{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/039b783b-a527-4fdf-b3ce-b3c255ad3034/6866814ddd764cf92263d15e?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Crete wildfire: rapidly spreading blaze threatens holiday beach resorts","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61ba036a1a8cbef5973cf0c0/1751563068726-1ca4c648-7b84-471b-9803-61d8053483f0.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><a href=\"https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/crete-wildfire-evacuations-greece-hotels-ierapetra-b1236153.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">A huge wildfire is spreading through the Greek island of Crete, fuelled by strong winds.</a></p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>It comes as a scorching heatwave grips the European continent, with temperatures reaching over 40C degrees.</p><p><br></p><p>The Royal Society’s free Summer Science Exhibition is back for another year.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>We hear from the CEO of Drake Music, Sally Currie.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus, vanilla, the universally popular flavour which is used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, could be under threat due to climate change.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Also in this episode:</strong></p><p><br></p><p>-Microsoft: layoffs across gaming division.</p><p><br></p><p>-Japanese island experiences 900 earthquakes in two weeks.</p><p><br></p><p>-A new interstellar object is moving through our solar system.</p><p><br></p><p>-And finally, Sophie Ellis-Bextor says <a href=\"https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/sophie-ellisbextor-rick-astley-mika-london-idles-b1236129.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">AI cannot copy human connection in music</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>If you have been affected by the wildfires in Crete, get in touch by emailing&nbsp;</strong><a href=\"megan.howe@standard.co.uk \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>megan.howe@standard.co.uk </strong></a></p>","author_name":"The Evening Standard"}