"explainers"

A decade-long University of Montreal study shows declawing cats causes irreversible nerve damage, chronic pain, and mobility issues, especially in heavier cats. Despite bans in Europe and Quebec, the practice remains widespread in North America, demanding urgent global prohibition

AI models are now decoding animal emotions through vocalizations, aiding in welfare monitoring across species like pigs, cows, dogs, whales, and bees. While promising, the technology raises ethical concerns about overinterpretation, ecological cost, and human responsibility in responding to distress signals

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, a landmark reform in sports administration. The law establishes a National Sports Board, Tribunal, and Election Panel, narrows RTI scope, eases eligibility rules, and strengthens oversight of federations

The Ukraine war enters its fourth year as Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin benefits Russia by sidelining Kyiv and weakening Western unity. Zelenskyy’s Washington visit with European leaders sought damage control, but Trump’s vague commitments leave Ukraine’s prospects uncertain

A 25-million-year-old fossil found on Australia’s Jan Juc Beach has revealed a new whale species, 'Janjucetus dullardi.' With shark-like jaws and bulging eyes, this ancient predator offers rare insights into whale evolution and adaptation during the Oligocene Epoch

A global study of 199 events reveals interspecies interactions between dolphins and whales, especially humpbacks, are more common than thought, often involving playful or cooperative behaviours. Using drones and social media footage, researchers found these encounters suggest complex emotional and social capabilities

Ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs have reemerged on Oahu’s Waianae coast after seasonal waves exposed the 600-year-old carvings. Native experts view this as a message from ancestors, while the Army balances preserving the cultural site and allowing public acces

Despite their tiny brains, ants exhibit remarkable intelligence and cooperation, rivaling human achievements in agriculture, medicine, and engineering. From complex farming and injury care to building floating rafts and bridges, ants demonstrate collective problem-solving that humans are only beginning to fully understand

Re-boiling water in a kettle does not pose health risks if the tap water meets safety standards. Claims about harmful chemical concentration are unfounded; boiling doesn’t significantly increase levels of substances like fluoride or lead, even after multiple boils

Antarctic tourism surged to nearly 125,000 visitors in 2023–24, risking damage to fragile ecosystems. Experts warn numbers could hit 450,000 by 2034. Market-based tools like tourism taxes or visitor caps are proposed to manage growth and protect the continent's environment

The Dalai Lama confirmed that the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist leadership will continue after his death, rejecting past suggestions he might be the last. He emphasized that his successor must be chosen according to tradition, without interference from China

To combat the flesh-eating New World screwworm fly, the U.S. plans to breed and release billions of sterilized male flies over Mexico and Texas. This environmentally friendly method aims to protect livestock, wildlife, and pets from devastating infestations

Nearly one in six people globally suffer from loneliness, linked to over 8.7 lakh deaths annually, according to a WHO report. Adolescents, young adults, and low-income populations are most affected. Strong social connections are crucial for better health and longevity

In a landmark ruling, the US Supreme Court upheld Texas' age-verification law for porn sites, enabling States to more easily regulate kids' online access. The decision introduces a new legal standard and could reshape child privacy and content-access laws nationwide

Disliking your child’s friend is common, but direct interference can backfire, especially with teens. Experts advise a supportive, non-authoritarian approach that encourages open dialogue and autonomy. Exceptions apply when safety is at risk, warranting parental intervention

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, often disabling neurological illness marked by extreme fatigue and post-exertional malaise. ME/CFS predominantly affects women and demands updated diagnostic guidelines and better-informed clinical care

Dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, plays a central role in how we experience pleasure, motivation, focus, and learning. It not only helps us enjoy rewarding activities like food, social media, and love, but also drives us to pursue those experiences again

Hot showers and baths may feel relaxing in cold weather, but they can harm your skin by raising its pH, disrupting healthy bacteria, and drying it out

Understanding how animals respond to ecologically irrelevant tasks sheds light on how our own intelligence has evolved