Penguins living off the coast of South Africa have likely starved to death en masse during their moulting season as a result of collapsing food supplies. In fact, on two of the most important breeding colonies of the African penguin – Dassen Island and Robben Island – some 95% of the birds that bred in 2004 were estimated to have died over the next eight years due to food scarcity. This is the conclusion of a new study…
The Earth Rover Program launches globally today (World Soil Day), unveiling “soilsmology”, which promises greatly to improve our understanding and use of one of the world’s most crucial resources – soil. By using the well-established methods of seismology in novel ways, the Earth Rover Program enables us to “see” into the shallowest layers of the soil, revealing its vital signs with unprecedented clarity. Launched with support from the Bezos Earth Fund, the Earth Rover Program – co-founded by…
The financial issues mean Caldwell will have no extra funds to bolster his squad in January, although the City boss says he may be able to make some additions."That doesn't mean to say we can't sign anyone," he added."That means we have to be clever, smart and do something with the squad to find ways to maybe change whatever we feel like we need to change to be successful."The club has always tried to support me in transfer…
Tom Cleverley says he has been working with his Plymouth Argyle side to try and overcome their "mental hurdles". The Pilgrims are second-from-bottom of League One and have not taken a point from a losing position this season.Having been on a six-game losing streak they have won two of their past three matches in all competitions - both 1-0 victories.But Cleverley says his side needs more resilience when they go behind. They were beaten 3-0 by Northampton Town…
Being close to a natural habitat such as a forest doesn’t necessarily make farmland more attractive to pollinators, a new study shows. It is commonly thought that when farmland is close to a natural habitat it is more likely to attract bees and other pollinators, and that more flowers will develop into seeds and fruit. But a meta-analysis of how distance from natural habitats affects pollination in tropical smallholder farms discovered this is not always the…
BBCAlan Harris denies 22 sexual abuse charges against himA former defence solicitor said he would touch clients in a "pre-arranged" way during interviews but never in a sexual manner, a court has heard.Alan Harris, 72, of Thorn Park, Plymouth, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of 12 charges of indecent assault, eight charges of sexual assault and two charges of rape, dating from 1989 to 2015.In summing up, Recorder of Winchester Judge Angela Morris said Mr…
Extra protection could be brought in for a Christmas lights display after a tree was damaged by people climbing on it, a council has said.CCTV video shared on social media showed two women scaling spiral metal tree frames along the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail on the Torquay harbourside, in Devon, in the early hours of Sunday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.Torbay Council said their actions had been "dangerous, costly to repair and spoils the experience for…
Good journalism costs money Upgrade to paid E O Exeter Observer Local news that matters ON OUR RADAR Monthly market returns to offer local produce, hand-made goods, plants, cakes and more for Christmas feasting. Leigh Curtis Exeter Quayside Farmers’ Market returns to Piazza Terracina on Saturday 20 December for a festive edition with local produce
Exeter Quayside Farmers’ Market returns to Piazza Terracina on Saturday 20 December for a festive edition with local produce, hand-made goods, hot drinks and more.Launched by Food Exeter in June, and attracting around 1,000 visitors on its first day, the monthly market aims to increase access to nutritious, healthy food for Exeter residents and visitors. Exeter Quayside Farmers Market mince pies. Photo: Martyn Windsor.The December market will host 30 local producers including Shillingford Organics, Dartmoor Chilli Farm, De-Bees…
Exeter boss Rob Baxter says he will face a selection "juggling act'" in their forthcoming European Challenge Cup matches.The Chiefs opted to select seven internationals in their impressive 27-26 win at Sale last week, immediately after the Autumn internationals.It means the likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper and Andrea Zambonin will have to be rested at some point over the next few weeks. Exeter begin their first campaign in the Challenge Cup since 2015…
Exeter researchers working to highlight the hidden costs of acquired brain injuries – both to individuals and the economy – have welcomed a debate on the issue in the Houses of Parliament. Held at Westminster Hall today (December 4), the debate will investigate the potential merits of the Government developing a comprehensive acquired brain injury action plan. It comes after a report in May found that investing in specialist rehabilitation services could save the NHS and social services…
BBCPaul Glennon said he hoped the pair would be "very successful"A pair of rottweiler puppies are being trained by Devon and Cornwall Police in the hope they will become general purpose police dogs.The force's canine development officer, Paul Glennon, said the 13-week-old pups, named Ronnie and Reggie after notorious London gangsters the Krays, were an alternative breed for the force to supplement the German shepherd breed.Mr Glennon said he was not aware of the breed being used in…