Potatoes for peace: how the humble tuber stopped conflict in Europe
The humble potato—drought-resistant, able to thrive in diverse soils, and enjoyed fried, steamed or baked—brought centuries of relative calm and prosperity to Europe after its introduction in the 16th century, a new study says.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-potatoes-peace-humble-tuber-conflict.html
Bitcoin futures launch sparks excitement, warnings
Bitcoin will make its debut on a major exchange Sunday, a landmark for the cryptocurrency that has generated enthusiasm among some investors and more than a little anxiety from others.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-bitcoin-futures.html
Climate victims seek justice, on the street and in the courtroom
People around the world beset by the impacts of global warming like droughts, heat waves and storm surges are calling for "climate justice," and many are pleading their cases in court.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-climate-victims-justice-street-courtroom.html
With new internet rules set for vote, firestorm won't die
US regulators are gearing up for a vote on a plan which—depending on your viewpoint—would "restore internet freedom" or, alternatively, result in "the death of the internet" as we know it.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-internet-vote-firestorm-wont-die.html
India faces painful move to cleaner energy
Subedar Singh bears the scars of India's painful reliance on dirty power and its struggle to pay for the costly transition to the brave new world of solar and renewable electricity.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-india-painful-cleaner-energy.html
Tech titans ramp up tools to win over children
From smartphone messaging tailored for tikes to computers for classrooms, technology titans are weaving their way into childhoods to form lifelong bonds, raising hackles of advocacy groups.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-tech-titans-ramp-tools-children.html
German intelligence warns of increased Chinese cyberspying
The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency warned Sunday that China is using social networks to try to cultivate sources of information among lawmakers and officials, while Chinese hackers are increasingly attacking European companies through trusted suppliers.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-german-intelligence-chinese-cyberspying.html
Officials: Whales, after deadly year, could become extinct
Officials with the federal government say it's time to consider the possibility that endangered right whales could become extinct unless new steps are taken to protect them.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-whales-deadly-year-extinct.html
Industrial Revolution left a damaging psychological 'imprint' on today's populations
People living in the former industrial heartlands of England and Wales are more disposed to negative emotions such as anxiety and depressive moods, more impulsive and more likely to struggle with planning and self-motivation, according to a new study of almost 400,000 personality tests.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-industrial-revolution-left-psychological-imprint.html
As winds relent, scorched California hopes for fire relief
Brutal winds that fueled southern California's firestorm finally began to ease Saturday, giving residents and firefighters hope for respite as the destructive toll of multiple blazes came into focus.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-relent-california-relief.html
Egypt archaeologists discover mummy in Luxor
Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a mummy in one of two previously unexplored tombs across the Nile from the southern city of Luxor, the antiquities ministry said Saturday.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-egypt-archaeologists-mummy-luxor.html
Source: https://phys.org/