Despite the prevalence of giant star-shaped sand dunes in modern deserts across the globe, it is surprising that they have not been found in geological records, with only one dating back over 250 million years in north-east Scotland. This discrepancy has puzzled scientists for decades, especially considering the presence of these unique dunes on Earth
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The recent breakthrough in growing small but complex models of human organs from live fetus cells has opened up a world of possibilities for researchers. These organoids, though not exact replicas of organs, closely mimic the functionality of real organs, providing researchers with a unique opportunity to study diseases and various aspects of human biology
The pervasive issue of microplastics infiltrating our bodies through food and drink is a concerning reality that needs to be addressed. Recent research has unveiled a simple and effective method of eliminating these tiny plastic particles from water, offering a potential solution to this growing problem. A team of researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and
Research has shown that being overweight is associated with an increased risk of at least 13 types of cancer. In regions such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East, obesity contributes to up to 9% of all cancer cases. As a result, weight loss is often seen as a crucial health goal to reduce
Approximately 128 million years ago, snakes emerged as a dominant species on Earth, boasting a diverse array of over 4,000 species today. While their limbless bodies and elongated form are often credited for their success, there is more to their evolutionary triumph than meets the eye. Researchers, led by Stony Brook University’s Pascal Title, delved
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a condition that is often associated with older individuals, but it can also affect children. In fact, it is the most common form of arthritis in children, impacting approximately 1 in 1,000 kids under the age of 16 in the UK. This condition causes inflammation and joint pain in various
With more than one billion people worldwide suffering from obesity, the numbers have increased exponentially since 1990, according to a recent study published by the Lancet medical journal. This “epidemic” is particularly impacting poorer countries, with the rate of obesity growing among children and adolescents at a faster pace than among adults. The study, conducted
When we look at the concept of evolution through the lens of Google images, the prevalent representation is Zallinger’s illustration, March of Progress. This image depicts a linear transformation from a chimp-like creature to a tall, erect human. The implicit message behind this illustration is a common bias in the perception of evolution – the
Tattooing has been a popular form of art for centuries, with millions of people worldwide adorning their skin with intricate designs. However, a recent study conducted by Kelli Moseman and her team at Binghamton University has shed light on a concerning issue within the industry. Their analysis of over 50 tattoo inks from various brands
Japan’s Moon lander, known as Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has recently surprised the world by waking up after a two-week lunar night, according to the country’s space agency. Despite initially touching down at an odd angle that left its solar panels facing the wrong direction, SLIM managed to come back to life for