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
A mum was embarrassed after her son walked in on her using the toilet while he was on a video call to his entire class. The woman was answering the call of nature when her son came in with his iPad and asked her to unmute the microphone. “What a beautiful sight for that class this morning. 9am is not too early for one small wine right?”, she said afterwards.
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Smuggler caught with cactus strapped to her body
A woman in New Zealand has been sentenced to 12 months of intensive supervision and 100 hours of community work after being caught trying to smuggle nearly 1,000 cacti and succulents. Wenqing Li had tried to smuggle 947 succulents and cacti by putting them inside stockings and strapping them on her body. The plants were worth over $10,000 (£7,355) and included eight endangered and threatened species.
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Why Britain is struggling to stop the ransomware cyberattacksThe Explainer New business models have greatly lowered barriers to entry for criminal hackers
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Greene’s rebellion: a Maga hardliner turns against TrumpIn the Spotlight The Georgia congresswoman’s independent streak has ‘not gone unnoticed’ by the president
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Crossword: October 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
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Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
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China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
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Kabul braces for a waterless futureTHE EXPLAINER A confluence of manmade and environmental factors makes the Afghan city the first modern capital to risk running out of groundwater
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How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
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One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
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What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
