Weird News

Weird red wine makes women's skin look younger

An unusual type of red wine can make a women's skin look younger.

A study asked 17 females aged between 40 and 67 to drink two glasses of Muscadine wine - which is made from grapes native to the southeast of the United States - and the results showed that it improved the elasticity of the skin and provided an anti-ageing effect.

However, the alcohol was removed from the wine so a glass of regular alcoholic wine may not have the same impact.

Despite this, the research has raised hope of finding a new way to tackle the effects of ageing.

Dr Lindsey Christman, a co-author of the study at the University of Florida, said: "Muscadine grapes have been found to have a unique polyphenolic profile in comparison to other red wine varieties.

"Our study suggests that Muscadine wine polyphenols have potential to improve skin conditions, specifically elasticity and transepidermal water loss, in middle-aged and older women."

Experts think sharks getting high on cocaine

Sharks could be getting high on cocaine dumped in Florida waters.

Experts are convinced that the hungry sea creatures could be getting addled on bales of the substance that have been dumped off the coast of the Sunshine State.

The new Discovery documentary Cocaine Sharks examines if the ocean predators are eating the floating drugs cast overboard by traffickers. But marine scientists behind the TV show have warned that the issue should not be taken lightly.

Dr Tracy Fanara, a Florida-based environmental engineer and lead member of the research team, said: "It's a catchy headline to shed light on a real problem, that everything we use, everything we manufacture, everything we put into our bodies, ends up in our wastewater streams and natural water bodies, and these aquatic life we depend on to survive are then exposed to that.

"We've seen studies with pharmaceuticals, cocaine, methamphetamines, ketamine, all of these, where fish are being (affected) by drugs.

"If these cocaine bales are a point source of pollution, it's very plausible (sharks) can be affected by this chemical. Cocaine is so soluble that any of those packages open just a little, the structural integrity is destroyed and the drug is in the water."

Biden's dog accused of biting

Problem pets are hounding US President Joe Biden once again, after his dog Commander was involved in several biting incidents, including at the White House.

This is the second time that a Biden family pooch has been accused of nipping staff. Commander, a German Shepherd puppy who first arrived at the bustling White House in 2021, will have to undergo a fresh round of training in the wake of at least 10 incidents, including one that sent a victim to the hospital, US media reported.

In one incident, First Lady Jill Biden "couldn't regain control" of the young dog as he charged a Secret Service staff member, CNN reported, citing Secret Service emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests by conservative group Judicial Watch.

"I believe it's only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit," the staff member wrote in an email.

Jill Biden's communications director described the hectic White House to CNN as a "unique and often stressful environment for family pets", and said the Bidens were working with the Secret Service and building staff on new protocols and training.

The Bidens' other German Shepherd, Major, also had some trouble adapting to life at the White House.

In 2021, he was briefly sent back to the Biden family home in Delaware after at least one biting incident, and also underwent additional training. He was later sent to live with family friends.