Researchers in the US have created living “Pac-Mans” from frog cells that can create copies of themselves and potentially help address the issue of plastic pollution. The “xenobots” are millimetre-wide lifeforms made up of cells taken from frog embryos. It is hoped they will be able to swim around and scoop up tiny pieces of plastic pollution from rivers and oceans.
Woman ‘dies a bit’ after lube spotted during work call
A woman was left embarrassed after leaving an awkward item behind her during a work Zoom call. Nicki Faulkner, 32, had a virtual work meeting to attend and decided to take the call from her bed. Just 15 minutes in, the HR worker realised that she’d left a bottle of Durex lube on the shelf behind her bed - in full view of everyone on the call. “I died inside a little bit,” she said.
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Global fungi census planned
Massive networks of underground fungi are to be mapped for the first time, in an bid to protect them from damage and enhance their ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide. Described by The Guardian as the “circulatory system of the planet,” the fungi networks in the soil, which connect to plant roots and act as nutrient “highways”, exchange carbon from plant roots for nutrients. The fungal census will involve the collection of 10,000 samples around the world.
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Is the ceasefire in Gaza really working?Today's Big Question Neither Israel and Hamas has an interest in a full return to hostilities but ‘brutally simple arithmetic’ in region may scupper peace plan long-term
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Are boomers the real phone addicts?In The Spotlight There’s an ‘explosion in screentime’ among older people – and they’re more vulnerable to misinformation
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West End Girl: a ‘tremendously touching’ break-up albumThe Week Recommends Lily Allen’s unfiltered new work is ‘littered with relatable moments’
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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
