‘It’s very hard to get spare parts’: London museum ‘retires’ treasure-trove gallery of household gadgets

Science Museum’s Secret Life of the Home collection, including tea-making machines, early microwave cookers, gramophones and the first flushing toilets will close on 2 June They changed our parents’ and grandparents’ lives by using technology to tackle the curse of household drudgery. Thanks to the vacuum cleaner, fridge, washing machine and microwave, the lives of…

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Why are bodies of water so calming?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts Why are bodies of water so calming? In my experience, this is true whether they are placid or tempestuous. Mary Vogel, Vancouver Post your answers (and new questions) below or send…

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Readers reply: what was humanity’s first word?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts What was the first word that humanity uttered? There must have been one … Raymond Simms, Hull Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com. Continue reading…The long-running series in which readers answer other…

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Young pigeon fanciers: meet the new kids on the flock

Pigeons are friendly, acrobatic and affordable, and these days they are winning the hearts of more and more youthful pigeoneers When Boris the fantail arrived in Callum Percy’s life in 2020, the 29-year-old trainee teacher was immediately smitten. Boris had been discovered by a family friend in a dishevelled state after what looked like a…

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Researchers build AI-driven sarcasm detector

Being able to detect lowest form of wit could help AI interact with people more naturally, say scientists Never mind that it can pass the bar exam, ace medical tests and read bedtime stories with emotion, artificial intelligence will never match the marvel of the human mind without first mastering the art of sarcasm. But…

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Payten reflects on ‘ugly’ Cowboys performance

Sydney Morning Herald – Latest News ​Todd Payten says he needs to ‘get over’ the Cowboys’ defeats faster as he reflects on the club’s recent performances. Todd Payten says he needs to ‘get over’ the Cowboys’ defeats faster as he reflects on the club’s recent performances. Sport / NRL 

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