evolution
Genes 'lost' in whales and dolphins helped their ancestors transition to life underwater
ecology
Private boats in the Mediterranean have extremely high potential to spread alien species
environment
Plastic teabags release microscopic particles into tea
Apparently there is nothing that cannot be made worse by switching it to plastic. I understand even the normal paper tea bags in the UK contain a small amount of plastic, making them less than 100% biodegradable.
Ditch the delicate wash cycle to save our seas
The volume of water used during a wash cycle, rather than the spinning action of the washing machine, is the key factor in the release of plastic microfibres from clothes.
biomedical
New fungus-derived antibiotic: relief in sight for immunocompromised people
Infections that are treatable in healthy people can often be fatal in immunocompromised individuals (people with a weak immune system), and hence, they require specialized treatment. Eushearilide is already known to be active against a wide range of pathogenic fungi and yeasts, but its antibacterial properties have not been explored. Now, scientists from the Tokyo University of Science have derived a new compound from eushearilide and demonstrated its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to treat lung infections, meningitis, and encephalitis.
see also my feature on antibiotics, out this week.
humans
First evidence for early baby bottles used to feed animal milk to prehistoric babies
Modern-day baby feeding from reconstructed infant feeding vessel of the type investigated here.
Credit: Helena Seidl da Fonseca
Tripolye 'mega-structures' were ancient community centers
So-called 'mega-structures' in ancient Europe were public buildings that likely served a variety of economic and political purposes,
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