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☆ Brexit border checks: Britain braces for less choice and higher prices on food imports
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Hanna Ziady | Anna Cooban | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The new regime for food imports is perhaps the starkest example of the painful border bureaucracy that UK and EU businesses must contend with in the wake of Brexit. An additional cost of that scale will “significantly increase food prices and reduce choice,” the federation’s CEO Phil Pluck wrote in a letter to environment and food minister Steve Barclay earlier this month. But here too Brexit hasn’t helped, ending as it did the free movement of EU workers on whom British farmers had relied for decades. In addition to Brexit-related challenges, UK farmers have been squeezed by soaring input costs, including those of fertilizer, energy and labor. “I’m not hugely in favor of subsidies, I’m in favor of fair food prices,” Maddocks said.

Persons: Eddie Price, ”, Phil, Steve Barclay, Andrew Aitchison, Andrew Opie, “, Jack Bobo, “ It’s, Price, hasn’t, ” Tom Bradshaw, “ You’re, Chris Ratcliffe, Brexit, ” Philip Maddocks, I’m, ” Maddocks Organizations: London CNN, European Union, EU, Britain, Birmingham Wholesale, CNN, Chain Federation, British Retail Consortium, University of York, Food Systems, University of Nottingham, Birmingham Wholesale Market, Bank, National Farmers ’ Union, Bloomberg, Getty, PDM Locations: United Kingdom, Britain, France, Spain, artichokes, Italy, Birmingham, Dover, Port, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, North Africa, England, Sandwich, Australia, New Zealand, English, Shropshire

☆ Archaeologists are now finding microplastics in ancient remains
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

London CNN —Microplastics have been found in historic soil samples for the first time, according to a new study, potentially upending the way archaeological remains are preserved. In total, the study identified 16 different microplastic polymer types in contemporary and archived soil samples, the statement adds. While preserving archaeological remains in situ has been the favored approach in recent years, the new findings could trigger a change in approach, as microplastic contamination could compromise the remains’ scientific value. “The presence of microplastics can and will change the chemistry of the soil, potentially introducing elements which will cause the organic remains to decay. If that is the case, preserving archaeology in situ may no longer be appropriate.”The study was published in Science of the Total Environment.

Persons: London CNN —, ” John Schofield, ” David Jennings, “, —, ” Organizations: London CNN, University of York, University of York’s Department of Archaeology, York, Environment Locations: London, United Kingdom, Coppergate, York

☆ 4,000-year-old tube of ancient red lipstick discovered in Iran, scientists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A small stone vial discovered in southeastern Iran contained a red cosmetic that was likely used as a lip coloring nearly 4,000 years ago, according to archaeologists. More than 80% of the analyzed sample was made up of minerals that produce a deep red color — primarily hematite. The substance found in the stone vial was made from different minerals — including hematite, shown in red. Whether the vial from Iran was the earliest lipstick, “all comes down to what this new discovery was actually used for,” she said. The rest is slowly emerging from new excavations.”It’s not clear who would have worn the lipstick — or in what context.

Persons: It’s, Massimo Vidale, ”, —, Joann Fletcher, Fletcher, Laurence Totelin, Totelin, ” Totelin, kohl, ” Vidale, Vidale, “ Organizations: CNN, University of Padua’s Department of Cultural Heritage, University of York’s, Cardiff University, Archaeological Museum, Jiroft Locations: Iran, Italy, Egypt, Jiroft

☆ A giant tsunami may have wiped out Stone Age populations in Britain 8,200 years ago, and scientists say a similar natural disaster could hit the islands again
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The suggested population decline occurred immediately after the Storegga tsunami occurred," Patrick Sharrocks, the lead author on the paper detailing the research, told Business Insider via email. Evidence of the Storegga tsunami has been found in Norway, England, Denmark, Greenland, and Scotland, including the Shetland Islands. Yet it's coarser than the finer sand found elsewhere attributed to the Storegga waves. AdvertisementNumerical models "can reconstruct the Storegga tsunami but can never be fully representative of past events," Sharrocks said. Future British tsunamisFor years, scientists thought the Storegga tsunami was a unique event.

Persons: —, Patrick Sharrocks, aren't, Marc Guitard, Sharrocks, Dave Tappin Organizations: Service, Business, University of York, University of Leeds, Howick, British Geological Survey, BBC Locations: Norway, Europe, Howick , Northumberland, England, Denmark, Greenland, Scotland, Shetland, Howick, British, Britain

☆ Counter Strike raked in nearly $1 billion in 2023 by from randomized loot boxes
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

"Counter Strike" made nearly $1 billion from loot boxes last year. One study found that 71% of the top Steam games in the last decade had loot boxes. AdvertisementWhile their exact mechanics vary from game to game, loot boxes generally work the same: you buy a loot box using in-game currency or real money, and it in turn gives you a randomized reward. The UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport is still actively examining loot boxes and published a list of 10 rules that developers should follow to "enhance player protection" in July 2023. AdvertisementSome of the recommendations include restricting anyone under 18 from purchasing loot boxes and disclosing the presence of loot boxes in a game prior to purchase and download of the game.

