Author: Andrew Rogers

Groundbreaking research suggests that the shingles vaccine could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. According to the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on the subject, adults who received the jab had an 18% lower risk of heart attack or stroke, with the effect also observed in younger adults aged 18 and above. Traditionally recommended for older or immunosuppressed individuals, the vaccine may offer broader benefits by reducing inflammation linked to shingles, a known contributor to cardiovascular disease. The findings, based on 19 studies including both observational data and clinical trials, will be presented at the European Society of…

A new study suggests ocean acidification could erode sharks’ teeth, impairing their ability to hunt and destabilising marine ecosystems. Shark jaws constantly replace lost teeth, but increased acidity may accelerate damage beyond replacement rates. Researchers tested 60 discarded blacktip reef shark teeth in tanks simulating current ocean pH (8.1) and future projections (7.3). After eight weeks, the more acidic tank caused roughly twice as much damage, including root corrosion and altered serration. Lead author Maximilian Baum of Heinrich Heine University warned that weakened teeth, combined with prey shortages from overfishing, could threaten shark survival. Ocean acidification, caused by CO₂ absorption,…

Wild bees actively select different flowers to balance their intake of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, according to a long-term study in the Colorado Rockies. Researchers from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden tracked eight species of bumblebees over eight years, analyzing the pollen they collected and its nutritional content. The results showed that pollen varies greatly in protein, from as low as 17% to as high as 86%. Seasonal shifts also played a role: spring flowers provided more protein-rich pollen, while late-summer blooms were richer in fats and carbohydrates. Larger bees with longer tongues tended to favor high-protein pollen,…

Surgeons in China have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a brain dead human recipient, marking the first attempt of its kind. The lung, taken from a donor pig with six genetic modifications, functioned for nine days without triggering immediate rejection or infection, according to findings published in Nature Medicine. The experiment represents another step in xenotransplantation, a field aiming to address the global shortage of transplant organs, with only about 10% of demand currently being met. Challenges and Future Prospects While encouraging, experts caution that pig lungs are uniquely difficult to transplant due to their constant exposure…

A long-term study published in Nature Medicine suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet can significantly reduce the risk of dementia, even for people with a genetic predisposition. Researchers found that individuals with diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats were less likely to develop dementia and showed slower cognitive decline over three decades. Impact on Genetic Risk Factors The protective effects were strongest in participants carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene variant, which greatly increases Alzheimer’s risk. About 25% of people carry one copy of APOE4, while 2–3% carry two. Although…

Once a remote wilderness visited by fewer than 8,000 people a year in the 1990s, Antarctica is now facing record numbers of visitors. In the 2023–24 season, over 124,000 tourists travelled south, and projections suggest that figure could rise to 450,000 within a decade. Researchers warn that this surge, along with expanding scientific bases, is leaving a damaging mark. Concentrations of toxic metals in human-active areas are now 10 times higher than 40 years ago, while soot from ships and aircraft darkens the snow, accelerating melting. A single tourist can indirectly contribute to the melting of 100 tons of snow.…

Scientists found that hot weather affects our moods more than we realize. They analysed over one billion posts from 150 countries. When temperatures passed 35°C, negativity increased, especially in less wealthy regions. Heat made people less positive, less patient, and more irritable. Researchers from MIT and global partners rated 1.2 billion posts by sentiment and tied them to local weather. The hotter the day, the more negative words appeared. In poorer countries, negative reactions were three times stronger than in richer ones. Heat and Human Behaviour Evidence linking hot weather and aggression is long-standing. Drivers honk more in traffic during…

The cryptocurrency market thrives in Asia and gains speed in the United States under Trump’s renewed leadership. Europe, meanwhile, prioritizes regulation over rapid expansion. Bitcoin, existing since 2009, has soared in value and transformed from an experiment into a mainstream asset for investors and institutions. Regulation has now become the central issue facing the industry. The European Union introduced MiCA, requiring customer wallet segregation, mandatory audits, company registrations, and detailed transaction verification. Supporters claim these measures safeguard customers and align the industry with banking standards. Critics argue that compliance adds costs and discourages smaller startups from entering the market. While…

A global team led by Prof. David Salt studied cocoa beans from Colombia and found microbes shape the final chocolate taste. Distinct Microbial Communities Beans from Santander and Huila developed sweet, fruity flavors during fermentation. Antioquia beans lacked these flavors due to different microbes. Nine Microbes Drive Flavor Genetic tests revealed nine key microbes responsible for citrus, fruit, and floral notes in chocolate. Sterile beans fermented with these microbes produced richer, smoother chocolate. Revolutionizing Cocoa Production Prof. Salt suggests farmers can use this knowledge to grow premium cocoa consistently. This method could lower costs and open doors for unique chocolate…