Human

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique can be used to change genetic coding with great precision, and its uses include curing disease and fixing genetic faults. Now it's been used to change animal behavior – and the results are not what scientists were expecting.  CRISPR was used on a group of hamsters to knock out the Avpr1a receptor, which is acted on by the hormone vasopressin. Vasopressin is linked to social actions, such as bonding, cooperation, communication, dominance, and aggression.Without the Avpr1a receptor,…

The human brain is a complex system. It goes to places no one else could and handles multiple tasks that could be difficult for other artificial systems. Due to these functions, human brain has long intrigued scientists who have conducted several studies to understand it. Yet, it is unpredictable. But there's something else that is remarkable about the human brain — it is incredibly energy-efficient. Scientists are trying to understand it and draw inspiration to make future computer technologies. The experts are focussing…

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes video games more realistic and helps your phone recognize your voice—but the power-hungry programs slurp up energy big time. However, the next generation of AI may be 1000 times more energy efficient, thanks to computer chips that work like the human brain. A new study shows such neuromorphic chips can run AI algorithms using just a fraction of the energy consumed by ordinary chips. “This is an impressive piece of work,” says Steve Furber, a…

Breadcrumb Trail Links World Author of the article: Washington Post Hannah Knowles Publishing date: May 20, 2022  •  12 minutes ago  •  3 minute read  •  Join the conversation A fragment of a human skull believed to date back nearly 8,000 that was found by kayakers on the Minnesota River. Photo by Handout /Renville County Sheriff’s Office Article content The sheriff’s office suspected the brownish chunk of skull was human — perhaps the remains of a missing person. Officials…

A new study finds that increasing ambient temperatures negatively impact human sleep around the globe.Most research looking at the impact of climate change on human life has focused on how extreme weather events affect economic and societal health outcomes on a broad scale. Yet climate change may also have a strong influence on fundamental daily human activities—including a host of behavioral, psychological, and physiological outcomes that are essential to wellbeing. In a study that will be published today (May 20, 2022)…

An ancient tooth found in a cave has been linked to the Denisovans, a sister species of modern humans. The tooth was first found during an archaeological survey in a remote area of Laos. Now, scientists have shown that it originated from the same ancient human species that was first discovered in Denisova Cave in the mountains of Siberia. The Denisovans are believed to be cousins of the Neanderthals, which are often pictured like the man in the image above. Now that scientists have connected this tooth to the…

Humans have a long and rich history with intestinal parasites, and it's chronicled in our very poop.From Jerusalem to Rome to Greece, archaeologists have been digging through ancient dung to better understand the diets and diseases of long lost civilizations.  The findings so far suggest epidemics of intestinal parasites were common among both the rich and poor for thousands of years in Europe.The people who built Stonehenge were probably also carrying these tiny worms.In the nearby settlement of Durrington Walls, the…

In 2012, when Disney first bought Lucasfilm and its sprawling Star Wars universe, there were those who thought the $4bn price tag represented something of a gamble. If it was, it’s a bet that’s paid off handsomely for Mickey Mouse and Co. By 2018 they’d already recouped their outlay by releasing four new Star Wars films which together brought in $4.8bn, leading CNBC to call the deal: “One of the smartest acquisitions ever made in corporate America.”However, a decade is a long time in the heady business of intergalactic…

The protected natural area of the Pego-Oliva marshlands. Credit: Asociacion RUVID A study carried out in the area around the Pego-Oliva Marshland Natural Park, between Valencia and Alicante, reveals how the rise in sea level impacted the human groups that inhabited this area of the Mediterranean coast during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.…

Article content Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after human remains were located in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. Police say officers were called to an address in Dunnville on Tuesday afternoon after human remains were found in the waters of the river. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled to determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing. Police say there is no threat to public safety. Article content Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after human remains were…