Penguin slides across ice on belly as it follows Antarctic researchers for more than a half a mile 

We’ve picked up a penguin! Bellowing bird slides across the ice on its belly as it follows Antarctic researchers for more than a half a mile Australian researcher Matthew Williams started chatting to Smudge the penguin The emperor penguin followed Williams and his team over Antarctica on his belly In the video, Smudge stops sliding … Read more

‘Jihadi’ textbook probe descends into farce after researchers analysed Israeli book promoting peace

‘Jihadi’ textbook probe descends into farce: Investigation into literature used in British-funded Palestinian schools is slammed – after researchers analysed Israeli publications promoting peace A joint UK-EU study to provide a ‘thorough review’ of the books was promised Report to be completed in October by Germany’s Georg Eckert Institute Concerns were raised after presentation of … Read more

Two-metre rule to curb spread of coronavirus is based on ‘outdated science’, researchers say

Two-metre rule on social distancing to curb spread of coronavirus is based on ‘outdated science’, researchers say Some research suggesting two metres is a safe distance goes as far back as 1897 British Medical Journal article says the gap should change depending on setting Newer studies claim a sneeze or cough can spread droplets up … Read more

William Shakespeare was ‘undeniably bisexual’, say researchers after analysis of love sonnets

William Shakespeare was ‘undeniably bisexual’, say researchers after analysis of love sonnets finds 27 were addressed to men and 10 to women Professor Sir Stanley Wells and Dr Paul Edmondon shared research for a book They say William Shakespeare was ‘undeniably bisexual’ within his love sonnets Previous critics said the playwright was gay despite his … Read more

Human natural selection is adding to ‘an epidemic of nearsightedness’, researchers say

Natural selection among humans is adding to the ‘epidemic’ of nearsightedness, with each successive generation in the UK gaining more than 100,000 extra cases. It is estimated that around half of the world’s population — some 4.9 billion people — will suffer from the distant visual impairment by the middle of the century. Much of … Read more

Researchers develop strategy for identifying Twitter trolls in 50 tweets

Scientists claim to be able to identify Twitter trolls in 50 tweets using algorithms to that can detect ‘distinctive’ patterns of word repetition.   The algorithms identify linguistic patterns in tweets in order to distinguish deceptive ‘troll’ messages – which aim to achieve a specific purpose while also masking that purpose – from those posted by … Read more

Secondary school pupils are just as likely to transmit coronavirus as adults say researchers

Secondary school pupils are as likely to transmit coronavirus as adults, official research appears to show – as scientists now call for routine Covid tests for children and teachers when classes restart.  Public Health England (PHE) found that primary school pupils do not appear to pass the virus to each other – but its researchers … Read more

NIH researchers will track the spread of coronavirus among 2,000 families

As students prepare to head back to school, a new study will be tracking the rate of novel coronavirus spread among children and their families. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) is looking at transmission among nearly 2,000 households across the US.  Researchers hope to determine the percentage of children who become … Read more

Researchers develop an artificial intelligence that can spot ‘hidden connections’ between paintings

Art curators could face competition as researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) that can spot ‘hidden connections’ between paintings.  Parallels in styles, themes and motifs can link artworks painted in vastly different points in time and space — and shine new light on both works. However, even the most knowledgeable of art critics could … Read more

Old tyres and building rubble could be used to make sustainable roads, researchers claim 

Old tyres and building rubble could be used to make sustainable roads while recycling waste that would otherwise end up in landfill, researchers have claimed. Developed by researchers from Australia, the new road-covering material is the first to combine rubble and rubber in a mix optimised to meet road safety standards. The recycled blend, designed … Read more