Our Times: August 2006

Robo-Roach

Although it looks nothing like a cockroach, scientists in Europe have developed a robot that mimics both cockroach smell and behaviour well enough to fool its living comrades.

DVD-sniffing dogs

Sniffer dogs that are commonly used to search for drugs, explosives, other contraband and certain prohibited food imports are now being trained to smell DVDs in luggage and parcels. The DVDs are then checked for authenticity as legal DVD imports.

Cellulite Myths

Most of our fat cells develop before adulthood. Cellulite results when extra fat is packed into preexisting fat cells. These packed cells then swell and, when large enough, become visible through the skin. Unfortunately, no cream, massage, vibrating machine, injection, pill, whirlpool bath, rubber pants or other gimmick will get rid of cellulite. The only help is general weight loss, with a sensible diet and regular exercise, which can reduce the effect.

Crying Alone?

If we define crying as tearful sobbing, then we know humans are the only primates that cry. If we define crying as emitting vocalisations that co-occur with distressing situations, then we can conclude that most monkeys and apes cry, especially as infants.