The Daily: August 8

We scour the news so you don't have to.

Excavation at fire site uncovers history
A fire that broke out almost 10 years ago in Edinburgh has allowed archaeologists to uncover remains of 16th and 17th Century buildings.The fire swept through the Old Town in December 2002, blazing for 18 hours. This latest phase comes whilst the site is being redeveloped, and brings excitement as it allows a more comprehensive history to be built up of the Old Town. Among the ruins most recently uncovered, artefacts such as a bone comb, parts of a gaming board and pottery were have been found.

Studies reveal honesty really is the best policy
A study carried out by Notre Dame University, USA, has found that those who tell fewer fibs will benefit from a higher quality of mental and physical well-being. The research, that was conducted on more than 100 participants, revealed that those who told less lies over the course of 10 weeks also befitted from better relationships. When told to cut down on both white lies and bigger fibs, it was found that honesty also allowed people to thrive more in social situations.

Mosquito plague hits Britain
The wet weather that has hit Britain this summer has bought with it a plague of mosquitoes. High levels of stagnant floodwater provide ideal living and breeding conditions for the unwanted mozzies. Combined with the warm weather, large areas of flooded farmland are receiving the worst influx. The area that has been worst affected is the South West of England, with some residents in Somerset opting to sleep under mosquito nets. Although mosquitoes carry no diseases, it comes as a further blow to farmers who are already struggling with waterlogged land.

Prominent Australian art critic Robert Hughes dies
At the age of 74, highly acclaimed art critic Robert Hughes has died. In Britain, Mr Hughes may be best known for his 1980 BBC television series The Shock of the New which explored the development of art since the impressionist era. He also spent time writing for The Times, Daily Telegraph and Spectator. Originally from Australia, he was known for his dislike of the contemporary art ‘hypermarket’. Hughes died in hospital after battling a long illness.
 
Olympic news
The medal target for Team GB set by the UK Sport fund that finances Britain’s Olympians was yesterday surpassed. Out of our 48 medals, 22 of them are Gold, which beats our 1908 gold medal tally. For every athlete that wins a gold medal, a gold letterbox is painted in their honour in their hometown. Jess Ennis’s tribute post box in Sheffield was vandalised yesterday, but the Royal Mail were quick to paint a fresh layer of golden paint over the top.