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Health

Scientists find toxic metals hidden in popular plastic toys

A large-scale Brazilian study found dangerous levels of toxic metals in popular children’s toys, with barium and lead topping the list. Researchers used sophisticated lab methods to identify 21 hazardous elements and test how easily they could be released when toys are mouthed. Even though only small fractions leach out, the total concentrations were so high that safety concerns remain critical. Source link

Technology

X-Ray Nebula Discovery Brings Astronomers Closer to Solving Cosmic Ray Mystery

A new study has linked an unexplained LHAASO detection to a pulsar-powered X-ray nebula, confirming it as a rare PeVatron capable of accelerating particles to extreme energies. The discovery is a major step toward solving the long-standing mystery of galactic cosmic rays. Researchers are now combining X-ray, gamma-ray and neutrino observations to trace these powerful … Source link

China

Ancient Chinese DNA shows gender bias in human sacrifice ritual 4,000 years ago

Female sacrifice in China dates back thousands of years earlier than previously believed, a study of ancient DNA has revealed. Evidence from elite burials at a large Stone Age settlement in northwestern China also suggests the existence of an early hierarchical society, with gender preference relating to the type of sacrificial ritual, according to the Chinese archaeologists and anthropologists behind the study. Shimao, located in the Yellow River valley in Shaanxi province, is one of the… Source link

Space

Three Cassini Scientists Give a Fond Farewell to the Mission

A conversation with three members of the original Cassini science team: Jeff Cuzzi, the mission’s interdisciplinary scientist for rings; Dale Cruikshank, an astronomer and planetary scientist studying Saturn’s icy moons; and Chris McKay, a planetary scientist and one of the original collaborators on the Huygens probe – all three from NASA’s Ames Research Center. Transcript Matthew Buffington:Welcome to NASA in Silicon Valley, episode 59. This week we have a special episode in honor of the Cassini mission, which is coming to a dramatic close on September 15. And for the first time ever for a podcast intro, I’m joined…

Science

A strange ancient foot reveals a hidden human cousin

Researchers have finally assigned a strange 3.4-million-year-old foot to Australopithecus deyiremeda, confirming that Lucy’s species wasn’t alone in ancient Ethiopia. This hominin had an opposable big toe for climbing but still walked upright in a distinct style. Isotope tests show it ate different foods from A. afarensis, revealing clear ecological separation. These insights help explain how multiple early human species co-existed without wiping each other out. Source link

World

‘Not going to happen’: Haida nation threatens to end Carney’s pipe dream

The Canadian PM’s breakthrough oil deal with Alberta cost him a cabinet minister and will still face stiff opposition When the people of the Haida nation won a decades-long battle for recognition that an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia in Canada was rightfully theirs, it was a long overdue victory. The unprecedented deal with the provincial and the federal governments meant the Haida no longer had to prove that they had Aboriginal title to the land of Xhaaidlagha Gwaayaai, “the islands at the boundary of the world” Continue reading… Source link

Technology

I use these 4 Home Assistant devices for the ultimate smart home, and you don't want to miss these discounts

Home Assistant forms the backbone of my smart home and has been doing so for a solid year. To make the most of this powerful home automation platform, it’s vital that you have a collection of devices to provide it with data. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend much since Black Friday is a good time as any to take advantage of discounts. I’ve spotted some devices that I use daily in my own smart home are on sale, and they’re among the best ways to get started with Home Assistant. Source link

Top Stories

‘Premium but not ostentatious’: the best extra virgin olive oils to give as a gift instead of wine

Where to find premium versions of this beloved kitchen staple to bring to your next dinner party or Christmas do This festive season, olive oil is the new bottle of wine. If booze or a scented candle used to be a fail-safe gift option for a party, retailers and food experts are reporting a surge of interest in the kitchen cupboard staple. The trend is being driven by several factors including a decline in drinking and a shift from dining out to dinners at home. It is premium extra virgin olive oil – or evoo to the experts –…

Politics

OBR challenges claims Reeves dropped income tax rise due to rosier forecasts

Official forecaster’s chair says chancellor knew about revised predictions well before her budget change of heart Business live – latest updates The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has cast doubt on claims Rachel Reeves dropped plans to raise income tax in this week’s budget because of rosier forecasts, pointing out she knew about these well before the change of heart. In a move likely to exacerbate tensions with the Treasury, the OBR chair, Richard Hughes, has taken what he acknowledged was the “unusual step” of writing to the Treasury select committee to explain how its forecast evolved, “given the…