Author: Andrew Rogers

A new study warns that ocean acidification may erode sharks’ teeth, threatening their ability to feed and destabilizing marine ecosystems. While sharks naturally replace lost teeth with new rows, rapidly acidifying seas could damage enamel faster than replacement can keep up. Researchers found that teeth exposed to projected future pH levels (7.3, down from today’s 8.1) suffered about twice as much corrosion and serration damage after just eight weeks. The findings suggest sharks could struggle to catch prey efficiently in the future, compounding pressures from overfishing and habitat loss. Although some experts believe sharks may adapt by replacing teeth more…

Wild bees deliberately visit different flowers to regulate their intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, according to a new long-term study. Researchers from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden tracked eight bumblebee species in the Colorado Rockies over eight years, creating a detailed nutritional map of their pollen sources. By analyzing pollen samples, scientists found striking differences in nutrient content: some flowers offered as little as 17% protein, while others contained up to 86%. Seasonal changes also influenced pollen makeup, with spring blooms providing protein-rich pollen and late-summer flowers offering more fats and carbohydrates. Nutritional Needs and Conservation The…

For the first time, surgeons have transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human, with the organ functioning for nine days. The procedure, carried out in China and reported in Nature Medicine, represents a new milestone in xenotransplantation, a field aiming to address the global organ shortage. Currently, only about 10% of the worldwide demand for transplants is met. The pig lung, taken from a donor with six genetic modifications, was transplanted into a 39-year-old male recipient. The lung remained viable without signs of hyperacute rejection or infection, but within 24 hours began to show fluid buildup and…

A long-term study has found that following a Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce the risk of dementia, even for people with a strong genetic predisposition. Researchers identified the APOE4 gene variant as a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Having one copy of APOE4 can triple the risk, while two copies can increase it up to twelvefold. Diet as a Protective Factor The study, published in Nature Medicine, tracked more than 5,700 participants over three decades, analyzing their diets, genetic profiles, and cognitive performance. Results showed that those who regularly consumed a Mediterranean-style diet…

Once one of the world’s least-visited regions, Antarctica is now experiencing a tourism boom. Fewer than 8,000 people visited each year in the 1990s, but in the 2023–24 season more than 124,000 made the journey, and projections suggest this could rise to 450,000 by 2034. Researchers warn that the continent’s fragile ecosystems are under growing threat from both tourism and expanding scientific operations. Toxic metals in soil and snow have risen tenfold in areas with human presence, while ships, planes and research bases leave behind carbon emissions and pollution that accelerate snow melt. Environmental Consequences and Urgent Solutions Tourism’s impacts…

New research shows that extreme heat can darken our moods. Scientists studied over a billion social media posts worldwide. They tracked emotional tone in relation to daily temperatures from more than 150 countries. When the thermometer climbed above 35°C, negative moods surged, particularly in low-income regions. The investigation included 1.2 billion posts from X and Weibo across 157 countries. Each message received a sentiment score between negative and positive. Hotter conditions consistently reduced positivity, with stronger effects in poorer areas than in wealthier ones. Anger, Violence, and Heat Links between temperature and aggressive behaviour stretch back decades. Drivers show more…

Asia leads global cryptocurrency growth, while the US has recently accelerated its strategy during Trump’s second presidency. Europe, however, stands apart by concentrating on tight regulation. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, has climbed from a few cents to around $120,000, symbolizing the industry’s rise. Once created as an alternative to state currencies, digital assets have now entered mainstream finance and face growing legal scrutiny. The EU’s MiCA directive introduces stricter oversight with mandatory separate wallets for customers, compulsory audits, company registration fees, and transfer verification rules. Regulators see this framework as necessary stability, but many market participants argue compliance costs hinder…