Articles

A new technology, Whale Safe, is combating the rising threat of ship collisions to whales, which can kill up to 20,000 whales annually. Using underwater microphones to detect whale calls, the system alerts nearby ships to slow down, increasing compliance with speed limits. Since its launch in California in 2020, collisions have decreased, and the program has expanded to cover all North American slow-speed zones. Other countries are adopting similar technologies, including acoustic buoys and detection boxes with thermal and infrared cameras. While challenges remain, such as resistance from coastal communities, the technology offers hope for protecting vulnerable whale populations.

A new technology is helping to reduce the number of whales killed by collisions with ships. Whale Safe, launched in 2020, uses microphone-equipped buoys to detect whale calls and alerts nearby ships to slow down. The system also monitors ships' speeds and rates them on compliance with speed limits. Since its launch, collisions in California have decreased, and the program has now expanded to North American waters. Other countries are also adopting similar technologies, including Chile, which has deployed acoustic buoys to alert ships to the presence of whales. The International Maritime Organisation has created a "Particularly Sensitive Sea Area" in the Mediterranean to mitigate ship strikes, and companies are rerouting ships away from whale habitats.

This article discusses the impending loss of nearly half of the world's 7,000 languages by the end of the century, largely due to colonialism and capitalism. Ross Perlin's book "Language City" highlights the linguistic diversity in New York, where 700 languages are spoken, and profiles six endangered languages. The article explores the importance of preserving languages for cultural heritage and the challenges faced in language revitalization, including the role of linguists and the need for community-led efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting the wishes of language communities and avoiding harmful narratives.

Flat whites, a coffee drink originating from Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s, have become popular globally, especially in the UK where one in three consumers ordered it in the past year. The drink, made with two shots of espresso and steamed milk, is less milky than a latte and less frothy than a cappuccino. Australia's café industry, with 95% independently owned businesses, generates $6.6 billion annually, a figure only surpassed by European countries on a per capita basis. Despite a history of poor coffee quality, the influence of American servicemen and immigrants post-WWII, along with the import of Italian espresso machines, transformed Australia's coffee culture.

Stingless bees, native to tropical regions, exhibit cultural differences in building honeycombs, according to a study by KU Leuven biologists. Observing over 400 colonies, they found two distinct architectural traditions passed down through generations, challenging the notion that culture is uniquely human. The study suggests that indirect transmission, or stigmergy, may play a role in the development of complex animal behaviors, including some human traditions.

An ancient cooking method called "perpetual stew" has gained popularity among Gen Z, thanks to social media influencer Annie Rauwerda who documented her two-month stew-making process on TikTok. The method involves continuously replenishing ingredients in a pot that never stops cooking, reducing the risk of food poisoning by ensuring the stew is always served piping hot. The dish, also known as "forever soup," has a long history, with medieval Europeans making similar stews with available seasonal ingredients. Today, the perpetual stew is celebrated for its deep flavor and communal aspect, bringing people together to share a meal.

Robotics has long drawn inspiration from animal locomotion, yet plants have been overlooked despite their unique movement and perception capabilities. Italian roboticist Barbara Mazzolai challenges this with "FiloBot," a climbing plant-inspired robot capable of growing, attaching to supports, and navigating environments. FiloBot uses sensors and a 3D-printing mechanism to adjust growth patterns based on light and gravity, making it agile and requiring minimal oversight. Potential applications include environmental monitoring in inaccessible areas or unstable disaster sites. Mazzolai also develops "plantoids" for soil analysis and "I-Seed," a biodegradable mini-bot for seed distribution in reforestation efforts, encouraging more robotics innovation from botany.

Godzilla, the iconic giant lizard, celebrates its 70th anniversary with continued relevance in cinema. Originating from the trauma of WWII and symbolizing nuclear fears, Godzilla has evolved from a symbol of horror to a defender of the environment in the "MonsterVerse". The character's recent portrayals reflect contemporary anxieties about climate change and the fragility of the natural world. "Godzilla Minus One", earning Godzilla his first Oscar, reconnects with the creature's profound origins while engaging with current global tensions.

New weight-loss drugs inspired by the Gila monster lizard could become blockbusters, with the global market projected to reach $80 billion by 2030. These drugs, which mimic the GLP-1 hormone, were initially developed for diabetes but have shown significant weight loss benefits, with one drug helping patients lose an average of 15% of their body weight. As the world faces an obesity crisis, demand for these drugs is surging. However, challenges remain, including the need for injections, side effects like nausea, and the loss of lean muscle mass. Companies are working on oral versions of the drugs and combinations with other medicines to mitigate these issues. Additionally, these drugs are showing promise in treating other health conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and potentially even brain disorders characterized by inflammation.