Alcohol consumption among animals may not be as rare as previously thought
Alcohol consumption among non-human animals may not be as rare as previously thought, say ecologists
Research shows caterpillar fungus can slow down growth of cancer cells
Scientists at the UK’s University of Nottingham have discovered how caterpillar fungus compound cordycepin interrupts cancer cell growth by interacting with genes.
It’s not to be. Universe too short for Shakespeare typing monkeys
Mathematicians at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia have determined that monkeys typing Shakespeare is implausible due to the universe’s finite lifespan.
Giant rats could soon sniff out illegal elephant tusk and rhino horn
Researchers at Duke University in the USA have trained giant rats to sniff out trafficked wildlife like pangolin scales, aiding the fight against smuggling.
Solar-powered animal-plant hybrid cells
Researchers at the University of Tokyo, Japan, have successfully implanted chloroplasts from algae into hamster cells, enabling animal cells to photosynthesise for up to two days.
Dolphins sense military sonar at much lower levels than regulators predict
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, USA, discovered dolphins exhibit behavioural changes in response to military sonar at much lower sound levels than expected.
After injury, these comb jellies can fuse to become one
Researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK discovered that comb jellies can merge into a single organism, fusing their nervous systems and digestive tracts.
Spider fangs reveal surprises
Researchers at the University of Trento in Italy discovered that spiders’ fangs use unique serrated geometry to efficiently cut tough natural and synthetic fibres.
Mussel-inspired adhesive becomes unglued on command
Scientists at Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany have developed a bio-based, mussel-inspired adhesive that loses stickiness when oxidised, enhancing recycling and repair.
‘Scuba-diving’ lizards use bubble to breathe underwater and avoid predators
Researchers at Binghamton University in the United States discovered that lizards can stay underwater 32% longer by rebreathing bubbles over their heads.