The virus is thought to be predominantly carried by shrews An international team of scientists is tracking a newly-identified, potentially dangerous virus that has jumped from animals to humans to infect at least 35 people in northeast China. The Langya henipavirus, also called “Langya” or “LayV,” was first detected inContinue Reading
The diamond will likely become the most expensive gemstone ever sold. Miners in Angola have uncovered a massive pink diamond that may be the biggest gem of its kind found in the past 300 years. The pink diamond is estimated to weigh 170 carats, making it just a smidge smallerContinue Reading
Mice and humans infected with dengue emit acetophenone, a mosquito-attractor Some mosquito-borne viruses turn mice into alluring mosquito bait. Mice infected with dengue or Zika viruses — and people infected with dengue — emit a flowery, orange-smelling chemical that tempts hungry mosquitoes, researchers report June 30 in Cell. In mice,Continue Reading
Could we ever create a brain-in-a-vat? Could a brain ever exist on its own, divorced from or independent of a body? For a long time, philosophers have pondered such “brain-in-a-vat” scenarios, asking whether isolated brains could maintain consciousness when separated from their bodies and senses. Typically, a person’s experiences areContinue Reading
The megalodon shark and its direct ancestors may have been ‘hyper apex predators’ Whenever paleontologist Dana Ehret gives talks about the 15-meter-long prehistoric sharks known as megalodons, he likes to make a joke: “What did megalodon eat?” asks Ehret, Assistant Curator of Natural History at the New Jersey State MuseumContinue Reading
The International Energy Agency projects that spending on renewables in 2022 will exceed the record $440 billion invested last year Global clean energy spending is expected to surge 12 percent in 2022, reaching $1.4 trillion as the world pours money into renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency, according to aContinue Reading
Sheepshead fish chew their food. Sheepshead fish (Archosargus probatocephalus) are a species of ray-finned, predominantly marine fish commonly found along the eastern coastline of North America and South America. They are known for their front teeth, which can look uncannily like human teeth(opens in new tab). Sheepshead fish should notContinue Reading
Vortex rings are no longer just for fluids Smoke rings are being seen in a new light. Doughnut-shaped structures called vortex rings are sometimes seen swirling through fluids. Smokers can form them with their mouths, volcanoes can spit them out during eruptions and dolphins can blow them as bubble rings.Continue Reading
A squirt up the nose could reduce coronavirus transmission, but the vaccines have challenges to overcome A few weeks ago, I was obsessed with my nose and throat. I was on a trip to Seattle to speak at a small, masks-required virology meeting about being a journalist during a pandemic.Continue Reading
A complete guide to coconut milk nutrition and how this plant-based drink stacks up against other milk alternatives Due to its distinctive flavor and creamy texture, coconut milk can add a nice twist to coffees, protein shakes and desserts. Although it’s nowhere near as popular as other plant-based milk alternativesContinue Reading