Monarch Butterflies Could Soon Be Deemed “Endangered”

Medicine & Technology Dec 31, 2014

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced earlier this week that it is considering placing the monarch butterfly under the federal protection of the Endangered Species Act. And now, for the next sixty days, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hear comments from the public on the idea of listing the butterfly.

Endangered Subspecies of Giraffe Born in Chester Zoo, Raising Hope For The Future of The Species

Dec 31, 2014

The tallest terrestrial animal on the planet, giraffes, occupy the scorching plains of Sub-Saharan Africa. And, despite popular knowledge, "giraffe" is what scientists like to call an umbrella common name, consisting of, at least 9 different subspecies. And while some subspecies are more abundant than the rest, one particular subspecies that is quite endangered has new hope on the horizon. On December 29th, a Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) calf, named Zahra, was born at the Chester Zoo in England, added some new genetic variation into the small population left in captivity of Rothschild's giraffes.

Coffin Discovery on Mars? Why Mars Rovers' Diminishing Memory May Be A Problem for NASA

Dec 31, 2014

It seems Mars enthusiasts have had some extra time over the holidays to painstakingly exam every image taken by NASA's Curiosity Rover. And what they found is causing quite a stir, and a bit of concern over the Rover's spotty memory as of late. The latest discovery by these enthusiasts looks suspiciously like a coffin resting on Mars surface.

Great Lakes' Water Levels Cause Erosion Concern

Dec 31, 2014

The Great Lakes have been rising over the last two years, putting an end to a decade of lower than average water levels, and creating favorable conditions for both boating and commercial shipping. In fact, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say water levels in lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario are all above seasonal averages for the first time in 16 years.

FDA Approves a Fast-Acting Ebola Test

Dec 31, 2014

The fight to stop Ebola continues to rage on across the world as researchers continue to find new ways to both detect and treat the deadly virus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a new test to detect the virus in patients believed to be suffering from the virus.

Seals May Use Earth’s Magnetic Field to Navigate

Dec 31, 2014

While past research has described the specie in great detail, a new study has found that Antarctic seals may be using the Earth's magnetic field as a natural GPS while hunting.

Chatty Zebra Finches May Slur Their Speech When Drunk, But Then Again Who Doesn’t?

Dec 31, 2014

Well, they may not be the normal bar hoppers you’re likely to spot out on New Year’s Eve, but a new study shows that when zebra finches imbibe even just a bit, they won’t likely pass a sobriety test no matter how high their tolerance. Spiking the drinks of the small Darwinian subjects, researchers with the Oregon Health & Science University found that after drinking even small amounts of liquor the birds were less inclined to fly around but certainly slurred their songs and chirps with a distinct drunken vibe.

New Years' Resolution: Study Shows Imagining Exercise May Make You Stronger

Dec 30, 2014

A new study has shown the link between the body and brain is stronger than initially thought. In the study, people who imagined themselves exercising not only strengthened their brain but also strengthen their muscles and slowed down muscle atrophy.

Could Killing the Bats End New Ebola Transmission? Why Death Won’t Work

Dec 30, 2014

Pursuing the newest origin of the viral pathogen deep within the forests of West Africa, health officials believe that they may have found the source of the infection in a hollowed out tree. But the issue is far more complex than many would like to think.

What Lay in Seas of Venus? Researchers Say They May Have Found the Cloudlike Answer

Dec 30, 2014

As NASA contemplates sending man to Venus, to live in a floating civilization above the hostile burning surface, new research reveals that while current surface temperatures soar above a bone-ashing 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures may have once supported some sort of liquid on the surface—but you won’t be able to guess what it is.

Study Shows How Red Meat May Cause Cancer in Humans

Dec 30, 2014

In the past, red meat consumption has been linked with many diseases, such as colorectal and breast cancers amongst many other. And while it has been strongly associated with higher risk of cancer in humans, as opposed to other animals, the mechanism for the meats' health risk have not been determined. But a recent study published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences may have just discovered the science behind its carcinogenic effect, particularly in humans.

Battle of the Sexes: Could Being Female Influence Fatal Allergic Reactions?

Dec 30, 2014

They may not necessarily be known as the fairer sex, but researchers of a recent study did find that females may be more prone to death by anaphylaxis. From rashes to the more severe anaphylaxis, allergic reactions vary depending on the gravity of exposure to allergens, one's allergic threshold, and according to the new study, the presence of estrogen -- the primary sex hormones in a woman's body.

Diabetes Could Affect Brain Growth in Children

Dec 29, 2014

While diabetes is often known as a disease affecting the breakdown of sugar, most do not know about the implications of the disease's affects on the circulatory system. As a disease that limits blood flow, as well as organ health, diabetes has been known to cause other dreaded ailments, that if left unchecked, may have a debilitating effect on a person's life. Vital organs are the usual casualties of diabetes, with cataracts that lead to blindness, as well as, kidney malfunction being some of the ramifications associated with the disease. A recent study published in the journal Diabetes found that type-one diabetes may affect another organ in children in particular-the brain. The study saw a difference in brain development of children with diabetes, compared with children not suffering from the disease.

FDA Approves New Roche Ebola Test For Emergency Use

Dec 29, 2014

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded over 7,500 confirmed, and suspected Ebola deaths in the West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea; and more than 19,000 recorded cases in the said trio, which are the most heavily-affected countries in terms of Ebola. Early detection and quick action are therefore necessary to curb the further accelerated spread of the disease.

Hearing Loss Caused by HIV and its Treatments

Dec 29, 2014

A new study has shown that adults suffering from HIV often experience hearing loss in the upper and lower frequency ranges after years of treatments with power antiretroviral medications.