Mesolithic chewing gum reveals ancient diet and dental woes

About 10,000 years ago, a group of hunter-gatherers were hanging out in what is now south-western Sweden chewing pieces of birch tar. New analysis of that substance reveals that they may have had very modern dental issues.Continue ReadingCategory: Scie… Continue reading Mesolithic chewing gum reveals ancient diet and dental woes

First RNA extracted from extinct species may help thylacine resurrection

Scientists have successfully extracted RNA molecules from an extinct species for the first time. The milestone was achieved in the thylacine, a species of carnivorous marsupial that roamed Australia until about a century ago – and may again one day, if… Continue reading First RNA extracted from extinct species may help thylacine resurrection

Pomegranate extract has an appetite for waterborne pharmaceuticals

In recent years, pomegranate-derived compounds have been shown to slow cellular aging, protect unborn babies’ brains, and serve as additives in better automotive materials. Now, they’ve also been used to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater.Continue … Continue reading Pomegranate extract has an appetite for waterborne pharmaceuticals

Trojan horse trick is key to Toxoplasma parasite infections in humans

Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite in humans, but exactly how it’s so good at spreading has been murky. Now scientists at Stockholm University have uncovered a sneaky Trojan horse technique that allows it to avoid the immune system.Continue Reading… Continue reading Trojan horse trick is key to Toxoplasma parasite infections in humans

Nosewise Handheld Olfactometer brings a sense of smell to VR gaming

For decades, inventors have pursued the concept of adding “smell-o-vision” to movies or TV shows. Swedish scientists have now created such a system for use in VR gaming, and it could actually help people regain their lost sense of smell.Continue Readin… Continue reading Nosewise Handheld Olfactometer brings a sense of smell to VR gaming

Unsafe levels of toxic “forever chemicals” in rainwater across the globe

A striking new review article from researchers in Europe argues the global spread of certain hazardous chemicals is so pervasive that unsafe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be found in rainwater from all parts of the world, inc… Continue reading Unsafe levels of toxic “forever chemicals” in rainwater across the globe

Wood waste used in renewable, recyclable thermoset plastic alternative

Not only are most thermosetting resins made from non-renewable ingredients, but they’re also difficult to recycle. Swedish scientists have set about addressing those problems, by developing a new lignin-based, thermoset-like material that can be reused… Continue reading Wood waste used in renewable, recyclable thermoset plastic alternative

“Probably the best preserved Ice Age animal ever” found in Siberia

Scientists have discovered two exceptionally well-preserved cave lion cubs in the Siberian permafrost. Despite being tens of thousands of years old, the cubs are among the most complete Ice Age specimens ever recovered, right down to the whiskers, allo… Continue reading “Probably the best preserved Ice Age animal ever” found in Siberia

"Eco-friendly" neurotoxin may find use in malaria-mosquito-specific insecticide

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 429,000 people die from malaria annually. And while it’s tempting to spray heavily for the mosquitoes that spread the disease, conventional insecticides are also toxic to humans and oth… Continue reading "Eco-friendly" neurotoxin may find use in malaria-mosquito-specific insecticide