The Zika virus is now approaching the four-million infection mark. Despite the best efforts at countering the mosquito-borne virus, South America appears to be in the grips of an epidemic. That said, an emergency vaccine being developed in the United States may well be ready before the end of the year. However, despite the pressing emergency in finding actionable treatment for the virus, the vaccine could see trials last years before a human consumable product is finalised.

The absence of Trump has become a key topic during the Iowa Republican debate. Bereft of their orange mascot and of any original thematic content, Republicans and moderator Megyn Kelly resorted to discussing the toupée’d elephant in the room. Ted Cruz opened the debate – still underway – with the quip, “I’m a maniac and everyone on this stage is stupid, fat and ugly, and Ben, you’re a terrible surgeon.” With the Trump portion of this roadshow out the way, Republicans can now return to a socially conservative agenda that remains utterly unimaginative.

Fact of the day: There are more trees in the United States now than ever before in recorded history.