Science
Horses can smell fear in humans, researchers say
NeutralScience
Researchers have found that horses can detect fear in humans, as evidenced by tests showing that horses exposed to body odour from individuals watching horror films startled more easily and exhibited higher heart rates compared to those exposed to odours from people watching joyful scenes.
Wolf’s dinner preserved in Siberia for 14,400 years sheds light on woolly rhino
PositiveScience
Researchers have uncovered insights into the woolly rhinoceros by analyzing a mummified wolf cub's stomach contents, revealing a hairy lump of meat that dates back 14,400 years. The remains of the two-month-old female wolf cub were found in Siberia, believed to have perished due to a landslide that collapsed its den.
Royal Society president reignites Elon Musk row by defending lack of action
NegativeScience
Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society, has sparked renewed controversy regarding Elon Musk's fellowship by asserting that members should only be expelled for fraud or significant research flaws. This statement comes in light of criticisms surrounding Musk's actions, including cuts to US research funding.
‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body
NegativeScience
Recent studies claiming the presence of microplastics in various human organs, including the brain and placenta, have been challenged by scientists who argue that these findings may stem from contamination and false positives, with one chemist labeling the situation as a 'bombshell'.
He invented mini saunas for frogs – now this biologist has big plans to save hundreds of species
PositiveScience
Biologist Anthony Waddle has developed mini saunas for frogs as part of his efforts to combat a deadly fungus that has already wiped out 90 species and threatens an additional 500. His childhood experiences in the Mojave desert, where he netted tadpoles, have inspired his innovative approach to conservation.
The pulmonaut: how James Nestor turned breathing into a 3m copy bestseller
NeutralScience
James Nestor, author of the book 'Breath', faced significant challenges while completing his work, including financial strain and the impact of the Covid pandemic, which led to concerns about promoting a book during store closures. Despite these obstacles, Nestor's book has become a bestseller, selling over 3 million copies since its release in May 2020.
Primates’ same-sex sexual behaviour ‘may reinforce bonds amid environmental stress’
NeutralScience
A recent study suggests that same-sex sexual behaviour among non-human primates may serve to reinforce social bonds, helping groups to remain cohesive during environmental or social challenges. The research, co-authored by Prof Vincent Savolainen from Imperial College London, indicates that early human species likely faced similar challenges, potentially exhibiting comparable behaviours.
Starwatch: Behold Taurus, the Babylonian bull of heaven
NeutralScience
Taurus, one of the oldest zodiacal constellations, has been recognized in its modern form since Babylonian records around 1000 BC, with earlier associations to a bull depicted in cave drawings from Lascaux, France, dating back approximately 14,000 years. The constellation is positioned on the ecliptic, with Aldebaran, its brightest star, known as the 'eye of the bull' in Arabic.
The friendship secret: why socialising could help you live longer
PositiveScience
Neuroscientist Ben Rein emphasizes the importance of socializing for health, arguing that interaction can enhance recovery from serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks. He critiques the prevalence of misleading neuroscience information online, advocating for accurate understanding of mental health and social connections.