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After its invasion of Britain in 43 CE, the Roman Empire continued to expand and conquer territory in the north. By 122 CE the empire ruled all of Britain except [...]

This article explores various fascinating ways that animals defend themselves against predators. It highlights the boxer crab, which wields sea anemones on its claws as a deterrent and uses them to sting attackers. The regal horned lizard shoots blood from its eyes to deter predators, while the Spanish ribbed newt pierces its own skin with its ribs as a last resort. The article also discusses the armadillo's protective armor, the sea cucumber's tactic of expelling its organs, the hagfish's suffocating slime, the Venezuelan pebble toad's cliff-jumping escape, the opossum's feigning death strategy, the bombardier beetle's explosive spray, the pygmy sperm whale's ink cloud, the exploding ant's self-sacrifice, and the northern fulmar's projectile vomiting. The text also includes interesting facts about mimicking techniques used by animals such as the slow loris, dynastor butterfly, mimic octopus, hoverfly, and milk snake. [Extracted from the article]

The article explains that the skeleton is a living tissue that goes beyond being a rigid structure. It consists of bones, blood vessels, cells, proteins, and minerals that continuously transform and self-repair to maintain a healthy body. The skeleton provides shape, protects organs, and enables movement through its connection to muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and joints. The article also discusses the different types of joints and bones in the body, the role of cartilage in cushioning and flexibility, the functions of bone marrow, the importance of vitamins and minerals for skeletal health, and the growth and development of bones from embryo to adulthood. It also mentions common skeletal conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis, Paget's disease of bone, and rickets. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores how various species of wildlife have adapted to thrive in urban environments alongside humans. It highlights specific examples such as spiders that have evolved to live indoors, lizards that have developed specialized scales to climb smooth surfaces, and peregrine falcons that have taken to nesting on skyscrapers. The article also discusses how pollution has influenced the evolution of certain species, such as moths and sparrows, and how animals like pigeons and monkeys have adapted their behaviors to survive in cities. Additionally, it examines how blackbirds have adjusted their biological clocks and song patterns to cope with noise pollution, and how trees like the London plane have adapted to withstand urban conditions. The article concludes by showcasing various clever survival strategies employed by urban wildlife, including coyotes understanding traffic patterns, magpies using reflective materials to watch for predators, crows using cars to crack nuts, and birds using bread as bait for fishing. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities of fat and its role in the body. It explains that fat is not just a passive storage tissue, but an active organ that plays a crucial role in providing energy, insulation, and hormonal regulation. The article delves into the genetic factors that contribute to fat storage and obesity, as well as the different types of fat cells and their functions. It also highlights the importance of hormones and the microbiome in regulating fat storage. The article further discusses external factors such as diet, physical inactivity, sleep patterns, stress levels, and affordability of unhealthy foods that contribute to fat gain. It explains the process of how fat from food is broken down and transported in the body. Additionally, the text explores the differences in fat distribution between men and women, the importance of essential fats for brain health, and the role of fat in various organs. It also addresses the impact of hormones on fat distribution and the biology of obesity. The article concludes by acknowledging the historical and societal factors that have influenced fat storage and the role of the modern lifestyle in the obesity epidemic. The perspective of an endocrinologist is included, emphasizing the complexity of fat and the need for further research and prevention efforts. [Extracted from the article]

Microbes, including bacteria and viruses, are versatile microscopic organisms that play a vital role in our living planet. Scientists can alter the genetic structure of microbes, creating genetically engineered microbes or "designer microbes," which can be used in various industries. For example, modified bacteria can strengthen cement, self-heal concrete, insulate buildings, and decompose pollutants at construction sites. Additionally, bacteria can be modified to produce melanin, which can be used to create self-dyeing leather. Other applications include using genetically modified plants to create natural street lights and using modified bacteria to clean up oil spills. Furthermore, bacteria can be engineered to produce insulin for diabetics, and yeast can be modified to produce ethanol for biofuels. Microbes can also be modified to produce dairy proteins, reducing the need for cows in milk production. Recent research has shown that scientists can engineer the microbiome of plants, increasing the population of beneficial bacteria and reducing the reliance on pesticides. Other applications include reducing beer bitterness, 3D-printing meals in space, and using designer probiotics for digestive aid, allergy targeting, immune support, reducing inflammation, and vitamin production. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the distinction between fruits and vegetables, highlighting the differences between culinary and botanical classifications. While the culinary system categorizes foods based on their properties for cooking, the botanical classification is based on the anatomy of the plant. Fruits are the mature ovaries of flowering plants, typically seed-bearing, while the remaining edible parts of a plant are classified as vegetables. However, in the kitchen, taste and usage play a significant role in determining whether a food is considered a fruit or a vegetable. The article provides examples and a quiz to test readers' knowledge of botanical definitions. [Extracted from the article]

With an empire that dominated most of Europe, western Asia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean, the Romans held enormous power and influence. From the 8th century BCE--when Rome was founded--to [...]

