Breakthrough as hugely promising weight-loss compound made in yeast

A climbing vine known as the “Seven Steps of Death” holds within its toxic growth something scientists believe to be a powerful anti-obesity compound, celastrol. For the first time, this hotly touted compound has been produced simply and safely, using … Continue reading Breakthrough as hugely promising weight-loss compound made in yeast

All-seeing skin, detachable butts and zombies: Animal oddities of 2023

The animal kingdom has no shortage of weird and wonderful surprises, and this year biologists gave us some real treats to talk about at the dinner table. All walks of life, from microscopic bacteria to huge cetaceans have remarkable, varied adaptations… Continue reading All-seeing skin, detachable butts and zombies: Animal oddities of 2023

AI predicts when and where “monster” rogue waves will swell up

Gigantic waves can seemingly come out of nowhere, threatening ships and oil rigs. Now, an AI system trained on centuries of data has been able to predict when these rogue waves will occur, revealing new insights into how they form.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading AI predicts when and where “monster” rogue waves will swell up

Newfound beetle has a penis like a bottle opener, is named after beer

Step aside, ducks, with your corkscrew phalluses: we have a new member of the animal kingdom sporting a penis that resembles a tool you’d more likely expect to see behind a bar than in a biological body plan.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTa… Continue reading Newfound beetle has a penis like a bottle opener, is named after beer

Parasite turns hapless ants into zombies at sunrise and sunset

Hijacking the body of a convenient host is nothing new in the opportunistic world of parasitism. Nor are zombie ants, thanks to the fittingly named zombie-ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis), which has even claimed top prize in photography competi… Continue reading Parasite turns hapless ants into zombies at sunrise and sunset

Feeling wheezy? Study links low vitamin K levels to lung issues

A new study suggests that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have reduced lung function and to report lung problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or wheezing.Continue ReadingCategory: Heal… Continue reading Feeling wheezy? Study links low vitamin K levels to lung issues

A simple process solves the problem of polyester recycling

Researchers have developed a way of recycling one of the most popular but environmentally problematic of fabrics: polyester. Their new method is simple, non-toxic for humans and the environment and, what’s more, it preserves the integrity of the cotton… Continue reading A simple process solves the problem of polyester recycling

Transplant of fresh brain cells replaces diseased and aged ones

Researchers have transplanted cells capable of forming specialized brain support cells into mice brains and found that they not only competed with and replaced unhealthy cells but aged ones, too. The findings open the door to developing an effective tr… Continue reading Transplant of fresh brain cells replaces diseased and aged ones

Motion-powered GPS unit designed to track wild animals indefinitely

GPS-enabled tracking modules allow scientists to learn a great deal about wild animals, but the devices do have one major drawback – limited battery life. A new tracker gets around that limitation, as it’s continuously powered by the animal’s movements… Continue reading Motion-powered GPS unit designed to track wild animals indefinitely

Bacteria-eating viruses in the gut may help us live to a healthy 100

We’re all told that to live longer, we must exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, maintain an optimal weight, not smoke, and manage stress. But why do some people naturally make it to the ripe old age of 100 while remaining healthy?… Continue reading Bacteria-eating viruses in the gut may help us live to a healthy 100