A team at the University of Florida used drones and smart modeling to accurately count over 41,000 endangered turtles nesting along the Amazon’s Guaporé River—revealing the world’s largest known turtle nesting site. Their innovative technique, combining aerial imagery with statistical correction for turtle movement, exposes major flaws in traditional counting methods and opens doors to …

Drones reveal 41,000-turtle nesting mega-site hidden in the Amazon Read More »

Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a groundbreaking “lung-on-a-chip” that can mimic the distinct regions of human lungs—airways and alveoli—to study how viruses like COVID-19 affect them differently. Powered by isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the system offers a high-fidelity way to model personalized immune responses and test drug effectiveness. This innovation opens the …

This tiny lung-on-a-chip could predict—and fight—the next pandemic Read More »

Sometimes a gentle touch feels sharp and distinct, other times it fades into the background. This inconsistency isn’t just mood—it’s biology. Scientists found that the thalamus doesn’t just relay sensory signals—it fine-tunes how the brain responds to them, effectively changing what we feel. A hidden receptor in the cortex seems to prime neurons, making them …

This brain circuit may explain fluctuating sensations—and autism Read More »

A new global study reveals a striking post-pandemic surge in gut-brain disorders like IBS and functional dyspepsia. Researchers compared data from 2017 and 2023 and discovered sharp increases—IBS up 28% and dyspepsia nearly 44%. Those suffering from long COVID were especially vulnerable, reporting more anxiety, depression, and worse quality of life. These findings spotlight the …

The pandemic’s secret aftershock: Inside the gut-brain breakdown Read More »

Scientists have used artificial intelligence to upgrade plant immune systems, potentially revolutionizing how crops like tomatoes and potatoes can defend against harmful bacteria. By reengineering plant receptors that recognize bacterial threats, they are enhancing plant resistance and preparing for a future of more resilient crops. ​Scientists have used artificial intelligence to upgrade plant immune systems, …

How AI is supercharging plant immunity to fight deadly bacteria Read More »

A newly mapped neural circuit shows how our skin senses cool temperatures and sends that info to the brain, revealing an unexpected amplifier in the spinal cord and offering insight into cold-related pain. ​A newly mapped neural circuit shows how our skin senses cool temperatures and sends that info to the brain, revealing an unexpected …

Why cold feels good: Scientists uncover the chill pathway Read More »

Stepping into a virtual forest or waterfall scene through VR could be the future of pain management. A new study shows that immersive virtual nature dramatically reduces pain sensitivity almost as effectively as medication. Researchers at the University of Exeter found that the more present participants felt in these 360-degree nature experiences, the stronger the …

Pain relief without pills? VR nature scenes trigger the brain’s healing switch Read More »

In an exciting breakthrough, researchers have identified cancer drugs that might reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain. By analyzing gene expression in brain cells, they discovered that some FDA-approved cancer medications could reverse damage caused by Alzheimer’s. ​In an exciting breakthrough, researchers have identified cancer drugs that might reverse the effects of …

Reversing Alzheimer’s damage: Two cancer drugs demonstrate surprising power Read More »

A team of scientists has proposed a groundbreaking new theory on the Universe’s origins, offering a fresh, radical take on the Big Bang’s early moments. Unlike the widely accepted inflationary model, which involves speculative assumptions, the new model starts with the established concept of De Sitter space, aligning with dark energy observations. The scientists believe …

Forget the Big Bang: Gravitational waves may have really created the Universe Read More »

Scientists have discovered the oldest direct evidence of betel nut chewing in Southeast Asia by analyzing 4,000-year-old dental plaque from a burial in Thailand. This breakthrough method reveals invisible traces of ancient plant use, suggesting psychoactive rituals were part of daily life long before written records. ​Scientists have discovered the oldest direct evidence of betel …

4,000-year-old teeth reveal the earliest human high — Hidden in plaque Read More »