Some of the stranger stories from around the globe

A handshake makes all the difference — even with a robot, a study has found.

USA:

A British paleontologist has discovered a new species of dinosaur while studying fossils in a Canadian museum.

Finding Nemo character Dory is not representative of her kind, according to a new study that proves fish are more intelligent than previously thought.

Ireland could be forced to abandon its plans for plain packaging for cigarettes if the European Commission decides it interferes with the single market.

FOR years, we’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 

Exposure to food and everyday electronic, cosmetic, and plastic products containing hormone-disrupting chemicals has been linked to a rise in serious illnesses and is costing Ireland €5.8bn a year.

Scientists have made biofuel from ground coffee produced in 20 different geographic regions — including caffeinated and decaffeinated forms.

Scientists have uncovered the surprising secret behind the perfect cup of coffee — reasonably hard tap water.

Scientists have uncovered the surprising secret behind the perfect cup of coffee – reasonably hard tap water.

Health charities have called on the Government to impose stricter regulation on tobacco companies to force them to pay more tax.

Using graphene in telecommunications could make the internet 100 times faster, according to scientists.

A “revolutionary” device that helps people use sounds to build images in their brain could be used as an alternative to invasive treatment for the blind, scientists say.

Just half the amount of recommended exercise can cut the risk of serious illness, academics have found.

An advertising expert has told the High Court he believes the Government’s information campaign in the children’s referendum exerted a “significant emotional influence” on voter behaviour, encouraging people to think children were at risk and they should vote yes.

SO there I was, searching for a good storage container, when I came upon an old Black Magic box.

Creative, enjoyable TV adverts make us more susceptible to sales messages because we actually pay less attention to them, new research found today.

SMOKING kills more people than Aids, murder, drugs, road accidents and suicide combined, but governments and the EU are allowing tobacco companies to influence their policies.

WOMEN prefer thin models to those with fuller figures, new research claimed yesterday.

New research carried out by the University of Bath has revealed that Barbie dolls are becoming a toy that children love to hate.

WOMEN feel pain more than men, more often and for longer periods of time, researchers said yesterday.

YOUNG drinkers in Britain are to be asked if consuming certain brands of alcoholic drink makes them believe they are “cool” due to the way they are advertised.

Media Lab Europe has appointed Dr Simon Jones as Managing Director with effect from October 1, 2003.