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150-year-overdue library book returned in Australia; racks up Rs 16 lakh ‘late fee’

150-year-overdue library book returned in Australia; racks up Rs 16 lakh ‘late fee’

Library manager Michelle Hudson holds the book “Antiquities of Athens”, after its return in Kiama An Australian public library has received a book that was returned around 150 years overdue, with the “late fee” calculation coming to about A$28,000 (around Rs 16 lakh) under the library’s original rules.The rare copy of “Antiquities of Athens”, published…

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Vineyards: California vineyards installed more than 500 owl boxes; fields with more barn owls had up to 52% fewer rodents without using additional poison

Vineyards: California vineyards installed more than 500 owl boxes; fields with more barn owls had up to 52% fewer rodents without using additional poison

Barn owls help vineyards control rodents naturally. Representational image. Barn owls can help vineyards reduce rodent damage in a natural way, by making rodents more cautious, and reducing their activity in vineyards, according to a new study from researchers in California.The study was focused on vineyards in Napa Valley, California, where rodents damage grapevines during…

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King Charles, Prince William pay tribute to ex-British soldier Nirmal Purja killed in Pakistan avalanche

King Charles, Prince William pay tribute to ex-British soldier Nirmal Purja killed in Pakistan avalanche

Nepal-born British mountaineer Nirmal Purja. (AP photo) King Charles III and Prince William have paid heartfelt tributes to celebrated Nepal-born British mountaineer Nirmal Purja after he was killed in a devastating avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, praising his military service, extraordinary climbing achievements and lasting legacy in the world of mountaineering.Purja, widely known as “Nims…

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Researchers tracked 724 Northern Hemisphere lakes from 2000 to 2022; above critical winter temperatures, ice-loss sensitivity rose up to 22-fold and could shorten seasons by 40 days

Researchers tracked 724 Northern Hemisphere lakes from 2000 to 2022; above critical winter temperatures, ice-loss sensitivity rose up to 22-fold and could shorten seasons by 40 days

Study says Northern Hemisphere lakes may lose 40 days of winter ice by 2100 (National Geographic photo) Winter ice on lakes plays an important role in keeping lakes healthy by controlling water temperature, supporting aquatic life and helping maintain the natural balance of freshwater ecosystems. However, scientists say this seasonal ice cover is disappearing faster…

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In 2000, an aquarium plant escaped into California waters; removing the ‘killer algae’ took six years and over  million

In 2000, an aquarium plant escaped into California waters; removing the ‘killer algae’ took six years and over $7 million

Caulerpa taxifolia, commonly known as “killer algae,” originates from the tropical waters of the Caribbean Some of the biggest ecological disasters start in the least likely places. Here it may have started with a home aquarium. An online report by the Centre for Invasive Species Research states that an ornamental seaweed, Caulerpa taxifolia, escaped into…

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Neutron scans of a 100-million-year-old Queensland ichthyosaur found fish, cephalopods and a pterosaur in its stomach; crushing bite marks point to giant Kronosaurus

Neutron scans of a 100-million-year-old Queensland ichthyosaur found fish, cephalopods and a pterosaur in its stomach; crushing bite marks point to giant Kronosaurus

Representative Image (Canva) According to a study published in the journal Gondwana Research, supported by findings from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), neutron and synchrotron scans of a 100-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil from Queensland have uncovered the marine reptile’s final meal, and clues to its violent end. Researchers found the remains of fish,…

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Japan earthquake aftermath: Woman dies of heat stroke in parked car; toll rises to 36

Japan earthquake aftermath: Woman dies of heat stroke in parked car; toll rises to 36

Workers inspect debris of the Kinparo inn, founded in 1910, for conservation of a possible rebuilding in Yatsushiro, southern Japan An elderly woman apparently died of heat stroke while sheltering in her car, after the massive earthquake that killed over 30, as authorities warned of growing heat-related risks for evacuees amid sweltering temperatures.The woman, believed…

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Extraemily: Twitch streamer ExtraEmily gets her own Hulu and Disney+ series as Creator Essentials brings her Twitch content to TV

Extraemily: Twitch streamer ExtraEmily gets her own Hulu and Disney+ series as Creator Essentials brings her Twitch content to TV

Twitch streamer ExtraEmily is taking her content from livestreams to television with her own series, ExtraEmily: Creator Essentials. The new show is part of a partnership between creator company pocket.watch and major streaming platforms. The series has 15 episodes, with each episode running for about 22 minutes. It is made for a teen audience and…

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