Новости за 26.07.2017

Neural stem cells that have been transplanted into a mouse brain, here developing into neurons. Yirui Sun, Wellcome Images, CC BY-SA

If you are reading this and you don’t smoke, then your major risk factor for dying is probably your age. That’s because we have nearly eliminated mortality in early life, thanks to advances in science and engineering. But despite this progress, we still haven’t worked out how to eliminate the damaging effects of ageing itself.

Easier said than done. Pressmaster

Our towns and cities are much better set up for people who use wheelchairs than in the past. Dedicated parking spaces have become commonplace, while modern buses and trains often include areas for wheelchairs. A large number of public places like restaurants and bars also have wheelchair-friendly toilets.

Formula 1 drivers have the most effective safety helmets in the world. But thanks to F1 cars’ open cockpits, drivers are inevitably exposed to greater head injury risk than those in other high-speed sports. Now the body that governs F1 (the FIA) has decided to introduce a new head-protection system into the cars known as the Halo.

*Psyche Delia*/Flickr, CC BY-NC

Unlike parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, marjoram missed out on a role in the classic song Scarborough Fair, made popular in the 1960s by Paul Simon. But it does have a key additional advantage over most herbs. People know it best under its widely-used alternate name of oregano, which is also the scientific name – origanum vulgare. It is a common feature of Italian cooking and a native around Europe and in the UK. More importantly though, it is one of the best of all plants for attracting bees... Читать дальше...

JuliusKielaitis / shutterstock

Human society rewards individuals who can handle complex social interactions and control large groups of people. Extreme examples of this power are comedians who can fill stadiums entertaining 70,000 people, or politicians who, through their rhetoric and charm, convince millions of us to vote for them so they can run our lives. Intelligence, humour, and charisma are used to co-opt a greater share of resources for themselves and their family. In fact, many scientists... Читать дальше...

I've told you before, the Lawrence v Texas decision says it's fine. Africa Studio

As the UK marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, it’s crucial not to forget that views on sexual identity and orientation are diverse and often directly contradictory – and that this applies in lawmaking, too. There’s been plenty of research on the ways public and private behaviour and sexual activity are regulated, but there’s surprisingly little analysis of the ideological and cultural forces... Читать дальше...

One of the first British films to depict the 'crime' of homosexuality.

When the British parliament passed the Sexual Offences Act of 1967 – which stated that: “a homosexual act in private shall not be an offence provided that the parties consent thereto and have attained the age of 21 years” – it sought to legitimate gay identity in Britain, at least partially. Interestingly, the language contained within – the “homosexual act in private” – speaks directly to gay experience.

Into the unknown. pixabay.com

In this episode of The Anthill podcast, we are off exploring. Our theme is unexplored places and we speak to academics who research remote corners of land, sea and space.

The single market is dependent on membership of the EU. What we’ve said all along is that we want a tariff free trade access to the European market and a partnership with Europe in the future.

Marko Poplasen/Shutterstock

About 90% of men and 50% of children in developed countries are “overfat”, according to a new study published in Frontiers in Public Health. Most people will be alarmed by these figures … and the fact that a new term (“overfat”) seems to have emerged overnight. What happened to “overweight” and “obese”? Are there different ways of measuring body fat?

Image courtesy of the BBC

The casting of Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor has been celebrated by some and condemned by others as overly politically correct – but was the decision by Doctor Who’s latest showrunner Chris Chibnall truly such a risk for the programme? In a recent interview, Chibnall suggested that “the BBC was after … risk and boldness” – something that might tally with Whittaker taking the role after more than 12 men have tackled the job.

Lily Collins in To the Bone. Netflix

Not many films come with a health warning. But the recent Netflix film To The Bone, which tells the story of 20-year-old Ellen – played by Lily Collins – and her journey through treatment for anorexia, has received just that. The UK’s national eating disorder charity Beat said in a statement:

Hollywood insider. Shutterstock

The US government and Hollywood have always been close. Washington DC has long been a source of intriguing plots for filmmakers and LA has been a generous provider of glamour and glitz to the political class.