A new study found that chemicals produced in the digestive tract by gut microbes after eating red meat (such as beef, pork, bison, venison) explained a significant portion of the higher risk of cardiovascular disease associated with higher red meat consumption. High blood sugar and inflammation may also contribute to...
Communication makes hunting easier for chimpanzees
Similar to humans, chimpanzees use communication to coordinate their cooperative behavior -- such as during hunting. When chimpanzees produce a specific vocalization, known as the 'hunting bark', they recruit more group members to the hunt and capture their prey more effectively, researchers have now shown.
Swimming without brains and muscles
Bacteria and other unicellular organisms developed sophisticated ways to actively navigate their way, despite being comparably simple structures. To reveal these mechanisms, researchers used oil droplets as a model for biological microswimmers. Biologists investigated the navigation strategies of microswimmers in several studies: how they navigate against the current in narrow...
New smartphone clip-on can detect Zika virus in blood samples
In a new study, researchers have combined their efforts to develop an instrument that can be clipped on to a smartphone to rapidly test for Zika virus in a single droplet of blood.
New bioremediation material to clean up ‘forever chemicals’
A novel bioremediation technology for cleaning up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, chemical pollutants that threaten human health and ecosystem sustainability, has been developed. The material has potential for commercial application for disposing of PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals.'
No ‘Safe Space’ for 12 key ocean species on North American West Coast
New research warns that climate impacts will significantly affect twelve economically and culturally important species that make their home in the California Current marine ecosystem (CCME) over the next 80 years.
White egret orchid evolved frilly petal to support pollinator hawkmoth
Botanists suggest that the frilly lip of the white egret orchid evolved as a stabilizer for the hawkmoth while it pollinates the plant, resulting in better seed production.
New Antarctic study shows levels of ‘forever chemicals’ reaching the remote continent have been increasing
New evidence from Antarctica shows that toxic 'fluorinated forever chemicals' have increased markedly in the remote environment in recent decades and scientists believe CFC-replacements could be among likely sources.
Climate change could be making it harder for seabirds to catch fish
Researchers have found that that cloudier waters, caused in part by climate change, is making it harder for seabirds to catch fish.
How molecular motor proteins are involved in malaria transmission
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding how malaria parasites divide and transmit the disease, which could be a major step forwards in helping to prevent one of the biggest killer infections in the world.