Russian farm uses VR headsets to reduce anxiety in cows

A Russian farm has provided virtual reality headsets for dairy cows in an effort to reduce their anxiety. 

According to Moscow’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, a cow’s emotional experience can affect its milk yield.

The ministry says examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality of milk increases markedly.

 

122 universities in mainland admit Hong Kong students

The Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced the number of Mainland higher education institutions participating in the Admission Scheme will increase to 122.

Under the scheme, 122 higher education institutions from 21 provinces or municipalities and one autonomous region of the mainland will accept applications from candidates sitting for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination in 2020.

Mediterranean diet and lifestyle could prevent dementia

A ground-breaking study of 6,000 Australians is assessing whether diet and exercise can dramatically reduce a person's risk of developing dementia — and potentially reverse some of its symptoms.

The Maintain Your Brain study is assessing people across New South Wales aged between 55 and 77 in an attempt to help prevent cognitive decline, and eventually dementia.

Fate of medevac in Labie's hands

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie says she will vote to repeal the medevac bill if the government accepts her one condition. 

Although Ms Lambie did not reveal her condition, it is understood to relate to national security issues. 

Ms Lambie’s says her position on the legislation has “considerable community interest”, which will determine the fate of the medevac regime. 

Indigenous activist Sam Watson passes away

Brisbane activist and Indigenous leader, Wangerriburra and Birri Gubba man Uncle Sam Watson, passed away from a short-term illness yesterday morning in the presence of loved ones.

Mr Watson became politically active at age 16, distributing how-to-vote cards for the Yes campaign in the 1967 referendum.

Among his many achievements and strides for equality, Mr Watson served at the Aboriginal Embassy in Canberra from 1972, working with elders to establish community organisations and peak bodies in health, housing, education, employment and Legal Aid.

QLD government rejects bushfire inquiry

The Palaszczuk government has rejected an inquiry into the Queensland bushfires of which firefights have battled over 2000 of already this season. 

Opposition leader, Deb Freckington asked for the inquiry to examine the fire service's responsibility to order landowners to reduce fuel loads as well as reduction burns on state-controlled land and national parks.

Review: Compelling Themes, QSO Chamber Series

MARTINŮ String Sextet, H.22
Performed by Shane Chen, Katie Betts, violin; Nicole Greentree, Bernard Hoey, viola; Matthew Kinmont, Hyung Suk Bae, cello

 

M. HAYDN Divertimento in C
Performed by Sarah Meagher, oboe; Jann Keir-Haantera, viola; Justin Bullock, double bass

 

BEETHOVEN String Quintet in C, Op.29
Performed by Shane Chen, Helen Travers, violin; Graham Simpson, Nicole Greentree, viola; Andre Duthoit, cello

 

 

1000-year old viking ship found in Norway

Researchers have discovered what they believe to be a 1,000-year-old Viking funeral ship buried under Norwegian farmland.

Archaeologists from the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) used a geo-radar vehicle to scan paddocks in Edoy, in More and Romsdal County, while investigating a possible settlement located nearby.

It is thought the remains of the ship is about 13 metres long and was once buried under a large mound, which was probably lost after being worn down by ploughs.

 

Famous Tokyo restaurant loses Michelin rating

A famed Tokyo sushi restaurant has been dropped from the Michelin gourmet guide after it stopped accepting reservations from the general public.

The first sushi restaurant to receive 3 Michelin stars, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has hosted names including Hugh jackman and Barack Obama, and the chef’s selection starts at $541 Australian dollars. 

The owners of the 10 seat restaurant say they do not plan on expanding and take pride in their exclusivity.