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When animals show their teeth it usually signals aggression, so when did humans start doing it to show mirth or friendship? And how does water become "stale"?

21 July 2021

Alton, Hampshire, UK

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Paul Hakimata/agefotostock/Alamy

Grinning or baring the teeth is usually a sign of aggression in animals, so at what point did it become advantageous for humans to use this to signal friendship or mirth?

Veronica Haines,

Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, UK

 

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

a metal water barrel stands in the garden; Shutterstock ID 1980910310; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shutterstock/moskvich1977

How does water become “stale”?

Bob Yelland

 

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