We now know why some poos float and others sink
Experiments with mouse and human faeces have provided the most definitive proof yet that gas-producing gut microbes are responsible for making faeces float Health 15 November 2022 By Alice Klein…
When water runs short, how do you get people to use their fair share?
Droughts are expected to become more common and more severe due to climate change, affecting the water supply we all rely on. Making sure there’s enough to go around will…
Global fossil fuel emissions set to rise by 1 per cent in 2022
This year will see a smaller jump in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels compared with 2021, driven partly by the continuing recovery of aviation following covid-19 travel restrictions Environment…
Chances of Finding COVID-Causing Virus Ancestor ‘Almost Nil,’ Virologists Say
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably shared an ancestor with bat coronaviruses more recently than scientists had thought. But finding the direct ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 is very unlikely, say researchers.…
Weird Weather: How to Tell a Williwaw from a Haboob
Extreme weather is increasingly in the news these days. We’re accustomed to hearing about unusually strong hurricanes, tornadoes and even the polar vortex, but atmospheric events can get a lot…
Ants appear to feel more optimistic after a sugary treat
A sweet reward influences ants’ decision-making when they encounter ambiguous situations, hinting that they might have internal states like our emotions Life 11 November 2022 By Robert Barrie Ants were…
UK will use GPS fingerprint scanner to track people facing deportation
The UK’s Home Office will use a key fob-like device to track people who are subject to deportation orders 24 hours a day, meaning at any point they could be…
Caroline Herschel’s pioneering astronomy is brought into the spotlight
Herschel’s discovery in the 18th century of 560 missing stars is the focus of new audio-visual work from photographic artist Lynda Laird Space 9 November 2022 By Tim Boddy Lynda…
The Song of the Cell review: A love letter to life’s most basic unit
From the pioneering days of IVF to modern gene editing, Siddhartha Mukherjee’s ambitious book explores how far we have come in understanding the cell – and how far we still…
In First, Scientists Use CRISPR for Personalized Cancer Treatment
A small clinical trial has shown that researchers can use CRISPR gene editing to alter immune cells so that they will recognize mutated proteins specific to a person’s tumours. Those…