FCC to reintroduce rules protecting net neutrality
The US government aims to restore sweeping regulations for high-speed internet providers, such as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, reviving "net neutrality" rules for the broadband industry -- and an ongoing debate about the internet's future.
2023-09-26 20:22
Storm Agnes: Rain warning upgraded in parts of Republic of Ireland
The are warnings by Met Éireann and the Met Office for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
2023-09-26 20:17
Mysterious 'fairy circles' are spreading across the world and scientists don't know why
A natural phenomenon consisting of polka-dot-style formations has been cropping up around the world, and scientists are baffled as to why. The circular-shaped patches of ground have been seen in deserts in Australia and Namibia but now experts believe they are more widespread than originally thought. Known as “fairy circles”, there are now 263 known sites across the globe where they can be found, according to new research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). They have been documented in 15 countries, across three continents, including the Sahel region of Africa, Madagascar, and in Middle-West Asia. And yet, despite the spread of these anomalies, scientists are still none the wiser about how they actually form. A team led by environmental scientist Emilio Guirado, of the University of Alicante in Spain, explained in their paper on the "intriguing" phenomenon: “We conducted a global and systematic assessment of fairy circle-like vegetation patterns and discovered hundreds of [fairy-circle]-like locations on three continents. “Our study provides insights into the ecology and biogeography of these fascinating vegetation patterns and the first atlas of their global distribution.” The mysterious circles appear in desert regions and can be as wide as 12 metres (39 feet) in diameter. They are almost always spaced out and rarely connect or overlap with one another. Several theories have been put forward as to what causes them, including, tiny insects, termites, and plant toxins. But, none have been accompanied by any significant evidence and some have been debunked completely. One significant factor limiting their study is they are often found in places that are difficult to access and are inhospitable. Locating the 263 different sites of “fairy circles” involved analysing high-resolution satellite imagery. Guirado and his team wrote in their paper: “[The sites] include those already identified in Namibia and Western Australia, as well as areas never described before, including the Sahel, Western Sahara, Horn of Africa, Madagascar, Southwest Asia, or Central and Southwest Australia. “By doing so, our study provides a global atlas of areas showing FC-like vegetation patterns and expands the known existence of this vegetation type to new countries and continents.” The team hopes that locating new sites will enable them to find common traits that may point towards their cause. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-09-26 20:15
Man Utd senior figures 'hopeful' of Jadon Sancho reintegration after first-team banishment
Senior figures at Manchester United are 'hopeful' that Jadon Sancho will be reintegrated into Erik ten Hag's first-team plans soon. Sancho is training away from the senior squad until he apologises for an outburst on social media.
2023-09-26 19:58
Crisis at Evergrande deepens as it misses another bond payment
Evergrande Group has just missed another bond payment, casting further doubt over the future of the embattled property developer at the epicenter of China's real estate crisis.
2023-09-26 19:56
Celebration of South Africa a show of togetherness, chamber says
A festival celebrating South African culture is praised for it's 'togetherness' by a business group.
2023-09-26 19:47
Thousands of ethnic Armenians flee Nagorno-Karabakh after breakaway region's defeat
Nonna Poghosyan spent Monday morning walking around her family home in Nagorno-Karabakh "trying to understand what to take, what is the most important stuff I can fit into my suitcase."
2023-09-26 19:45
Phil Jones confirms next career move after Man Utd exit
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has hinted at his retirement at the age of 31 as he begins a new challenge in football away from the pitch.
2023-09-26 19:27
Fantasy Football Week 4: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
Breaking down the top start 'em, sit 'em options for Week 4 of the fantasy football season.
2023-09-26 19:27
Venom isn't meant to be 'too scary' in Venom
Senior art director Jacinda Chew has explained why they didn't want Venom to be "too scary".
2023-09-26 19:27
Theatre tickets from night of Lincoln assassination sell for $262,500
The US president was shot and killed in the presidential box of Ford's Theatre during a performance.
2023-09-26 19:24
5 Best Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 4
The top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 4.
2023-09-26 19:24