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stephen beech

Data reveals wealthy kids use screens more than poorer peers

Data reveals wealthy kids use screens more than poorer peers

By Stephen Beech Screen time among children has soared over the last 30 years – particularly among youngsters from wealthier families, reveals new research. The nature of screen use by children and teenagers has also shifted dramatically - from traditional television to more interactive and personalized digital devices such as mobile phones

Research reveals why some bees change color with the weather

Research reveals why some bees change color with the weather

By Stephen Beech Some bees change color with the weather, reveals new research. Humidity can temporarily alter the shimmering hues of certain "chameleon" species, say scientists. A research team, led by Dr. Madeleine Ostwald of Queen Mary University of London, found that moisture in the air can cause

Tarantulas use ‘spidey sense’ to remember where to hunt

Tarantulas use ‘spidey sense’ to remember where to hunt

By Stephen Beech Tarantulas use memory and learning skills to hunt for prey, suggests a new study. Several cases of "spatial orientation" were recorded among the fearsome spiders living in both trees and in underground burrows. The research team explained that spatial orientation refers to the ability of

Extreme weather linked to more strokes and heart attacks

Extreme weather linked to more strokes and heart attacks

By Stephen Beech Extreme weather is causing more people to suffer heart attacks and strokes, warns new research. More frequent heatwaves and cold snaps are linked with increases in major cardiovascular events that are further exacerbated by air pollution, say scientists. Lukasz Kuzma, from the Medical University of Bialystok inPoland,

Forensic analysis of Roman shipwreck reveals something new

Forensic analysis of Roman shipwreck reveals something new

By Stephen Beech Forensic analysis of a Roman shipwreck has revealed a remarkable history of repairs to the vessel throughout the Adriatic over 2,000 years ago. Researchers looked at pollen trapped in the waterproofing layers of the long sunken Roman Republic ship to find proof that it may have

Climate change driving beavers north and reshaping Arctic as they go

Climate change driving beavers north and reshaping Arctic as they go

By Stephen Beech Beavers have left a tell-tale trail as they move into the Arctic, reveals new research. Scientists have been able to track the mammals' colonization of territory within the Arctic Circle by dating the changes they have made to the landscape as they spread northward. The

‘Kraken-like’ giant octopuses ruled oceans 100 million years ago

‘Kraken-like’ giant octopuses ruled oceans 100 million years ago

By Stephen Beech Giant "kraken-like" octopuses were terrifying apex predators of the oceans 100 million years ago, according to new research. The "enormous" creatures were active carnivores who routinely crushed hard shells and bones with their powerful bites, say scientists. They also used their long,