“Scientists have identified a vector of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in worms, which could lead to the discovery of further vectors of HGT in eukaryotes. HGT is a major evolutionary force within microbial communities and allows for the acquisition of novel traits that are unique…”
“Australia has become the first country to legalise the use of psychedelics to treat some mental health conditions. From July, 2023, psychiatrists can prescribe MDMA (ecstasy) for PTSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for treatment-resistant depression. …”
“Galaxies are not scattered randomly across the universe. They gather together not only into clusters, but into vast interconnected filamentary structures with gigantic barren voids in between. This ‘cosmic web’ started out tenuous and became more distinct over time as gravity drew matter together…”
“Neutrinos are elusive particles that rarely interact with matter, but they can reveal secrets about the universe that light cannot. For the first time, neutrinos have been used to create an image of the Milky Way, showing its shape and structure in a new way…”
Four new elements were recently added to the periodic table which is something super cool, well heavy actually!
In 2016, research groups from Japan, Russia, and the United States discovered four new elements that were added to the periodic table of elements. These elements were numbered 113, 115, 117, and 118, and were classified as “superheavy” elements because they have more than 104 protons in their nuclei… Continue reading “Four New Kids on the p-Block”
Scientists have discovered a new way to track the health of coral reefs by listening to their “song”
A healthy reef is a noisy place, with fish whooping and croaking, shrimp clacking their claws, and even seaweed making noise as it photosynthesizes. A team working in Indonesia has paired insights about these sounds with new computer and audio-recording equipment to create swifter and cheaper reef health-checks… Continue reading “AI tracks a coral reef’s health by listening to its “song””
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