Researchers have observed an intriguing behavior in killer whales: they sometimes share their prey with humans. While we can’t ask the whales directly, scientists believe this may be an attempt to form connections with people. In 34 Cases Over Two Decades, Orcas Offered Food to Humans—Often Watching Closely for a Reaction A recent study analyzed […]
Orcas Share Food with Humans as a Way to Build Familiarity Read More »
Virginia might have a new partner in battling one of its most destructive insect pests. Researchers at Virginia Tech, led by Assistant Professor Scotty Yang from the Department of Entomology, have discovered a method to use ants to detect the presence of spotted lanternflies in new regions. Published in Pest Management Science and Neobiota, new
Ants Carry Spotted Lanternfly DNA in Honeydew, Helping Detect Infestations Read More »
Researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) have discovered a previously unknown organelle—an ultra-small, specialized structure inside human cells that plays a role in recycling cellular material. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments for a variety of diseases. Just like our bodies rely on organs to perform vital tasks, our cells contain
Scientists Discover Hidden Loading Dock Structure Within Human Cells Read More »
In an effort to protect elephants from extinction, the global community banned the trade of elephant ivory. However, mammoth ivory remains legal to sell, and the two types are hard to distinguish—particularly for those without expertise. This creates a potential loophole that illegal ivory traders can take advantage of. Stable isotope analysis may now offer
Mosquitoes have been one of humanity’s deadliest foes for millennia, responsible for more deaths than any other animal. As mosquitoes grow increasingly resistant to conventional control strategies, scientists are turning to novel solutions to fight mosquito-borne illnesses. Genetically Modified Fungus Targets Malaria-Carrying Mosquitoes At the University of Maryland, entomologists have genetically modified a fungus to
Scientists Develop Genetically Engineered Mosquito STD to Help Fight Malaria Read More »
Feeling especially low the day after the September 11 attacks, Tim Friede went to his basement and allowed himself to be bitten by two of the world’s most venomous snakes. Four days later, Tim Friede awoke from a coma. “I know what it feels like to die from a snakebite,” he told AFP in a
Man Voluntarily Bitten by Snakes 200 Times Inspires New Hope for Antivenom Development Read More »
Scientists have uncovered a previously unrecognized biological process responsible for tissue and organ damage in low-oxygen conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The findings indicate that rupturing red blood cells, rather than blood clots, are to blame. The microvasculature—a network of tiny blood vessels—is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. When these
Blood Clotting Discovery Heralds A “New Era In Vascular Biology” Read More »
Animals that generate their own light through internal chemical reactions are one of nature’s marvels—and scientists have long sought to replicate this for human applications. Now, researchers at Mass General Brigham have made a major leap by tweaking the chemistry behind the glow, creating a bioluminescence diagnostic tool that’s 515 times brighter and lasts eight
New Bioluminescent Virus Sensor Is 515 Times More Efficient Than Earlier Techniques Read More »
Just like humans, many animals rely on social interactions to survive and thrive. As a result, effective communication between individuals is essential. Highly social species tend to develop more complex communication systems. Think of chimpanzees using gestures and vocalizations, or elephants exchanging information through touch and low-frequency calls. Bottlenose dolphins live in complex social structures,
Dolphins Create Their Own “Names” That May Carry Hidden Information Read More »
A rare, large nocturnal rodent living in mountainous regions has been filmed and photographed for the first time — an impressive milestone for zoology, comparable to winning the scientific lottery. The animal had only been seen once in the past 30 years, with descriptions limited to a few museum specimens. Scientific expedition to uncover New
Spectacular Cat-Sized Rat Caught On Video For The Very First Time Read More »