Cancer cells become super-charged when exposed to methylmalonic acid, a chemical that builds up in older people’s bodies. Many forms of cancer become more common and deadlier as we get older. There are several reasons behind this, including a weakening immune system and an accumulation of potentially dangerous mutations in our genes. Now a new […]
Inside Science
Delayed Kentucky Derby Could Make Rescheduled Run in September Faster
Racing later this year could influence which horses will be at their best — and their chances of winning. The first Saturday in May is usually a festive occasion in Louisville, Kentucky, culminating with the running of the Kentucky Derby, arguably the most famous horse race in North America. But this year it will be […]
The CRISPR War Raging Inside Bacteria
Rings of DNA inside bacteria use CRISPR process to attack each other. The CRISPR-Cas system is a highly accurate gene-editing tool that genetic engineers have adopted from bacteria. The engineers use it to create genetically modified organisms and even treat genetic disease. But humans are not the first to adapt this system for their own […]
Female Toads Seek a Good Man – Even if He’s Another Species
New research shows female plains spadefoot toads listen up for the best mate. The one thing about species that most people probably remember from high school science class is that when it comes to sex, they generally stick to their own kind. Hybrids happen, but they are usually thought to be accidental, and the results […]
Change in Diet Sent Snakes Looking for New Chemical Defense Against Predators
Snake species recycles poison collected from its own prey. Keelback snakes are master chemists. These unusual snakes possess glands in their skin that contain heart-stopping toxic steroids to defend against predators. When an attacker tries to eat them, the glands rupture, releasing a mouthful of potentially fatal poison. But these snakes, native to China, Japan […]
Artificial Intelligence Identifies Potential New Antibiotics
Machine learning turbocharges the process of identifying molecules to test for bacteria-attacking properties. Many dangerous bacteria are evolving resistance to our existing antibiotics faster than we can develop new ones. But now researchers have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to dramatically speed up the search for new drugs — and found a promising one […]
Which Evolves Faster, Culture or Biology?
New study presents new way to observe rate at which culture changes. Modern human culture seems to evolve at a dizzying rate. Changes in the media we consume and technology we use often far outstrip our ability to keep up. But there have been few attempts to actually measure this phenomenon. “All we have is […]
To Conserve Species, Traditional Local Knowledge and Science Can Complement Each Other
Estimates of animal populations made by local residents and field scientists are similar. Thais Morcatty had a problem. The ecologist at the Mamiraua Institute in Brazil needed to gather estimates of the populations of a variety of animals living in the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon for her research. But getting that information proved difficult. “It […]
Three Share Medicine Nobel for How Cells Sense Oxygen
Oxygen-sensing genes allow cells to adapt when oxygen levels drop. The 2019 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine has been awarded to three scientists “for their discoveries of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability.” The 9 million Swedish krona (more than $900,000) prize is shared equally between William Kaelin from the Dana-Farber Cancer […]
How CBD Keeps THC in Check
The two main compounds in cannabis are in a constant balancing act. Many people who use cannabis do it for the euphoric effects caused by the main psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, often called THC. But THC can also cause unpleasant side effects like paranoia, dissociative thoughts, impaired memory or even psychotic episodes. As cannabis has become […]