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Earth’s magnetic north pole is moving rapidly, raising questions about whether the northern lights will shift as well. A new study finds auroras follow the slower-moving geomagnetic poles rather than the wandering magnetic poles, suggesting their visibility patterns will remain largely stable for now
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Conflicting reports over the death of Russian plague researcher Darya Shipilova have sparked fears of pneumonic plague after nearly 200 people were quarantined in Siberia. Authorities cite pneumonia of unknown cause, while WHO says public health risk currently appears low
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Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering light-gated ion channels and advancing optogenetics. Their work enables scientists to control nerve cells with light, transforming brain research and opening potential therapeutic applications
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Location-tracking technology can help parents monitor children’s safety, manage routines and support independence, but it also raises privacy, surveillance and data misuse concerns. Experts suggest parents review privacy settings, discuss consent regularly and treat location sharing as an ongoing conversation
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A new study suggests Archaeopteryx, the 150-million-year-old transitional fossil linking birds and dinosaurs, could have taken flight using several forward jumps powered mainly by its legs. Its relatively weak wings may have maintained flight after reaching sufficient speed, challenging theories of early avian takeoff
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Rising atmospheric CO₂ is boosting growth of wild C4 grasses in African savannas by improving water-use efficiency, particularly during dry conditions. A study found grass production in South Africa’s Kruger National Park increased 28% over three decades, with implications for grazing and fires
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A new study suggests ribose, a fragile sugar important to RNA, may have helped preserve its own survival on early Earth. Researchers found ribose helped dissolve borate minerals, keeping boron available to protect ribose, revealing a possible two-way chemical relationship before life emerged
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Russia’s new Geran-5 jet-powered drone is challenging Ukraine’s air defences, with interception rates reportedly falling to about 60 per cent. Faster, higher-flying and anti-jamming capable, the drone has prompted greater fighter-jet use as Ukraine faces shortages of Patriot missiles
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Scientific evidence suggests plants can sense sound waves, but claims that specific music boosts growth remain poorly supported. Research indicates plants may respond to natural sounds such as running water or insects, while effects vary by species and environmental conditions
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The strategic importance of the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits has shaped centuries of maritime rivalry. From Zheng He and Portuguese dominance to British and US influence, history shows extra-regional powers can control chokepoints temporarily, while local actors retain significant leverage
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Apple Watch features that continuously listen, transcribe and summarise conversations are raising privacy and social concerns despite Apple’s encryption safeguards. Critics argue ambient listening violates contextual integrity, as people nearby cannot consent, potentially making smartwatches unwelcome in workplaces and other confidential settings
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An intensifying El Nino, forecast to peak in December, could trigger severe drought, heatwaves, wildfires and flooding, threatening global food security. Southeast Asia faces particular risks to rice, palm oil, fisheries and water supplies, while rising energy and fertilizer costs compound vulnerabilities
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AI-generated search answers can be factual, interpretive, constructive or strategic, requiring different ways to assess them. Users should identify the type of response, verify evidence, consider context and limitations, and seek qualified guidance when answers involve personal decisions or high stakes
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US President Donald Trump’s approach to China has shifted from confrontational tariffs to a more cordial relationship with President Xi Jinping. As the US and China compete for global influence, analysts debate whether Trump’s personal diplomacy can deliver meaningful trade and strategic outcomes
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Johannesburg’s waste crisis is worsening as illegal dumping, unreliable collection and shrinking landfill capacity threaten communities and the environment. More than 2,000 illegal dumping hotspots have been identified, while experts warn waste generation is outpacing infrastructure, increasing pollution, flooding and health risks
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Climate change images showing wildfires, drought and extreme heat can make the crisis more immediate and emotionally powerful. Research suggests such negative imagery may cause disengagement but can also raise awareness, encourage environmental involvement and motivate action when impacts feel local
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A new neuroaesthetics study suggests beauty is represented in the brain through two distinct dimensions: visual content and emotional pleasure. Researchers found these systems operate separately but interact, while visual arts expertise appears to reshape how the brain represents aesthetic experiences
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A new study using James Webb Space Telescope observations suggests mysterious “little red dots” in the early universe may be evidence of young supermassive black holes. Researchers analysed 217 objects, finding faint, compact host galaxies and clues about black hole-galaxy evolution
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Grieftech—a new-age tech venture—proposes a different dimension to remembering the departed souls. Through this, AI-generated content can be created in Virtual Reality format using the digital footprints of the deceased
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The US-Iran conflict remains trapped in a cycle of threats, negotiations and renewed military strikes, largely over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Breaking the deadlock would require either US strategic concessions or major escalation, while Iran prioritises regime survival
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Prince Harry and Meghan are reportedly planning to return to Britain with their children, sparking speculation over their residence, security and relationship with the royal family. Their move could offer a chance for reconciliation with King Charles and Prince William
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The Mecca Joint Defence Pact unites Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan under a collective defence commitment, signalling greater regional self-reliance. While the agreement resembles NATO’s mutual-defence principle, its effectiveness will depend on military coordination, shared threat perceptions and implementation
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New research suggests crocodiles descended from warm-blooded, active archosaurs rather than cold-blooded ancestors. Fossil evidence from 81 species indicates both crocodile and dinosaur-bird lineages had high metabolic rates before crocodiles evolved cold-blooded metabolisms around 66 million years ago
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Fifteen elephants in Kenya's Amboseli ecosystem died from suspected cyanide poisoning after consuming tomatoes, prompting an investigation. Authorities are probing the toxin's source, while farmers deny responsibility, highlighting concerns over expanding agriculture, wildlife conservation and increasing human-elephant conflict
