SIDELINES...

KILLER COW

Researcher Alex Jiang, of the University of Queensland, researched the interaction between cows and koalas by using a soft toy on a remote-controlled car and concluded that cattle posed a serious threat to koalas by trampling them to death. He said: “There are witness statements from farmers confirming that cattle have been seen chasing koalas,” and anecdotal evidence of koala deaths “due to cow trampling”. The way cows responded to Jiang’s decoy confirmed that this was probable. Adelaide Advertiser, 26 Sept 2020.

LUCKY BABY

In Shenzen, China, emergency medic Li Huan saved a baby when it was accidentally born on the toilet and slipped down the waste pipe. He was visiting a neighbour when the woman’s mother-in-law called for help and was able to fish the baby out and help it to breathe. After being taken to hospital both mother and baby were said to be fine. Metro, 27 Jul 2021.

DON’T DODONPA

The Fuji-Q Highland Park in Japan has suspended operation of its popular “Do-Dodonpa” rollercoaster until further notice after a mysterious spate of injuries. Famed for going at “super death” speed and being the world’s fastest-accelerating roller-coaster, Do-Dodonpa had been operating safely for 20 years; then, during 2021, six riders sustained bone fractures in separate incidents while riding it, including four who broke their neck or back. Despite intensive investigation no cause has been found for the injuries, although the park speculates that riders may have not been using shoulder restraints properly. vice.com, 23 Aug 2021.