Some crops grow better in the city
Some crops are better suited, and produce greater yields, when grown in the city.
Blog
Evidence of amputation from 31,000 years ago
When I think of amputation before modern medicine, I tend to think of brutal anaesthetic-free operations from the 1700s. But a skeleton from Borneo with an amputated left lower leg dates back to 31,000 years ago – the oldest ever recorded.
Drought is revealing hidden gems
Much of the northern hemisphere is in drought, which is damaging farm economies, forcing water restrictions and causing massive fires. Millions of people, animals and fish are suffering. However, dry rivers are revealing much from the past.
Verbal insults are like a slap in the face
The things people say to us can have lasting impacts, and recent research has found that even under unnatural conditions, a verbal insult is perceived in the same way as a slap in the face.
Mosquitoes have more than one way to smell humans
Female mosquitoes ‘smell’ humans’ cocktail of scents to detect the blood they need to nourish their eggs. But they have more than one way to achieve this.
Why thinking too hard is exhausting
Have you ever been exhausted after thinking too much? It’s likely the build-up of glutamate is poisoning your neurons.
2022 National Science Week is here!
It’s that time of year again, when too much science is never enough. That’s right, National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology is on from 13-21 August.
Get up, get out and get moving
Do you meet the exercise guidelines each week? If you do, it can help reduce your mortality risk.
Moderate drinking might still cause cognitive decline
Consumption of seven or more units of alcohol per week is associated with higher iron levels in the brain. Such accumulation has been linked with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline.
First images from the James Webb telescope
Back in February, I talked about the James Webb telescope arriving in its final position – and now its first spectacular images are here.
When sniffing that butt can give you cancer
Dogs love to sniff each other’s butts. But it can give them the world’s oldest cancer, and males more frequently than females.
The Hunga volcanic eruption in numbers
When the Hunga volcano erupted on 15 January, it was among the largest volcanic eruptions recorded. Now, the full extent of the eruption is becoming clearer.
The cancer cells that wake up while we sleep
It sounds like a proper boogie monster that comes out at night while we are all asleep: breast cancer cells that are likely to travel to new locations seem to be more active at night while we rest.
Bulldogs face breeding ban in the UK
Some people think bulldogs are cute, with their smooshed-up faces and wrinkly skin. But British vets are asking people to stop buying them until their serious health issues can be addressed.
Tricking your brain to breathe more easily
Most of us would agree that Vicks VapoRub works to help you breathe better when you have a cold. But how?