Insects are gorging themselves on ‘junk’ as rising CO2 levels make plants less nutritious 

Grasshoppers are gorging themselves on the equivalent of ‘junk food’ as rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere make plants less nutritious, a study has found.  Experts studying a grassland preserve in Kansas discovered that its grasshopper numbers have fallen by more than 30 per cent over the last two decades. Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide … Read more

High levels of protein in the blood could predict which coronavirus patients will need ventilators

Scientists discover high levels of protein in the blood could predict which coronavirus patients will need to be put on ventilators The protein, known as suPAR, is a marker of disease severity and aggressiveness as well as activating of the immune system Patients without the virus typically had suPAR levels of five ng/mL or less, … Read more

Smart phones may leak unsafe levels of radiation, report claims

Apple and Samsung smart phones may leak unsafe levels of radiation, investigation claims The Chicago Tribune tested 11 popular phone models  The iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S8 emitted double the radiation allowed under FCC regulations  Devices also leaked more radiation than their manufacturers’ tests claimed  Radiofrequency radiation from cell phones is a ‘possible carcinogen’ … Read more

High levels of protein in the blood could predict which coronavirus patients will need ventilators

Scientists discover high levels of protein in the blood could predict which coronavirus patients will need to be put on ventilators The protein, known as suPAR, is a marker of disease severity and aggressiveness as well as activating of the immune system Patients without the virus typically had suPAR levels of five ng/mL or less, … Read more

People with low levels of Vitamin D could be more likely to die from COVID-19 infection

A preliminary study has found tentative evidence suggesting low levels of vitamin D may make it more likely an individual will die after contracting coronavirus.   The research compared average levels of vitamin D across 20 European countries with COVID-19 infection rate and mortality.  It revealed a convincing correlation where countries with low vitamin D levels … Read more

Smart contact lens developed that allows diabetics to monitor their glucose levels

Diabetics will be able to monitor their glucose level just by blinking thanks to new smart contact lenses that monitor liquid in the eye and share reports wirelessly. The new invention is being developed by researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea as an alternative to blood tests. The wireless and remotely … Read more

Petrol prices at ‘rip-off levels’ even before huge oil crash this week

Motorists are not benefiting from the oil price crash because petrol suppliers are ‘dishonestly holding back’ from passing on savings at the pumps, campaigners said today. FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox said average prices of a litre of unleaded and diesel should be 98p and 106p respectively. But they are instead 110.05p and 115.13p, according to the RAC Fuel … Read more

Petrol prices at ‘rip-off levels’ even before huge oil crash this week

The cost of petrol and diesel in Britain are at ‘rip-off levels’ – even before the crash in the price of oil that has taken place this week, a campaigner claims. Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, said average prices of a litre of unleaded and diesel should be 98p and 106p respectively, but are around … Read more

High levels of air pollution may be ‘major contributor’ to COVID-19 deaths

Emissions Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. After the gas is released into the atmosphere it stays there, making it difficult for heat to escape – and warming up the planet in the process.  It is primarily released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and … Read more

Broadcasters of children’s television urged to turn on subtitles in a bid to raise literacy levels

Calls for children’s TV to turn on the subtitles in a bid to raise literacy levels among youngsters missing school due to coronavirus quarantine The campaign to add subtitles to children’s TV hopes to raise the reading age Research shows 94 per cent of children engage with subtitles if they are shown  Presenter Stephen Fry … Read more