Plastic waste ‘sexually exciting’ crabs
And other stories from the stranger side of life
Plastic waste in the oceans is releasing an additive that may be “sexually exciting” hermit crabs, according to a new study. The team from University of Hull found that waters off the North Yorkshire coast contain a chemical called oleamide leaking from plastics, which is increasing the respiration rate among the hermit crab population. They said that “Love Island fever has gripped the nation in recent weeks” but this is “a very different type of attraction”.
Giuliani selling messages for $199
Speaking of sexual excitement, would you like a personalised video message from Rudy Giuliani? The former US Attorney, New York City mayor and failed presidential candidate is selling such messages for $199 (£145) through the custom video app Cameo. He announced the move amid reports that he is struggling with legal fees surrounding his work for to Donald Trump. Other Trump acolytes to join the app include Donald Trump Jr, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Sean Spicer.
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Upside-down goose was showing off
Experts say that a goose pictured flying upside was doing it to show off to his friends. Amateur photographer Vincent Cornelissen posted an image of the bird on his Instagram page of a goose cruising upside down in Arnhem, Netherlands. Bird experts say the manoeuvre in the viral image is known as whiffling. Cornelissen added: “They do it to brag to their peers. Like, look at me!”
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Chas Newkey-Burden has been part of The Week Digital team for more than a decade and a journalist for 25 years, starting out on the irreverent football weekly 90 Minutes, before moving to lifestyle magazines Loaded and Attitude. He was a columnist for The Big Issue and landed a world exclusive with David Beckham that became the weekly magazine’s bestselling issue. He now writes regularly for The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Independent, Metro, FourFourTwo and the i new site. He is also the author of a number of non-fiction books.
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