Meet Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV for short. This crafty virus is everywhere, silently hanging out in your B cells for your entire life. When your body fights an infection, B cells change how they use energy to stay strong. EBV, being the sneaky bug it is, figures out ways to trick B cells into doing
Phytoplankton, tiny ocean plants, have a daily rhythm. They produce a lot of carbohydrates and amino acids which bacteria love to eat. These nutrients have daily ups and downs, playing a big role in the ocean's nutrient cycle. Across different ocean areas, like near Antarctica and in the tropics, th
Think running a marathon, but with more varied exercises. That's CrossFit. Now, you might wonder, "What if I chug some carbs during my workout? Will it make me recover better or perform like a superhero? " Well, a recent study checked this out. They gathered a bunch of CrossFit guys and had them ing
Antimony, a heavy metal, affects the swimming speed of Pelophylax nigromaculatus tadpoles. Researchers found that when these critters are exposed to antimony in two different ways—either in short bursts (pulse exposure) or continuously (constant exposure) for 28 days—they swim significantly slower.
Metabolism-disrupting agents, or MDAs, can mess with your body's metabolism, raising the risk of metabolic disorders. These troublemakers can be chemicals, infections, or physical factors. Think of some antidepressants or nasty stuff like bisphenol A. To spot these hazards, scientists need a tidy wa
Ergothioneine, often found in our diet, is a powerful sulfur-containing amino acid with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties. It's no surprise that it might help against liver fibrosis, a condition caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. But how exactly does it work? Tha
Ever wondered how fasting during Ramadan affects your body? Scientists decided to find out by studying rats. They split 48 male Wistar rats into two groups: those on a standard diet and those on a high-fat diet. After 12 weeks, they introduced Ramadan-style fasting — eating only from dawn to dusk —
Global warming is heating up freshwater habitats, and non-native fish are invading these places. Usually, scientists look at these issues separately, but they're both big threats to biodiversity. Fish are ectotherms, meaning their bodies are influenced by the temperature of their water. So, when wat
Ever heard of advantame? It's a sweetener that's been getting a lot of attention. Scientists have been looking into it to see if it's safe for us to eat. Here's what they found: Advantame is stable, but not in every situation. It can break down in acidic drinks and foods that are heated up. Researc
Hummingbirds are nature's superheroes. These tiny, iridescent creatures flit from flower to flower, sipping nectar and defending their territory with precision. But what makes them so special? Scientists have been studying hummingbirds for years, and what they've discovered is nothing short of aston
