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- Written by: Mike Leary
- Category: Science
Emerging research reveals that stored glucose and brain-produced insulin may be key players in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. These findings open the door to potential therapies that go beyond amyloid plaques and tau proteins - the hallmarks of the disease.
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- Written by: Mike Leary
- Category: Science
An international team of researchers has successfully extended the lifespan of mice by 15–20% and improved their physical and mental health by increasing levels of the Klotho protein. This breakthrough, led by the Institut de Neurociències at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (INc-UAB), suggests new directions for treating age-related diseases and promoting healthy aging in humans.
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- Written by: Mike Leary
- Category: Science
Cats purr, meow, chirp and growl – but these sounds carry far more meaning than just contentment or hunger. Recent studies led by scientists in Japan and the UK shed new light on the biological and behavioural roots of these vocalisations. The findings show that both genes and brain functions play a crucial role in how and why cats communicate. Not all purring is a sign of happiness, and not every meow is a simple request.
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- Written by: Mike Leary
- Category: Science
In a rare and detailed study, researchers have documented a unique behavior among Southern Resident killer whales in the North Pacific, involving the deliberate use of kelp for social and possibly health-related purposes. Over the course of 12 observation days between April and July 2024, scientists recorded 30 distinct episodes where orcas appeared to engage in what has been termed "allokelping". This involved the animals biting off tube-shaped pieces of seaweed and rubbing them on each other’s bodies.