The Y chromosome, responsible for male sex determination, is gradually shrinking and may disappear in five million years. Lack of recombination and genetic decay contribute to this. Other species, like the Amami spiny rat, have adapted to the loss of the Y chromosome. Males may persist through alternative sex-determining systems or technologies like parthenogenesis. Continue reading The Y Chromosome is Shrinking into Non-existence
NASA is looking for volunteers for their second Mars simulation at the Johnson Space Center in 2025. The 1-year simulation in Mars Dune Alpha seeks non-smoking US citizens aged 30-55 proficient in English and experienced in STEM fields or as a pilot. Applicants undergo rigorous physical and mental testing and must pass a criminal background check. Continue reading Help Wanted at NASA
The death of a Colorado man who illegally owned two Gila monsters raises questions about the legality and safety of keeping exotic pets. Gila monsters, known for their venom, are legal in some US states with permits, but incidents like this highlight the risks of owning such animals. Continue reading Death of Gila Monster Owner Begs The Question of Exotic Pet Safety
Alaskapox, a smallpox-like affliction, poses a new threat. Primarily infecting small mammals, it has recently claimed the life of an Alaska resident. Drug-induced immunosuppression, cancer, and age-induced immunosenescence increase the risk of severe infections. Alaskapox is likely to be a threat only to immunocompromised individuals. Continue reading Alaskapox: Threat or Nuisance
Bridgit Mendler, an ex-Disney star, recently co-founded the satellite technology company Northwood. With impressive academic achievements, Mendler aims to revolutionize the space industry. Her company, Northwood, seeks to improve data collection, downlinking, and ground station production, and has already received substantial funding. Additionally, Mendler recently announced her adoption of a 4-year-old boy. Continue reading Ready or Not, Bridgit Mendler is Back and Ready to Change the Science World
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is experiencing rapid ice and glacier melting. Covering 11,000 sq. miles over the last 30 years, this effecting is being attributed to extreme warming rates. This affects global sea levels, Arctic ecosystems, and human communities, highlighting the pressing impact of climate change and Greenland’s transformation from ice to green. Continue reading Melting Ice In Greenland Now Making the Island’s Name Hold True
Prosthetic limbs have come a long way, with a new breakthrough technology called MiniTouch allowing users to feel temperature like a natural limb. This innovation, requiring no surgery, brings relief to amputees and offers the promise of an even fuller range of sensations in the future. Continue reading MiniTouch Device Allows Prosthetic Arm to Detect Temperature
In early February, a man in Oregon tested positive for the bubonic plague, an illness infamous for its devastating impact in the 1300s. The disease, treatable with antibiotics today, was contracted from a pet cat. Officials assure that the risk of a widespread outbreak is low, advocating for prompt treatment and vigilance. Continue reading The Black Death Makes a Surprise Appearance
A San Francisco biotech company called Loyal aims to extend the lifespan of dogs using three drugs: LOY-001, LOY-002, and LOY-003. These drugs reduce the IGF-1 hormone to promote longer, healthier lives. Loyal also plans to develop affordable products and eventually create anti-aging solutions for humans. Continue reading The Future for Dogs Looks Longer and Healthier
Staff Writer Maya Arruda discusses the return of Dr. Jiankui He, who used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to target HIV, leading to ethical and legal repercussions. Now free from prison, Dr. He now focuses on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. Continue reading Rouge Chinese Geneticist Back Experimenting After Three Years in Prison
