Picture this: about 50, 000 years ago, humans and Neanderthals started mixing. This genetic exchange lasted for around 7, 000 years. Today, non-African humans carry about 1% to 2% Neanderthal DNA. This blend might have strengthened our immune systems and influenced our skin colors. But not all Neand
Recently, two more cases of bird flu have been reported in California's San Joaquin County. These cases involved farmworkers who had contact with infected animals. The good news is that both individuals are recovering from mild symptoms. In total, California has seen 34 confirmed cases. Officials a
Chronic urticaria, a skin condition that causes hives and swelling for over six weeks, can be a real pain. It’s tough on quality of life and often needs long-term treatment. One such treatment is omalizumab, but it’s pricey, making it hard to access in countries with high healthcare costs. Researche
Scientists from the Max Planck Institute have made an exciting discovery. They found that some of the earliest modern humans in Europe had a surprising connection to Neanderthals. These humans, from sites in the Czech Republic and Germany, were part of a small group that moved across Europe around 4
Think about the COVID-19 pandemic. It made us realize how fragile life and relationships can be. Fear and isolation ruled as we were locked down. But epidemics also make us appreciate what we have, like in W. Somerset Maugham's The Painted Veil (1925). This story shows how disease can bring people c
Have you ever wondered what happens to a small group of particles when they're left alone in a quantum world? According to the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH), these particles should eventually reach a state of thermal equilibrium. But what if they don't? Let's take a look at some interes
Since the late 1960s, the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries (USTUR) has been studying how radioactive elements like uranium and plutonium move through the human body. Now, they're focusing on the heart. This research, part of the Million Person Study, aims to estimate the radiation d
Ever wondered how boxing affects the brain? Scientists at Atatürk University decided to find out. They tested both amateur boxers and healthy guys around the same age. The boxers had been at it for about 7 years, while the others hadn't done any fighting sports. The researchers used a special test
India sadly has a staggering 14 million survivors of human trafficking, many of whom are forced into sexual exploitation. This crime not only robs them of their basic rights but also leaves deep psychological wounds. Yet, there's a lack of reliable treatment options for these survivors. One promisin
For over a year, Israel has been conducting a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. This action is a response to a horrific attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israel claims its actions are about self-defense, aiming to dismantle Hamas. But Amnesty International sees things differently.
