Swear words hinder concentration, but if they are funny the effect weakens
Psychologists found how humor affects the distracting power of taboo words: the funnier the swear word, the less it slows down a task.
Putin demands acceleration of future technology development in Russia
At a meeting of the Council on Science and Education in Novosibirsk, Vladimir Putin said that the speed of innovation adoption determines the country's sovereignty and economy, and ordered to strengthen work in several areas.
Over a third of Fukushima children at risk of developing cancer
Over a third of children in Japan`s Fukushima region could be prone to cancer if medics don`t apply more effort in treating their unusually overgrown thyroid glands and commit to international health aid and consultations, according to a new report.
Global urban waste: Problem `on scale with climate change`
Some world cities are becoming crippled by garbage, and the problem is only worsening as governments struggle to cope. According to a new report by the World Bank, urban rubbish generation is set to increase twofold over the next 15 years.
Moscow urges real nuclear security
Russia has called for a joint international effort to fight the very real threat of nuclear terrorism in the world. The statement is part of a memorandum released at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.
Den of antiquity: Flower reanimated from 30,000yo seeds
Russian scientists have resurrected a flowering plant from 30,000-year-old seeds found in an Ice Age squirrel▓s treasure chamber in the Siberian permafrost. This pioneering experiment paves the way for the revival of other species.
Outbreak: Man-made super-flu formula to be published?
A man-made virus that could wipe out half humanity has been deemed a terrorist threat. And while the scientists behind the Frankenstein-flu hoped their research would help find a cure, critics fear they have developed the ultimate bio-weapon.
Back on track: Russia`s manned Soyuz heads to ISS
A Russian Soyuz rocket has successfully launched, taking a three-person crew to man the International Space Station after a two-month delay caused by technical problems.
Close shave: Titanic-sized asteroid brushes past Earth
A huge asteroid, almost half a kilometer in diameter, swept past Earth on Tuesday night. This was the closest approach in 35 years by a cosmic object, as big as an aircraft.
Barely bearable Arctic attraction
Brutal, but beautiful: for citizens of the icy Arctic archipelago of Spitsbergen, polar bears are a common sight. Despite the obvious dangers, they are also a huge draw for visitors.
Almost half the children in Fukushima test positive for radiation
Some 45 per cent of 1,080 children under 15 from the Japanese Fukushima Prefecture have tested positive for thyroid exposure to radiation, a nuclear watchdog report says.
Mobile fishing in India
Mobile phones are increasingly sophisticated these days, but there is one use you might not have considered - catching fish.
"Butterfly children" - living with disease that makes slightest touch painful
They are the forgotten few - the Russian children suffering from a rare disease that few know how to cure. Up to now it has been all but ignored by the medical establishment, and mothers of young sufferers have been left with very little help.
TSA scanners give cancer?
If you were opposed to TSA body scanners before, new studies show that you might have more to worry about than just employees taking a peek at what`s beneath your blouse.
Fires and floods threaten nuclear facilities
If you were to go ten miles out from each of the 65 nuclear power plants in the country, you`d find around four million Americans living within range of a catastrophic disaster. But what are the odds of one ever happening, right?
Russian legislators under fire for proposed abortion restrictions
A push by the Russian government to raise childbirth statistics has driven lawmakers to propose a bill limiting a pregnant woman`s options for abortion. Critics oppose the initiative saying it is wrong and an ineffective way to deal with the problem.
Congress to legalize marijuana?
Lawmakers in DC will be presented with a bill today that could legalize marijuana across the US. When the legislation is introduced to the House, it will mark the first ever bill proposed to Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition.
Healing hearts: short scalpel-free surgery saves lives
Moscow`s center for cardiac diseases took just 40 minutes to carry out a life-changing procedure using electric shocks to cure abnormal heartbeats. Doctors hope the innovation is the latest medical breakthrough and will soon be implemented worldwide.
India`s new generation pays price for cheap pesticide
Cheap, effective and highly toxic Endosulfan pesticide is banned in most countries, but still widely embraced by farmers in India. While the government claims there is no affordable alternative to the chemical, families are paying a high price.
Deadly E. coli was engineered
An outbreak of a peculiar strain of the E. coli bacteria has already taken 40 lives worldwide.
Mutant rabbit born near Fukushima plant
The birth of a white rabbit with no ears not far from the damaged Fukushima power plant in Japan has sparked fear in locals.
Sexuality explored on stage
One of the most highly-anticipated performances at the Chekhov International Theater Festival is "Eonnagata" from the Canadian mastermind Robert Lepage.
E. Coli outbreak spreads to America
Three Americans who recently returned from a trip to Germany have been infected the same E. Coli strand that has spread through the EU and already killed 18 people and left over 1,800 ill.
Mars 500 turns one year old (Earth time)
Today marks one year since six plucky volunteers set off on an unprecedented 17-month simulated mission to Mars.
Getting to the bottom of Antarctica`s mysteries
It takes a certain kind of stamina to plunge into an icy ocean, but it is all in a day`s work for the determined divers of Antarctica.