Author: Andrew Rogers

Wild bees carefully choose different flowers to balance their intake of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, according to a long-term ecological study in the Colorado Rockies. Over eight years, researchers from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden observed eight species of bumblebees, mapping their pollen sources and analyzing the macronutrients each provided. The study revealed striking variation: some flowers contained as little as 17% protein, while others reached 86%. Seasonal shifts also played a role, with spring flowers offering protein-rich pollen and late-summer blossoms supplying more fats and carbohydrates. Bees adapted their diets accordingly, reflecting the changing needs of their…

For the first time, surgeons have transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human recipient, with the organ functioning for nine days. The procedure, carried out in China and published in Nature Medicine, represents a milestone in xenotransplantation — the use of animal organs to address the global shortage of human donors. According to the World Health Organization, only about 10% of worldwide demand for organ transplants is currently met. The lung came from a pig that had undergone six genetic modifications to reduce the risk of rejection. Researchers reported that the transplanted organ remained viable without signs…

A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline, even among people with genetic predispositions. Dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, is strongly linked to a gene variant known as APOE4. Having one copy of this variant triples the risk, while two copies can increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s up to twelvefold. Strongest Benefits for High-Risk Groups Researchers from the United States tracked more than 5,700 participants over three decades, analysing diet, genetics, blood samples, and in some cases, cognitive performance. They found that people who…

Antarctica, long considered Earth’s last untouched wilderness, is under mounting pressure from human activity. Annual tourist numbers have skyrocketed from fewer than 8,000 in the 1990s to more than 124,000 in the 2023–24 season, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Projections suggest this could rise to 450,000 by 2034. Researchers warn that the increase is leaving a harmful footprint: toxic metals in human-occupied areas are now up to 10 times higher than 40 years ago, and soot from ships and aircraft accelerates snowmelt by reducing the reflectivity of ice. Scientists estimate that a single tourist can indirectly…

New evidence shows that extreme temperatures darken our moods. Scientists analysed over one billion social media posts from around the world. They found that when heat climbs above 35°C, posts tend to show more negativity and frustration. The effect is particularly strong in low-income countries, where emotional shifts are much sharper than in wealthier regions. MIT researchers, together with international institutions, mapped online expressions to daily weather. Their results confirm that hotter days consistently reduce positivity. In less wealthy nations, negativity rose by 25%, compared with 8% in richer nations. Behaviour Under Heat Stress Earlier studies already hinted at this…

Asia remains the fastest-growing crypto market, while the United States has stepped up its ambitions under Trump’s second term. Europe, instead of racing forward, has concentrated on building complex regulations. Bitcoin’s rise since 2009—from a few cents to nearly $120,000—illustrates how quickly digital assets moved into the financial mainstream. Once an outsider to banking, crypto now lies under intense global scrutiny. The MiCA directive is the EU’s answer, demanding segregated wallets, audits, registration fees, and verified transfers. Supporters believe it creates legal certainty and consumer protection. Critics warn the measures are too heavy, limiting innovation and pushing the industry closer…

Duolingo faced backlash after a German lesson described J.K. Rowling as mean. The company apologised and removed the example. The exercise asked about Harry Potter books. The expected answer criticised Rowling personally instead of focusing only on language practice. In a statement, Duolingo noted it did not intend to offend and said it had corrected the material immediately. The controversy highlights continuing debate around Rowling’s widely disputed views on trans issues, which have drawn criticism from many public figures. Actor Daniel Radcliffe expressed disappointment, saying Rowling’s words upset him, and emphasised his commitment to supporting LGBTQ rights fully. Reactions and…

Scientists report that Arctic sea ice has shown little overall decline since 2005, a surprising slowdown amid rising global emissions. They expected continuous loss, yet shifting ocean currents appear to have briefly offset the impact of human-driven global heating. The researchers caution this pause is only temporary, predicting melting will restart within the next decade at a faster rate. A Pause, Not a Recovery Satellite records reveal September sea ice has already halved since 1979, proving long-term Arctic decline remains severe and ongoing. Experts emphasize the slowdown does not signal recovery. Future summers without ice remain highly likely later this…

Scientists warn that urgent action is needed to curb harmful plastic additives as evidence mounts linking them to declining sperm counts worldwide. Research shows that sperm counts have dropped by nearly 60% since the 1970s, with the rate of decline accelerating to more than 2% per year since 2000. Dr Shanna Swan of the Icahn School of Medicine highlights endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols, which interfere with hormones and can cause long-term reproductive damage, especially when exposure occurs during pregnancy. Political Inaction Amid Rising Risks The fertility crisis parallels the global surge in plastic use since the 1950s,…

Chocolate can take on many flavors – from fruity and floral to strong and bitter. Now scientists have taken a key step in understanding cocoa bean fermentation. An international team led by Prof. David Salt from the University of Nottingham studied beans from three regions in Colombia and showed how specific microbes during fermentation strongly influence the final taste of chocolate. Nine microbes identified as the “secret ingredient” While beans from Santander and Huila developed fruity and floral notes during fermentation, these flavors were absent in beans from Antioquia, where a different group of microbes dominated. Through genetic analysis, the…