Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gases themselves are not visible, but dramatic plumes are sometimes visible at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit (shown here) and Puʻu ʻŌʻō. These plumes are a result of atmospheric conditions rather than increased volcanic activity, and frequently occur when warm volcanic gases condense as they are released into cooler air temperatures of […]

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking to get a better understanding of permissionless blockchains, but Bitcoin does not appear to be invited to the party. To achieve this enhanced insight into blockchain technology, the US Department of Defense agency has sent out a request for information (RFI) on permissionless distributed consensus protocols, specifically touching on aspects […]

One in three Americans is set to endure ‘Festive Burnout’ before December 25th, according to new research. A study examining the impacts of festive stress saw a third of respondents (35 percent) say they’re burnt out on the holiday season BEFORE Christmas even comes. The fascinating new statistic emerged in a study of 2,000 Americans, […]

Kelly Osbourne, who revealed in August that she is officially one year sober, has some advice for anyone struggling to stay away from alcohol over the holidays. “Stay close to your sober community and know your limitations,”  Osbourne, 34, told Page Six. “If you’re uncomfortable, you always have to have a backup plan to leave the situation […]

The treasures of an ancient Egyptian tomb, thought to be more than 3,500 years old, have been unveiled. An archaeological mission, affiliated with France’s University of Strasbourg, made the discovery in the Assasseef valley near the city of Luxor. Two sarcophagi, each containing a mummy, were found. All are in perfect condition. The archaeological dig […]

It was once the future of money but this week has seen Bitcoin lurch 20% lower, with other crypto-currencies suffering even more serious falls. On Tech Tent we ask whether the dream of a decentralised currency that would overturn the established financial system is over – and whether the regulators need to step in to […]

Dolce & Gabbana products have been pulled from Chinese e-commerce sites as the backlash against a controversial ad campaign grows. The firm posted videos this week showing a Chinese model struggling to eat pasta and pizza with chopsticks. The campaign was accused of trivialising Chinese culture and promoting unflattering stereotypes. The controversy risks alienating Dolce […]

The tongues of cats are covered in claw-shaped hooks that spring into action when it’s time to groom. Built-in scoops carry saliva to the skin to cool it down. Cat lovers know that when kitties groom, their tongues are pretty scratchy. Using high-tech scans and some other tricks, scientists are learning how those sandpapery tongues […]

A new federal report warns of a “cascading effect” that will alter lives and economies, cause fuel shortages and increased power outages. The United States is already feeling the heat from climate change — and the damage could cost hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century if more preventive measures aren’t […]

Black Friday 2018 is likely to be the best America has seen in years. Total spend for Black Friday weekend is estimated to hit $59.6 billion with the best growth since 2011, according to estimates by GlobalData Retail. More people are shopping, shoppers are spending more, and online sales are way up ahead of and […]