27 articles from SATURDAY 4.3.2023
Rare 'thundersnow' is a once-a-year event, says senior climatologist
It's the latest in a recent rash of winter storms to torment southern Ontario after last week's ice storm knocked out power to thousands of people and was followed up by a messy mix of snow and ice pellets earlier this...
UK government urged to consider changing law to allow gene editing of embryos
Citizens’ panel of people with experience of genetic conditions says discussion urgently needed for research Ministers must consider changing the law to allow scientists to carry out genome editing of human embryos for serious genetic conditions – as a matter of urgency. That is the key message of a newly published report by a UK citizens’ jury made up of individuals affected by genetic...
New results from NASA's DART planetary defense mission confirm we could deflect deadly asteroids
What would we do if we spotted a hazardous asteroid on a collision course with Earth? Could we deflect it safely to prevent the impact?
UK health officials spent £42m in a year on ‘golden goodbyes’ and staff payoffs
In the last five years, 324 health sector staff have received payouts of more than £150,000, according to new figuresNHS trusts and other organisations overseen by the Department of Health and Social Care agreed staff payoffs worth £42m in 2021/22, including 36 “golden goodbyes” worth more than £150,000 each.In the last five years, 324 staff in the health and care sector got payoffs of more...
‘Startling’ new evidence reveals gladiators fought in Roman Britain
Latest analysis of vase found in Colchester in 1848 shows the vessel was a piece of sports memorabilia from an area of combatGladiator fights backed by roaring crowds in impressive-looking arenas have long inspired film-makers behind classics such as Gladiator and Spartacus. Now new research reveals for the first time that such a sporting spectacle took place in Britain in the late second century...
Prof Nita Farahany: ‘We need a new human right to cognitive liberty’
The author of The Battle for Your Brain has serious reservations about neurotechnology, from the surveillance of mental experiences to ‘brainjacking’Our brainwave activity can be monitored and modified by neurotechnology. Devices with electrodes placed on the head can record neural signals from the brain and apply low electric current to modulate them. These “wearables” are finding...
DNA from fossil eggshells reveals how extinct elephant birds lived
Madagascar's extinct elephant birds—the largest birds ever to have lived—have captured public interest for hundreds of years. Little is known about them due to large gaps in the skeletal fossil record.
Rhythmic eating pattern preserves fruit fly muscle function under obese conditions
- ScienceDaily
- 23/3/4 14:32
Obese fruit flies are the experimental subjects in a study of the causes of muscle function decline due to obesity. In humans, skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in metabolism, and muscle dysfunction due to human obesity can lead to insulin resistance and reduced energy levels.
Researchers identify gene mutation capable of regulating pain
Pain afflicts at least 1.5 billion people worldwide, and despite the availability of various painkilling drugs, not all forms of pain are treatable. Moreover, pain medications can have side-effects such as dependence and tolerance, especially in the case of morphine and other opioids.
How accurate are dog DNA tests? We unleash the truth
Marketplace sent the DNA of two mixed-breed dogs, one purebred dog and one human to four different dog DNA companies. Nearly all the results were...
End ‘colonial’ approach to space exploration, scientists urge
Focus should shift away from seeking to exploit discoveries on other planets, researchers sayHumans boldly going into space should echo the guiding principle of Captain Kirk’s Star Trek crew by resisting the urge to interfere, researchers have said, stressing a need to end a colonial approach to exploration.Nasa has made no secret of its desire to mine the moon for metals, with China also keen...
Rhythmic eating pattern preserves fruit fly muscle function under obese conditions
Obese fruit flies are the experimental subjects in a Nature Communications study of the causes of muscle function decline due to obesity. In humans, skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in metabolism, and muscle dysfunction due to human obesity can lead to insulin resistance and reduced energy levels.
Treaty ahoy? Talks to protect high seas near finish line
UN countries appeared Friday to be nearing an agreement on a long-awaited treaty to protect the high seas, a fragile and vital treasure that covers nearly half the planet.
'Surgical' shark-killing orcas fascinate off South Africa
Scores of disembowelled sharks have washed up on a South African beach putting the spotlight on a pair of shark-hunting killer whales whose behaviour has fascinated scientists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Hatching leatherback turtles get helping hand on Thai beach
It is past midnight on a beach in southern Thailand and 12-year-old Prin Uthaisangchai is anxiously staring at a leatherback turtle nest, waiting for scores of the endangered hatchlings to scrabble out from the sand.