PC: W. M. Keck Observatory For decades, dark matter has been treated as the unseen framework around which galaxies take shape. Even the smallest galaxies are generally thought to be wrapped inside vast halos of it, with the invisible material outweighing the stars by a wide margin. That assumption has been challenged before by two…
Few natural experiences are as universally loved as the earthy scent that rises after the first drops of rain hit dry ground. Petrichor, what most people describe as the smell of fresh rain, but the rain itself has almost no scent. Instead, what your nose detects is a remarkable chemical called geosmin, produced by soil-dwelling…
UK plans plain vape packaging to reduce youth vaping. The UK government has unveiled plans to ban colourful vape packaging, child-friendly branding and flavour names inspired by sweets and cocktails as part of a wider effort to curb vaping among children and teenagers, BBC reportsThe proposals form part of a 12-week public consultation launched under…
A lego effigy of Trump was seen being lit on fire at Khamenei’s funeral Iranian state media circulated a video showing a Lego doll depicting US President Donald Trump being set on fire, as mourners at Ali Khamenei’s burial repeatedly called for Trump’s death and burned effigies of the US leader. The burning of the…
Indian Embassy in Kuwait limits passport and visa services to emergency cases. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has temporarily restricted its consular, passport and visa services to emergency cases only until Sunday, July 19, citing administrative reasons.In an official notice, the Embassy said only applicants who can provide documents proving the urgency of their request…
When European rabbits arrived in Australia in the 19th century, they were brought in as familiar game animals for hunting rather than as a threat to the environment. Within decades, however, their population exploded across the continent. With few natural predators and the ability to adapt to a wide range of landscapes, rabbits spread from…
Billionaire and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott continues to direct large sums towards organisations working on long-term social challenges. Her latest contribution of $20 million focuses on an area that has become an increasing concern for families, schools and healthcare professionals alike: youth mental health. The donation arrives at a time when many charities are facing uncertain…
Nearly 150 years after gallium was first discovered and added to the periodic table, scientists at the University of Auckland have uncovered previously unknown details about the metal’s atomic structure and behaviour, details that overturn an assumption that has shaped the field for more than three decades. Gallium was identified in 1875 by French chemist…
Ann Widdecombe/Image: Getty Images Former Conservative minister and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78, ending a political career that spanned more than three decades and later included roles in television and European politics.Her death was confirmed by her agents, Cloud 9 Management, who said she had devoted her life…
pc: University of California San Diego Robotic surgery has become a familiar part of modern healthcare, but the machines used in operating theatres are usually purpose-built systems designed for a narrow set of tasks. humanoid robots, despite rapid advances in recent years, have largely remained outside the surgical environment. That has now begun to change….
Donald Trump has previously clashed with the agency over his executive order. US President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed the final two serving commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the independent federal agency responsible for helping ensure secure and reliable elections, according to US media reports.The EAC is designed to function as a bipartisan…
A sign displaying the name of the rebranded Donald J Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach (Picture credit: AP) A South Florida airport officially changed its name on Thursday to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, replacing the long-standing Palm Beach International Airport name as part of a state-approved move honouring the US president.The…
