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Emily White

Sea worms can distinguish moonlight from sunlight

by Emily White June 22, 2024

At the same time, its activation occurs completely or partially depending on the type of light falling on the worms – lunar or solar. Furthermore, the scientists pointed out that this protein enables these individuals to perceive the changing phases of the moon.

In the course of their research, the experts investigated the molecular mechanisms of functioning directly characteristic of this L-Cry protein, which is significantly different from other cryptochromes. For this purpose, they involved cryoelectron microscopy and the protein molecules were considered after shock freezing in complete darkness and under red light to simulate the conditions of its existence.

Science

Why does time pass more slowly at the moment of mortal threat?

by Emily White June 22, 2024

According to the psychologist, this phenomenon is part of the ‘fight or flight’ response that is triggered by a deadly threat. If the brain ‘slows down’ time, it is as if a person has a pause to think about a further behavioural strategy.

The way the human brain processes time has a close relationship with emotions. For example, when people feel frightened, elated, excited or sad, emotional processing interacts with time processing.

Science

Researchers have discovered whether workaholics are happy while working

by Emily White June 22, 2024

The scientists conducted a study involving 139 back-office workers, who were first asked to undergo a psychological test to assess their work addiction. Then the specialists analysed the subjects’ mood, perception and workload using a smartphone application in which they filled in a short questionnaire.

The data showed that most workaholics have a worse mood on average than other people. The scientists emphasised that the test results indicate that those suffering from workaholism do not have more fun at work at all, but face a negative state after the initial euphoria, similar to behavioural and drug addiction.

Science

Can predatory plants eat humans?

by Emily White June 22, 2024

The researcher fed pieces of skin to the plants and documented that they were almost completely digested by the enzymes of the flycatchers. However, this experiment does not allow any conclusions to be drawn as to whether this predatory flora is capable of breaking down harder tissues such as bones.

Science

Scientists have reported the discovery of a new basic flavour

by Emily White June 22, 2024

It was discovered that the OTOP1 protein also responds to acidity. Researchers created human cells containing the OTOP1 protein and confirmed that ammonium chloride activates its receptor as effectively as acid.

Ammonium chloride has an unpleasant taste, but people can learn to like it like spicy or acidic foods. However, before the new flavour can be made official, further research is needed.

Nature

Why does Everest make an eerie grinding noise?

by Emily White June 22, 2024

According to Dave Khan, a member of the expedition on the Trakarding-Trumbau glacier system, at night the ice on Everest starts to collapse here and there. The rumbling and scraping is so loud that it is impossible to sleep.

Using sensors that measure the vibrations of the ice masses, the researchers found that extreme cold, the contrast between daytime and night-time temperatures, and climate change in general are responsible for the night-time rumble. The Everest ice is extremely sensitive to these factors.

Nature

In Africa, a student discovered a new species of mushroom, the ‘white ghost’ mushroom

by Emily White June 22, 2024

By sequencing DNA, scientists discovered they were dealing with a member of the genus Hericium. It was given the scientific name Hericium ophelieae, which refers to a Shakespeare poem with lines about ‘long veil’, ‘fair as snow’ and ‘white ghost’. Experts believe that this name perfectly characterises the appearance of the find.

Nature

The future of earthlings depends on the well-being of the underground ‘tree’

by Emily White June 22, 2024

As experts have established, the diameter of this ‘tree’, which stretches for thousands of kilometres, reaches 800 km. The mantle plume has a number of branches, which cause earthquakes in the region.

It is important to understand that mantle plumes and the volcanoes they create are part of a global process that influences the planet’s climate and ecosystem. And whether humanity will survive, according to the researchers, depends on this giant.

Nature

Why do several countries ban synthetic meat? What are the dangers of synthetic meat?

by Emily White June 22, 2024

How is meat cultured?

Muscle fibres are cultured by taking a piece of tissue, regardless of which animal the sample belongs to. The stem cells in the sample are then treated so that they mature more quickly. As a result, these cells form muscle fibres and edible tissue. Next, however, the endotoxins and waste products, from which most of the emissions originate, must be removed.

Nature

Contamination of water with a dangerous toxin has led to a dramatic increase in cases of Parkinson’s disease

by Emily White June 22, 2024

The researchers’ conclusions state that the risk of Parkinson’s disease among veterans of the troops at Camp Lejeune was 70 per cent higher than among those who had served at the Marine base in California. The specialists pointed out that the study looked at Americans serving at Camp Lejeune for at least three months between 1975 and 1985.

The scientists say that even veterans who had not been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease still had an increased risk of experiencing the first symptoms of the disease. The researchers attribute the increased risk of developing the disease to trichloroethylene, found in the water at Camp Lejeune in 1982. The chemical and other hazardous substances were found in the water due to leaks in underground reservoirs, industrial areas and landfills.

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