A study led by MIT Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy researchers shows that there is enough land to support efforts to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius while addressing competing needs for long-term food security and ecosystem health. Credit: U.S. Department of EnergyLimiting global warming to 1.5°C is a challenging task. Reaching...
Footage of the explosion, slowed down 400 times Thorogood, C. et al/CC By 4.0"Ballistic seed dispersal" is a rare phenomenon in the plant world, and for good reason, as demonstrated by the squirting cucumber's impressive abilities. Rather than relying on external factors like wind or animals, this cucumber takes matters into its own hands, launching...
Credit: DepositphotosAs a clinical microbiologist, I always assumed it was common knowledge that kissing a newborn on the head was a bad idea. However, Dr. Karan Raj, an NHS surgeon, recently posted a TikTok warning about the risks of kissing babies, which seemed to be news for many viewers, judging by the thousands of...
Credit: PixabayA promising path to earlier treatment may be emerging for individuals experiencing the most severe type of depression.In a recent study, researchers observed that individuals with melancholia, a severe form of depression, displayed noticeably different reactions while watching emotionally charged films compared to those with less severe forms of depression.This finding could enable...
Credit: DepositphotosA research team from the University of Vienna, headed by medicinal chemist Markus Muttenthaler, has introduced a novel class of oral peptide therapeutic candidates to address chronic abdominal pain.This innovative approach provides a safe, non-opioid alternative for managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which impact millions globally....
Illustrative example of damaged skin, in this case from sunburn. Credit: DepositphotosA rare and potentially life-threatening skin condition with devastating effects might finally have a cure.What begins as a mild rash can quickly escalate, with over 30 percent of the skin blistering and peeling away in sheets. The condition typically starts on the face...
Credit: PixabayA detailed study released in May 2023 revealed that the Moon's inner core is a solid sphere with a density similar to iron. Researchers believe this discovery will resolve a long-standing debate about whether the Moon's core is solid or molten, providing a clearer understanding of the Moon's history and, in turn, the...
Credit: PixabayMeasuring time in our world of ticking clocks and swinging pendulums is as straightforward as counting seconds between "then" and "now."However, at the quantum scale, where electrons buzz unpredictably, "then" becomes difficult to pinpoint, and "now" often dissolves into uncertainty. In such cases, a traditional stopwatch is simply ineffective.A potential answer may lie...
Credit: PixabayThe blood pressure medication rilmenidine has shown potential to slow aging and extend lifespan in animal studies, raising the possibility of similar benefits for humans. If effective, it could promote longer, healthier lives without the challenges of extreme calorie restriction.Previous research revealed that rilmenidine mimics the effects of caloric restriction at a cellular...
Credit: PixabayMosquitoes, notorious for spreading diseases like malaria, have been repurposed by researchers as vaccine carriers. In groundbreaking human trials, these mosquito-borne vaccines showed up to 90% effectiveness, offering a surprising twist on these pests’ role in human health.Instead of viewing mosquitoes solely as disease vectors, scientists at the London School of Hygiene and...
