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stephen beech

Shipping noise drowning out endangered pilot whales’ calls

Shipping noise drowning out endangered pilot whales’ calls

By Stephen Beech Pilot whales are having to shout louder to be heard over deafening noise from shipping, reveals new research. The underwater sound from ships' engines in the Strait of Gibraltar is the equivalent to standing next to a vacuum cleaner, according to the findings. Scientists say the

Report warns 1 in 6 plant species could be wiped out in 75 years

Report warns 1 in 6 plant species could be wiped out in 75 years

By Stephen Beech Up to one in six plant species could be wiped out within 75 years, warns a new study. Researchers found that 7% to 16% of global plant species studied are expected to lose more than 90% of their range by 2100 under current climate change projections. The

Species named in honor of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

Species named in honor of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

By Stephen Beech A new species of wasp has been named in honor of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday. The insect, originally from Chile, was identified from a specimen housed at London's Natural History Museum. Scientists from the Museum, who described the new genus and species

Japanese scientists discover garlic may help slow aging

Japanese scientists discover garlic may help slow aging

By Stephen Beech A compound derived from garlic could help slow down the aging process, according to new research. It has the "potential" to reduce natural muscle wastage as people get older, say scientists. The study shows that S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine (S1PC) — a bioactive compound found

Research shows magic mushrooms make fish lazier and less aggressive

Research shows magic mushrooms make fish lazier and less aggressive

By Stephen Beech A key ingredient in magic mushrooms makes fish less aggressive and lazier, according to new research. The chemical compound may reduce energetically costly behavior, say scientists. They believe their findings could help develop new drugs in the future for treating human behavioral problems. More than 200 mushrooms

All in the famiglia? Mafia marriages used to preserve this notorious mob

All in the famiglia? Mafia marriages used to preserve this notorious mob

By Stephen Beech Mafia marriages are "strategic tools" that help preserve the notorious criminal network, suggests a new study. Matrimony between lesser-known clans is particularly important to the resilience of one of the world’s most powerful mafia networks, according to the findings. The analysis of inter-

Online friends don’t help overcome loneliness: study

Online friends don’t help overcome loneliness: study

By Stephen Beech Social media "friends" don't help overcome loneliness, according to new research. The first-of-its-kind study suggests that all of the strangers people befriend online are not actually helping them to feel less lonely. On the contrary, social media connection with people