Tens of millions of bees are likely being killed each day by vehicles in the western United States, according to a new study. The research, published in Sustainable Environment, highlights the impact of roads on bee populations, essential pollinators of wild plants and a third of the world’s crops. The study suggests that planting healthy…
Science on The Soothsayer / page 26
A mysterious neurological disease known as “the laughing death” was killing women and children in Papua New Guinea in the 1950s. Autopsies revealed tiny holes in the victims’ brains, leading scientists to discover the role of infectious proteins, or prions, in the disease. Neurovirologist Michel Brahic’s new book, “The Power of Prions,” delves into the…
Archaeologists have discovered rare depictions of Stone Age net fishing on engraved stones at a 16,000-year-old German site. The findings, made possible by a digital imaging technique, provide new insights into the fishing practices of ancient hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of human societies and their relationship…
Archaeologists have discovered a massive Maya city, dubbed Valeriana, in southern Mexico using lidar technology. The city spans an area roughly the size of Beijing and has all the hallmarks of a Classic Maya political capital. Researchers believe that Valeriana was densely populated, with over 400 structures per square kilometer, making it one of the…
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize potato farming. By understanding the genetic mechanism that controls nitrogen management in potatoes, scientists may be able to develop varieties that require less fertilizer, saving farmers money and reducing the environmental impact of potato cultivation. Forecast for 6 months: Within the next six…
A recent outbreak of bird flu in a central Oregon farm has raised concerns about the potential for a pandemic. The discovery of a pig infected with the H5N1 strain has sparked alarm bells due to the role of pigs in mixing and potentially creating new flu strains that can affect humans. Forecast for 6…
Vampire bats have been found to metabolize their food in a unique way, using amino acids from their recent blood meals as a primary source of energy. This discovery challenges our understanding of mammalian physiology and may have implications for our understanding of other mammals that rely on blood or protein-rich diets. Researchers have been…
Researchers have discovered that artificially enhanced smiles can influence romantic feelings, raising questions about the ethical use of face-altering technology. A study found that when two people’s smiles were boosted, they reported higher levels of attraction. This has sparked concerns about the impact of digital transformations on social interactions. Forecast for 6 months: Expect a…
Researchers have made a breakthrough in aviation with the development of a new airplane design that mimics the unique features of bird wings. The innovative design, which features a series of lightweight flaps that deploy passively, has shown significant improvements in lift, drag, and stall prevention. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the aviation…
The notion of a midlife crisis is being reevaluated by scientists, who are now focusing on the growing mental health crisis among adolescents. Researchers are questioning the validity of the U-curve theory, which suggests that happiness plummets in midlife before rebounding. Instead, they are finding that happiness trends vary across different cultures and age groups,…