Novel “zombie ant” fungus discovered in ancient amber

One of nature’s most intriguing horror stories is that of the fungus that “zombifies” ants to spread its spores. Now, researchers have discovered the oldest known example of this kind of parasite at work, preserved in ancient amber.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Novel “zombie ant” fungus discovered in ancient amber

Barley growing conditions found to affect whisky characteristics

We’re all familiar with the cliché of the wine aficionado who is able to tell where a wine’s grapes were grown, based on its flavor. Well, new research indicates that a similar thing can be done with whisky, according to where its barley was grown.Cont… Continue reading Barley growing conditions found to affect whisky characteristics

Whale songs provide new way to survey the Earth’s crust

A research team led by John Nabelek, a professor in Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, has shown that it may be possible to use the songs of fin whales to produce seismic images of the Earth’s oceanic crust.Con… Continue reading Whale songs provide new way to survey the Earth’s crust

“Amazing” new species of flower discovered in 100-million-year-old amber

Fossilized tree resin, commonly known as amber, has offered paleontologists extraordinary insights into ancient ecosystems. The latest golden time capsule discovery comes from Oregon State University researchers who have identified a completely new, pr… Continue reading “Amazing” new species of flower discovered in 100-million-year-old amber

Power line “flappers” prove best deterrent for preventing bird deaths

Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) College of Agricultural Sciences have found that a bird deterrent called a “flapper” could significantly reduce the number of our feathered friends being killed by colliding with power lines.Continue Reading… Continue reading Power line “flappers” prove best deterrent for preventing bird deaths

Clusters of magnetic nanoparticles kill cancer with heat

Scientists are exploring all kinds of ways to improve cancer treatments, with some methods more tried-and-true and others at the experimental end of the spectrum. Using magnetism to heat up nanoparticles inside a tumor to destroy nearby cance… Continue reading Clusters of magnetic nanoparticles kill cancer with heat

New "unprinting" process removes text from glossy paper

Although eco-minded people do send their discarded paper off to be recycled, the recycling process isn’t entirely environmentally-friendly – it generally requires a lot of power, and incorporates toxic chemicals. Now, however, scientists have… Continue reading New "unprinting" process removes text from glossy paper

Oregon State University (OSU) Discloses Data Breach

Oregon State University (OSU) has disclosed a security incident that potentially affected the personally identifiable information of some students and their families. On 14 June, OSU announced that the security incident occurred back in May when extern… Continue reading Oregon State University (OSU) Discloses Data Breach