Short Wave News Round Up: Mammoth Meatballs, Stressed Plants And Apologetic Robots
Apr 7, 2023
Discover the quirky world of science news! A company creates lab-grown mammoth meatballs, sparking debate about the future of meat production. Learn how stressed plants communicate through ultrasonic sounds, revealing their hidden behaviors. Plus, examine the delicate balance of trust between humans and robots, where a simple apology can mend broken relationships more effectively than excuses. This comedic yet insightful blend of science promises to both entertain and educate!
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Mammoth Meatball
- Vow, an Australian company, unveiled a mammoth meatball made from lab-grown sheep meat with a mammoth gene.
- This publicity stunt aimed to promote cultured meat and discuss its potential to reduce emissions from the meat industry.
Stressed Plants Emit Sounds
- Plants emit ultrasonic sounds when stressed, like when they're thirsty or cut.
- These noises are caused by air bubbles popping in the plant's xylem, the tubes that transport water and nutrients.
Robot Deception and Apology
- A study explored robot deception by having a robot lie to participants in a driving simulation about police presence.
- The most effective apology was a simple "I'm sorry," without admitting deception, potentially due to overtrust in robots.