Human nature can steer people away from new things—and that can blind them to novel threats
There's a military aphorism that generals are always fighting the last war. It's a natural human tendency to focus on the kinds of threats you're used to while playing down the likelihood or importance of some new sort of attack......»»
How the Taliban"s new "vice and virtue" law erases women by justifying violence against them
Since returning to power three years ago, the Taliban have been enforcing oppressive laws that violate people's freedoms and human rights, especially those of women and girls......»»
Developing artificial muscles to give weakened people their strength back
Researchers have succeeded in making artificial muscle fibers from rubber thread, paving the way for sewing the muscles into a blouse and giving renewed strength to the wearer......»»
European Space Agency releases new strategy for Earth observation
The European Space Agency (ESA) has released its new Earth Observation Science Strategy, Earth Science in Action for Tomorrow's World. Responding to the escalating threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and extreme weather and the.....»»
Online misinformation most likely to be believed by ideological extremists, study shows
Political observers have been troubled by the rise of online misinformation—a concern that has grown as we approach Election Day. However, while the spread of fake news may pose threats, a new study finds that its influence is not universal. Rather.....»»
"It"s Bad": An Eye Doctor Is Warning People About This Common Habit That Could Ruin Your Eyesight
"It"s Bad": An Eye Doctor Is Warning People About This Common Habit That Could Ruin Your Eyesight.....»»
Police seek help identifying 4 people in Boston assault that caused serious injuries
Police seek help identifying 4 people in Boston assault that caused serious injuries.....»»
Messages via satellite provides lifeline to iPhone owners in Hurricane Helene fallout
Hurricane Helene has caused massive damage and taken over 100 lives across several US states. Many thousands of people are without power and/or cell service. But in the wake of the storm, reports have surfaced about a key iOS 18 feature that has been.....»»
We’re only beginning to understand the historic nature of Helene’s flooding
How does a region that is nearly 500 miles from the Gulf become devastated by flooding? Enlarge / Hurricane Helene transported moisture from both the Gulf and Atlantic into the southeastern United States. (credit: NOAA).....»»
Researchers urge governments to enlist emotion when fighting fake news
Real people with relatable stories can help public agencies counter social media disinformation campaigns and "fake news" around issues such as vaccination programs, academic researchers say......»»
DNA technology enables molecular monitoring for marine change and threats
New DNA technology promises to improve efforts to monitor marine life in the Southern Ocean, and detect the presence of non-native marine species close to Antarctica......»»
Protein study reveals how the tiny shrew achieves a resting heart rate of 1,020 beats per minute
The shrew's resting heart rate can reach up to 17 beats per second, equivalent to about 1,020 beats per minute. In comparison, the average human resting heart rate is around 60 to 100 beats per minute, making the shrew's resting heart rate approximat.....»»
What should declining Japanese cities do?
Aging societies and population decline have been on the rise globally, but in Japan, the situation has been exacerbated ten-fold. A staggering 36.21 million people, or 28.9% of the populace, are 65 and over. Further, 74.6% of Japan's 1,747 cities are.....»»
100 dead in storm Helene damage, flooding across US southeast
At least 100 people have been killed after destructive floods ripped through the US southeast, officials said Monday, with the emergency response effort fast becoming a political football in a region that could decide the presidential election......»»
The evolutionary history of rats has more holes than Swiss cheese, but researchers are trying to close them
Rats and humans have lived together for thousands of years. However, written historical records of rats migrating alongside people are sparse and some are entangled with myth and folklore......»»
What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ—but not as much as you"d think
We all admire wise people, don't we? Whether it's a thoughtful teacher, a compassionate doctor, or an elder in the community, we recognize wisdom when we see it. But have you ever thought about how people in different cultures perceive wisdom? Does s.....»»
Why we need to talk about older people and climate change in Africa
Africa is often viewed as a relatively young continent, with less than 7% of the population over 60. But this is set to change. Declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy mean that by 2050, the number of people over 60 in Africa is proj.....»»
Nepal surveys flood wreckage as death toll reaches 209
Search and rescue teams in Nepal's capital picked through wrecked homes on Monday after waters receded from monsoon floods that killed at least 209 people around the Himalayan republic......»»
Molecular computing method uses metal ions to mimic complex mathematical functions
Researchers at the University of Twente have developed a new method that allows them to precisely control chemical reactions using metal ions. This marks an important step toward computers that function like the human brain. They recently published t.....»»
"Vegetarian" possums eat meat when the weather"s cold
When dead animals are left lying around in nature, who takes advantage of the free feed—carnivores or herbivores? The answer may surprise you......»»
Social networks help people resolve welfare problems—but only sometimes, new research finds
Lead researcher Dr. Sarah Nason, from Bangor University's School of History, Law and Social Sciences explained, "Debt, benefits, special educational needs, health care issues, these are everyday problems that many of us face, and it's only natural to.....»»