All stories — Page 13

Nigeria faces rising climate risks and floods

Nigeria's position between the Atlantic and the Sahara creates big differences in rain and heat. Flooding is the most serious climate disaster: 2024 floods caused many deaths, widespread damage and large displacement.

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AI predicts personality from ordinary language

A new study finds that generative AI models can read ordinary language and predict personality, daily emotions and behaviour, often matching or even exceeding friends' or family ratings. The results appear in Nature Human Behavior.

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UK aid cuts harm health services in fragile countries

Cuts to UK foreign aid have reduced support for health and humanitarian services in fragile countries. Clinics and hospitals closed, food and medicines ran short, and experts say long-term, predictable funding is needed.

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Speed training may lower dementia risk in older adults

A long-term randomized study found that adults 65 and older who completed speed-of-processing training, with later booster sessions, were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia up to twenty years later.

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How Data Is Changing the 2026 Winter Olympics

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, teams and researchers use data science, computer vision and wearable tech to study performance. These tools shape training, help broadcasters explain results, and raise questions about fairness and access.

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High-dose antioxidants may harm sperm and offspring

A study in mice found that regular high doses of antioxidant supplements can damage sperm and change skull and facial development in offspring. Researchers advise caution for men taking large antioxidant doses when planning children.

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Everyday discrimination and the immune system

A US study of adults aged 50 and older found that routine unfair treatment is linked to more exhausted immune cells. Researchers say social stress may leave biological traces, but they call for more research to confirm this.

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Road salt harms freshwater snails

Road salt from winter deicing reaches streams, ponds and lakes and makes fresh water saltier. University of Missouri scientists found that salt plus predator stress greatly increases snail deaths and can harm water quality.

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Women face online attacks in Uganda elections

Many women who ran in Uganda’s January 2026 elections faced online abuse, including AI images, deepfakes and sexualised rumours. A UN Women report says technology has increased threats and barriers to women’s political participation.

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Scientists identify brain network behind Parkinson's symptoms

Researchers found a brain network called SCAN that appears central to core Parkinson's problems. In a small trial, noninvasive stimulation directed at SCAN improved symptoms more than stimulation of nearby brain areas.

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15 Feb 2026

Rose-shaped toy in Trinidad Carnival causes debate

A Carnival band put a rose-shaped adult toy in goody bags for women, and unboxing videos went viral. A church leader criticised the gift and others defended Carnival culture, sparking a wide debate about gender and regulation.

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