Artificial lighting in urban areas is having a significant impact on plants and insect populations, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The study found that lighting up our nightscapes can make plants tougher to chew on, leading to a decrease in insect herbivory. This phenomenon could potentially
Science
The menace of plastic pollution is a growing concern, not only for the environment but also for human health. Recent studies have revealed that microplastics and nanoplastics are infiltrating our water sources, raising alarm bells about the potential risks they pose to our well-being. While the exact impact of these tiny plastic particles on human
Recent research conducted by the Amsterdam University Medical Center and University of Amsterdam has shed light on the potential benefits of using memory consolidation exercises during sleep to complement existing treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study, which involved a technique known as targeted memory activation (TMR), offers promising insights into enhancing the effectiveness
When it comes to assessing our health, we often focus on external symptoms or blood tests. However, the appearance of our tongue can also provide valuable insights into our well-being. Not only does our tongue play a crucial role in tasting and swallowing food, but it can also act as a window into our overall
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists in South America have uncovered the oldest fossilized grape seed ever found in the western neotropics. This finding sheds light on the early evolution and spread of grape vines in the region, suggesting a connection to the extinction of dinosaurs millions of years ago. The discovery of a 60 million-year-old
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in various aspects of life, including the behavior of zoo animals. A study published in 2022 sheds light on how primates, including bonobos, chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas, and olive baboons, reacted to the absence of visitors at zoos during the lockdown period. During the lockdown period, when zoos
Deep in the heart of the Mexican jungle lies the ancient Maya city of Cobá, where archaeologists have unearthed a fascinating discovery. A large stone slab, containing 123 meticulously carved glyphs, was found buried beneath the floor of a sacred pool near the Nohoch Mul pyramid. This inscription reveals the founding date of a town
The connection between Parkinson’s disease and dementia has long been a topic of concern in the medical community. Previous estimates suggested that up to 80 percent of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s would go on to develop dementia within 15-20 years. However, recent research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania paints a different picture. According to
In a recent case study of a 62-year-old man in the US, the importance of closely monitoring rapid weight loss while managing medications was highlighted. This man, who was obese at 132 kg (291 lbs), was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and an underactive thyroid gland. He was prescribed with daily insulin injections, a daily
The Rising Star Cave system in South Africa has been the subject of much debate in recent years due to the discovery of an unusually high number of Homo naledi remains dating back approximately 300,000 years. There have been claims that these hominids were deliberately buried, which would have significant implications for our understanding of