The Guardian · 26 Jun, 05:00
A 15-year study found that migratory swifts show strong loyalty to their nesting sites in buildings, with 94% of birds reusing the same nest as the previous year. This highlights the importance of preserving and providing nesting sites, such as hollow bricks, to support the endangered species.
A 15-year study by scientists for the RSPB tracked 190 different swifts from 243 nests in a Dartmoor village. The study found that 94% of the birds reused the same nesting site as the previous year, and that swifts have greater loyalty to their nest site than to a previous partner. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preserving and providing nesting sites for the endangered species, which has declined in number by 70% since 1995 due to the loss of nesting sites.
Why it matters: The study's findings are significant because the swift is one of Britain's most threatened species, with a 70% decline in numbers since 1995. The loss of nesting sites, often due to building renovations, is a major contributor to this decline. Preserving and providing nesting sites, such as hollow bricks, is crucial to supporting the species and preventing further declines.
94% (of swifts reusing the same nesting site as the previous year), 70% (decline in swift numbers since 1995), 243 (number of nests studied), 15 (number of years studied), 190 (number of different swifts studied), 59% (of swifts pairing with the same partner), £35 (cost of a swift brick)
“We've anecdotally thought for a long time that swifts are loyal, returning to the same nesting sites and partners each spring. But for the first time, we've documented just how strongly faithful they are to their nest sites, which highlights just how important it is to protect their nesting sites in our neighbourhoods.” - Malcolm Burgess, principal conservation scientist for the RSPB
The Guardian · 26 Jun, 05:48
Kawsar Ahmad, an Australian woman with Islamic State links, has been granted bail after being charged with slavery offences. Meanwhile, the Socceroos have advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds after a draw with Paraguay.
Kawsar Ahmad, 54, was granted bail in Melbourne magistrates court on Friday afternoon. She and her daughter Zeinab Ahmad, 31, were charged with slavery offences in May after returning to Australia with other family members of former IS fighters. Prosecutors allege Kawsar Ahmad migrated to Syria with her husband to join IS and agreed to the purchase of a teenage girl as a slave. The Socceroos have secured a place in the World Cup last 32 after a goalless draw with Paraguay.
Why it matters: The granting of bail to Kawsar Ahmad is significant as it comes amid concerns about the couple's alleged involvement with IS and their role in the alleged enslavement of a teenage girl. The Socceroos' advancement to the World Cup knockout rounds is also significant as it highlights the team's multiculturalism and unity, which has been a topic of discussion in Australia this week.
54 (Kawsar Ahmad's age), 31 (Zeinab Ahmad's age), 2015 (year Kawsar Ahmad allegedly migrated to Syria), 2017 (year Mohammed allegedly bought a teenage girl as a slave), 375 (number of reports to WA's Emergency Animal Disease hotline), 43 (number of reports prioritized for further investigation and testing for H5 bird flu)
'We've never been a monoculture, we never will be. This is multiculturalism, whether it’s looking at the Socceroos or just looking around in the crowd, and that is a strength.' - David Pocock, independent senator from Canberra
The Guardian · 26 Jun, 05:00
Apple has increased prices for its MacBooks and iPads in Australia, citing a cost-crunch driven by AI-related demand for computer parts. The price hikes range from 20% to over 20% for some models.
Apple has raised prices for its MacBooks and iPads in Australia, with the MacBook Air 13-inch now starting at $2,099, up from $1,799, and the iPad starting at $749, up from $599. The price increases were implemented worldwide, with Microsoft also lifting its Xbox prices. Apple's price hike is attributed to a cost-crunch driven by AI-related demand for computer parts.
Why it matters: The price increases are significant as they reflect a broader trend of rising costs for computer components, driven by increasing demand for computing power and AI usage. This trend is expected to impact the prices of consumer devices, including potentially iPhones later this year.
20% (price increase), $2,099 (new starting price for MacBook Air 13-inch), $749 (new starting price for iPad), $1,799 (previous starting price for MacBook Air 13-inch), $599 (previous starting price for iPad), US$250bn (Apple's market value loss on Thursday)
“We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly,” - Apple
Ars Technica · 25 Jun, 20:24
Summary not available.
Ars Technica · 25 Jun, 19:04
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Ars Technica · 25 Jun, 13:54
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NPR News · 26 Jun, 05:04
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NPR News · 26 Jun, 05:36
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NPR News · 25 Jun, 20:12
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