Persons: — Organizations: Regulators, Steam, Service, Daily, The University of York, UK's, UK's Department for Culture, Media, Sport, Entertainment

South Africa’s genocide case has put the spotlight on a deeper fault line in global geopolitics. Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty ImagesReactions from the Global North to the ICJ case have been mixed. “This war is a war that is not only between Israel and Hamas,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog told MSNBC in December. “It’s a war that is intended – really, truly – to save Western civilization, to save the values of Western civilization.”So far, no Western countries have supported South Africa’s case against Israel. Traditionally, the West has wielded significant influence in international affairs, but South Africa’s move signals a growing assertiveness among Global South nations that threatens the status quo, says Adekoya.

Persons: CNN —, Israel, ”, Nesrine Malik, ” Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, Jaafar Ashtiyeh, Biden, ” Remi Adekoya, Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, ” Hugh Lovatt, Garry Andrew Lotulung, ” Lovatt, Lovatt, Israel –, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Alaister Russell, Isaac Herzog, Hage Geingob, Berlin’s, Namibians, ” Adekoya Organizations: CNN, Israel, International Court of Justice, Guardian, Hamas, West Bank, Getty, US, UN, University of York, Palestine Liberation Organization, North Africa, European Council, Foreign Relations, Global, Arab League, ICJ, West, ”, International, MSNBC, ZDF, Dhaka Tribune, Germany Locations: South Africa, Johannesburg, Israel, The Hague, Gaza, South, Africa, Sudanese, United States, Europe, Ramallah, West, AFP, England, PLO, East, Indonesian, Jakarta, Indonesia, Anadolu, China, Soviet, Ekurhuleni, Germany, German, Germany’s, Namibia, Namibian, Bangladesh, Pakistan

☆ How clean-air-tech companies are trying to change the way we breathe
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Hazel Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The impacts of air pollution are a growing concern for health organizations and climate regulators. The pandemic prompted some countries to prioritize finding ways to alleviate and prevent air pollution, including encouraging people to wear face masks. Vitale said exposure to negative ions could increase serotonin levels in the brain, which would help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve sleep quality. At the same time, the UV light shines on the nanoparticle catalyst, which causes a reaction that releases negative ions. Trahms said the device emitted a constant stream of millions of negative ions, which bind to pollutants — or agglomerate — rather than destroy them.

Persons: —, Jay Vitale, COVID, Vitale, there's, Christiaan Trahms, Trahms, Nicola Carslaw Organizations: Service, World Health Organization, Air, National Library of Medicine, King's, AA, Food and Drug Administration, University of York Locations: Milton Keynes, South Africa, London

☆ Early Europeans thrived on seaweed, study of dental plaque reveals
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Virtually absent from most present-day Western diets, seaweed and aquatic plants were once a staple food for ancient Europeans, an analysis of molecules preserved in fossilized dental plaque has found. Previously when researchers uncovered evidence of seaweed, they explained its presence as a fuel, food wrapping or fertilizer. In Europe, by the 18th century, seaweed was regarded as a famine food or only suitable for animal feed. And of those, 26 samples revealed that seaweed or aquatic plants had been on the menu. The scientists said they hoped that their research would highlight the potential for including more seaweeds and freshwater plants in present-day diets.

Persons: ”, Karen Hardy, ’ Hardy, ” Hardy, Stephen Buckley, ” Buckley, Buckley Organizations: CNN, Nature Communications, University of Glasgow, University of York, Corona Locations: Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland, Spain, Lithuania, Orkney, ”, Asia

☆ ‘Swifterature:’ Belgian university launches course to analyze Taylor Swift lyrics
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Poetry, prose and now songwriting: Ghent University in Belgium is launching a new literature course dedicated to the literary merit of Taylor Swift’s discography. “Highly prolific and autobiographical in her songwriting, Swift makes frequent allusions to canonical literary texts in her music,” the class syllabus explains. “Using Swift’s work as a springboard, we will explore, among other topics, literary feminism, ecocriticism, fan studies, and tropes such as the anti-hero. In 2016, the University of Texas launched an English Literature course unpacking Beyoncé’s visual album “Lemonade” and its relationship to Black feminism. “But if anyone can teach you a lesson in how to respond to trolls, it’s Taylor Swift,” she concluded.

