Some of breeds of dog can learn the names of a dozen toys in a single week and still recall them two months later, a study has found. According to scientists who ran the Genius Dog Challenge, border collies, German shepherds, Pekinese and mini Australian shepherd dogs are particularly bright. The researchers concluded that some dogs have “cognitive skills that are functionally similar to those of human infants”.
Chicken-sized dinosaur found in Wales
Fossilised remains of a dinosaur related to Tyrannosaurus rex but with a body the size of a chicken has been discovered in a quarry in south Wales. Stephan Spiekman, from the Natural History Museum, said the Pendraig milnerae lived near the beginning of the evolution of the meat-eating dinosaurs. “Early in the evolution of this group these animals were quite small, in contrast to the very famous meat-eating dinosaurs like T rex which evolved much later,” he said.
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Police untangle baby squirrels
Police in the US were called to detangle seven baby squirrels who were tied together by their tails. The officers found the “scurry of young squirrels” in Grand Blanc, Michigan. A spokesperson said the cops separated the babies “under the watchful eye of mama squirrel”. A local resident named Barbara said it was “one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever heard of”.
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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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Delhi's dogs earn Supreme Court reprieveIN THE SPOTLIGHT After an outcry from the public and animal rights activists, India's Supreme Court walks back a controversial plan to round the city's stray dog population into shelters
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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
