Baby bats ‘babble like humans’

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.”