The recent changes in U. S. federal funding for scientific research have sparked a global trend. Countries are now rolling out initiatives to attract American scientists. This shift is not just about filling vacant positions; it's about offering a safe haven for academic freedom. The U. S. has long been a leader in scientific research, thanks to substantial governme...
The human body is full of mysteries. One of these is the sensitivity of our teeth. Ever wondered why a cold treat or a dentist's drill can make your teeth zing? The answer lies in the distant past, with ancient armored fish. These fish, living around 500 million years ago, had exoskeletons that were surprisingly complex. Scientists initially thought these scales bel...
The ability to see in the dark has long been a fascinating concept. It is a well known fact that humans can only see a small part of the light spectrum. This is a very small range compared to other animals. Some animals can see in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. For example, snakes, mosquitoes, and bullfrogs can see in the infrared spectrum. Meanwhile, bee...
Mars has always been a subject of curiosity. The red planet is home to Olympus Mons, a giant mountain that stands about 22 kilometers tall. This is more than double the height of Mount Everest on Earth. Around this massive mountain, there are rolling hills covered in bright and dark streaks. These streaks have puzzled scientists for a long time. They appear and disa...
Men stand taller than women on average, by about five inches. This isn't universal across all species, though. So, what makes humans different? A recent study, which gathered genetic data from a million individuals, might have some answers. The study zeroed in on a gene called SHOX. This gene is linked to height. Here's where it gets interesting: SHOX is found on bo...
Forensic psychiatry is all about making society safer by reducing the chances of crime. It's like trying to predict and prevent storms before they hit. But even with all the efforts, some people keep committing crimes. This is where the idea of using biological signs, or biomarkers, comes in. These are measurable indicators of a person's physical state. They could be...
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has made a controversial move. They decided to limit the money they give to universities for research. This money, known as indirect costs, covers things like equipment and infrastructure. The NSF claims this will make the funding process more efficient and transparent. However, many universities are not happy about this. Thirte...
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is facing a storm. The government agency, which is a big supporter of basic science, math, and engineering, especially in colleges and universities, is under fire. The latest blow came from the White House, which proposed a budget cut of $4. 7 billion. This is more than half of the NSF's $9 billion budget. This news came on the s...
A man named Tim Friede has a unique claim to fame. He has injected himself with snake venom 856 times over 18 years. This might sound crazy, but it has led to a big breakthrough in medicine. Friede's blood could hold the key to a universal antivenom. Friede's journey started when he was young, collecting pet snakes. He began injecting himself with diluted snake veno...
The way cells divide has long been a mystery. It was thought that cells always round up before splitting into two identical daughters. However, recent findings have shattered this belief. It turns out that cells don't always round up before dividing. This discovery could change how we understand cell division and its role in health and disease. The shape of a cell b...