Animal play is not just a leisurely pursuit. It allows youngsters to practice skills needed to survive and reproduce in a safe environment.
— Scientific American (@sciam) July 21, 2021
Read our August issue to learn how some of the silliest behaviors turn out to be surprisingly meaningful: https://t.co/X0ldy98p4g pic.twitter.com/kIKglNTqxs
Daily Archives: July 21, 2021
Science: Gun Violence Research Returns, Pikas In Winter & Glass Sponges
Funding for gun violence research in the US returns after a 20-year federal hiatus, and the glass sponges that can manipulate ocean currents.
In this episode:
00:45 Gun violence research is rebooted
For 20 years there has been no federally-funded research on gun violence in the US. In 2019, $25 million a year was allocated for this work. We speak to some of the researchers that are using these funds, and the questions they are trying to answer about gun violence.
News Feature: Gun violence is surging — researchers finally have the money to ask why
Podcast: Stick to the science
09:21 Research Highlights
Strategic laziness and yak dung help pikas survive harsh winters, and how food gets wasted in China’s supply chains.
Research Highlight: Pikas in high places have a winter-time treat: yak poo
Research Highlight: China wastes almost 30% of its food
11:40 How a sea sponge controls ocean currents
Venus’ flower baskets are marine sponges that live at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These sponges have an unusual glass skeleton that helps them gather food, and even appears to control ocean currents.
Research Article: Falcucci et al.
News and Views: Fluid flow through a deep-sea sponge could inspire engineering designs
18:55 Briefing Chat
We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, investment in non-human primate facilities, and the European Union’s latest climate plan.
Nature News: The US is boosting funding for research monkeys in the wake of COVID
BBC News: EU unveils sweeping climate change plan
Extreme Sports Views: Base Jumping Off Kjerag Cliff In Lysefjord, Norway
Kjerag is the highest peak in the Lysefjord in Norway, and perfect for base-jumping. It overs a spectacular view and an uninterrupted 12 second free fall, being one of the the highest cliffs in Europe used for base-jumping. From the 1,000-meter-high mountain, base jumpers from all over the world take the plunge into the gorge. Once a year they meet here for the Heliboogie Festival, and celebrate with lots of adrenaline and a colorful and creative show.
Social Media: Tik Tok’s Algorithms Know ‘You’
The Wall Street Journal created dozens of automated accounts that watched hundreds of thousands of videos to reveal how the social network knows you so well A Wall Street Journal investigation found that TikTok only needs one important piece of information to figure out what you want: the amount of time you linger over a piece of content. Every second you hesitate or rewatch, the app is tracking you. Photo illustration: Laura Kammermann/The Wall Street Journal
Georgian Views: The Wick, Richmond Hill, London
On the gentle slope of Richmond Hill, Grade I-listed The Wick is a secret Georgian paradise that feels like a country house, albeit hopping distance from the heart of the capital, enjoying as it does the only view protected by an Act of Parliament.
Lush terraced gardens meander down to an idyllic swimming pool and pool house, with the Thames elegantly curving in the distance.
Location: Richmond, or the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, is an affluent district that boarders the River Thames. It is approximately 10 miles from central London. It has both national and city rail links, with Richmond rail station and Richmond Underground station that offers District and Overground services.
Atmosphere: Richmond has a community feel, much similar to that of a village, rather than a borough on the outskirts of London. It benefits from a number of independent cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and pubs — many of which take advantage of the river-side setting.
Walks: Brandengurg Gate, Berlin, Germany (4K)
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II after the temporary restoration of order during the Batavian Revolution.
Front Page Views: Wall Street Journal (July 21)
Aerial Views: Lofoten Islands In Norway (8K)
Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. Lofoten has distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and untouched lands. Its largest town, Leknes, is approximately 169 km (105 mi) inside the Arctic Circle and approximately 2,420 km (1,500 mi) away from the North Pole, making Lofoten one of the world’s northernmost populated regions. Though lying within the Arctic Circle, the archipelago experiences one of the world’s largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its highlatitude.
Morning News: Peru’s New President, India Covid-19, Hungary, London Theatre
We get the latest from Peru after Pedro Castillo is declared the country’s president-elect. Plus: the EU’s Rule of Law Report on Hungary and a long-awaited return for theatre in London’s West End.
Aerial Views: Cuba (4K)
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba, as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet.
Boomers Daily 