Easy Scientific

Scientists have sequenced the largest animal genome, belonging to the South American lungfish. At 90 billion base pairs, it's 30 times larger than the human genome, offering insights into early vertebrate evolution and the transition to life on land.

Sunflowers perform a "dance" of irregular movements, called "noisy circumnutations," to avoid shading each other and optimize growth. This self-organizing behavior, identified as "functional noise," has potential applications in agriculture, robotics, and ecological management.​

Plants in the Tiankeng Complex of Dashiwei, Guangxi, have high nutrient levels but low efficiency. The unique soil conditions help them grow quickly, adapting to the environment with rich potassium but limited nitrogen and phosphorus.​

Cancer rates are increasing in younger generations born after 1950 in the USA, with higher risks for certain types like small intestine and kidney cancers. Better treatments are improving survival, but some cancer death rates are still rising.

COVID-19 has spread to various wildlife species, especially in areas with high human activity. The study highlights the need for careful monitoring of both humans and animals to understand and control the virus's spread.​

A new experiment uses powerful lasers and x-rays to search for axions, possible particles that could explain dark matter. This method may detect axions by observing changes in light, helping to solve major physics mysteries.

Vegan and omnivorous diets affect aging at the molecular level. A study on twins showed a vegan diet can slow aging and improve health markers like inflammation and heart health. Proper nutrient supplementation is essential for vegan diets.

Researchers found that Olympic track and field athletes typically peak at age 27. Most compete in only one Olympics. Training age is the best predictor of peak performance. Athletes must time their peak to align with the Olympic schedule.​

Researchers found that trees absorb methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, through their surfaces, especially above 2 meters. This discovery highlights the importance of forests in reducing greenhouse gases and suggests greater climate benefits from forest protection and restoration.

Butterflies and moths use static electricity to help plants reproduce by attracting pollen to their bodies while flying. This discovery shows their crucial role in pollination and may lead to new ways to support pollination in nature and farming.​

Scientists created powerful HIV-1 antibodies by combining llama nanobodies with human antibodies. These new antibodies, called bispecific antibodies, can neutralize almost all HIV-1 strains, offering hope for better treatments and vaccines against the virus.​

Blocking the IL-11 protein in mice extends their lifespan and improves health by reducing inflammation and age-related issues. This finding suggests that anti-IL-11 therapy might help humans live healthier, longer lives by delaying aging and related diseases.​

Scientists at Yale discovered unique and diverse microbes living inside trees. These microbes help keep trees and forests healthy, highlighting the importance of the tree's internal ecosystem and opening new possibilities for forest conservation and health.

The Default Mode Network (DMN) in our brain helps with creative thinking. Researchers found that disrupting the DMN makes people less creative. Understanding the DMN can help improve creativity and assist those who have trouble with creative thinking.​

A study found that lightly logged forests (less than 30% biomass loss) still hold high biodiversity and can recover naturally, while heavily logged forests (over 68% biomass loss) need active conservation efforts to restore biodiversity and ecosystem functions​

Scientists found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, kills lung cells mainly through necroptosis. The Delta variant triggers more cell death and severe disease than Omicron.​

A new study shows that our pupils are smallest when we start to breathe in and largest when we breathe out, challenging old beliefs. This discovery may help us understand how breathing affects brain function and behavior

A new dinosaur species, Fona herzogae, was discovered in Utah. This small, plant-eating dinosaur lived 100 million years ago and likely dug burrows. The find helps scientists understand dinosaur evolution and shows different dinosaurs lived in North America together.

Scientists created an AI model to help doctors diagnose different types of dementia using brain scans and medical data. This helps doctors identify the exact type of dementia quickly, leading to better and faster treatment for patients.​

Scientists have found a new treatment that increases insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, helping to control diabetes. In mice, this treatment made these cells multiply and work better, offering hope for better diabetes treatment in the future.

Scientists used PaleoHi-C to map the genome of a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth. The DNA, preserved by freeze-drying, showed similarities to the Asian elephant and unique cold adaptation genes, opening new possibilities for studying ancient genomes and extinct species.

A new bird flu virus can spread from cows to mice, ferrets, and possibly humans through milk and breathing. This makes it a bigger risk for a pandemic. Scientists are studying how it spreads to prevent more infections.

Scientists discovered how our brain uses neurons to understand words. These cells respond to the meaning of words and the context they are used in, helping us make sense of language while we listen.

Scientists found that a gene called TRPC5 can cause obesity and depression after childbirth. This gene affects the brain. Future treatments might include gene therapy or special medicines to help manage these health problems.​

Scientists found a way to predict big changes, called tipping points, in systems like ecosystems. They combine signals from different parts to give early warnings. This helps in fields like ecology and disease control to prevent crises.​