New Scientist’s popular column, Feedback, continues to receive interesting examples of unconventional units of measurement. One such example comes from Ottawa, Canada, where the Rideau canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink in winter. To maintain a smooth surface, the canal’s managers clear 125,000 kg of snow for every 1 cm of snowfall, which is equivalent to 450 polar bears. While this may seem like a strange unit to Craig Downing, it turns out that the measurement is based on the average weight of female polar bears.
In a similar vein, readers often hear about a “shedload of xxxx” causing traffic jams on motorways. Steve Tees raises the question of defining the size of the shed involved in this measurement, highlighting the lack of specificity in unconventional units.
Moving on to a different topic, the sound of peeling adhesive tape is a common annoyance for many. A study published in Physical Review E explores the physics behind this sound, revealing that the high-pitched screech is caused by micro-cracks traveling through the tape at supersonic speeds. The study aims to shed light on how to peel tape without producing the dreaded noise.
In the world of scientific research, retractions are not uncommon. A noteworthy retraction in 2026 involves a study on ivermectin’s potential to treat liver cancer. The paper was pulled due to image duplication from previously published articles, raising concerns about the validity of the study’s conclusions. Despite the retraction, the authors claim that the conclusions remain unaffected, prompting skepticism from the scientific community.
If you have a story for Feedback, you can share it via email at feedback@newscientist.com. Stay updated on past and current Feedback columns on the New Scientist website.
