Researchers at the University of Aberdeen say the facial features of contestants in the BBC show The Traitors could hold the key as to why players find it so difficult to identify who is on their team.
A study from the university’s School of Psychology found that when people encounter groups, they judge their trustworthiness by combining their facial features into one “composite face”, which researchers say can have serious implications for how they perceive them.
For example, high eyebrows that seem surprised-looking in their shape, along with a U-shaped mouth, are usually perceived as trustworthy, while eyes close together or lower eyebrows are often perceived as untrustworthy.
They said these split-second judgments which we make everyday could explain why the Traitors prove to be so elusive.
UK scientists testing a world-first blood test which can diagnose certain types of brain cancer say it could be a real breakthrough for treating patients.
The TriNetra-Glio blood test, by Datar Cancer Genetics, works by isolating cells that have broken free from the tumour and are found circulating in the blood.
The isolated cells are then stained and can be identified under a microscope.
Experts at Imperial College London reckon the simple test could reduce the need for invasive and risky surgery currently needed to diagnose some brain tumours.
Apple has begrudgingly agreed to allow third-party app stores and payment services on iPhones in the EU.
In a statement the tech giant revealed how it will adhere to the EU’s new Digital Markets Act which takes effect from March.
The changes mean users will be able to download apps from other marketplaces, not just the App Store, plus app developers can choose whether to use Apple’s payment services and in-app purchases or integrate a third-party system for payments, without paying an additional fee to the company.
Nasa’s Ingenuity helicopter has flown its last mission on Mars, after one of its rotor blades became damaged.
The mini copter was sent to the Red Planet in February 2021 on the Perseverance rover, and two months later performed the first powered, controlled flight on another planet.
Ingenuity has flown 72 flights for a total of 11 miles, 14 times further than planned, and even survived the tough Martian winter, which can get as cold as -125C near the poles.
Also in this episode:
The new weight-loss injection approved for the UK, Instagram’s ‘Flipside’ feature lets users create a private profile, astronomers spot ‘old smokers’ among hidden stars, and how Hermit crabs are 'wearing' our plastic rubbish.
Listen above, find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts.
