Author: Andrew Rogers

Researchers have found that heatwaves hurt our mood on a global scale. By studying over one billion social media posts, they tracked emotions against daily temperatures. When heat rose above 35°C, people expressed more negativity, particularly in poorer regions. The study highlights how climate change affects not just health and infrastructure but also emotional well-being. The project involved scientists from MIT and international partners. They rated the sentiment of posts shared on X and Weibo, then linked them to real-time local weather. Results showed negativity grew much faster in low-income countries than in high-income ones, underscoring global inequality in vulnerability.…

Asia continues to dominate crypto growth, while the United States has increased its participation under Trump’s second presidency. Europe, by contrast, has placed most of its focus on regulation rather than market speed. Bitcoin, the first major cryptocurrency, has grown from negligible value in 2009 to nearly $120,000 today. What began as an alternative to traditional money has evolved into a central focus for investors and governments worldwide. The EU responded with MiCA, a regulatory framework enforcing audit obligations, wallet segregation, registration fees, and verification of transfers. Officials believe this framework adds safety and consistency. However, industry experts warn that…

Duolingo apologised after one of its German lessons described J.K. Rowling as mean. The example was later deleted from the app. The lesson asked if learners liked Harry Potter stories. The provided answer included a personal insult towards the author. In a statement, Duolingo said it regretted the incident and promised to prevent similar content from appearing in its courses. The case reignited debate around Rowling’s views on trans rights, which have divided opinion and attracted anger from many public voices. Actor Daniel Radcliffe distanced himself from Rowling, saying her remarks upset him and affirming his support for LGBTQ people.…

For nearly two decades, Arctic sea ice decline has almost stopped, a sharp contrast to rising global temperatures and emissions. Researchers had expected faster melting, but natural variations in ocean currents seem to have temporarily reduced the inflow of heat. They warn, however, that this slowdown will soon end. Melting is highly likely to accelerate within the next decade. Not a Sign of Recovery September ice cover, the seasonal low point, remains only half the size observed in 1979, when satellite tracking began. Scientists emphasize this stall does not mark recovery. Projections still show an ice-free Arctic summer later this…

Scientists warn that plastic additives such as phthalates and bisphenols are driving a global decline in sperm counts, with studies showing a 60% drop since the 1970s and an accelerating decline of over 2% per year since 2000. These chemicals disrupt hormones, lowering testosterone or mimicking estrogen, and their effects are especially damaging during pregnancy, where fetal exposure can lead to genital deformities and reduced fertility in adulthood. Political Stalemate Despite Urgent Warnings The fertility crisis coincides with the massive growth in global plastic production, yet political progress is stalled. Recent UN talks in Geneva collapsed after oil- and gas-producing…

Chocolate can take on many flavors – from fruity and floral to bold and bitter. Now, scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how cocoa bean fermentation shapes taste. An international team led by Prof. David Salt of the University of Nottingham studied beans from three cocoa-growing regions in Colombia and found that specific microbes play a decisive role in determining the final flavor of chocolate. Nine Key Microbes as the “Secret Ingredient” While beans from Santander and Huila developed fruity and floral notes during fermentation, beans from Antioquia lacked these aromas due to the activity of different microbes. Genetic…