Surprising gut protein discovery is new target for constipation treatment

Researchers in Australia have discovered that a touch-sensitive protein normally found in skin is also located in the gut. There, it seems to sense the presence of food and triggers contractions to push it along, while reduced levels of this protein ma… Continue reading Surprising gut protein discovery is new target for constipation treatment

Scientists announce first known case of orcas killing an adult blue whale

The attack occurred off the south coast of Western Australia

Along with eating animals such as fish and seals, killer whales (aka orcas) are also known to hunt down some types of whales … hence their name. For the first time ever, however, there has now been a documented case of them killing and eating the largest animal in the world – an adult blue whale.

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Continue reading Scientists announce first known case of orcas killing an adult blue whale

Massive meta-analysis uncovers best strategies for improving well-being

A new meta-analysis, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, has reviewed over 400 clinical trials investigating the efficacy of various psychological interventions on mental well-being in an attempt to empirically categorize the most effective… Continue reading Massive meta-analysis uncovers best strategies for improving well-being

Giant extinct bird brains reveal “extreme evolutionary experiments”

Australian scientists have studied the biggest bird-brains in history for the first time. Paleontologists examined the brain cases of extinct flightless birds in the dromornithidae family – including some of the largest birds that ever existed – and fo… Continue reading Giant extinct bird brains reveal “extreme evolutionary experiments”

Increasing occurrence of an extra arm artery shows evolution at work

A human fetus transitions through a number of developmental stages in the womb. Some of these involve ancient traits, such as tails or reptilian muscles, appearing and then disappearing. While others are more temporary embryonic structures that regress… Continue reading Increasing occurrence of an extra arm artery shows evolution at work

“New” mosasaur had a fish-grabbing snout like a crocodile

Along with the megalodon shark, the mosasaur was likely one of the most ferocious prehistoric marine predators. A previously unknown species of the reptile has now been classified, and it sported a crocodile-like snout that may have allowed it to catch… Continue reading “New” mosasaur had a fish-grabbing snout like a crocodile

Cancer breath test detects 80 percent of cases in early trial

The pursuit of early-stage cancer screening methods that are both low-cost and non-invasive is a common goal among medical researchers, and a team in Australia is claiming a significant advance in this area. The team has developed a breath test that ca… Continue reading Cancer breath test detects 80 percent of cases in early trial

Bacteria-eating viruses clear infections in diabetic foot ulcers

Viruses may be getting a lot of bad press lately, but it’s important to remember that there are some species that may be helpful to us. Bacteriophages (or just phages) are viruses that prey on bacteria, and now scientists have used them to treat Golden… Continue reading Bacteria-eating viruses clear infections in diabetic foot ulcers

“Green” recyclable rubber gives new life to single-use building materials

Australian scientists have created a new kind of rubber polymer that could make for more sustainable building materials. This versatile new material can be used on its own like regular rubber, or mixed with filler materials to create brand new composit… Continue reading “Green” recyclable rubber gives new life to single-use building materials