Nearly a century ago, scientists stumbled upon single-celled organisms capable of emitting methane gas into the environment. These microbial beings, closely related to bacteria, were initially classified under the superphylum Euryarchaeota within the Archaea kingdom. However, recent discoveries have shaken this classification to its core. A decade ago, researchers exploring oil fields and hot springs
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Engaging in extreme exercise, such as running 10 hours a week for over 120 km (75 miles), is often considered to be pushing the human body beyond its limits. However, a recent study has challenged this notion by suggesting that Olympic-level professional athletes who partake in such brutal routines may actually be prolonging their lives.
The human brain is a complex organ that is unfortunately prone to failure, especially as we age. One of the most concerning conditions associated with cognitive decline is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects a vast number of individuals worldwide. Currently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease relies heavily on the experience and judgment of specialists, as well as expensive
Recent research conducted by evolutionary biologist Alex de Mendoza Soler and his team from Queen Mary University of London has uncovered a fascinating link between ancient giant viruses and the DNA of a single-celled organism. This discovery suggests that viruses may have played a significant role in the evolution of complex organisms, such as ourselves,
When viruses invade our bodies, they can sometimes leave fragments of themselves behind in our genomes. Previously thought to be inactive, these fragments of foreign DNA have recently been discovered to play a significant role in various diseases, including cancer. University of Colorado bioinformatician Atma Ivancevic, along with a team of researchers, has found that
Mercury, the smallest planet in our Solar System, has long been a subject of fascination for scientists. Recent simulations of Mercury’s childhood have revealed some intriguing findings that could shed light on the planet’s mysterious characteristics. A team of researchers from China and Belgium delved into the potential internal environment of Mercury, inspired by new
In a tragic turn of events, a basking shark that was recently tagged by a team of researchers in Irish waters fell victim to a boat strike mere hours after being fitted with a tracking device. This incident sheds light on the dangers faced by marine animals, particularly those like the basking shark, that are
Research conducted by scientists from the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore has shed light on the crucial role of interleukin 11 (IL-11) in the aging process. By blocking the effects of this protein, the researchers were able to extend the lifespans of mice by up to 25 percent. This groundbreaking study involved genetic engineering techniques
The study conducted by a team of researchers from the US and Singapore provides valuable insights into the variations in brain connectivity based on sex and gender. By analyzing fMRI scans of over 4,700 children aged 9 or 10 years old, the researchers were able to identify significant differences in brain activity related to movement,
Recent observations have led astronomers to believe that they have located an intermediate mass black hole within a cluster of stars known as IRS 13 near the center of our galaxy. This discovery is particularly exciting as intermediate mass black holes are incredibly rare, and their existence can help bridge the gap between stellar-mass black