WEIRD NATURE
Hamsters genetically engineered to lack a key hormone receptor showed unexpected social behaviors. Depositphotos – By Michael Irving 2022 May 22 – Researchers experimenting with genetically engineered hamsters have found that the biology behind social behavior may be more complex than we thought. The …
Earthworm native to east Asia and known for its large appetite poses threat to forest ecosystems, scientists say. Amynthas agrestis. Jumping worms can destroy a forest ecosystem by chewing through fallen leaves, destroying the top layer of soil. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons – By …
High winds have hampered operations as crews fight blazes in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico. Gusty winds were expected on Friday for fire crews battling blazes across Texas, Colorado and New Mexico before cooler weather arrives at the weekend. Photograph: Jim Weber/AP – …
A satellite image of ocean heat shows the strong Loop Current and swirling eddies. Christopher Henze, NASA/Ames – By Nick Shay, Professor of Oceanography, University of Miami Published: 2022 May 18 – The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1, and the …
The Rocks. The bright galaxy sets over ancient sea stacks and exposed reefs at Motukiekie, along the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Rachel Roberts – By Michael Irving 2022 May 17 – The Milky Way is one of the night …
After 12 weeks of daily blueberry supplements researchers saw small cognitive improvements in trial participants. Depositphotos – By Rich Haridy 2022 May 12 – New research from the University of Cincinnati has found daily consumption of blueberries in middle-age could reduce a person’s risk …
Prepare to be stunned by a technology that nature perfected. maradek/iStock via Getty Images – By Timothy J. Jorgensen, Director of the Health Physics and Radiation Protection Graduate Program and Professor of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University Published: 2022 May 09 – As the …
Researchers at the University of Florida planted thale cress in harsh lunar dirt returned by Apollo 11 astronauts. Researchers at the University of Florida have grown plants in soil from the moon for the first time. Photograph: Tyler Jones/AP – Associated Press Last …
Don’t dismiss soil: its unknowable wonders could ensure the survival of our species. When a plant root pushes into soil, it triggers an explosion of activity in billions of bacteria. Photograph: Liz McBurney/The Guardian – By George Monbiot Published: 2022 May 07 – …
The Moon as seen by the Galileo deep-space probe in 1992. NASA/JPL/USGS – By Michael Irving 2022 May 04 – The Moon may look like a big dry ball, but there’s more water up there than you might expect. In a new study, scientists have …