It may be the topic of daily small talk, but the weather and its shifting states has a big impact on the planet as a whole. In some countries, a [...]

Just as human skin produces a shield for our bodies, a volume of water forms a barrier at its surface that resists force and holds water molecules together. This is [...]

Methods used in farming are constantly changing. In the 1950s, for example, the increased use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers drastically improved crop yield, becoming known as the -Green Revolution. [...]

FASCISM THROUGH THE YEARS 1919 The 'fascist era' began at the end of World War I, lasting until 1945, the end of World War II. 9 Nov 1921 Benito Mussolini [...]

They hiss, they slither and--unfortunately for humans and unsuspecting prey--they bite. Snakes bite approximately 5.4 million people every year, resulting in around 81,000 to 138,000 deaths. Venomous snakes kill their [...]

As a species that has evolved to suit conditions on the surface of Earth, humans don't fare well when the planet spills out its innards. Searing magma from the flowing [...]

Due to global demand, we are running out of the fossil fuels that are used to power vehicles on the roads. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is accessible everywhere across [...]

In May 1773, the British government passed the Tea Act, making the British East India Company the exclusive tea seller to its American colonies. In the years leading up to [...]

When travelling along roads at night, drivers rely on well-lit paths and signage to direct them safely along dark routes. Road signs have lights to illuminate their lettering, while between [...]

For most people, gone are the days of counting out the exact change from the coins in your purse when you make a purchase at the shop. Today, customers don't [...]

In most instances, when you see a growing plant, its body below the stem is submerged in soil. When organic matter lives and dies in the soil, it releases nutrients [...]

After water, concrete is the second most used material in the world. It is made of cement, air, water, sand and gravel to produce a strong and durable construction material. [...]

Big Ben is actually the bell of London's iconic clock tower, rather than the tower itself, perched high on the banks of the River Thames at the Palace of Westminster, [...]

Whether they're used for recreation or for business, boats are often limited to the perimeters of coastlines. However, thousands of inland waterways and hundreds of shipping canals are hidden away [...]

As we better understand the micro and macro nutrient requirements of our bodies, it can make us question whether we are getting everything we need through our meal choices alone. [...]

People are complex animals who navigate the world on two feet, have advanced thoughts and form varied social groups. The species we all belong to is Homo sapiens, and to [...]

The extensive knowledge we hold about the Solar System today has come from direct observations of space or theories based on these observations. Through the lenses of telescopes, astronomers have [...]

There's a limit to how much greenhouse gases our planet can absorb without a drastic change to the climate worldwide. The point at which this can no longer be reversed [...]

Before GPS technology simplified the navigation process for voyagers at sea, sailors relied wholly on lighthouses to sail in and out of harbours and safely navigate rocks at night. Today, [...]

Have you ever felt a sudden urge to itch your skin before looking down to see a puffy red bump? Although the offender is probably nowhere to be seen by [...]

The arrival of a bin lorry is often announced by the loud, piercing sound of its back-up beeper, the clattering of wheelie bins and the satisfying crunch of bin bags [...]

Over half of Earth's population can be found in large, urban areas. Millions of people live in the world's largest cities, creating an uneven distribution of resources across our planet. [...]

What is life like living aboard the International Space Station (ISS)? As astronauts, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. And that includes life on board the International Space [...]

Pouch-dwelling joeys Koalas are part of the marsupial family, meaning that their young are referred to as 'joeys'. When born, the hairless, fragile koala is only two centimetres long, and [...]

No recording can replace the experience of standing before your favourite band, surrounded by many thousands of like-minded fans as you shout back the lyrics in time with the performers. [...]

Perhaps the most catastrophic element of an emergency scenario is its unanticipated nature. You don't expect to sustain an injury when you leave your house for a walk. You don't [...]

The oldest known civilisations first cropped up over 5,000 years ago. As these communities began settling in one area, they gathered the materials around them to create long-lasting shelters. Millennia [...]

