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Science
The secret to saving our reefs may lie in the sea cucumber
Although the humble sea cucumber may not look like much, it could soon be recruited to help save the world's coral reefs. The bottom-dwelling animals have been found to play a vital role in protecting corals from harmful bacteria.Climate change is largely responsible for the mass die-off of our planet's coral reefs, as stress caused by higher water temperatures causes corals to expel the symbiotic algae living within them. The loss of that life-giving algae isn't the only problem, however.Stressed corals are also more…
Common bug’s tiny balls inspire UV shields and invisibility cloaking
We humans like to think we’re so clever, but in many cases nature has beaten us to the punch with a better version. The newest example comes from a humble insect that’s probably in your own backyard, which makes nanoscale soccer balls that hide it from predators – inspiring better UV protection, sunscreens and maybe even cloaking tech.Leafhoppers are a common insect often found in gardens or on farms, where they’re considered a pest to crops. They’re pretty unremarkable in most aspects, except for one unique feature…
Middle-age obesity linked to shape-shifting brain neurons
A change in shape to a particular structure of neurons was found to have a significant impact on obesity in rats. Researchers believe the finding will translate to humans and could help us fight our own middle-aged bulges one day.Researchers from Nagoya University, Osaka University and other institutions in Japan undertook the rodent study to try to see how the shape of neurons and the way they change with age might be related to obesity. They focused on a protein called melanocortin-4 (MC4R), which is a chemical…
Phase-change concrete melts snow and ice without salt or shovels
Incorporating a phase-change material into concrete, researchers have created a self-heating material that can melt snow and ice for up to 10 hours without using salt or shovels. The novel material could reduce the need for plowing and salting and help preserve the integrity of road surfaces.According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), more than 70% of roads are in snowy regions. Snow and ice accumulation reduces road friction and vehicle maneuverability, causing drivers to slow and increasing the risk of…
How to watch the third Starship launch
Want to see if SpaceX's Starship steps up or blows up on its third orbital launch attempt? New Atlas gives you the lowdown on how to tune in and watch the action live as it happens today, beginning at 8:00am EDT.SpaceX is hoping that third time will be a charm as the company makes another attempt to put the largest, most powerful rocket ever built into orbit. So far, two launches have resulted in the loss of both vehicles. And there's a real air of suspense about the third attempt, because SpaceX engineers have a tendency…
Transgenic cows boost human insulin production by 10X
A genetically modified cow has produced milk containing human insulin, according to a new study. The proof-of-concept achievement could be scaled up to, eventually, produce enough insulin to ensure availability and reduced cost for all diabetics requiring the life-maintaining drug.Unable to rely on their own supply due to damaged pancreatic cells, type 1 diabetics need injectable insulin to live. As do some type 2 diabetics. The World Health Organization estimates that of those who require insulin, between 150 and 200…
Golf, and other men’s hobbies, drive a 300% increase in ALS risk
Men who engage in recreational activities such as golf, gardening and woodworking are at higher risk of developing ALS, an incurable progressive nervous system disease, a study has found. The findings add to mounting evidence suggesting a link between ALS and exposure to environmental toxins.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, causes progressive motor function loss and cognitive changes. While a definitive cause for the condition hasn't been identified, studies have increasingly…
Newly found monster Martian volcano might be hiding an icy secret
A massive volcano has been hiding in plain sight on Mars, says new research. Not only is its sheer size noteworthy, but the team believes it might also harbor glacial ice that could be critical for further exploration and Martian settlements.Since our Mars imaging experiments began with Mariner 9 in 1971, we've known that the Red Planet has seen its share of volcanic activity. In fact, in less than a year after it entered orbit, the spacecraft had already detected 20 volcanoes on the planet's surface. While these…
India’s pollution worsens, becomes world’s third most polluted country; Delhi remains worst capital city in air quality
India has emerged as the world’s third most polluted country. In 2023, India’s air quality, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre, was better than only two countries…
Electroadhesive ‘meat magnet’ drops chops when the power stops
Imagine if a hard metal implant could be bonded to soft biological tissue without using any adhesive, then easily removed when no longer needed. That and other nifty things could soon be possible, thanks to a new understanding of electroadhesion.Putting it simply, electroadhesion is a phenomenon in which two objects become electrostatically or chemically bonded to one another after an electric current has passed through them both. They remain bonded even after the current has been removed, but will neatly separate when…