Science

They’re usually regarded as very placid creatures, but it seems that basking sharks may be more active than thought. A new study has revealed that basking sharks can jump over a metre out of the water - the same height as their cousins, great white sharks. Basking sharks can be found off the coast of Cornwall and Ireland, and are the second largest fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 10 metres. Until now, they’ve had a reputation for being slow and lazy - but the new study by researchers from Trinity College Dublin, suggests this may not be the case. Dr Nick Payne, co-author of the study, said: “The impressive turn of speed that we found basking sharks exhibit shows how much we are yet to learn about marine animals – even the largest, most conspicuous species have surprises in store, if we’re willing to look.” Researchers took videos of basking sharks off the coast of Malin Head, Ireland to understand the speed and height at which they jump. … [Read more...] about Basking sharks off the coast of Ireland can jup over a metre out of the water

Octopuses on MDMA have been shown to act like humans on the drug, prompting scientists to suggest an evolutionary link between the two species. Researchers studied the genome of a kind of octopus not known for its friendliness toward its peers, then tested its behavioural reaction to a popular mood-altering drug also known as ecstasy. The researchers said the findings may open opportunities for accurately studying the impact of psychiatric drug therapies in many animals distantly related to people. Gul Dolen, assistant professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the lead investigator conducting the experiments, said: "The brains of octopuses are more similar to those of snails than humans, but our studies add to evidence that they can exhibit some of the same behaviours that we can. "What our studies suggest is that certain brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, that send signals between neurons required for these social behaviours are … [Read more...] about Scientists give octopuses MDMA

They’re often portrayed as wild and chaotic, but it seems that heavy metal fans are more controlled than we think. A new study has found that heavy metal fans follow strict rules of etiquette, which they pass on to the next generation. Researchers from University College London looked at the significance of heavy metal concerts on both the audience and the musicians. They found that the genre of music is culturally inclusive with a rich and varied audience - including many women and older adults. In particular, the researchers found that older generations of metal fans pass on ‘mosh pit etiquette’ to younger generations, to make sure concerts have an environment of ‘controlled chaos.’ Ms Lindsay Bishop, who led the study, said: “Mosh pits, crowd surfing, circle pits – in an abstract sense epitomise the metal community. “The older generations teach mosh pit etiquette and newcomers learn that moshing is not a fight, it’s a way to … [Read more...] about Heavy metal fans follow ‘mosh pit etiquette’ which they pass to next generation

While food cooked on the barbecue is delicious, it may have a darker side, according to a new study. 
Researchers have found that burning wood or coal to cook food is linked to an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, and even death. In the study, researchers from Oxford University found that the death rate was 36 per cent higher in homes using wood or coal to cook than those using electricity or gas. To come to this finding, the researchers reviewed the health records of 280,000 adults aged 30-79 in China. Participants, who didn’t smoke, were followed for nine years. During that time, 19,823 were either hospitalised or died from a major respiratory disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Ka Hung Chan, who led the study, said: “While many previous studies have suggested a link between solid fuel use and COPD, most of them focused on changes in lung function, rather than hospital admissions or deaths. “In addition, we looked at the … [Read more...] about Ditch the BBQ! Cooking with wood or coal increases your risk of death by 36%

A satellite launched from the International Space Station has caught a piece of simulated space junk by ensnaring it in a net. Co-funded by the European commission, the 100kg RemoveDebris satellite was launched to the station in April as cargo on a supply mission. It was deployed from the station in June, and on 16 September began its experimental phase. It launched a small object to act as a dead satellite and a few seconds later fired a net at it. The net unfurled as it caught up and then wrapped itself about the object. The extra mass that the net provides will help drag the object down into Earth’s atmosphere, where it will burn up. This is expected to happen in the next few weeks. Space debris is an urgent problem. Collisions with it can destroy functioning satellites. Space agencies around the world are therefore developing techniques to remove old satellites and other pieces of junk from orbit. The project was led by the Surrey Space Centre, at the University of Surrey, in … [Read more...] about Spacewatch: floating ‘space junk’ captured