The Guardian · 19 Aug, 05:00
The UK is heavily reliant on imports of fruit and vegetables from countries vulnerable to the climate crisis, making it susceptible to food price shocks. Researchers are calling on the government to invest in helping British farmers adapt to the changing climate to increase domestic production.
The UK imports a significant portion of its food, with 40% of its food, 80% of its fruit, and 47% of its vegetables coming from other countries. Many of these countries, such as those in the Mediterranean, north Africa, and South and Central America, are expected to be severely impacted by the climate crisis, which could lead to lower yields and poorer quality crops. The UK's reliance on imports makes it vulnerable to food price shocks. Despite being able to grow some of its own fruits and vegetables, the UK's domestic production is not meeting demand.
Why it matters: The UK's dependence on imports of fruit and vegetables from climate-vulnerable countries makes it susceptible to food price shocks, which could lead to higher prices and reduced access to nutritious foods for many people. Increasing domestic production could help mitigate this risk. The issue is significant because it highlights the need for the government to take action to support British farmers and improve the country's food security.
40% (UK food imported), 80% (UK fruit imported), 47% (UK vegetables imported), 94% (UK self-sufficiency in carrots)
There is a risk [the impacts of climate breakdown] will drive up prices in the future, putting nutritious foods further out of reach for many, so it is important government takes action now to prevent this. - Anna Taylor, executive director at the Food Foundation
The Guardian · 19 Aug, 05:53
A SpaceX Starship spacecraft, launched on 24 July from Texas, re-entered the atmosphere and landed in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Christmas Island, Australia. Engineers from SpaceX are now retrieving the vehicle for further analysis.
A SpaceX Starship spacecraft was launched from Texas on 24 July as part of the 13th test of the technology. After reaching orbit and releasing 20 non-functioning satellites, the upper stage of the rocket re-entered the atmosphere and landed in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Christmas Island, Australia. SpaceX engineers are now on their way to the location to conduct additional analysis on the vehicle before attempting to return it to Starbase. The spacecraft was successfully guided to a location just off the coast of Christmas Island by the SpaceX Recovery team.
Why it matters: The retrieval of the Starship spacecraft is significant as it demonstrates the potential to retrieve and reuse parts of rockets, which could be a crucial step in the development of reusable rocket technology. The incident also highlights the increasing issue of space debris, with experts warning of the risks associated with rocket bodies and debris falling back to Earth. The presence of the spacecraft off the coast of Christmas Island has generated significant interest and attention, with locals hoping it could encourage more tourists to visit the island.
24 July, 13, 20, 5,000, 16,000, 10,000, 1,550km
The idea of being able to reuse all of the rocket stages is quite cool.
The Guardian · 19 Aug, 05:47
A study by King's College London found that most people in Britain believe crime is increasing, despite data showing that crime rates are decreasing. This misperception is driven by emotions and a sense of disorder, rather than facts.
A study by King's College London surveyed nearly 4,000 people in Britain and found that most people believe crime is increasing, despite data showing that crime rates are decreasing. The study found that rates of homicide in England and Wales are the lowest they have been since 1977, and that domestic burglary, vehicle theft, and phone theft have all decreased since 2010. However, certain highly visible, low-level crimes such as shoplifting have increased, contributing to the perception of rising crime.
Why it matters: The misperception of crime rates is significant because it can influence public opinion and policy decisions. Politicians may feel pressure to 'tackle' crime by taking a harder line, even if crime rates are actually decreasing. This can lead to ineffective solutions that fail to address the root causes of crime and can disproportionately affect certain groups.
4,000 (number of people surveyed), 1977 (year with similar homicide rates to current), 50% (decrease in domestic burglary since 2010), 70% (decrease in vehicle theft since 2010), 70% (decrease in phone theft since 2010), 9.7% (actual victim of crime rate), 34% (Reform voters' guess of victim of crime rate), 35% (actual percentage of people convicted of murder from ethnic minorities), 70% (Reform voters' guess of people convicted of murder from ethnic minorities)
people's feelings and political identities are driven more by emotions than they are driven by facts - Bobby Duffy
Ars Technica · 18 Aug, 22:18
Russian tanks equipped with the Arena-M active protection system were destroyed by Ukrainian drones in a recent battle in eastern Ukraine, despite the system successfully shooting down some drones.
On July 22, Russian forces launched an assault with tanks and armored vehicles in the Donetsk Oblast of eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian defenders repelled the attack, destroying at least seven T-72B3A tanks, including some equipped with the Arena-M active protection system. Ukrainian soldiers reported that the Arena-M system successfully shot down some incoming drones, but required 15-20 drones to finish off each tank.
Why it matters: The limited success of the Arena-M system against Ukrainian drones highlights the challenges of countering drone attacks and the need for effective countermeasures. The outcome of this battle may inform the development and deployment of active protection systems in the future.
July 22, 15-20 drones per tank
Ars Technica · 18 Aug, 15:00
Researchers have discovered that narwhal tusks have a second internal spiral oriented in the opposite direction to the external spiral.
A new study published in Nature Communications has found that narwhal tusks, which are actually a canine tooth in the left upper jaw of male narwhals, have a second internal spiral oriented in the opposite direction to the external spiral. The tusks, which can grow up to 1.5 to 2 meters in length, are a distinctive feature of male narwhals and are thought to have evolved via sexual selection as a form of social status. The tusks typically begin growing when males are two or three years old.
Why it matters: The discovery of the second internal spiral in narwhal tusks adds new insight into the structure and function of these unique features. While the precise function of the tusk is still debated, the study provides new information that could help scientists better understand the evolution and development of the tusk.
1.5 to 2 meters, 2 or 3 years
Ars Technica · 18 Aug, 18:11
Disney has sued the FCC and its chairman, Brendan Carr, to stop what it calls a 'campaign of censorship' against ABC. The lawsuit claims the FCC is violating the First Amendment by retaliating against Disney's protected expression.
Disney, ABC, and eight broadcast stations they own have filed a complaint in US District Court for the District of Columbia against the FCC and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. They have also submitted a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to halt an FCC proceeding that threatens to deny renewals of broadcast licenses held by ABC stations. The lawsuit accuses the FCC of violating the First Amendment by retaliating against Disney's protected expression.
Why it matters: This lawsuit is significant because it escalates a fight between Disney and the Trump administration over censorship. The lawsuit claims the administration is retaliating against ABC's speech, including the stories its journalists report and the viewpoints its network programs air.
Again and again, the Administration has attacked ABC’s speech—the stories its journalists report and the viewpoints its network programs air.
NPR News · 19 Aug, 04:55
Summary not available.
NPR News · 18 Aug, 20:04
Summary not available.
NPR News · 18 Aug, 19:51
Summary not available.