Persons: Taylor, Elly McCausland, McCausland, Sylvia Plath, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare —, Geoffrey Chaucer’s “, Criseyde, Charlotte Brontë’s “, Margaret Atwood, Simon Armitage, “, Swift, Taylor Swift, ” McCausland, ”, Sylvia Plath’s, —, I’ll, “ I’m, There’s, it’s Taylor Swift Organizations: CNN, Ghent University, Oxford University, University of York, University of Oslo, New York University, Arizona State University, Berklee College of Music, Rice University, University of Texas, University of Copenhagen Locations: Belgium, Charlotte Brontë’s “ Villette, ”, ’, United Kingdom, Norway, Europe, United States, Houston

☆ These ancient Egyptian paintings were hiding a secret
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Jacopo Prisco | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.CNN —Researchers using a cutting-edge technique have discovered hidden details in two ancient Egyptian paintings in the Theban Necropolis, near the River Nile, that date back more than 3,000 years. Using portable chemical imaging technology, the researchers identified alterations made by the artists that are rare in Egyptian paintings, commonly thought to be the product of highly formalized workflows. We want to understand how these paintings were made.”X-ray fluorescence in chemical imaging technology helps to reveal alterations made in Egyptian tomb paintings that may not seem obvious to the naked eye. “It demonstrates the potential value of quantitative data, obtained through scientific analysis, for a more comprehensive and less subjective interpretation of ancient Egyptian art,” she said. “And the adaption of portable (X-ray) instruments as mobile devices designed for use in the field is a very exciting advancement in the study of ancient Egyptian wall paintings.”

Persons: ”, Philippe Martinez, Amenhotep III, Mona Lisa of Egypt, ” Martinez, “, Menna, Osiris, Ramesses II, Martinez, I’m, ” Joann Fletcher, Lorelei Corcoran Organizations: CNN —, Sorbonne University, MAFTO, UK’s University of York, of Egyptian Art, University of Memphis Locations: Paris, Egypt, Menna, Luxor, Tennessee

☆ Genetic study details complex ancestry of East Africa's Swahili people
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Will Dunham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Radu Sigheti/File PhotoMarch 29 (Reuters) - A study of centuries-old DNA has deciphered the complex ancestry of coastal East Africa's Swahili people, revealing how a cosmopolitan and prosperous medieval civilization arose thanks in large part to women from Africa and men arriving from Persia. After around 1500 AD, the bulk of the Asian genetic contribution shifted to Arabian sources, the study showed. "However, in this case, because Bantu populations in East Africa often have more matrilineal tendencies, African women likely had more autonomy in choosing their partners for building a family. It may be, the researchers said, that the African women and their communities chose to form families with Persian princes or traders, reinforcing trade networks of African and Persian merchants. The evidence of Indian ancestry adds a surprising new layer to the history of the East African coast, Brielle added.

☆ Is the U.S. falling behind China in Africa’s lithium industry?
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Sydney Boyo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The demand for lithium is rising as it has become a critical component needed in electric vehicle batteries. Zimbabwe has been mining lithium for 60 years and the government estimates that its Chinese-owned Bikita Minerals Mine, which is located 300 kilometers south of the capital Harare, has about 11 million metric tons of lithium resources. In December 2022, Zimbabwe passed the Base Mineral Export Control Act that banned the export of raw lithium. That includes Chinese firms Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt , Sinomine Resource Group and Chengxin Lithium Group which have invested $678 million into lithium projects in Zimbabwe. Both the Bikita mine, which is the largest lithium mine in the country, and the Arcadia Lithium mine are Chinese owned.

CAIRO — Known as Egypt’s “golden boy,” the mummified remains of a teenager buried 2,300 years ago have long remained shrouded in mystery. Now they have been “digitally unwrapped” by scientists, revealing intimate details that went undiscovered for over a century. Radiologists at Cairo University in Egypt used CT scans to non-invasively unwrap the remains, uncovering signs of wealth as well as efforts to ensure his safe passage to the afterlife. Amulets were both placed inside the “golden boy” and between the wrappings used to mummify the remains, the study published Tuesday found. The new study comes as museums in the U.K. reckon with whether the term "mummy" is appropriate to describe mummified remains, because of what some say are its “dehumanizing” connotations.

☆ Did we get Egyptian mummification totally wrong? It might have nothing to do with preserving the body after death, experts say.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Egyptians may not have used mummification to preserve the body at all, some scientists say. Their aim may have been to turn royal remains into godly statues — preservation was a perk, they say. Instead, the experts say, Egyptians intended to turn their pharaohs into statues, works of art with religious significance. The approach is explored in the upcoming "Golden Mummies of Egypt" exhibition, which opens at the Manchester Museum in February. Manchester Museum/ Julia ThorneStatues were seen by ancient Egyptians as godly.

