The Daily: August 9

Yesterday saw a short break in Team GB's medal rush. The British women's hockey team was knocked out of the semi-finals, losing 2:1 to Argentina. Argentina will now go on to compete against New Zealand in the Bronze medal match on Friday. Yesterday also saw a Saudi Arabian female athlete compete in the Olympics for the first time ever. Although finishing 45s behind the winner, 80,000 spectators cheered her on to the finish line. Today all eyes shall turn to former winner of the 200m final, Usain Bolt, in a bid to retain his title.

Stray hair to reveal possible Van Gogh masterpiece

A three-inch strand of red hair has been removed from what is believed to be a Van Gogh masterpiece. 'Still Life with Peonies' was first found in 1977 in a Belgian attic and now belongs to Cologne art collector, Markus Roubrocks. The DNA test to confirm the match will be carried out against Van Gogh's living relatives. Mr Roubrocks, having inherited the painting from his father, has always been sure of its creator. If a match is to be found it will make Roubrocks a multi-millionaire, with the value of the painting expected to rocket to £39 million.

Stressed men drawn to the larger lady

Research has shown that men in stressful situations are naturally drawn to a wider variety of female body shapes. The results by researchers from London and Newcastle have shown that men rate larger ladies as more attractive after encountering stressful scenarios, such as public speaking and interviews. They believe arguments to suggest that personal BMI preferences are fairly solid is inaccurate, and can fluctuate under different 'environmental conditions'. Evidence has also shown that in areas where food is scarce, men prefer larger builds in their partner, with more relaxed and plentiful surroundings giving the opposite result.

Fossils confirm new human species

Researchers have announced fossils found in Northern Kenya confirm a new species of human existed 2 million years ago. The fossils found are of a face and two jawbones containing teeth. Back in 1972 it was thought that a skull found proved the existence of another species, known as the Humo Rudolfensis. However as the only fossil found, it was difficult to prove. Thus with this new-found evidence, it now believed that three different species of humans have previously co-existed on Earth. These findings add to the growing body of evidence which support a linear evolutionary process, from early primates to the modern humans.

Agatha Christie memorial to be placed in West End

The West End, home to London's theatreland, is to receive an 8.2ft memorial tribute for the much loved crime novelist, Agatha Christie. Planning permission from Westminster Council has granted the £2.5 million bronze cast, and it is due to be erected by the end of the year. Sculptor Ben Twiston-Davies is to create the piece that is to feature a cut-out oval at the top of a book, in which a portrait bust of the author will stand. It will be placed in Covent Garden, which has previously been home to eight theatres that have shown Christie's work.