A recent study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B has shed new light on the popular saying “Birds of a feather flock together.” It has been observed that flocks of birds typically consist of a single species, with individuals that are virtually identical to one another, as the proverb suggests. However, a … Read more
An ancient family of Neanderthals once inhabited a cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia over 49,000 years ago. From their vantage point, they could observe the nearby river valley where various animals like bison, red deer, and wild horses roamed. During their stay, a teenage girl lost a tooth, possibly from eating bison hunted … Read more
The elephant, known for its gentle nature and empathetic behavior towards others, has been observed consoling distressed companions and attempting to lift up those who are ill or suffering. They even display signs of mourning for their deceased herd members and demonstrate self-awareness by recognizing themselves in mirrors. A recent study published in the Proceedings … Read more
According to a recent study by the University of Exeter, fungal spores found in dung have provided insights into the extinction of large animals in the Colombian Andes. These spores of coprophilous fungi pass through the digestive tracts of megafauna, serving as evidence of the presence of these animals in a particular place and time. … Read more
The transport of nutrients to our cells heavily relies on proteins in the cell membrane that ferry them across. If this system fails, it can lead to a range of health issues, from rare diseases to cancer. Understanding how metabolites enter cells could provide solutions for diseases linked to metabolite transport. However, matching the carrier … Read more
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has found similarities between the brain architecture of sea slugs and that of more complex animals with segmented bodies, jointed skeletons, and appendages. The research suggests that animals with complex bodies and behaviors adapted a network of neurons, called the “A-cluster,” that already existed in simpler … Read more
A group of researchers from the University of Liverpool have discovered a novel approach to enhance crop growth, addressing a pressing challenge of increasing crop productivity in the face of a changing climate and a growing global population. As the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) continue to rise worldwide and the population is projected to … Read more
A recent survey conducted in Uganda revealed that many smallholder farmers in Kamuli and Namutumba districts are confident that they can effectively manage the fall armyworm, a pest that poses a serious threat to maize production in the region. The farmers believe that there are several management and control options available to them, which can … Read more
A recent study published in the journal PeerJ reveals that aggressive and bullying behavior can be an effective strategy for achieving power and siring offspring in male chimpanzees. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Duke University studied 28 male chimps living in Gombe National Park in Tanzania, with personality assessments conducted by Tanzanian field … Read more
A new study published in Nature Cell Biology has revealed a previously unknown pathway for clearing misfolded proteins from the nucleus. Misfolded proteins are toxic to cells and can lead to age-related degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. The discovery of this pathway could be a potential target for therapies to treat … Read more
Jim Myers accomplished an unprecedented feat in 2011. As a vegetable breeder at Oregon State University, he unveiled the world’s first purple tomato enriched with the same beneficial compound found in blueberries. Named Indigo Rose, this tomato took Myers and his team a decade to cultivate. It quickly gained popularity among consumers and breeders alike, … Read more