Here are 12 of the weirdest and most fascinating animal behaviors scientists spotted in 2022. Here are 12 bizarre and amazing things animals were spotted doing, some of which had never been seen before. It turned out that at least 12 species of primates had been reported doing so, a review published in the Journal of Zoology in October found. A dolphin swallowed 8 venomous sea snakesA sea snake (indicated with pink arrow), moments before it is captured and eaten by a Navy dolphin. Though animals have often been spotted using tools, these usually are used to give the animal a clear survival advantage.

☆ It's a myth that ancient Egyptians pulled mummy brains out by the nose — they likely scrambled them instead, says an expert who tried it
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-25 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

There's a good chance you were told ancient Egyptians pulled chunks of brains out through the nose. Experiments suggest there was a much easier way to do this: scrambling the brains, an expert said. It's likely embalmers used hooks to liquefy the brains and pour them out, he said. "'Hooking it out in pieces is not particularly efficient/successful," he told Insider in an email. For instance, Pharaoh Thutmose I, Queen Tiye, the main wife of pharaoh Amenhotep III, and Pharaoh Amenhotep I were all found with brain tissue still in place.

☆ Historic Artemis I mission is just beginning its lunar journey
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-19 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The Artemis I mission launched on its journey to the moon Wednesday. NASAHours after the launch of Artemis I, the Orion spacecraft began to share its impressive views from space. The Artemis I mission is speeding along on a 25.5-day journey that will loop around the moon and return to Earth on December 11. Across the universeA newborn star is at the heart of a new James Webb Space Telescope image that looks like an hourglass. NASA/ESA/CSA/STScIAn awe-inspiring new image from the James Webb Space Telescope shows the gas and dust released by a chaotic newborn star.

☆ Chimpanzees could share another behavior trait with humans
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Taylor Nicioli | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The closest cousin of humans, this species of great ape has effective ways of communicating what it needs. Show-and-tellFiona had been engaged in what researchers call “leaf grooming,” a common behavior in which a chimpanzee will stroke and manipulate a leaf. Slocombe and her team always maintain a 23-foot (7-meter) distance when observing the chimpanzees in the wild, so as to not disturb them. This standard practice rules out the possibility that the behavior was learned from humans. She hopes it will encourage those who work with chimpanzees, in the wild or in captivity, to look out for more examples.

☆ Guy Fawkes Night: What those fireworks and bonfires are all about
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-05 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Every year on November 5, skies across England, Scotland and Wales are illuminated by fireworks as Brits head out into the night to enjoy Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. Also called Fireworks Night or Bonfire Night, this autumn tradition has been a staple of the British calendar for the past 400 years. A photograph from 1955, depicting children at a school in Surrey, England, preparing the Guy Fawkes Night bonfire. What’s Guy Fawkes Night like today? Lewes Bonfire Night celebrationsEffigies of former UK prime minister Boris Johnson and fellow UK Conservative politician Jacob Rees-Mogg are paraded through the streets of Lewes during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations in 2019.

Persons: Guy Fawkes, Guido Fawkes, Fawkes, Tudor King Henry VIII, Robert Catesby, Catesby, King James I, James Sharpe, Sharpe, ”, What’s Guy Fawkes, Ronald Hutton, ” Hutton, Hutton, That’s, you’re, Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees, Mogg, Peter Summers, it’s, that’s, “ They’re, Donald Trump, “, Mary, Phil Clarke Hill, Ottery, Mary’s, Patrick Kinsella, parkin, there’s, –, Alexandra, Chris J Ratcliffe, Hallows, Halloween’s, you’ll Organizations: CNN, Getty, Catholic, of, London, University of York, CNN Travel, Conservative, Lewes, Lewes Bonfire Society, Alexandra Palace, Celtic, Battersea Power Locations: England, Scotland, Wales, of England, Surrey, Britain, Lewes, Zulu, Lewes . The, spectate, Ottery St Mary, Devon, Ottery, North America, In Yorkshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, London, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Ireland, York, South, Battersea

☆ There's a debate raging in video games over whether loot boxes should be classified as gambling
▼ + stars: | 2020-07-05 | by ( Isobel Asher Hamilton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

There's a debate raging over whether in-game loot boxes encourage kids to gamble. In the UK, the House of Lords this week recommended the legal reclassification of loot boxes in video games as gambling. Experts are divided over whether paying for loot boxes has a causal link to gambling and one told Business Insider it could be "apocalyptically stupid" to regulate loot boxes like gambling without doing more research. In some games, players are able to trade the rewards they get from loot boxes with each other for real money. The 71% figure referred to the share of players in the sample who had played games with loot boxes, not the share of games containing loot boxes.

Persons: —, David Zendle, Zendle, Pete Etchells, Andrew Przybylski, Przybylski Organizations: Service, FIFA, Steam, Juniper Research, University of York, Bath Spa University, Oxford Internet Institute, Business

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