New research reveals that not all animals experience menstruation like humans do. Scientists have identified around 15 mammal species with menstrual cycles, including primates, bats, and spiny mice. While the exact evolutionary purpose is still unclear, experts propose various theories, such as preparing for pregnancy, detecting embryo viability, or storing sperm.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/why-do-only-some-animals-have-periods
When you "hit the wall" during exercise, it's not just mental fatigue. It's a physical phenomenon caused by depleted glycogen stores in your muscles and liver. Experts say it usually occurs around mile 18-20 of a marathon due to prolonged high-intensity exercise. Symptoms include intense exhaustion, muscle cramping, and increased heart rate.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/exercise/what-happens-when-you-hit-the-wall
NASA's NEOWISE telescope, a pioneering asteroid hunter, is set to meet its demise in late 2024 after a remarkable 15-year mission. Launched in 2009 as WISE, the spacecraft exceeded expectations, detecting over 200 previously unknown near-Earth objects and providing valuable data on thousands more. As the sun's solar maximum approaches, NEOWISE will safely burn up in the atmosphere, marking the end of an era in planetary defense.
Google's DeepMind AI has been trained to play table tennis, and it can beat human players - but only at a moderate level. According to a recent study, the AI-controlled robot arm defeated beginners and intermediate players, but was outplayed by advanced players. The researchers used a customized version of DeepMind's learning algorithm to train the robot, which learned specific skills like creating top spin and using backhand targeting. While the AI showed promise in some areas, it struggled with high balls and found backhand shots more challenging than forehand ones.
A recent study suggests that a single mutation in the COVID-19 variant JN.1 may have enabled it to evade antibodies and spread globally, despite many people being vaccinated and having previous infections. Researchers found that 66 out of 899 antibodies prevented infection by BA.2.86, while only 23 prevented JN.1 infection. The study suggests that a longer amino acid in JN.1's spike protein may have weakened or blocked neutralizing antibodies from interacting with the virus.
New study finds that double mastectomies do not increase cancer survival rates for women with unilateral breast cancer. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 660,000 women and found no significant difference in overall death rates between those who underwent a double mastectomy and those who had only the affected breast or tumor removed.
Butterflies anchor their cocoons with remarkable strength! Researchers at China's Southwestern University discovered that butterflies use silk threads with Velcro-like properties and seat-belt-like reinforcement to secure their chrysalises. This intricate design allows the pupae to withstand harsh weather conditions and ensure a safe transformation into winged adults.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/science/how-butterflies-attach-cocoon/
Astronomers have observed a supermassive black hole devouring a giant star in the biggest Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) ever seen. This phenomenon, where a star is torn apart by a black hole's gravitational force, produces some of the brightest events in the sky. The discovery provides clues to understanding mysteriously bright cosmic objects in the centers of active galaxies.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding why some people with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) recover from the disease. A rare gene variant, IGFBP7, has been found to be 12 times more likely to occur in patients who recover from ALS compared to those whose condition continues to progress. This finding could lead to new treatment approaches for the devastating neurological disorder.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/some-people-recover-from-als-now-we-might-know-why
Recent research by OpenAI warns about the potential risks of humans forming close relationships with AI chatbots. The study found that users may anthropomorphize these models, leading to a false sense of trust and potentially influencing social norms. This could result in individuals becoming more isolated and relying on AI for companionship.
The report also highlights concerns about AI-powered conversations influencing real-life interactions, making people awkward or even rude when communicating with humans. Additionally, the study notes that AI chatbots can be used to normalize abusive behavior, as some users have already demonstrated with previous models.
However, the research also suggests that these advanced AI models could provide benefits for lonely individuals and those with learning differences.
A innovative solution to keep buildings cooler without using energy has been proposed by researchers. A zigzag design on walls can maximize heat radiation into space while minimizing absorption from the ground, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to Qilong Cheng at Columbia University, this approach could reduce energy consumption for cooling and help combat global warming.
Researchers have been puzzled by a mysterious type of antibiotic resistance called heteroresistance, where a small fraction of bacteria can evade antibiotics. Microbiologist Karin Hjort is on a mission to uncover the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Heteroresistant bacteria can rapidly switch between resistant and susceptible states, making it difficult to detect using routine clinical tests.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about antibiotic resistance in bacteria, revealing a "secret switch" that allows them to evade detection. The phenomenon, known as heteroresistance, has been observed in various species of bacteria and can lead to delayed treatment and worsening of illnesses.
Did you know that there are two main types of bacteria? Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria differ in their cell wall composition, which affects how they respond to antibiotics. The names "gram-positive" and "gram-negative" date back to 1884, when Hans Christian Gram developed a staining procedure. Researchers have found that both classes of bacteria share strategies for resisting antibiotics, but gram-negative bacteria have an edge due to their double membranes.
10 superbugs prevalent in South & Central America, according to a 2023 study in The Lancet: Microbe. These bacteria pose significant health risks, including Salmonella, Gonorrhea, and MRSA. Resistance to antibiotics is growing, making treatment challenging.
New research reveals that bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance in a surprisingly short time frame, from instantaneous to several days. This rapid evolution is due to the ability of some bacteria to divide rapidly, passing on genetic changes that provide resistance. While resistance mechanisms take varying amounts of time to emerge, scientists are working to overcome this challenge through the use of combination therapies and a better understanding of antibiotic penetration.
Did you know that animals have evolved some incredibly clever ways to hunt their prey? From trapdoor spiders to humpback whales, these creatures have developed unique tactics to catch their meals. Read about 10 crafty ways animals hunt their prey, from lassos to deceitful tongues!
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/crafty-ways-animals-hunt-their-prey
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, has made its Olympic debut! Researchers have found similarities between brain patterns of ballet dancers, figure skaters, and slackliners with those of people experiencing vestibular impairments. The study discovered lower-than-average density in white matter tracts, overlapping in both groups' brains. This might be due to the need to suppress or reinterpret vestibular input for balance. Additionally, elite athletes like breakdancers develop complex movement sequences, which become encoded in efficient brain activity. This could explain why trained athletes don't need to consciously think about their movements.
Get ready for a celestial show! Three powerful solar explosions, or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are expected to hit Earth's magnetic field this weekend, potentially bringing stunning auroras as far south as New York and Idaho. This coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, making it an ideal time for stargazers. The CMEs are expected to trigger a mild geomagnetic storm, which could create colorful auroras visible in the northern parts of most states along the U.S.-Canada border.
Milwaukee plans to build a new, unnamed project featuring up to 55 floors constructed largely from engineered mass timber materials. If completed, it would be the world's tallest timber skyscraper, surpassing the current record-holder, the 25-story Ascent tower. The project will include residential units, office space, retail space, hotel rooms, and parking spaces.
Source: https://www.popsci.com/technology/worlds-tallest-timber-skyscraper-milwaukee/