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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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.
-
October 7 editorial cartoonsCartoons Tuesday’s political cartoons include Chicago in trouble, RFK Jr's medical advice, and more
-
Does Reform have a Russia problem?Talking Point Nigel Farage is ‘in bed with Putin’, claims Rachel Reeves, after party’s former leader in Wales pleaded guilty to taking bribes from the Kremlin
-
Five key questions about the Gaza peace dealThe Explainer Many ‘unresolved hurdles’ remain before Donald Trump’s 20-point plan can get the go-ahead
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
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
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
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
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
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
-
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
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
