Science and Technology

Scientists make 'superfood' that could save honeybees

Innovative ‘superfood’ from scientists may rescue honeybees

In a remarkable breakthrough that may be crucial for protecting worldwide ecosystems, researchers have developed a unique dietary supplement intended to improve honeybee health and longevity. This creation emerges as bee populations globally confront significant downturns due to issues like habitat destruction, pesticide contamination, climate change, and the proliferation of dangerous pathogens. The innovative product, often described as a "superfood" for bees, seeks to deliver vital nutrients that strengthen their immune defenses and enhance their general robustness.Los abejorros desempeñan un papel crucial en la polinización, ya que ayudan en la fertilización de una gran parte de los cultivos que la…
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Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'

Mosquito problem in Las Vegas intensifies, experts warn

In recent years, Las Vegas has become known not only for its entertainment, casinos, and rapid urban expansion, but also for a less glamorous issue that is steadily growing: the rise in mosquito populations. What was once considered a minor nuisance in the desert climate has transformed into a larger public health concern, driven by environmental changes, urban development, and shifts in weather patterns that make the region more hospitable to these insects.The presence of mosquitoes in desert cities may sound counterintuitive. Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert, an area characterized by hot, dry conditions and scarce rainfall.…
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Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'

Las Vegas’ growing mosquito problem threatens public health

In recent years, Las Vegas has become known not only for its entertainment, casinos, and rapid urban expansion, but also for a less glamorous issue that is steadily growing: the rise in mosquito populations. What was once considered a minor nuisance in the desert climate has transformed into a larger public health concern, driven by environmental changes, urban development, and shifts in weather patterns that make the region more hospitable to these insects.The existence of mosquitoes in desert cities might seem unexpected. Las Vegas is situated in the Mojave Desert, known for its hot and dry environment with little precipitation.…
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I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

Uncovering the Reality Behind Fossils Purchased Online

The journey began with a simple question: Was the fossil I purchased online authentic? This inquiry led me down a rabbit hole of scientific journals, geological databases, and expert forums. I quickly learned that the world of paleontology is filled with complex verification processes, and the digital marketplace is rife with fakes. My initial search was a practical one, a desire to confirm the value of my purchase. However, as I delved deeper, the nature of my question shifted. I realized that the true value of the object was not in its authenticity but in the story it told, whether…
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I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

Buying fossils online: How I questioned their authenticity and found a deeper issue

The adventure started with a straightforward query: Was the fossil I bought on the internet genuine? This question pulled me into a maze of scientific articles, geological resources, and specialist discussions. I soon discovered that the field of paleontology involves intricate authentication methods, and the online market is flooded with counterfeits. My initial investigation was rooted in practicality, aimed at verifying my purchase's worth. Yet, as I explored further, my focus evolved. I understood that the object's true significance lay not in its genuineness but in the narrative it conveyed, whether it was authentic or a brilliant imitation.The digital world…
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Mexico’s bat man on saving the ‘most unfairly treated animals on Earth’

How Mexico’s bat man is rescuing nature’s most unfairly treated animals

In the thick jungles and ancient caves of Mexico, a silent transformation is taking place, driven by a man with a mission to alter the public's view of one of the globe's most misunderstood animals: the bat. Rodrigo Medellín, a distinguished ecologist and conservationist, has devoted his life to safeguarding these nocturnal creatures. His fervent advocacy has earned him the endearing nickname "Mexico's Bat Man." Through his steadfast efforts, he is demonstrating that these creatures are not symbols of fear but vital components of their ecosystems, crucial for everything from farming to the health of entire woodlands. His initiative is…
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People moved back to Pompeii after devastating eruption, excavations reveal

New evidence shows Pompeii residents returned after volcanic eruption

Recent excavations in Pompeii have brought to light a fascinating and largely overlooked facet of the ancient city’s past: individuals revisited the site following Mount Vesuvius’s catastrophic eruption in 79 A.D. This fresh evidence questions the traditional view that Pompeii was instantaneously and irreversibly deserted, providing a more complex portrayal of the event’s aftermath. The findings imply that those who lived through the calamity, along with possible treasure seekers, came back to the city engulfed by ash to reclaim possessions, retrieve building supplies, and perhaps pay respects to lost relatives, highlighting a profound emotional bond to the location even amidst…
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Under water: How FEMA’s outdated flood maps incentivize property owners to take risks

Under water: How obsolete FEMA flood maps drive risky property behavior

The charts meant to assist in making decisions regarding flood hazards nationwide are progressively being revealed as a concealed threat rather than a remedy. The flood maps produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which serve as the main resource for evaluating a property's risk, are showing signs of obsolescence. This situation leads to a significant and perilous contradiction, as property owners and investors are frequently led to a misleading sense of safety, unknowingly accepting risks that are much higher than they are aware of. This widespread problem is transforming the housing market and how homeowners view their financial…
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A plague mysteriously spread from Europe into Asia 4,000 years ago. Scientists now think they may know how

How a plague spread from Europe to Asia 4,000 years ago: Scientists reveal new clues

Historians and scientists have long been puzzled by the movement of a devastating plague that spread from Europe into Asia around four millennia ago. This ancient disease, now known to be an early form of the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has remained a prominent scientific enigma. The question of how a pathogen could traverse such vast distances in an era of limited transportation has been a major point of inquiry. However, recent scientific breakthroughs in the field of paleogenetics are now offering a compelling new theory that may finally explain this remarkable spread.This new hypothesis suggests that the plague's spread was…
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Under water: How FEMA’s outdated flood maps incentivize property owners to take risks

Under water: FEMA’s outdated flood maps and the rise in dangerous property investments

The maps intended to guide decisions on flood risk across the nation are increasingly being exposed as a source of hidden danger, not a solution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood maps, which are the primary tool for assessing a property's vulnerability, are becoming demonstrably outdated. This creates a profound and dangerous paradox, as homeowners and investors are often lulled into a false sense of security, unwittingly taking on risks that are far greater than they realize. This systemic issue is reshaping the real estate market and a homeowner's perception of their financial exposure.For many years, FEMA's flood maps…
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