Credit: PixabayThere's a saying that theories are like toothbrushes—everyone has one, but no one wants to use someone else’s. It’s meant as a joke, but when it comes to studying consciousness—the mystery of how we experience anything subjectively—it’s surprisingly accurate.In 2022, British neuroscientist Anil Seth and I compiled a review identifying 22 brain-based theories...
Credit: PixabayThe ability to sense rhythm isn't unique to humans, but it's relatively rare in the animal world. While chimpanzees can follow a beat, their rhythmic skills are quite limited compared to humans. Interestingly, one species of lemur is better"Mastering New Rhythms and Outperforming Humans"A 16-year-old California sea lion named Ronan (Zalophus californianus) outshines...
Credit: PixabayThe Mystery of Scarce Ice Age Hearths: New Insights from ResearchersFire is thought to have been vital for Ice Age humans—used for cooking, warmth, light, and crafting tools. However, it's still unclear why so few well-preserved hearths have been discovered from the coldest part of that period in Europe. Researchers from the University...
Credit: PixabayThe Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) is a key contributor to global sea-level rise. Since 2002, NASA's GRACE and GRACE-FO satellite missions have tracked ice mass changes across the region. While earlier research consistently showed ongoing ice loss—especially in West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula—glaciers in East Antarctica remained mostly stable. However, a new...
Credit: iStockDo popular weight loss meds like Ozempic and Wegovy effectively treat obesity, but with potential long-term side effects? A recent study suggests these drugs may cause brain changes associated with depression.Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists, named for mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone in the brain, gut, and pancreas. This hormone helps...
Credit PixabayWe've found that a meteorite impacted northwest Scotland 1 billion years ago—200 million years more recently than earlier estimates. Our findings are published today in the journal Geology.This impact now coincides with some of the earliest known land based, non-marine microbial fossilsh, providing fresh insights into how meteorite collisions may have influenced our...
Credit: PixabayIn many animals, skin color and patterns play crucial roles in camouflage, communication, and temperature regulation. Corn snakes, for example, exhibit various morphs with bright colors like red, yellow, or pink, and their dorsal spots may merge or form stripes. But what genetic and cellular processes drive these striking patterns? A team from...
Credit: PixabayBy combining digital tumor models with AI, researchers pinpointed proteins that accurately indicate both the presence and severity of cancer. Because urine tests are non-invasive, they could enable painless, at-home diagnostics in the future. Upcoming large-scale clinical trials aim to improve early detection and reduce unnecessary biopsies for men globally.Early Detection Hurdles: The...
Credit:PixabayAn international team studied cancer tissue samples from 981 people in 11 countries, looking for DNA mutations. In more than half of early-onset cases, colibactin damage was linked to the mutations.Researchers have linked colibactin to this cancer, but they haven't studied its role in patients under 50. This may help explain why colorectal cancer...
Workplace 'Rust Out' Is As Bad For Our Mental Health As Burnout. What Does It Look Like? | The SwaddleThe phenomenon is becoming evident in the workplace and, similar to other trends that emerged in the post-pandemic era, it reflects a void and unease that call for new paths.If you have the feeling that...
