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17th century church bells ring again after 50 years of silence

17th century church bells ring again after 50 years of silence

By Elizabeth Hunter & Mark Stevens Church bells, ruled too delicate for bell-ringers, are pealing again after 50 years - thanks to electric hammers and a touch screen. Traditional bellringing at St Sampson's Church has been replaced by machines, which make them peal with the push of a

New research finds caterpillars ‘drum’ to communicate with ants

New research finds caterpillars ‘drum’ to communicate with ants

By Stephen Beech Caterpillars "drum" to communicate with ants, reveals new research. The creepy crawlies use complex rhythmic beats to allow them to "speak the language" of the eight-legged insects and gain their trust, say scientists. An international research team found that butterfly caterpillars use

Spiderwebs on Mars? NASA rover spots bizarre landscape

Spiderwebs on Mars? NASA rover spots bizarre landscape

By Dean Murray Maybe David Bowie was right with his spiders from Mars? Space scientists say they have spotted a hilly landscape that looks like spiderwebs on the Red Planet. NASA's Curiosity rover has spent six months exploring the site to investigate if they are a clue to

Drunk monkeys? Chimps consume significant levels of alcohol in wild

Drunk monkeys? Chimps consume significant levels of alcohol in wild

By Stephen Beech Chimps really are "drunken monkeys" - and actively seek out alcohol in their native habitat, suggests new research. Urine testing confirmed alcohol consumption among wild African chimpanzees with 17 out of 20 containing alcohol byproducts, likely from fermented fruit in their diet. A breathalyser is impractical

Man claims land in Balkans and declares himself president

Man claims land in Balkans and declares himself president

By Isobel Williams A Brit who declared himself president of his own country after claiming land in the Balkans has opened an embassy - on his local high street. Daniel Jackson, 21, first thought up the idea of starting his own country with a group of friends aged just 14. The

Parents blame hospital for daughter’s botched meningitis treatment

Parents blame hospital for daughter’s botched meningitis treatment

By James Connolly The heartbroken parents of a 2-year-old girl who died after contracting meningitis say they "weren't listened to" as her condition spiraled. Leila Normington, from Wetherby, Yorks., died just hours after being transferred to a hospice following what a report described as

Research reveals venues’ color affects the perception of sound

Research reveals venues’ color affects the perception of sound

By Stephen Beech A concert venue's color affects the perception of sound, reveals new research. Listeners said brighter colors lead to a warmer "tone." Previous studies have shown that lighting and visual effects can enhance the listening experience. But, until now, it was unclear if they