youngsters expected to live to 100

MORE than a quarter of children aged 16 and under today can expect to live to see their 100th birthday, according to government figures.

Some 3.3 million of the youngsters are set to become centenarians. In total, it is predicted that 11 million people currently alive will reach the landmark.

Family budgets stretched

FAMILIES are 10 a week worse off than a year ago as increases to the cost of living continue to outstrip pay rises, research indicated today.

The typical household had 172 a week left in March after meeting all essential outgoings, 5.6 per cent less than 12 months earlier, according to supermarket Asda.

Research reveals MS link to virus and lack of sun

MULTIPLE sclerosis (MS) may be linked to the combined effects of a viral infection and not getting enough sun, research suggests.

A study found that, together, the two factors accounted for 72 per cent of variations in MS occurrence across the UK.

Levels of sunlight exposure alone explained 61 per cent of the difference between high and low rates of MS.

Previously, it was known that people with a history of glandular fever were more at risk of MS.

More students face top fees

TWO more universities have announced they will charge students the maximum tuition fees of 9000 a year.

Lincoln University and Hull University join a growing list of institutions which intend to set their fees at the top level.

MPs voted to raise tuition fees to 6000 from 2012 at the end of last year, with institutions allowed to charge up to 9000 only in "exceptional circumstances".

Brown's church 'flirtation'

TV illusionist Derren Brown has revealed that he "flirted" with a fringe evangelical Christian movement which tries to "cure" people of their homosexuality before he came out as gay. The star, 40, has filmed a show exposing the "scam" behind so-called miracle healing in the church.

London: Police have been scouring London for explosives and hidden weapons in the run-up to the royal wedding. Officers inspected drains, lamp-posts and traffic lights in Westminster to ensure the big day is trouble-free.

Keele: Swearing after injury may be good for your health, new research suggests. Scientists from Keele University found that letting forth a volley of foul language can have a "pain-lessening effect," testing the theory by having students place their hands in a bucket of ice cold water while swearing repeatedly.