Since the first piece of the International Space Station (ISS) was launched into orbit in November 1998, it's become the ideal laboratory to test and explore our space knowledge. Orbiting [...]

The article "LASER WARFARE" explores the various military applications of laser technology, such as anti-missile systems, light communication, and laser dazzlers. It highlights examples like Israel's Iron Beam high-energy laser weapon system and the UK Royal Navy's DragonFire laser. Additionally, the article discusses the use of laser rangefinders and laser warning systems in modern militaries to enhance accuracy and protect against enemy lasers. [Extracted from the article]

The article "HOW HIBERNATION WORKS" explores the various types of hibernation and dormant states that animals enter to survive harsh environmental conditions. True hibernation involves a deep unconscious state with a significant decrease in body temperature and metabolic rate. Different animals, from insects to reptiles, have adapted unique strategies like torpor, diapause, brumation, and aestivation to conserve energy and survive extreme weather conditions. The article also highlights how animals find hidden spots in nature to hibernate, such as bats hanging in tree hollows and hedgehogs nesting in dead leaves. [Extracted from the article]

There are about 369,000 flowering plant species known to grace our planet, making up roughly 94 per cent of all land plants. The flower itself is the seed-bearing part of [...]

Our lives revolve around food. As we fill up our cupboards with our weekly shopping and consume the shelves' contents multiple times a day, our favourite snacks only have a [...]

You don't have to venture too far out into the ocean to feel completely isolated and alone. As the sea covers over 70 per cent of Earth's surface, those who [...]

It's usually around the summer months that you're most likely to encounter bees and wasps. As these frantic flyers approach, expertly dodging waving hands as they buzz about the flowers, [...]

When Google released 'Google Glass' in 2013, it was a novelty. The era of smart glasses was yet to really begin, and the idea of wearing this technology was largely [...]

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will prioritize innovation and sustainability. The organizers aim to reduce the carbon footprint by half and reuse or repurpose 95% of the infrastructure. Advanced technology, such as AI-powered judges and real-time translation services, will enhance the experience for athletes and spectators. Nike's Maxfly 2 running shoes and 3D-printed track bikes are expected to push the boundaries of human performance. The Paralympic Games will showcase inclusive technology, like running blades for amputee athletes. The Stade de France, a multi-purpose stadium in Paris, features natural ventilation and acoustic panels to minimize noise pollution. [Extracted from the article]

This article debunks various conspiracy theories and provides scientific explanations for the phenomena that conspiracy theorists often misinterpret. It discusses the belief that airplane contrails contain mind-control chemicals, explaining that they are actually just clouds formed by frozen particles from aircraft engines. The article also addresses the theory that Saturn's hexagonal storm is evidence of alien technology, clarifying that it is a natural phenomenon caused by a rotating storm. Additionally, it refutes the idea of a killer planet called Nibiru on a collision course with Earth, explaining that there is no evidence to support this claim. The article also debunks the notion that the Earth is flat, provides evidence for the authenticity of the Moon landing, explores the various theories surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, and dispels the myth that vaccines cause autism. Finally, it addresses concerns about the health implications of 5G technology and provides scientific evidence to refute these claims. The article concludes by explaining the origins and transmission of COVID-19, emphasizing that it is a naturally occurring virus and not a laboratory creation. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses several instances when artificial intelligence (AI) technology did not function as intended. It begins by mentioning a Russian robot called Promobot IR77 that escaped its laboratory and caused a traffic jam before being returned. The article then highlights a court case where lawyers used an AI chatbot called Chat GPT to research similar cases, but the information provided by the chatbot turned out to be fictional. It also mentions an incident in a football match where AI-controlled cameras mistakenly focused on a linesman's bald head instead of the ball. The article further discusses Amazon's AI recruiting tool that exhibited bias against hiring women, and Target's AI algorithm that predicted pregnancies before family members were aware. Lastly, it mentions a Tesla car crash where the autopilot technology failed to detect a truck crossing its path. The article concludes by mentioning the offensive tweets posted by Microsoft's Twitter chatbot, Tay, and the subsequent release of a new version called Zo that was programmed to avoid offensive topics. [Extracted from the article]

How do we cope when temperatures fall far below zero, mighty snowstorms sap our strength and frost-covered floors knock us from our feet with surprising ease? Just stepping outside in [...]

Is there such a thing as a totally accurate world map? Thanks to a combination of photographs taken from space and careful calculations, it might appear so. But in reality, [...]