Global news

Eurovision opens in Vienna amid scrutiny over Israel’s participation and voting campaigns

The competition is beginning with a cloud of scrutiny over Israel’s track record in the audience vote.

Israeli singer Noam Bettan, representing Israel with the song 'Michelle', poses for photographers on the turquoise carpet for the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at the City Hall Square in Vienna, Austria on May 10, 2026
The crannog at Loch Bhorgastail, Scotland, May 8, 2026.

Wooden platform older than Stonehenge found hidden beneath man-made island in Scotland

"Seeing the Dead" project member studying the burial cast of a Roman infant for traces of Tyrian purple, May 8, 2026.

Scientists find traces of rare 'imperial' Tyrian purple dye found in Roman infant burials in York

People stand before the Roman-era South Gate, was built in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian on the occasion of his visit circa 130 CE, is pictured at the Roman ruins of Jerash in northern Jordan on April 29, 2026.

World's oldest plague mass grave found beneath Roman racetrack in Jordan - study


Mummy CT scan reveal ancient Egyptian might've suffered from osteoperosis

The discovery comes as part of an ongoing study using CT scans to order to analyze the remains of six different mummies, the oldest of which dates back approximately 2,300 year.

Krisztina Scheffer (MNMKK Semmelweis Museum of Medical History) and Dr. Ibolyka Dudás (OKK) holding the mummified head of an Egyptian woman, May 4, 2026.

Moving toward the 'LinkedIn average': Studies find AI is reshaping everyday writing, conversation

Experts warn that individual expression is disappearing as AI tools drive uniform phrasing across essays, chats, and social media posts.

Jewish Mandarin Chinese speakers gather in New York City roughly once a month to speak the language and share their experiences.

Study: A tiny elite sets Polymarket’s prices while most users lose money

Behavioral dynamics appear to reinforce the edge of contrarian, information-driven strategies.

The logo of prediction market trading platform Polymarket is seen on a digital screen (illustrative)

Study finds domestic dogs have markedly smaller brains than wolves

Researchers say domestication drove the change and ask if pets lost intelligence.

A person carries a dachshund, as dogs and humans take part in the annual Paris Sausage Walk, also known as the march of the dachshunds, in Paris, France, November 17, 2024.

Finally returning home: American family repatriates five ancient artifacts to Greece

Mendoni expressed her gratitude to the Gray family for their decision to return the artifacts, noting that it “highlights the decisive role of citizens in the protection of cultural heritage.” 

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with five artifacts returned to Greece by a family from Chicago, April 28, 2026.

Licked it and put it back—in Singapore: French student’s costly mistake

The student faces charges for vandalism, public nuisance, and mischief, with formal counts brought so far on the latter two.

Orange juice

Scorpions load their stings and claws with iron and zinc, boosting killing power

Scientists studied 18 species and found iron and zinc concentrated at the puncturing tips and grasping edges to improve prey capture.

African fattail scorpion.

Scientists say they’ve decoded what it takes to triumph at Eurovision

French featured in many early winners. Since the early 1990s, it has been associated with entries finishing further down the table.

Nemo representing Switzerland celebrates after winning during the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden, May 12, 2024.

‘Stolen rain’ returns? Scientists dismantle viral Iran–Turkey theory

As fighting escalated and air corridors were restricted, social media posts alleged that cloud seeding aircraft used by the US and its allies had been grounded, causing “stolen” rains to return.

People pray for rain following a drought crisis at Imamzadeh Saleh shrine in Tehran, Iran, November 14, 2025.

Sinking, spooky feeling? A subsonic sound may be at fault

Researchers say low-frequency sound from wind, ventilation, and creaking beams can trigger fear, dizziness, and a sensed presence.

Old house versus a new house