Scientists say they have taught spinach to send emails as part of an effort to warn of impending drought. Using carbon nanotubes embedded in the plant leaves, signals are sent to an infrared camera that triggers an email alert to the researchers. “Plants are very environmentally responsive,” said one of the team. “They know that there is going to be a drought long before we do.”
Mum’s toilet trip broadcast to class
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Why Assad fell so fastThe Explainer The newly liberated Syria is in an incredibly precarious position, but it's too soon to succumb to defeatist gloom
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Romania's election rerunThe Explainer Shock result of presidential election has been annulled following allegations of Russian interference
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Russia's shadow war in EuropeTalking Point Steering clear of open conflict, Moscow is slowly ratcheting up the pressure on Nato rivals to see what it can get away with.
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Cutting cables: the war being waged under the seaIn the Spotlight Two undersea cables were cut in the Baltic sea, sparking concern for the global network
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The nuclear threat: is Vladimir Putin bluffing?Talking Point Kremlin's newest ballistic missile has some worried for Nato nations
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Russia vows retaliation for Ukrainian missile strikesSpeed Read Ukraine's forces have been using U.S.-supplied, long-range ATCMS missiles to hit Russia
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Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
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Cuba's energy crisisThe Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
