insert_link Environment Fungi to the rescue: South African scientists use innovative approach to protect apple trees Woolly apple aphids are destructive pests, threatening South Africa’s apple-growing industry. Westend61/Getty Images By Antoinette Paula Malan, Stellenbosch University; Letodi Luki Mathulwe, Stellenbosch University, and Nomakholwa Faith Stokwe, Stellenbosch University Gardeners the world over dread the appearance of aphids on their plants. There are around 4,000 species of these sap-sucking insects and about 250 are pests that can wreak havoc on crops in a garden or orchard. One […] todaySeptember 17, 2024 18
insert_link Africa WHO approves first Mpox vaccine for Africa The World Health Organization has approved the use of an Mpox vaccine for the first time, which it says should facilitate “timely and increased access” for millions at risk in Africa where the latest outbreak has infected more than 20,000 so far this year. Matt Wells from UN news reports. todaySeptember 16, 2024 16
insert_link Health / Medical Families of victims of violent assault have double the risk of anxiety – new study Chay_Tee/Shutterstock By Elizabeth Cook, City, University of London and Sally McManus, City, University of London Every year, about a million people in England and Wales are victims of violent crime. In addition to the harm suffered in the assault itself, they may also experience mental and physical health effects that last far longer. They often need the support of health and victim services, and they might have contact […] todaySeptember 11, 2024 14
insert_link Health / Medical How we discovered that people who are colorblind are less likely to be picky eaters Watching Julia Child in color or black and white could influence how appetizing the food looks to some audience members. AP Photo By Isabel Gauthier, Vanderbilt University The seventh season of Julia Child’s “The French Chef,” the first of the television series to air in color, revealed how color can change the experience of food. While Child had charmed audiences in black and white, seeing “Bouillabaisse à la […] todaySeptember 11, 2024 20
insert_link Health / Medical Is weight loss as simple as calories in, calories out? In the end, it’s your gut microbes and leftovers that make your calories count Two foods may have the same number of calories, but other food factors and your microbes influence which calories your body uses more of. Martin Barraud/OJO Images via Getty Images By Christopher Damman, University of Washington Is the adage “calories in, calories out” true? The short answer is yes, but the full story is more nuanced. From the moment food touches your tongue to the time it leaves […] todaySeptember 11, 2024 9
insert_link Health / Medical No-sleep challenge: the dangers of sleep deprivation Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock By Adam Taylor, Lancaster University Most of us will be all too familiar with that dopey, groggy feeling of being tired after a restless night. Some social media users have taken tiredness to the extreme, however, by taking part in what they call a “no-sleep challenge.” One 19-year-old Youtuber, Norme, live streamed his attempt to break a world record for consecutive days without sleep. At the […] todaySeptember 10, 2024 16
insert_link Health / Medical What causes food cravings? And what can we do about them? Fascinadora/Shutterstock By Gabrielle Weidemann, Western Sydney University and Justin Mahlberg, Monash University Many of us try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less ultra-processed food. But why is sticking to your goals so hard? High-fat, sugar-rich and salty foods are simply so enjoyable to eat. And it’s not just you – we’ve evolved that way. These foods activate the brain’s reward system because in the past they […] todaySeptember 10, 2024 18
insert_link Health / Medical How patterns of conversation could help identify early signs of autism in children fizkes/Shutterstock By Vittorio Tantucci, Lancaster University Autistic children – and adults – often communicate differently to neurotypical people. Key characteristics of autistic speech can include less eye contact, focusing on the details rather than the overall gist of a conversation, and favouring literal meaning: autistic people may find it more challenging to guess if something is being implied rather than said directly. These differences may make some communication […] todaySeptember 10, 2024 15
insert_link Health / Medical Is your desk job killing your back? Ancient Egyptian scribes had the same aches and pains, say researchers By Petra Brukner Havelková, National Museum (Národní muzeum) Prague and Veronika Dulíková, Charles University Thousands of years ago, during a period of Egyptian history known as the Old Kingdom (around 2649–2130 BC), it was rare for people to be able to read and write. From an estimated population of between 1 million and 1.5 million, only about 1% were literate and able to write in hieroglyphics. […] todaySeptember 10, 2024 29