Endangered sperm whales are less likely to forage for food at dawn in some areas of the Mediterranean, underwater robotic equipment has revealed. Unmanned underwater robots equipped with acoustic monitors recorded the sperm whale sounds over several months and thousands of miles of ocean. Sperm whales emit distinct ‘clicks’ to sense objects from reflected sound waves … Read more
Sensor fitted mouth piece lets user control a joystick with their TONGUE to move objects on a computer screen [In] Brace is a plastic mouth piece fitted with sensors and a joystick Users place a transmitter behind their ear and can control objects on a screen The device could be used to help those with … Read more
While the world works tirelessly to combat the deadly coronavirus, a new report identifies the ‘greatest risk to human health’ – poor air quality. New data from the Air Quality Index (AQLI) reveals air pollution cuts global life expectancy by nearly two years. Nearly a quarter of the world’s population lives in just four south Asian … Read more
Scientists prove the Lamb of God restoration is correct: Van Eyck brothers’ 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece originally had human-like features, study finds Lamb originally had pursed lips, higher nostrils and a forward-facing stare Found three versions: original, one with larger body and a 16th-century guise The 16th-century version was changed significantly and the artwork has now reverted to … Read more
More money, more sleep! Study finds those who make 400 percent above the poverty line are more likely to get eight hours of rest each night The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a sleep study The agency found that how much money you make determines your sleep Only 55% of those living below the … Read more
The world’s oldest trees are not immortal, but just ageing very slowly, a plant biologist has concluded in a new report. The oldest trees on Earth have stood for nearly 5,000 years and have therefore appeared to hold great promise that some organisms on this planet are eternal. Biologists have long-wondered to what extent these … Read more
Scientists have found the remnant of a strange, dismembered globular cluster at the edge of our Milky Way galaxy, in the Phoenix constellation. Globular clusters are dense balls of about one million ancient stars, all bound by gravity, at the outermost edge of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Using the Anglo-Australian Telescope in the outback … Read more
Helicopter parents should take a step back: Watching your toddler explore their world is good for your mental health, study shows ‘Respectful Approach’ treats children as capable and independent humans Found hands-off approach makes parents more competent and less stressed Future research will see if the benefits to mental health are long term and how this approach … Read more
Weak mussels: Decreased iron levels in seawater due to climate change makes the molluscs loosen their grip on rocks, study shows Mussels attach themselves to surfaces in the sea with a glue called a ‘plaque’ Researchers grew molluscs in tanks of seawater with differing levels of iron After three days, they tested how well the … Read more
Why ‘leaves on the line’ cause train delays: Tannins from fallen foliage break down to create an ‘ultra-low-friction’ black paste on the rails Tannins exist in high concentrations in the leaves of some plant species Chemicals create an slippery black paste when exposed to water and steel This cuts friction between railway wheels and the … Read more