Men who mumble ‘more attractive to women’
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Men who mumble when they talk are more attractive to women, according to a study from the University of California. Researchers found those who articulate less clearly are associated with being more “masculine”. However, the situation is flipped for women as those able to speak in precise, clearer tones are perceived as more alluring because it indicates “femininity”.
UFOs ‘flown by time-travelling humans’
UFOs could be piloted by time-travelling humans, a professor of anthropology has claimed. Dr Michael Masters says alien sightings and alleged abductions are actually our distant descendants coming back to visit. “It’s probably future anthropologists, historians, linguists that are coming back to get information in a way that we currently can’t without access to that technology,” he said.
Body rolls out of stolen mortuary van
A dead body fell out of a stolen mortuary van as a man sped away from a crematory parking lot and led police on a chase through Georgia. When Kijon Griffin, who is still on the loose, stole the van to escape pursuing police, a body on a gurney rolled out of the open back hatch and into the parking lot. Stan Henderson, the owner Stan Henderson & Sons Mortuary, said “it’s ridiculous that the dead can’t even rest”.
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime minister
In 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 Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN 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 cities
Under 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 sanctions
The 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 designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago