MUTTS
Mutts Cartoon
News
North America is sinking down into the Earth’s mantle
Something’s going on beneath the surface of North America. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio The Blue Marble Next Generation data is courtesy of Reto Stockli (NASA/GSFC) and NASA’s Earth Observatory – By Jay Kakade 2025 Apr 19 – A study published in …
95% of flu and herpes infection neutralized by chewing gum
A stick of gum may actually help the medicine go down. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Apr 16 – Looking beyond jabs, sprays or tablets, scientists are thinking outside the box for delivering antiviral medication to prevent the spread of highly transmissible bugs. …
International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?
Students at Stanford University, where at least six international students have had their visas revoked in recent days. Ben Margot/AP Photo – By Barnet Sherman, Professor, Multinational Finance and Trade, Boston University Published: 2025 Apr 17 – The Trump administration has recently revoked the …
A fear of falling increases the risk of it happening by up to 60%
Concern about falling can increase the risk of it happening. Depositphotos image extended by generative AI – By Paul McClure 2025 Apr 12 – According to a new study, an older person who is concerned about having a fall is at a significantly higher …
Laser cooling breakthrough could make data centers much greener
A Sandia materials scientist, Sadhvikas Addamane, gazes into a viewport of a molecular beam epitaxy reactor, which will be used to build photonic cooling plates. Craig Fritz / Sandia National Laboratories View 4 Images – By Abhimanyu Ghoshal 2025 Apr 13 – Lasers are …
Combination of two cheap drugs could save lives after heart attack, study finds
For those who survive a heart attack, the risk of another one is highest in the first year. Photograph: DecaStock/Alamy – Medical research Giving patients statins and ezetimibe after a heart attack can reduce risk of second attack or stroke, say scientists – …
Americans die earlier at all wealth levels, even if wealth buys more years of life in the US than in Europe
Wealth can buy health – but only to a point. marekuliasz/iStock via Getty Images Plus – By Sara Machado, Research Scientist in Health Economics, Brown University and by Irene N. Papanicolas, Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University Published: 2025 Apr 09 …
Perú’s ancient irrigation systems succeeded in turning deserts into farms because of the culture − without it, the systems failed
A pre-Hispanic canal funnels water from mountains to farm fields. Ari Caramanica – By Ari Caramanica, Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Vanderbilt University Published: 2025 Apr 08 – Seeing the north coast of Perú for the first time, you would be hard-pressed to believe it’s …
AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it
In William Gibson’s ‘Neuromancer,’ the AI seeks sanctuary from humanity’s corrupting influence. Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images – By Billy J. Stratton, Professor of English and Literary Arts, University of Denver Published: 2025 Apr 07 – In 2014, Stephen Hawking voiced grave warnings …
Just a minute-full of “sound spice” may keep the motion sickness away
Listening to 60 seconds of 100 hertz at 65.9 dBa might have helped this guy. Depositphotos – By Ben Coxworth 2025 Apr 10 – Nobody likes being carsick, seasick or airsick, but what can you do to keep from getting that way? Well, according …
Renewable energy now handles 40% of our global electricity needs
Solar added twice as much generation as any other electricity source in 2024. Raphael Cruz on Unsplash – By Abhimanyu Ghoshal 2025 Apr 08 – A report from UK-based climate and energy think tank Ember notes that clean energy sources accounted for 40.9% percent …
Deadly flesh-eating infection on the rise in the US and getting harder to kill
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is also known as Streptococcus pyogenes, and this common bacterium can cause life-threatening illness. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Apr 08 – A decade-long study of around 35 million Americans in 10 states has found that group A streptococcus …
Stroke breakthrough takes aim at the gut
Scientists are looking at the gut-brain connection and stroke rehabilitation. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Apr 06 – What does gut fermentation and stroke-induced brain inflammation have in common? Potentially a lot, according to new research looking into how the microbiome directly influences …
Kawasaki unveils a hydrogen-powered, ride-on robot horse
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has unveiled the Corleo, a ride-on robot horse, in Osaka. Kawasaki – View 7 Images – By Loz Blain 2025 Apr 06 – Kawasaki Heavy Industries has pulled the covers off perhaps the most outrageous concept vehicle we’ve ever seen. The …
Shingles vaccine found to cut dementia risk by 20%
A new study has bolstered existing evidence linking the shingles vaccine to a reduced dementia risk. – Depositphotos – View 4 Images – By Paul McClure 2025 Apr 05 – Taking advantage of a unique public health policy in the UK, a new study …
Immune cells become opioid-production plants thanks to female hormones
T-reg cells, imagined here in a generative image, are key components of the body’s immune system. A new study says they might also be powerful allies in the fight against pain – By Michael Franco 2025 Apr 04 – In a breakthrough finding, researchers …
Foreign aid cuts could mean 10 million more HIV infections by 2030 – and almost 3 million extra deaths
CI Photos/Shutterstock – By Rowan Martin-Hughes, Senior Research Fellow, Burnet Institute and by Debra ten Brink, Senior Research Officer, Burnet Institute and by Nick Scott, Head of Modeling and Biostatistics, Burnet Institute Published: 2025 Mar 26 – In January, the Trump administration ordered …
GOP lawmakers eye SNAP cuts, which would scale back benefits that help low-income people buy food at a time of high food prices
A shopper who gets SNAP benefits shops for groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on 2023 Feb 13. AP Photo/Allison Dinner – By Tracy Roof, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Richmond Published: 2025 Apr 01 – Congress may soon consider whether …
How many types of insects are there in the world?
This is a close-up photo of an ordinary garden fly. Amith Nag Photography/Moment via Getty Images – By Nicholas Green, Assistant Professor of Biology, Kennesaw State University Published: 2025 Mar 24 – Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If …
Cashew plant leftovers are very good at inhibiting fat cell growth
Normally discarded, cashew apples and shells are effective at limiting fat cell development. Depositphotos original extended using generative AI – By Paul McClure 2025 Mar 26 – Extracts made from parts of the cashew plant that are usually thrown away when the nuts are …
First new stroke and UTI drugs in 30 years get FDA approval
FDA gives the green light to two important new therapeutics. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Mar 30 – A new antibiotic to treat stubborn urinary tract infection (UTI) and a blood-clot-dissolving intravenous treatment for acute ischemic stroke have been granted approval by the …
Watch the Jetson Personal Air Vehicle take flight, then order your own
The Jetson One is a like a compact personal helicopter. Jetson – By Michael Franco 2025 Mar 28 – Described as a “formula one racing car for the sky,” the Jetson One is an electric-powered VTOL sky toy that can hover, bank, and reach …
Chronic kidney disease often goes undiagnosed, but early detection can prevent severe outcomes
Testing for kidney function can help identify chronic kidney disease early enough to intervene. PIXOLOGICSTUDIO/Science Photo Library via Getty Images – By Eleanor Rivera, Assistant Professor of Population Health Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago Published: 2025 Mar 28 – For a disease afflicting …
New plastic dissolves in the ocean overnight, leaving no microplastics
A sample sheet of the new biodegradable plastic. RIKEN – By Michael Irving 2025 Mar 27 – Plastics are durable and strong, which is great while they’re being used but frustrating when they end up in the environment. Scientists at RIKEN in Japan have …
Nearly 100% of bacterial infections can now be identified in under 3 hours
E. coli can trigger urinary tract, abdominal and pelvic infections, plus pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Mar 26 – Scientists have made a major breakthrough in the accuracy and speed at which often deadly pathogen infections can be identified …
Unusual PMS treatment reduces symptom intensity by a whopping 79%
Taking a placebo with full transparency significantly reduced PMS symptoms. Depositphotos. View 3 Images – By Paul McClure 2025 Mar 25 – New research found that taking a placebo pill, knowing that it contains no active ingredients, reduced the intensity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) …
National monuments have grown and shrunk under US presidents for over a century thanks to one law: The Antiquities Act
Over 730,000 people visit Colorado National Monument each year. It was established in 1911 under the Antiquities Act. Gordon Leggett, CC BY-SA – By Monica Hubbard, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Boise State University And by Erika Allen Wolters, Assistant Professor …
Measles cases are on the rise − here’s how to make sure you’re protected
Should you get an additional shot of the measles vaccine? Hailshadow via Gett Images – By Daniel Pastula, Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Published: 2025 Mar 19 – The measles outbreak that started in Texas …
Psychedelic beer used by ancient empire to win friends
Researchers speculate the leaders of the ancient Wari empire used beer spiked with a hallucinogenic drug to win over neighboring communities during large feasts. J. OCHATOMA PARAVICINO/M. E. BIWAR ET. AL., ANTIQUITY (2021) – By Rich Haridy 2025 Mar 22 – A study published …
Alzheimer’s prevention hope as drug cuts deadly disease onset in half
Trial delivers promising results for genetic Alzheimer’s disease. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Mar 21 – A long-term human trial has found that a discontinued drug halved the presentation of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in people with a genetic predisposition to the devastating condition. …
Nearly 100% of cancer identified by new AI, easily outperforming doctors
Using AI to save lives. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Mar 20 – In what’s expected to soon be commonplace, artificial intelligence is being harnessed to pick up signs of cancer more accurately than the trained human eye. This latest AI model has …
Breakthrough stroke drug heals the brain to restore movement
This drug discovery promises molecular rehabilitation for stroke patients. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Mar 19 – There’s newfound hope for stroke patients in recovery, with what researchers believe is the very first drug that can comprehensively deliver rehabilitation without the need for …
Google’s first satellite for detecting wildfires is now in orbit
Wildfires can erupt faster than current systems can detect them – and do immense damage if they’re not tackled soon after they start. Marcus Kauffman / Unsplash –View 3 Images – By Abhimanyu Ghoshal 2025 Mar 18 – The first satellite in a constellation …
See you in the funny papers: How superhero comics tell the story of Jewish America
A five-story replica of a stamp of Superman in 1998 in Cleveland, home of the superhero’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File – By Miriam Eve Mora, Managing Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, University of Michigan Published: 2025 …
Post-polio immune therapy aces human trials
The treatment for post-polio syndrome, which can appear years after the initial infection, was effective. Depositphotos – By Paul McClure 2025 Mar 15 – Recent human trials of a new one-year-long immune-based treatment for post-polio syndrome, which can strike polio survivors years after the …
Directly converting skin cells to brain cells yields 1,000% success
Scientists have managed to convert mouse skin cells directly into motor neurons, skipping the usual step of stem cells in between. Depositphotos – By Michael Irving 2025 Mar 14 – In a potentially major breakthrough for regenerative medicine, scientists at MIT have developed a …
New tinnitus treatment emerges from blocking back-channels in the ear
The discovery of a strange mechanism between the ear and the brain could lead to a new potential tinnitus treatment. Depositphotos – By Michael Irving 2025 Mar 14 – If some speakers in your sound system were broken, you might try to compensate …
Sugar-free slushies can make children seriously sick
The glycerol in sugar-free slushies has been blamed for a spate of very sick kids. Depositphotos – By Paul McClure 2025 Mar 13 – Across the UK and Ireland in recent years, there has been an increase in kids becoming seriously ill soon after …
Why we’re eavesdropping on talking fish
Clownfish are just one of many reef species that are known for having a lot to say. Depositphotos – By Ben Coxworth 2025 Mar 12 – You may not think of fish as being noisy, but they can actually be a pretty vocal bunch. …
Eye surgeons turn to teeth in astonishing vision treatments
As science-fiction-y as it sounds, tooth-in-eye surgery has proven to be effective in dozens of cases over the last six decades. Brands&People / Unsplash By Abhimanyu Ghoshal 2025 Mar 11 – A surgical procedure to restore the power of sight to blind patients …
North America is sinking down into the Earth’s mantle
Something’s going on beneath the surface of North America. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio The Blue Marble Next Generation data is courtesy of Reto Stockli (NASA/GSFC) and NASA’s Earth Observatory – By Jay Kakade 2025 Apr 19 – A study published in …
95% of flu and herpes infection neutralized by chewing gum
A stick of gum may actually help the medicine go down. Depositphotos – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Apr 16 – Looking beyond jabs, sprays or tablets, scientists are thinking outside the box for delivering antiviral medication to prevent the spread of highly transmissible bugs. …
International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?
Students at Stanford University, where at least six international students have had their visas revoked in recent days. Ben Margot/AP Photo – By Barnet Sherman, Professor, Multinational Finance and Trade, Boston University Published: 2025 Apr 17 – The Trump administration has recently revoked the …
A fear of falling increases the risk of it happening by up to 60%
Concern about falling can increase the risk of it happening. Depositphotos image extended by generative AI – By Paul McClure 2025 Apr 12 – According to a new study, an older person who is concerned about having a fall is at a significantly higher …
Laser cooling breakthrough could make data centers much greener
A Sandia materials scientist, Sadhvikas Addamane, gazes into a viewport of a molecular beam epitaxy reactor, which will be used to build photonic cooling plates. Craig Fritz / Sandia National Laboratories View 4 Images – By Abhimanyu Ghoshal 2025 Apr 13 – Lasers are …
Combination of two cheap drugs could save lives after heart attack, study finds
For those who survive a heart attack, the risk of another one is highest in the first year. Photograph: DecaStock/Alamy – Medical research Giving patients statins and ezetimibe after a heart attack can reduce risk of second attack or stroke, say scientists – …
Americans die earlier at all wealth levels, even if wealth buys more years of life in the US than in Europe
Wealth can buy health – but only to a point. marekuliasz/iStock via Getty Images Plus – By Sara Machado, Research Scientist in Health Economics, Brown University and by Irene N. Papanicolas, Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University Published: 2025 Apr 09 …
Perú’s ancient irrigation systems succeeded in turning deserts into farms because of the culture − without it, the systems failed
A pre-Hispanic canal funnels water from mountains to farm fields. Ari Caramanica – By Ari Caramanica, Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Vanderbilt University Published: 2025 Apr 08 – Seeing the north coast of Perú for the first time, you would be hard-pressed to believe it’s …
AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it
In William Gibson’s ‘Neuromancer,’ the AI seeks sanctuary from humanity’s corrupting influence. Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images – By Billy J. Stratton, Professor of English and Literary Arts, University of Denver Published: 2025 Apr 07 – In 2014, Stephen Hawking voiced grave warnings …
Just a minute-full of “sound spice” may keep the motion sickness away
Listening to 60 seconds of 100 hertz at 65.9 dBa might have helped this guy. Depositphotos – By Ben Coxworth 2025 Apr 10 – Nobody likes being carsick, seasick or airsick, but what can you do to keep from getting that way? Well, according …