Scientists who eavesdropped on bats in Costa Rica have found that their babies babble like humans. The bats produce rhythmic sounds and repeat key “building-block syllables,” said the lead researcher. Dr Ahana Fernandez added: “They just babble away, sunrise to sunset, practising their sounds.” He says they also listen to each other. “One starts, he babbles for 15 minutes or so, and I can clearly see the ears of the other pups moving,” he said.
‘Sorry my love’ sign appears in Leeds
A sign reading “I am sorry my lov” [sic] has been strung across a bridge in Leeds. The person behind the sign has not been revealed but locals are having fun with it on Facebook by tagging their spouses and jokingly questioning what they had done to deserve such a public apology. Another wrote “Aww this is actually cute,” but added: “On a serious note, hope whoever wrote it is ok.”
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Man, 76, plans to ride 100km in a day
A 76-year-old man plans to ride 100km in one day to raise awareness and funds for international disaster relief charity ShelterBox. Peter Tracey, from Northumberland, said: “When people, wherever they are, are devastated by a disaster through no fault of their own, they need to get back on their feet, and ShelterBox can help them get going again in the short term.” He says that rather than speeding to the finish line, he will be aiming to “finish before the sun goes down.”
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Film reviews: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Frankenstein, and Blue MoonFeature A rock star on the rise turns inward, a stressed mother begins to unravel, and more
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Podcast reviews: ‘Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,’ ‘David Bowie: Changeling’ and ‘The Adam Friedland Show’feature Fela Kuti’s revolutionary life, David Bowie’s early years, and Adam Friedland reinvents the talk show
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What does history say about Trump’s moves in Latin America?Today's Big Question ‘Bitter memories’ surface as US targets Venezuela
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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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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
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Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
