News of the weird
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Condom alert: Researchers in Chicago have discovered that a dusting powder used in the packaging of condoms can cause allergic reactions in condom factory workers.
Plate alert: A researcher in Missouri has found that dining off antique porcelain plates may damage your health. Half the antique plates tested contained levels of lead that would be illegal today.
Monkey business: Psychologists in Wisconsin claim to have found evidence that first-born children may have a more stressful life than their younger siblings. Their conclusion is based on research with rhesus monkeys which showed that when frightened, first-born infants produced up to twice as much of the stress hormone cortisol as their younger siblings.
Risible rodents: Scientists in Ohio claim that rats giggle when they are tickled. According to a report in New Scientist, this is the strongest sign yet that animals other than primates laugh. It is not known whether they would laugh at the sight of a scientist trying to frighten a baby monkey.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments