In the 1980s, Koko had a clear message for the humans at The Gorilla Foundation in California. Koko, a western lowland gorilla, was the first gorilla to communicate through sign language. She used her newly acquired skills to let her people know she wanted a pet cat.Koko was soon given a kitten, whom she named All Ball, and cuddled closely. Photos of Koko squeezing her little cat were published around the world. The little grey kitty’s head was barely visible in Koko’s loving arms.Koko wasn ...read more
Sprinkling nature’s dust, or bee pollen, on food as a supplement is a recent hot topic for ‘superfoods.’ The mixture of flower pollen, nectar, bee secretions, honey, and enzymes is thought to provide a source of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and other health compounds.Historically, various ancient civilizations used bee pollen medicinally worldwide. Starting in 13,000 B.C., Ancient Romans and then Native Americans used bee pollen for energy and food on long trips. The Māori in New ...read more
If you’ve ever watched a gymnast effortlessly sink into splits, or seen a prostrate yogi arch their back forward until they feet land inexplicably on either side of their head, then you’ve witnessed a painful truth: Flexibility is not distributed equally.That’s not to say rigidity is a life sentence — just because you can’t touch your toes today doesn’t mean you never will. There are indeed reasons behind the huge variation in suppleness, but they are (at least to some degree) under ...read more
Concussion management has long been a problem for doctors, patients, and coaches alike. In the U.S., experts estimate that there are between 1.6 and 3.8 million sports-related concussions every year, often among youth athletes. Still despite their prevalence, there are still plenty of misconceptions surrounding concussions — which can cause headaches for physicians, as well. One of the most common misconceptions? That it's not safe to sleep while concussed. Yet, when it comes to recovery, some ...read more
In the vast ocean, where extraordinary and bizarre creatures lurk in the mysterious dark depths, one such creature has risen to unexpected fame: the blobfish. Unofficially considered the ugliest animal in the world, the blobfish has captivated the imaginations of scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike, especially over the past few decades. But beyond its unconventional appearance, what do we truly know about this gelatinous – and admittedly unsightly – creature?In this article, we'll take a ...read more