It’s Friday again! Time for another smattering of science snippets and techno treats from Wired Up. Did you know that dolphins have names for each other?  Oy Flippo! Chuck us another fish would you? 2p or not 2p – that is the question. Actually the answer is ‘not 2p’ as you’ll find it’s currently worth 3p! Confused?  Don’t be, just read on…

1. Winners – Grow Giant Plants- is that a Recipe for Disaster?
2. You What?  – Dolphins and pigs are getting more human everyday!
3. The Wire – Nintendo vs Sony what’s new in gaming?
4. Try This! – Magnetic pennies, are they worth it?
5. Gear for Grabs – Flipside magazines

Dolphins have the ability to call each other by name - just like humans!

Scientists have found the mammals recognise themselves and other members of their species with special whistles. Up until now, humans were thought to be the only species that actually use names for one another.

Scientists say it's not unusual for animals to use sounds recognised by whole species, but it is extremely rare for species to use individual 'names' to communicate.

During the study experts caught a group of wild dolphins and recorded their calls. Scientists used a computer to copy the calls and then played them back to the dolphins. Most of the dolphins responded to the whistles of their relatives, suggesting they can recognise each other's signature whistle.

And if you thought this was uncannily human - what about pig makeovers?

Wilma, a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, was rejected by two potential boyfriends so her keepers at Twin Lakes Park decided to give her a hand. The lonely sow has been given a bath and a trotter manicure to make her feel good. Wilma also had a special pig massage and her sty has been tidied. It's hoped the treats will do the trick and encourage Wilma to start a family.

Keeper Sue Statham said she hoped the makeover would boost Wilma's confidence: "We think Wilma is a very beautiful pot-bellied pig but she has been most unsuccessful in love. We are really hoping that by making her feel good about herself, she'll entice the boys into her sty."

Whatever next?  Hamster spas? Hot tubs for depressed Koi carp?

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Did you know that the current cost of copper means that our 1p and 2p coins are actually worth more than their face value? But hang on! It’s more complicated than that.   Try this trick to find out that not all copper coins are the same…

Abracadabra! and Hey presto! Summon up a magic penny!

You will need:

• a magnet (fridge magnets will do)
• 1p pieces
• a small dish
• pencil or felt tip pen
• a willing volunteer…

What to do:

Prior to your magic trick: Sort the pennies into two piles: one dated 1992 and later, the other dated 1991 and earlier.

1. Take a few of the coins dated 1991 and earlier and place them in a small dish.
2. Pick ONE coin from the pile of coins dated 1992 and later.  This is the magic penny!
3. Now call your volunteer: show them the magic penny and announce that you can pick it out of a dish of pennies WITHOUT looking at it.  (Prepare yourself for mutters of disbelief.)
4. Mark the magic penny with a pencil or felt tip pen, drop it in the dish with the others and mix it around.
5. With a flourish, produce your magnet and stir it among the coins in the dish.  The magic penny will stick to the magnet.  Bask in the wave of admiration.

Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling coins.

What's going on?

British copper coins minted after 1992 are made from copper-coated steel.  Steel is magnetic because it contains iron. Prior to this copper coins were made from bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, which is not magnetic. 

Bronze is an alloy of copper (90%) and tin (10%). It is hard, strong and corrosion resistant.

For more details on copper coins click here.

So coins made from bronze will have a higher copper content than those made of steel.  Whilst the price of copper remains high, those coins will be worth more!  But how do they get the copper back out of bronze?  Have a look at the Recycling of Copper site it shows how scrap copper and alloys can be melted and cast into an anode shape for electrolytic refining.

Five Curious Copper facts:

• Copper is man's oldest metal, dating back more than 10,000 years.
• The H.M.S. Beagle was built in 1825 and used by Charles Darwin for his historic voyages around the world. It had copper skins below the water line which extended the life of the hull and protected against barnacles and other kinds of biofouling. Today most seagoing vessels use a copper-containing paint for hull protection.
• One of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls found in Israel is made of copper instead of more fragile animal skins.
• Copper cookware is the most highly regarded by chefs around the world. This is due to high heat transfer (the highest of any material used in cooking) plus uniform heating (no hot spots).
• Some things never change! Ten thousand years ago, cave dwellers used copper axes as weapons and tools for survival. Today, high tech surgeons save lives and precious blood by using copper-clad scalpels. The copper conducts an electric current that heats the scalpel to make it self-cauterizing i.e. it seals the wound as it cuts.  Yuk!

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