Latest Stories from Sofia
Scientists theorise that the Earth may be an intelligent entity
Pointing to evidence that fungi is communicating underground to suggest that large-scale networks of life could ‘form a vast, invisible planetary intelligence,’ a group of astrobiologists are asking the thought-provoking question: if a planet like Earth can be ‘alive,’ can it also have a mind of its own? ‘Conventionally, intelligence is seen as a property of individuals. However, it is also known to be a property of collectives,’ reads the...
Scientists call for greater emoji biodiversity
Emojis are now such a key part of our language that ecologists from the University of Milan believe more variation could help generate interest in lesser-known organisms - and encourage conversations around conservation. A team of ecologists from the University of Milan recently conducted the world’s most comprehensive survey on the flora and fauna of Emojipedia, the global catalogue of pictograms recognised by the international
Andrew Tate’s second arrest fails to hinder his influence
Tate has once again been arrested, this time over allegations of sexual aggression in a case dating back to 2012-2015. Unfortunately, this will unlikely slow the pace of the rapidly growing incel movement, which is seeing more and more young men worldwide adopt red pill ideologies. In 2022, Andrew Tate began dominating the Internet with his outrageous and flagrantly misogynistic content, centred around his brand of hyper-toxic masculinity. Videos describing...
UK weather more ideal for endangered giant redwoods than in native US
There are an estimated half a million sequoias – the world’s largest trees – in Britain today, growing at a similar rate to those in California. Recent research has uncovered that this has the potential to tackle climate change by pulling an average of 85 kilograms of carbon from the atmosphere per year. An estimated half a million endangered sequoias (Sequoiadendron Giganteum) – also known as giant redwoods – are...
Single dose of LSD provides immediate and sustained anxiety relief
According to the results of a new study conducted by MindMed, just 100 micrograms of the hallucinogen can halve anxiety within weeks. As a result of this successful clinical trial, the US Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough therapy status to the biopharmaceutical company’s proprietary treatment. Following decades of demonisation and criminalisation, psychedelic drugs are being proved to have profound implications for a field that’s seen few pharmacological advancements...
German startup makes biodegradable tampons from seaweed
Plastic period products are the fifth most common source of waste washing up on beaches across Europe. Seeking to tackle this is Vyld, by utilising one of the planet’s greatest untapped resources. Although disposable tampons and pads are extremely commonplace, 80 per cent of women don’t realise that the majority of their period products aren’t made with compostable materials. In fact, given that manufacturers aren’t usually required to...
New report uncovers a dramatic rise in FGM cases worldwide
According to recent data released by UNICEF, the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation has increased by 15 per cent in the past eight years, showing that the pace of progress remains woefully off track to meet the SDG of ending the practice by 2030. More than 230 million women and girls around the world have now undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), according to a...
Exclusive – in conversation with Daphne Frias and Selina Leem
We went to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet event to highlight both the climate justice activists’ insights on the climate crisis and how we can drive positive change for the Earth’s future. Daphne Frias is a Latina climate justice activist, disability awareness advocate, and storyteller born and raised in West Harlem, NYC. As a freelance organiser, she spends her time speaking at various colleges, summits,...
Exclusive – in conversation with Disha Ravi and Natalie Cooper
We went to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet event to highlight both the climate justice activist’s and the evolutionary biologist’s insights on the climate crisis and how we can drive positive change for the Earth’s future. Disha Ravi is a climate justice activist, storyteller, and one of the founders of Fridays For Future India. Part of the organisation’s Most Affected Peoples and Areas wing, her...
Exclusive – in conversation with Larissa Pinto Moraes
We went to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet event to highlight the Brazilian activist’s insights on the climate crisis and how we can drive positive change for the Earth’s future. Climate justice activist Larissa Pinto Moraes is the Executive Director of Engajamundo, a Brazilian youth-led organisation dedicated to fostering awareness among young Brazilians about their socio-environmental impact and encouraging them to take part in their...