WEIRD FACTS
Unique physiology allows the Australian marsupial to produce square-shaped feces that may aid communication. Scientists believe the cube shape of the wombat’s poo may aid in communication, as spherical feces are more likely to roll away. Photograph: mlharing/Getty Images/iStockphoto – By Natasha May …
The KGB ‘played the game as if they were immensely impressed by his personality’, Yuri Shvets, a key source for a new book, tells the Guardian. Donald Trump’s election win in 2016 was welcomed by Moscow. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images – By David …
Every year, tens of millions of Americans collectively lose billions of dollars to scam callers. Where does the other end of the line lead? Photo illustration of a call center near Delhi, taken from a closed-circuit TV feed recorded by an anti-scam activist …
Banner Image: The banner image comes from online art exhibit “During the Pandemic,” exhibiting art by Naga children. The exhibit is curated by Naga anthropologist Dr. Dolly Kikon in collaboration with organizations Sisterhood Network and Prodigal’s Home. My review of this exhibit appeared …
The former plane enthusiast, lawyer and judo brown belt owned a cafe that staged erotica nights and worked for President Obama. Avril Haines was confirmed last week as Director of National Intelligence with bipartisan support. Photograph: Joe Raedle/EPA – By Julian Borger in …
A coat of sand makes an effective armor. Eric LoPresti, CC BY-SA – Author: Eric LoPresti, Assistant Professor of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Oklahoma State University 2021 Jan 20 – Imagine the texture of a plant. Many may come to mind – …
Australia’s dingo fences, built to protect livestock from wild dogs, stretch for thousands of kilometers. Marian Deschain/Wikimedia, CC BY-SA – Authors: Alex McInturff, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California Santa Barbara Christine Wilkinson, Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, …
The grass has a bad rap in the U.S. as an invasive nuisance, but the plant can quickly sequester at least double—and maybe even six times—the amount of carbon as a similar stand of trees. Three species of farm-cultivated bamboo towering in Hawkinsville, …
Multiple queens ensure colonies have a steady output of workers. Ryan Reihart, CC BY-SA – By Ryan Reihart, Teaching Assistant and Ph.D. Candidate of Ecology, University of Dayton 2021 Jan 21 – The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. …
Some 25,000 National Guard troops protected Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration due to fears of a far-right extremist attack. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images – Author: Luís De la Calle, Fellow, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and Associate Professor in …
