The secret behind the vibrant orange fur of cats has finally been uncovered. It turns out that a specific genetic mutation is responsible for this striking color. This mutation affects a gene called ARHGAP36, which is located on the X chromosome. When this gene is altered, it boosts the activity of
Voyager 1 has been a space traveler for nearly 50 years, braving the tough conditions of outer space. It is a marvel of engineering that has kept going despite its age. The latest challenge for the team on the ground was to bring back to life a set of thrusters that had been out of action for deca
Cereals are a staple in many diets, but they often carry harmful substances. Two of the worst offenders are aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone. These toxins are not only common but also highly dangerous. Finding a safe and effective way to remove them is crucial for keeping food safe to eat. One interest
Plants are often seen as innocent bystanders in the world of pollution. But did you know they can absorb harmful chemicals from the soil? This is a big deal because these chemicals can build up in plants and eventually harm both the environment and our health. One such group of chemicals is quaterna
The spread of plant diseases can be quite complex. One disease that affects banana plants is caused by a fungus called Pseudocercospora fijiensis. This fungus can travel long distances, which makes it hard to control. To understand how it spreads, researchers studied the fungus in Martinique over
Lasers have become a big deal in medical treatments. Two types stand out: Ho: YAG and thulium fiber lasers. These tools are used to break down kidney stones. They are powerful and can cause heat. This heat can be a problem. It can damage tissues. So, scientists are always looking for ways to make th
Scientists have been looking into ways to break down Trichloroethylene (TCE) because it is bad for both people and the planet. TCE is a solvent often used in factories. One interesting method is using light to speed up a chemical reaction. The process involves shining ultraviolet (UV) ligh
The brain has a special group of cells that make a hormone called arginine vasopressin. These cells are always busy making this hormone. They are found in two specific areas of the brain called the magnocellular supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. This constant work pu
The basking shark, a colossal fish that feeds on plankton, has long been thought to be a cold-blooded creature. However, recent studies have hinted that this giant might have some warm-blooded traits. To dive deeper, researchers compared the basking shark's heat-generating and heat-retaining tissues
The need for sustainable water treatment solutions is pressing. One promising avenue is the use of eco-friendly materials in membrane technology. Researchers have successfully created high-performance membranes using a blend of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate. This blend serves as a base for
