AFP Video

Greenland treads softly on tourism as icebergs melt


Ilulissat (Denmark) (AFP) – Tourists from all over the world are flocking to Ilulissat, on the west coast of Greenland, a prime vantage point for breathtaking views of glaciers and icebergs. The islanders, on the front line of global warming, are trying to find a balance between preserving their way of life and the benefits of these ever-growing numbers of visitors.

©AFP

Severe heat dries up part of China’s largest freshwater lake


Jiujiang (China) (AFP) – Aerial images show dry sections of China’s largest freshwater lake, Poyang, which connects to the Yangtze River. China has been hit by extreme weather this summer, including record temperatures, flash floods and droughts — phenomena that scientists have warned are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

©AFP

US scientists train rats to drive small cars to study benefits to brain


Richmond (United States) (AFP) – Dr. Kelly Lambert’s research lab at the University of Richmond, in the US state of Virginia, trains rats to drive small cars and rewards them with treats, exploring the potential benefits to the brain in the process. Watching rodents drive tiny custom-made cars is “kind of magical,” says Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience, adding that she wants to “make sure that it’s not just a circus trick, that it is done in a scientific manner.”

©AFP

US scientists train rats to drive small cars to study benefits to brain


Richmond (United States) (AFP) – Dr. Kelly Lambert’s research lab at the University of Richmond, in the US state of Virginia, trains rats to drive small cars and rewards them with treats, exploring the potential benefits to the brain in the process. Watching rodents drive tiny custom-made cars is “kind of magical,” says Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience, adding that she wants to “make sure that it’s not just a circus trick, that it is done in a scientific manner.”

©AFP

The urban climber reaching for the stars, without a safety net


Bagnolet (France) (AFP) – Having scaled skyscrapers in La Défense and mounted the Montparnasse Tower, Alexis Landot conquers the Mercuriales towers in the suburbs of Paris. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he admits. The young Parisian is one of the only climbers in the world to go “free solo”, meaning he foregoes ropes and security. “I’m the only one who has control over my own survival, over what will happen, and that makes me feel amazing,” Landot says.

©AFP

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