Science This article is more than 4 years oldScientists develop slippery toilet coating to stop poo stickingThis article is more than 4 years oldSpray-on surface could prevent bacteria building up and reduce household water use
The toilet brush need never leave its holder again. Scientists have created a super-slippery coating that helps usher excrement on its way without leaving traces behind.
The spray-on coating, which is slipperier than Teflon, reduces adhesion of even tenacious faeces by up to 90%, tests suggest, so far less water is needed to flush them away and leave the toilet clean.
Margaret Cho with (from left) Ralph, Bronwyn and Gudrun. Margaret Cho with (from left) Ralph, Bronwyn and Gudrun. The pet I'll never forgetMargaret ChoThe vet didn’t think Ralph would survive, but I took him from the animal shelter and nursed him to health. We became constant companions
When I saw Ralph in the animal shelter, he was the most sickly-looking puppy. He was small, with a terrible head injury and a lot of fleas.
The ObserverCork holidaysWhether in search of peace, or adventure, this tiny County Cork island is a haven for escapists
Cape Clear, Ireland’s most southerly island, has been my getaway for almost 30 years. It is the place where I forget which day of the week it is. It’s where I go to imagine a world without Brexit and Trump. The island has a spirit that brings instant calm to the soul.
Casey Harrell, photographed at home in Oakland, California. Photograph: Carolyn Fong/The GuardianThe 43-year-old co-founder of BlackRock’s Big Problem knows he may not have long to live, thanks to the neurodegenerative disease ALS. But that won’t stop him holding the US’s biggest investors to account
by Patrick GreenfieldTwo months into the pandemic, Casey Harrell was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 43-year-old climate activist started noticing symptoms in 2019, shortly after the birth of his daughter, Aya.
Nine Inch Nails This article is more than 10 years oldGuitarist Adrian Belew leaves Nine Inch NailsThis article is more than 10 years oldThe King Crimson guitarist says his stint in the band 'was not working': he leaves seven weeks before the band are to tourAdrian Belew has left Nine Inch Nails almost as quickly as he joined them. The King Crimson guitarist abruptly announced that he has quit the group's new lineup, seven weeks before they are due to begin a tour.