All stories — Page 68

20 Jun 2024

Plague and the role of human fleas in Madagascar

The plague is still endemic in some countries, including Madagascar. Researchers found that the human flea Pulex irritans contributes to outbreaks and that household conditions and insecticide use influence flea levels and control efforts.

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14 Jun 2024

Soil battery uses bacteria to power field sensors

A UK university spin‑out has built Bactery, a battery that uses soil bacteria to make and store electricity. It aims to power sensors and IoT devices in farms; a pilot was tested in Brazil and small production is planned.

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21 May 2024

Plastic sachets and pollution in Southeast Asia

Small plastic sachets are widely sold and cause heavy pollution, especially in Southeast Asia. A global audit found tens of thousands of sachets from many brands and campaigners want firms and governments to stop or reuse sachets.

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24 Apr 2024

Lobster photos spark anger in Turkey

Photos of lobster dishes shared by ruling party figures in Turkey provoked criticism during a worsening cost-of-living crisis. One MP apologised and social media spread memes and mockery of the party.

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13 Apr 2024

Questions over a Sheikh and a family office in Hong Kong

A visitor described as Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum said he would open a family office in Hong Kong and invest a large sum. Media and investigators later raised doubts about his identity and links; the government and the US SEC have warned.

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22 Feb 2024

Risk Know-How: a platform to help at‑risk communities

Risk Know-How is a new online platform launched at the AAAS meeting on 16 February. It helps communities facing disease, extreme weather and AI risks to share experience, get advice and join training.

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5 Feb 2024

Messi stays on bench at Hong Kong exhibition match

A government-funded friendly in Hong Kong drew 40,000 fans but Lionel Messi did not play. Organisers and authorities faced strong criticism and said they might cut funding after angry crowds and online backlash.

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12 Jan 2024

FOMO and a Railing at a State Funeral

FOMO — the fear of missing out — featured in an incident at a state funeral on Monday January 9. A politician climbed a railing, sparking debate about protocol, social status and online memes.

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29 Dec 2023

Kalpana’s move to Kathmandu

A young woman named Kalpana moved from a rural town to Kathmandu and began work in a beauty parlour. The shop later added massage services, and Kalpana now faces hard choices about money, safety and her marriage.

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22 Dec 2023

Kashmir saffron at risk from El Niño and low rain

Saffron farmers in Kashmir face possible dry spells because of El Niño. Lower rain and snow hurt crops and incomes, and experts call for better water storage, flood protection and early warnings.

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29 Nov 2023

The eagle image lands on bank jokes

A phrase from the 1969 moon landing became a joke in Trinidad and Tobago. At the end of November 2023, people shared eagle images with bank logos on X and used them to talk about pay day.

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18 Oct 2023

50‑Day Lying‑Down Contest Sets Record in Montenegro

An annual lying‑down contest in Donja Brezna, Montenegro, ended on October 5 with a new record of 50 days. Two contestants shared the win and the prize after a competition that began on August 18, 2023.

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