Oliver Conway

Professor Cuartas and his colleagues studied data from nearly 20,000 children who'd been surveyed by UNICEF in countries such as Madagascar, Malawi and Sierra Leone.

The researchers compared this information with climate records from earlier years in which heat waves had not occurred.

making sure that the children came from similar backgrounds to take into account factors that might otherwise distort the study, such as poverty and mother's education.

The researchers also found that the effect of heat extended to before birth as they looked at the impact of temperatures on pregnancy.

Given that the planet shows no sign of cooling, the plight of millions of the world's poorest children is only likely to get worse.

Richard Hamilton.

The reality of life in Afghanistan for women and girls is going to be put in the spotlight today by the People's Tribunal for Women of Afghanistan.

Although it's not a legal court, it aims to document and expose gender persecution under Taliban rule.

Today it will present its findings after hearing testimony from Afghan women in October.

Shaharzad Akbar, who previously served as chair of the Independent Human Rights Commission in Afghanistan, is one of the organisers.

Are you frustrated that the outside world doesn't make more of these awful things that are happening, doesn't publicise it more, doesn't put more pressure on the Taliban?

What would you like to see Western women's groups and women's campaigners do to try to put pressure on their governments not to go down the road you've just described?

Shahzad Akbar talking to Justin Webb.

The boycott of what is usually one of the world's biggest TV events of the year, the Eurovision Song Contest, is growing.

Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia have already dropped out because of Israel's involvement.

Now Iceland is following suit.

Nick Johnson has the details.

Nick Johnson.

Finally, to a letter from 1587.

Tonight, after dinner, I have been advised of my sentence.