Artemisia sphaerocephala is a key player in stopping deserts from spreading. This plant is tough and can handle dry conditions. To figure out how it does this, researchers used advanced sequencing methods. They looked at the plant's genes and how they change when it's really dry. This helps find out
Pistachio trees, known for their tasty nuts, face a big challenge: drought. These trees struggle with dry conditions, which can hurt their growth and the quality of their nuts. To tackle this issue, researchers have been looking into ways to make pistachio trees more resilient. They focused on a
The spotted salamander, a type of ectotherm, lives in environments with big temperature swings. These creatures spend much of their time underground, which might shield them from sudden temperature changes. However, research shows that their bodies still react to seasonal shifts. This reaction is se
Florence Buchanan was a pioneer in the field of physiology. She was a woman who broke boundaries in a time when women were not welcome. She worked with some of the biggest names in biology. Her mentors included E. Ray Lankester, who was taught by T. H. Huxley. Huxley was a close friend of Charles Da
Curvy toes are a frequent issue that affects the lesser toes. This condition stems from an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that guide toe movement. It can be caused by several factors. Some people are just born with a predisposition to it. Others develop it from wearing shoes that don't fit rig
Scientists have created a new method to study the electrical activity of individual nerve cells. These nerve cells are known as nociceptors. They are responsible for transmitting pain signals. The new tool combines advanced technology with a clever design to capture the electrical responses of indiv
In 2024, a unique event took place in the heart of South Africa. The Skukuza Conference Centre, nestled in the Kruger National Park, became the hub for a gathering of bright minds. This was the first Global South Workshop, a platform designed to uplift and support research communities from various p
Hippopotamuses and whales might seem like an odd pair, but they share a lot in common! They both evolved from the same land-dwelling ancestor and have developed similar traits to thrive in water. While scientists have studied the electrical signals in whale hearts, the hippopotamus heart is still a
During physical activity, the lungs work harder to supply oxygen to the body. This is where the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) comes into play. PAP is the force that pushes blood from the heart to the lungs. When a person exercises, PAP rises, helping to increase the lung's ability to transfer carb
Ever wondered how your body uses food to keep you going? Traditional teaching often breaks this down into separate parts. But what if we looked at it as a whole? Instead of just learning about how your heart pumps blood or your lungs take in air, we can explore how every part of your body works toge
