Curiosities
Andean People Evolved a Gene to Safely Process Arsenic
A population in the Argentinian Andes carries a gene variant that helps them metabolize arsenic more safely after thousands of years of exposure.
Curiosities
Curiosities
Cape Leopards Are Genetically Unique — And Smaller for a Reason
A whole-genome study reveals South Africa's Cape leopards form a distinct genetic group, isolated for 20,000 years and adapted to smaller prey.
Curiosities
Planetary Flybys May Have Triggered Earth's Worst Mass Extinctions
A physicist proposes that gravitational tides from passing dwarf planets could explain mass extinctions that lack asteroid impact evidence.
Curiosities
Earth's Oldest Known Asteroid Crater Dated to 3 Billion Years Ago
A new analysis of ancient crystals confirms Australia's North Pole Dome as Earth's oldest known impact crater, at roughly 3.02 billion years old.
Curiosities
Liking Onions May Be Linked to Lower Diabetes and Blood Pressure Risk
A new study finds that a genetic preference for onions is associated with lower odds of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Curiosities
Losing Deep Sleep After 60 Raises Dementia Risk by 27 Percent
A 2023 study found that adults over 60 who lose just 1 percent of slow-wave sleep per year are 27 percent more likely to develop dementia.
Curiosities
New Zealand's Million-Year Cave Holds a Bird Nobody Expected
A cave near Waitomo yielded fossils of 16 species from 1 million years ago, including a parrot that may have flown.
Curiosities
Sperm Whales Are Developing Distinct Dialects in the Mediterranean Sea
Scientists have identified two distinct vocal dialects among Mediterranean sperm whales, offering rare evidence of cultural evolution in the wild.
Curiosities
The Vitamin That May Change What Glioblastoma Can Do
A clinical trial at the University of Calgary is testing high-dose niacin against glioblastoma, with early results that surprised the research team.
Curiosities
Many Older Adults Improve Cognitively and Physically Over Time
A Yale study found nearly half of adults 65+ improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years, with positive aging beliefs playing a key role.
Curiosities
Sodium-Ion Battery Matches Tesla Lithium Cells in Key Performance Tests
A Chinese sodium-ion battery has matched Tesla lithium cells in uniformity and power. Researchers say it could lower EV and grid storage costs.
Curiosities
Why Does It Take So Long for Eyes to Adjust to the Dark?
When the lights go out, your eyes slowly adapt to the darkness. Here's the science behind why that process takes so long.
Curiosities
Bison Herd Defends Newborn Calf from Wolf Attack in Polish Forest
A bison herd in Poland's Białowieża Forest was filmed closing ranks to protect a newborn calf from a wolf attack, showcasing remarkable group defense behavior.
Curiosities
Denisovan DNA Still Shapes Immune Systems of Modern Oceanians
A new study finds thousands of Denisovan genetic variants remain active in the immune systems of some people from Oceania today.
Curiosities
Stone Age Posts Near Stonehenge Marked Solstices Before the Stones
Ancient wooden posts aligned with the solstices predate Stonehenge itself, suggesting the site served as a temporary religious monument first.