For humans, living in a bubble is a figurative coping mechanism. For water anoles, it is a literal description of an underwater survival strategy. The semi-aquatic lizards found in Costa Rica’s forests sometimes escape attackers by breathing a bubble over their heads that act as a scuba helmet when they dive and swim to safety, according to a report in Biology Letters. Lindsey Swierk an assistant research professor of biological sciences at Binghamton University in New York, and an author of t ...read more
Mental illness of today was typically thought of as supernatural phenomenon in ancient times. People often thought that sorcery, demons, or gods were punishing a person for their sin, explains Andrew Scull, one of the world’s foremost scholars of the history of madness.Lacking a better understanding of its causes, mental illness — from melancholy to murderous rages — was blamed on gods and demons. There is no historical corroboration to understand this, yet there are stories that reflect ...read more
Dear reader, this article discusses eating, addiction, and other sensitive topics. Reader's discretion is advised. When a 2008 study reported that refined sugar could be addicting, it sparked a slew of buzzy headlines and the infamous claim that “sugar is as addicting as cocaine.” This has since created a certain stigma around sugar and led to shifts in diet culture. The claim itself is easy enough to believe. How often does someone only have one piece of candy? Or only indulge in one Oreo ...read more
Despite making its appearance only once every roughly 75 years, Halley’s Comet is perhaps one of the most famous objects in the night sky. It last passed by Earth in 1986, and both astronomers and skywatchers are eagerly anticipating its return in 2061. When Halley’s Comet reappears in Earth’s skies, it will likely be a spectacle that will yet again captivate much of the world — and potentially worry some. But, since we still have some time before Halley’s Comet returns, let’s dive i ...read more
Back in the 1970s, biologists began to observe a remarkable social phenomenon in bacteria. They had long been aware that individual bacteria could sense and seek out nutrients in their environment, a phenomenon known as chemotaxis. What they hadn’t realized was that bacteria could communicate between themselves using signaling molecules. In this way, bacteria can sense the presence of others and regulate their behavior accordingly, such as becoming bioluminescent or forming biofilms when their ...read more
Author Vishay SinghPosted on Categories Discover Magazine