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stephen beech

Forever chemicals in drinking water may trigger childhood asthma

Forever chemicals in drinking water may trigger childhood asthma

By Stephen Beech Childhood asthma may be triggered by moms-to-be drinking water contaminated by "forever chemicals" while pregnant, suggests new research. High prenatal exposure to PFAS — or forever chemicals — may increase the risk of the chronic condition in youngsters, say scientists. The new study, published in

War of the planet of the apes? Chimp conflict causes ‘civil war’

War of the planet of the apes? Chimp conflict causes ‘civil war’

By Stephen Beech Chimps are at war — with each other. A deadly "civil war" has broken out among the largest group of wild chimpanzees known to scientists, resulting in a permanent split into two camps. Researchers say it is the first clearly documented permanent fission in wild chimps

Study finds plant-based diets lower dementia risk

Study finds plant-based diets lower dementia risk

By Stephen Beech Healthy plant-based diets lower the risk of dementia, according to new research. And it's never too late to turn vegan or vegetarian, as dementia risk is reduced even among those who adopt a plant-based diet in their sixties, say scientists. But the study,

Ancient ‘octopus’ fossil is actually a different species

Ancient ‘octopus’ fossil is actually a different species

By Stephen Beech A 300-million-year-old fossil hailed as the world's oldest "octopus" has turned out to be something else altogether. The artefact even featured in the Guinness Book of Records. But new research shows that it was a case of mistaken identity with

Newly discovered frog species named after Olympic champion

Newly discovered frog species named after Olympic champion

By Stephen Beech A newly discovered species of frog has been named in honor of an Olympic champion. The glassfrog was named after Neisi Dajomes - the first Ecuadorian woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Scientists say the El Quimi Nature Reserve in Ecuador, where the Dajomes glassfrog was found,

Can gluten be passed down through kissing?

Can gluten be passed down through kissing?

By Stephen Beech Gluten can be passed on through kissing, according to a new study. But the risk is "low and easily reduced" – by drinking a glass of water before locking lips - for people with celiac disease, scientists say. For the one in 100 people living with celiac

AI-powered grape ripeness detector aims to revolutionize wine industry

AI-powered grape ripeness detector aims to revolutionize wine industry

By Stephen Beech An AI-powered grape ripeness detector designed to make wine production more efficient has been developed. The new portable handheld sensor provides instant and accurate data about whether grapes are ready to harvest, scientists say. Wine is the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the United Kingdom. But