Scientists in Japan Develop Artificial Spider Silk

Scientists in Japan have successfully learned how to weave spider silk. The RIKEN Institute has created an artificial gland that mimics the natural process of producing one of the strongest fibers in the world. This discovery could revolutionize the textile industry.

Remote work: saving up to 30-50%

Remote work reduces expenses by 30-50%. Thanks to working from home, it is possible to save on clothing, cosmetics, transportation, taxis, and dining out. 67% of remote workers save up to 30 thousand rubles per month. The remaining 33% have reduced their expenses even more.

Startup Minimal

Startup Minimal has unveiled a smartphone designed to combat addiction to social media. It features a black and white display, similar to e-readers, that prevents users from getting stuck in social media feeds. The phone also includes a physical keyboard, a user-friendly system with large icons, and supports Google services for work applications such as email and documents. Minimal Phone is currently crowd-funding for its manufacturing start-up and plans to sell it for $300-400.

Impact of Insect Decline on Plant Reproduction

Plants have increasingly resorted to self-pollination due to the decrease in the number of insects. French scientists have found that the decline in insect population has led to changes in plant reproduction. They rely less on cross-pollination with other species and self-pollinate more frequently. The researchers conducted genetic analysis of field violets and compared them with older specimens. The results showed that the flower surface and nectar quantity have decreased over several decades. This radical shift in evolution can have serious consequences. It will accelerate the decline in insect population and make plants less diverse and vulnerable to environmental changes.

Sports Equipment with Built-in Mini Games in Germany

Sports equipment with built-in mini games is being manufactured in Germany. To keep people entertained during workouts, individuals participate in quests and solve puzzles.

Contenders for the 2024 Oscars announced

The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the list of contenders for the 2024 Oscars. Competing for the award in the Best Picture category are: American Chitivo, Anatomy of a Fall, Oppenheimer, Barbie, Poor Unfortunates, Left Behind, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives, Zone of Interest. The 96th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 10th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Сoffee for dogs

The US has come up with soluble coffee for dogs. The drink is made from goat's milk and medicinal mushrooms. The manufacturer claims that this coffee is safe for pets and does not contain caffeine. The available flavors are caramel latte, mocha latte, and pumpkin latte.

The first liquid RAM

China has created the world's first liquid random-access memory (RAM). It is made using a viscous metal called gallium, and a single droplet can store 8 bytes of data. Currently, the technology only supports 3500 write cycles, so it still has a long way to go before it can compete with modern solid-state RAM. However, it is currently only a proof of concept. On the other hand, this new type of memory exhibits other useful properties that current models lack. For instance, it can retain data for up to 12 hours when powered off, which could potentially lead to the development of a permanent flexible storage solution if the technology can be further advanced.

100 thousand pounds for a joke

An 18-year-old tourist from Britain is facing a fine of £100,000 for a joke he made on Snapchat. Before his flight, the young man joked in a chat with friends that as soon as they board the plane, he will blow it up. Since the message was sent using Wi-Fi at the airport, it was quickly intercepted by security services. After takeoff, fighter jets were deployed to accompany the plane.

Human Labor Cheaper Than AI in Most Cases

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States conducted a study and found out that replacing 5 bakers who check the quality of products with AI would cost $165,000, while its maintenance would cost $122,000 per year. At the same time, 5 employees earn about $240,000 per year and perform many other duties for the same salary.

Winston Churchill's Dentures Up for Auction

In England, one of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill's dentures has been put up for auction. This is one of his two dentures and is believed to have been worn by him when he delivered his famous speeches during World War II. The prostheses were made by dentist Wilfred Fish, who attached the artificial upper teeth to a gold plate. Churchill always carried two sets of dentures with him, as he could break one when he was angry. It is believed that the second denture is buried together with the politician. The auction will take place on February 6th. The initial price of the lot is £8,000.

Scientists have found out that dogs enjoy watching television

They conducted a survey among over 1200 pet owners, who filled out questionnaires and answered 41 questions. It was discovered that most dogs were active while watching videos, approaching the screen and barking. They were particularly attracted to content featuring other animals, especially other dogs. The research also showed that age, breed, and vision of the dogs influenced their reaction to the displayed videos. Herding and sporting breeds exhibited the strongest interest.

Unusual Hotel in Huzhou Lets Guests Live Next to Giraffes

In the city of Huzhou, China, there is an extraordinary hotel where guests live right next to giraffes. These animals are not afraid of people at all and even peek into the dining room, hoping to share some goodies with them. One night at the hotel costs ¥999.

Size Matters: Longevity and Health in Dogs

Small dogs live longer than large ones. A study has shown that large breeds are more prone to cancer, bone diseases, and stomach problems. However, scientists have reassured owners of big dogs: lifespan does not depend 100% on size or breed. Every dog is unique.

Win $10,000 and a Smartphone-Free Month!

Siggi's Dairy, the yogurt manufacturer from Iceland, has promised to pay $10,000 to anyone who will give up their smartphone for a month. The company will select 10 participants from those who apply on their website, based on motivational essays. The chosen participants will receive $10,000, a safe for their smartphone, a replacement phone with a prepaid SIM card, and a three-month supply of yogurt. At the end of the month, participants will have to write another essay about how they spent their freed up time. The winner will be the one who writes the most inspiring text.

Japan Successfully Lands Spacecraft on the Moon, Becomes Fifth Country to Achieve This

Japan recently successfully landed a spacecraft on the Moon, making it the fifth country to achieve this feat. However, it did not come without difficulties: the solar panels of the module did not work, possibly due to being at the wrong angle. They are currently trying to solve the problem. In the 20th century, only the USSR and the USA successfully landed on the satellite, while in this century, China and India have also accomplished it. Now, Japan has joined them.

The unusual role of Christmas trees

In Stockholm, they have decided to sink Christmas trees for the well-being of fish. These trees are adorned with stones and submerged in local water bodies to create suitable breeding grounds for fish. In spring, a profusion of microorganisms will appear around the trees at the bottom, serving as food for fry, thus increasing their survival rate. The National Association of Sport Fishing, Sportfiskarna, is dedicated to restoring the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea through this initiative.

House for a symbolic price

The city of Legrad in northern Croatia is offering abandoned houses for sale at 13 euro cents in an effort to prevent population decline. Currently, the population stands at around 2000, half of what it was 70 years ago. The city's mayor has set requirements for future Legrad residents: under 45 years old, married, no criminal records, and not owning any other property. Extra consideration will be given to couples with children and individuals with in-demand professions in the city. Croatian citizenship is not required.

January-born People Receive Fewer Gifts, Study Finds

People born in January receive an average of $1400 less in gifts throughout their lives compared to others. This is due to their friends and family trying to limit expenses after the holiday season. These findings were revealed by the British financial platform Money.

Chocolate constructor

A local confectionery in Japan has released a chocolate construction kit. The kit includes a 2-square meter castle made entirely of chocolate, which will be delivered in 16 boxes. It is recommended to assemble the set together with friends or family and to resist the temptation of eating the chocolate pieces while building. The price is $188.