Pavement Ants Significantly Changing their Diets to Human Foods

Researchers conducted a study on the diet of urban ants. Clint Penick, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University, travelled to Broadway to collect specimens.

Penick was trying to find out whether city ants, like their human counterparts, were eating a junk food-heavy diet. The answer came out to be yes, as some of them are, finds the study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The study came to know that like humans, ants have nuanced eating habits. Researchers came to know that a diet heavy in grasses like corn and sugarcane will be reflected through the presence of carbon-13, a carbon isotope.

SeaWorld releases Video Showing Former Orca Trainer Drunk, using Racial Slurs

A video shows a former orca trainer appearing to be drunk. SeaWorld Ex-employee John Hargrove could also be seen in the cell-phone video using racial slurs.

Fred Jacobs of SeaWorld said about the video’s release that it was important to release the video after receiving it this weekend from an internal whistleblower. Hargrove took part in the movie Blackfish and he did not respond to the request for comment when approached by FOX 5.

“I remember parts of that night and drinking, and you can clearly tell we definitely had a lot to drink. But that video is taken completely out of context. There’s not a proper beginning or end”, Hargrove told U-T San Diego.

BP’s annual Energy Outlook report is storm-proof for Shareholders

In February, BP released its annual Energy Outlook report where it detailed results of most likely energy scenario out to 2035. In that scenario, global fossil use increased by more than 30%. The scenario is consistent with a scenario that International Energy Agency (IEA) uses to illustrate the trajectory towards global warming of 6C.

In the annual report, BP stated that climate change is a big problem that should be solved. As per the report, current carbon emission projections seem unsustainable. The report suggests that BP wants to assure its shareholders that the company is storm-proof. Modeling by BP is based on assumptions about population growth and prices of fossil fuel.

Pesticides could be responsible for Low Sperm Count

A study found that men who ate vegetables and fruit that are high in concentrations of pesticides had about 49% lower sperm count. According to the study, fruit and vegetables high in concentrations of pesticide could harm fertility in men.

During the study, researchers found that men who ate the most peppers, spinach, strawberries, apples and pears had about 49% lower sperm count than those men who consumed the least. The study conducted at fertility centre in Boston included more than 150 men. As per the researchers, the study was small in scale and it didn’t suggest men to cut back on vegetable and fruit consumption.

Low Family Income affects kids’ Brain Structure: Study

A new study, published by University of Southern California, has stated that poverty can affect the growth of children’s brain.

Researchers found that the children who grow in affluent environment have bigger brains as compared to the ones who live in poverty.

Researchers along with neuroscientists worked together to record the brain images of 1,099 kids and teens of the age group 3 to 20 years.

They studied the magnetic resonance imaging scans for three years, and measured the surface area of cerebral cortices.

Cerebral cortices are the outermost layers of brain that control sophisticated cognitive functions, including language, reading skills, spatial and decision-making skills.

WRI calls the US’s proposed climate action plan a positive signal

The World Resources Institute (WRI) has called the United States' proposed climate action plan as ‘leadership by example’ and a ‘positive signal’ for the global climate agreement. The agreement will be finalized in Paris this December.

The plan proposed by the US has a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions between 26% and 28% below the 2005 levels, by 2025. The plan is known as its ‘intended nationally determined contribution’.

WRI's Global Director, Climate Change Programme, Jennifer Morgan said, “The United States' proposal shows that it is ready to lead by example on the climate crisis. By enacting these common sense actions, the US can grow its economy and save money through cleaner technologies”.

Pages

News in Focus

Polycab India Share Price Target at Rs 10,100: BOB Capital Markets

BOB Capital Markets has upgraded Polycab India to BUY from HOLD with a target price of Rs 10,100, implying 23% upside from Rs 8,207.

Elecon Engineering Share Price Could Reach Rs 610: Axis Securities

Axis Securities has maintained its BUY rating on Elecon Engineering Company Ltd and raised its target price to Rs 610 from Rs 600, implying about 24% upside from the Rs 493 close of Oct. 15, 2026.

Indian Bank Share Price Target at Rs 1,020: ICICI Securities

ICICI Securities has maintained its BUY rating on Indian Bank and raised its target price to Rs 1,020 from Rs 1,000, implying about 22% upside from Rs 835.

HDFC AMC Share Price Target at Rs 3,000: ICICI Securities

ICICI Securities has reiterated its BUY rating on HDFC Asset Management Co. with a target price of Rs 3,000, implying 25% upside from Rs 2,400 over 12 months.

Jio Platforms IPO Update; Ventura Securities Recommends BUY for Jio

Ventura Securities has recommended that investors subscribe to the initial public offering of Jio Platforms, the country's largest digital connectivity company.

CCL Products (India) Share Price Target at Rs 1,180: IDBI Capital

IDBI Capital has maintained its HOLD rating on CCL Products (India) with a target price of Rs 1,180, implying about 9% upside from Rs 1,083.