Scientists have suggested using a tinder fungus instead of plastic.

The researchers studied the structure of the fungus F. fomentarius and found that its parts were as strong as plywood, pine or leather, but were lighter than these materials. Such characteristics of the tinder fungus are due to the fact that it must withstand the harsh conditions of the change of seasons, as well as tree branches falling from above. This strength allows it to be used to create new synthetic materials.

Палеонтологи выяснили, почему хищные динозавры вырастали такими огромными.

Скорость роста скелета «записывается» на спилах костей так же, как на кольцах деревьев. Широкие полосы формируются в сезоны с большим количеством корма, а узкие в то время, когда животное не доедало. Оказалось, что динозавры становились огромными не из-за быстрого роста, а благодаря долгой продолжительности жизни. Тираннозавры, например, достигали зрелости лишь к 20 годам, а жили около 30–40 лет.

Instruments to search for life on Mars have not found it on Earth.

Biologists, using equipment used on Mars, explored the Red Rock Delta in the Chilean Atacama Desert, and in most cases found no signs of life in the area. This experiment showed the limited possibilities of modern technologies.

An American city has banned hot air balloons.

The California city of Laguna Beach has banned the sale and use of hot air balloons to save birds and the ocean. The fine for violating the rules is up to $500. The restrictions will come into effect in 2024. Similar legislative initiatives appear in an increasing number of cities.

Huge archive of David Bowie will be exhibited in the museum for the first time.

London's Victoria and Albert Museum has acquired a huge archive of musician David Bowie. In 2025, it will be presented to the general public for the first time. The collection consists of over 80,000 items, including photographs, letters and stage costumes. It also contains several of the musician's instruments, including the stylophone he played on the Space Oddity single. The exhibition will also feature handwritten lyrics including Fame, Heroes and Ashes to Ashes, Ziggy Stardust costumes and Brian Eno's synthesizer.

A Chinese student has invented a remote kissing device.

This simulation takes place using a special application on a smartphone. Users of social networks liked the device so much that the guy is already being asked to put it into production. It's funny, but his previous attempt to raise money was not successful.

The world's first pumelier is being sought in the UK.

Feel Complete is willing to pay £1,500 to a person who is willing to study the look and smell of feces, as well as how the digestive system works and the impact of nutrition on it. Applicants must be over 21, ready for a strict schedule and be attentive to detail. Not enough, don't you think, for such a "specific" work?

Spotify has a new feature.

Now each user will have a personal AI radio station with a virtual presenter. Neuronka "DJ" will play music based on your preferences and adapt the list of songs each time, depending on what you like. In addition, the "DJ" will joke from time to time, explaining why he put this or that song for you. For now, it's only working for Premium users in the US and Canada, but it's expected to roll out globally in the coming weeks.

The birth rate in South Korea has reached an all-time low.

Over the past year, 249,000 children were born in the country, which is 4.4% less than in 2021. The birth rate in the country has been falling below one for the fifth year already. For 2022, the ratio was 0.78, the lowest since 1970. In addition, scientists note that the death rate in the country has increased by 17.4% and has exceeded the birth rate for the third year. Experts explained the situation by the fact that young people are postponing the birth of a child or refusing to give birth because of the difficult economic situation in the country. Experts also note that the age of birth of the first child in South Korea has increased to 33 years.

Japanese watermelon for $6,000.

Interestingly, the name of the watermelon literally translates as "help to the rice field." Well, that is, the very word "Densuke", the name of the variety, comes from the Japanese characters for "help" and "rice field". The black delicacy grows exclusively in the Land of the Rising Sun. And even then, not everywhere, namely on the island of Hokkaido. The skin of Densuke is black, one-color. The pulp is sweet and soft, compares favorably with other watermelons.

The longest name.

A man from New Zealand got into the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the longest name. Lawrence Gregory Watkins officially registered a name with the Department of Justice, consisting of 2310 given names and one surname. On his website, Watkins said he chose Christian names that have meaning for him and his family.

The Chinese authorities have banned large companies from hosting ChatGPT on their platforms.

This ban is due to the concern of the authorities that the AI bot offers users answers that have not passed strict state censorship, and therefore can violate the laws in force in the country.

Frog named after John Tolkien

A new frog with pink eyes has been discovered in Ecuador and named after John Tolkien. A new species of frog has been found in the mountains of Ecuador. They have an unusual color: pale pink eyes and fingers with golden speckles. It seemed to zoologists that the amphibian seemed to have arrived from Middle-earth. Therefore, it was named Hyloscirtus tolkieni - in honor of the writer John Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings.

The Gnoosic neural network selects performers according to your musical tastes.

It is enough to indicate three favorite musical artists to the neural network and it will offer you similar groups. You just have to choose whether you like or dislike the advice, and with each subsequent choice, the AI ​​will throw up more and more suitable groups. It is recommended to choose performers from different genres - perhaps you will discover something new.

The robot has become a real artist.

The craftsmen presented an android that can create pictures from a description, audio or visual elements. Perhaps in a couple of years the robot will compete with eminent artists, and we will visit exhibitions with AI works.

In Ecuador, they began to build buildings from cocaine.

In 2021, the amount of drug seized in the country doubled compared to last year, according to Ecuadorian police data. Due to the lack of space to store it in police warehouses, the authorities decided to send packages of seized cocaine to processing plants. There, the drug is mixed with cement, sand and water for further use in the construction of buildings.

Unusual G-Wagen

Mercedes has unveiled an unusual modification of its G-Wagen, created in collaboration with Moncler. "Helik-down jacket" was designed specifically for the "Fashion Week" in London. Of course, this is not a full-fledged car, but rather a work of art or sculpture.

Japan is considering raising the age of consent from 13 to 16.

Legislators also want to expand the definition of rape to include acts committed with the use of alcohol, drugs and psychological pressure. Now rape victims must prove that they could not resist the actions of the perpetrator. So far, the age of consent in Japan is 13, one of the lowest thresholds in the world.

Chinese scientists have created asphalt that fights icing on its own.

They created an additive that causes snow to melt when mixed with asphalt. Such a coating can become an alternative to the mixture of salt and sand that is sprinkled on roads in winter. It releases anti-icing agents on its own. Laboratory studies have shown that modified asphalt will retain its de-icing properties for seven to eight years, keeping roads clean.

Virtual backgrounds.

Google Meet has announced the launch of 360° virtual backgrounds for video calls on mobile devices. The background will change depending on the position of your phone or tablet, showing different landscapes. So far, the image of the beach and the interior of the apartment or office are available.