Why you really don’t want to catch Covid-19
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images From the surprisingly treacherous path to herd immunity to the potentially superior protection offered by vaccines, there are many reasons to avoid Covid-19. All throughout history, people have gone to extraordinary lengths to avoid infections. In the Middle Ages, it was common to douse oneself in “four thieves vinegar” – a concoction […]
The people who won’t give up floppy disks
Espen Kraft Musician Espen Kraft stores his sound samples on floppy disks, using them to make his music for their authentic sound (Credit: Espen Kraft) The last floppy disk was made over a decade ago and doesn’t even have enough capacity to store a modern smart phone picture, so why do some people still love […]
We do want more cookery books
Ian Gavan In previous years Delia has geared up for Christmas with a book of her own Delia Smith always garners the utmost respect for whatever she says about cookery writing. She is after all queen of the genre. Sorry Mary Berry. But she has now suggested that as we can all get recipes online, […]
Leaders face reckoning as rare vote looms
Getty Images The elections will be the first among Palestinians in 15 years Palestinians are preparing for their first general election in a decade and a half. Many hope for a democratic revival after years of stagnation and splits. The pot of Palestinian politics is being stirred. But that’s also awakening anxieties. It was the […]
New US law is bad news for Indian tech workers
Reuters US President Donald Trump has suspended visas for highly-skilled workers until the end of this year. The White House said the move would create jobs for Americans hurting economically due to the pandemic. But critics say the White House is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to tighten up immigration laws. The H-1B visa is among […]
The invasive weed that travelled the world
Alamy Salvinia has an enormously rapid growth rate and can engulf a lake, smothering the ecosystem and killing fish and mammals (Credit: Alamy) An invasive water weed has decimated the wildlife and economy of one of Cameroon’s most significant lakes. But a tiny, ravenous weevil could reverse the region’s fortunes. A flock of water birds […]
Could the ‘flying piano’ help transform air cargo?
Aerolane Dubbed the “flying piano”, Aerolane’s test aircraft is surfing air currents US start-up Aerolane is seeking the secret to airborne surfing. Geese already know how to do it. When you see them flying in a v-formation, they are surfing on the air currents created by formation members ahead and around them. At an airfield […]
Charli XCX and the fight to save club culture
Getty Images Charli XCX is performing in arenas this week, but started her career sneaking to raves underage Don’t put away your strappy top and bic lighter just yet – Charli XCX’s Brat arena tour has just landed in the UK. Kicking off in Manchester on Wednesday, the gigs will be hoping to keep the […]
Chinese student Wu Huayan died ‘after donations withheld’
Feng Video Wu Huayan ate only rice and chillies in order to save money to help her sick brother Anger is increasing in China after it was revealed only a fraction of the million yuan ($144,000; £111,000) donated to a severely malnourished student reached her before her death. People across the country had given money […]
Long-Bailey against abortion after 24 weeks on disability grounds
PA Media Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey has said she disagrees with the law allowing abortion after 24 weeks on the grounds of disability. The MP – who officially launches her campaign later – said it was her personal view, not a policy position. Her spokesman said she “unequivocally supports a woman’s right to choose”. […]