"explainer"

Research shows dogs evolved specialised brain regions, emotional contagion, and an oxytocin feedback loop to sense and respond to human emotions. Through voice, facial cues, body language, and even scent, they forge deep cross-species bonds, uniquely attuned to our emotional states

A global study finds extreme heat has cut tropical bird populations by 25–38% since 1950, posing a greater threat than habitat loss. Rising heatwaves cause fatal stress, breeding failures, and dehydration, underscoring urgent action on climate change and biodiversity conservation

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia's Far East, triggering small tsunami waves in Japan and Alaska and prompting alerts across the Pacific. The quake ranks among the strongest recorded globally, reviving memories of past catastrophic seismic events

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the US West Coast. While no major damage was reported, authorities advised evacuations

Mattel has launched a new Barbie with type 1 diabetes, featuring an insulin pump and glucose monitor. Introduced by model Lila Moss, the inclusive doll aims to normalize chronic conditions, reduce stigma, and empower children living with diabetes

A new study reveals that bird endemism in Antarctica and the southern hemisphere is underestimated, highlighting their unique biodiversity. These regions host irreplaceable species with restricted ranges, making them especially vulnerable to climate change and deserving of greater conservation focus

A new study reveals that even low-level lead exposure in early childhood can accelerate memory loss, impairing cognitive development. Using advanced testing and modeling, researchers found higher blood lead levels correlate with faster forgetting in children aged 6 to 8

Donald Trump announced Israel's agreement to a 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar, involving hostage exchanges and talks on post-war governance. While similar deals have failed, shifting regional dynamics and U.S. leverage may create a new opportunity for peace

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration warns that nerve damage from excess vitamin B6 may be more widespread than previously thought. Concerns have led to proposed restrictions on high-dose supplements, as new studies and reports highlight risks of long-term high-dose use

The US military has declared large swaths of the US-Mexico border as restricted zones, empowering troops to detain migrants and enforce border control. The move faces legal challenges and criticism over civil rights violations and militarisation of public lands

Donald Trump’s emotional outburst after a failed Iran-Israel ceasefire underscores his impulsive decision-making style. His language and behavior reflect instinct-driven thinking, raising concerns about leadership stability amid conflict. Critics urge greater deliberation in global diplomacy

Civilians in Gaza face escalating dangers, including toxic plastic burning for cooking amid severe fuel shortages. Ongoing shelling, aid-site shootings, and collapsing healthcare deepen the crisis. UN reports highlight growing famine, blocked humanitarian access, and disrupted education for thousands

A groundbreaking study reveals the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands, found in Guam’s Ritidian Beach Cave. It confirms that early seafarers from the Philippines brought domesticated rice 3,500 years ago, suggesting intentional migration and ceremonial use

Iran may retaliate against U.S. involvement in Israel's war by targeting U.S. bases, disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, activating regional proxies, or accelerating its nuclear ambitions. American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites risk sparking broader regional escalation and economic fallout

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, killed at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists, aiming to disrupt Iran’s nuclear programme. The open targeting, coupled with military strikes, marks a rare, aggressive escalation in counter-proliferation strategy

Uranium enrichment involves increasing uranium-235 content using centrifuges. While Iran claims peaceful intentions, its enrichment to 60% raises global concerns, as 90% is considered weapons-grade

A new study reveals that sharks, despite their vast range in size and shape, follow the centuries-old two-thirds scaling law, which governs how surface area increases relative to volume

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning both cause symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but differ in cause and onset. Gastro is typically a gut infection from viruses or bacteria, often spread via contaminated surfaces or people. Food poisoning occurs from eating food tainted with toxins, chemicals, or microbes

Natanz’s centrifuges and Fordow’s hardened underground facility are central to Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts. With uranium levels now enriched up to 60%—dangerously close to weapons-grade—and IAEA inspectors unable to access the sites post-strike, Iran’s stockpile is now effectively unmonitored

Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites. Key targeted sites likely included Natanz and Fordo enrichment facilities, Bushehr power plant, and others nuclear sites