Secrets Of Climbing June 1, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Animals, Environment, Evolution, Think About It.Tags: energy, primates, treadmill, trees
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Ever had a favorite tree in your yard that you liked to climb once in a while? You probably scurried up the tree and maybe hung out for a bit before carefully making your way down to your abode on the ground. We all know that some creatures like to live up in the trees but what makes the trees such a cool place to inhabit? Scientists may have found some clues as to why early primates liked to make their home in the forest canopy. It’s all about size!
Apes and monkeys – ancestors of humans – might have ended up in the trees because of their small size. Researchers have been curious for a while now about why early primates happily lived up in the trees. Why so curious? It’s because they thought that climbing used up more energy than walking. When it comes to walking, for example, smaller animals use up more energy in comparison with larger animals. Generally, we would expect the animals to live in a way that conserves energy. So, it has been somewhat of a confusing question as to why primates would make a transition to the trees if it meant that their energy efficiency was compromised.
Using A Treadmill To Investigate
You’re probably reading the word ‘treadmill,’ and wondering to yourself what I’m talking about! Well, treadmills can be useful for many things – not just for us humans to use as exercise equipment. In this case, researchers from Duke University in North Carolina observed primates as they walked and climbed on a special treadmill that was designed for the study. The results were surprising!
The researchers found that there was no difference in how much energy was consumed for small primates whether they walked or climbed the treadmill. This means that climbing didn’t have a higher energy consumption. In this way, the small primates could make good use of the treetop environment without compromising their energy. These early primates would have been approximately the size of a very big rat. The results were published in the journal Science and the information gives us some clues about how the ancestors of these primates ended up in the trees approximately 65 million years ago.
Yummy Food
You might be wondering what was so great about the trees? Well for early primates, moving into this new environment provided them with an abundance of tasty insects and fruits. On top of that, evolutionary changes then occurred, which means that the primates developed characteristics to help them better adapt to this new environment. For these mammals, the changes included the development of nails instead of claws. Jandy Hanna, a Duke graduate student at the time of the study, created the treadmill apparatus and measured primate activity and energy consumption. She explained:
We assumed it would be more energetically expensive for all of them to climb than to walk, so this finding was unexpected. What we have shown is that they could have made this shift into a rich environment with insects and fruits without increased energetic cost.
Ultimately, the small size of the primates meant that they could make the transition into the trees to enjoy the goodies up there. From the perspective of energy consumption, heavier animals had less incentive to climb than walk, so it was the smaller primates who had the competitive edge. Still, even if it does take more energy for humans to climb – that sure never stopped me when I was a kid and I liked climbing the tree to my playhouse.
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Searching For An Elusive Meteorite March 13, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Space Exploration, Think About It.Tags: astronomy, meteor, meteorite, video
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Credit: University of Western Ontario.
Ever wondered what a meteor falling to Earth looks like? Me too! Astronomers at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario managed to capture a very rare video of this cool event.
Using The Sky
So, how did the astronomers actually capture these images? Well, they have a network of sky-cameras in Southern Ontario. These cameras regularly scan across the sky, looking out for meteors. A professor at the university – Peter Brown – specializes in the study of meteors and meteorites. He found that just last week, the cameras grabbed an image of a massive fireball. Not only that, but the Physics and Astronomy Department also received numerous phone calls and emails from Ontario residents who had seen the light.
The Hunt Is On
Now, astronomers want to find the one or more meteorites that may have hit the ground. They believe the meteorite could be in the Parry Sound area of Ontario and they’re hoping that residents there can help them to find the meteorites. Brown and Wayne Edwards – a post-doctoral student at the university – are working together to find the elusive meteorites.
Edwards explains:
Most meteoroids burn up by the time they hit an altitude of 60 or 70 kilometers from Earth. We tracked this one to an altitude of about 24 kilometers so we are pretty sure there are at least one, and possibly many meteorites, that made it to the ground.
The Challenge Continues
Still, it’s no easy feat to investigate such a large area to find the meteorite. Fortunately, astronomers have narrowed down the area a bit. They are looking at a space of approximately 12 square kilometers.Edwards and Brown are obviously super keen to find the meteorite, which is no surprise, given how much they can learn from the discovery.
Edwards says:
We would love to find a recovered meteorite on this one, because we have the video and we have the data and by putting that together with the meteorite, there is a lot to be learned.
Better yet, they have created a map to provide even more help in locating the meteorite. As for picking up the meteorite if one is found – at least the astronomers don’t need to have strong arms. The meteorite is expected to only weigh a kilogram!
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Better Air From Greasy Hair February 29, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Environment, Human Body, Think About It.Tags: hair, ozone, pollution
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It may not always look and feel so pretty, but greasy hair might actually reduce how much ozone you breathe in. It’s thought that the oils in hair are somehow reacting with ozone in the environment.
Investigating Greasy Hair And Ozone
In a recent study, Lakshmi Pandrangi and Glen Morrison from the University of Missouri in the United States tested out their theories about ozone and hair. They exposed sixteen samples – eight washed and eight unwashed pieces of hair – to ozone for 24 hours. The results? Overall, the unwashed hair absorbed roughly seven times as much ozone as the freshly washed hair. Morrison explains:
For dirty hair, the ozone concentration around the head is likely to be substantially lower than the level in the room.
This means that when the unwashed hair absorbs more ozone, less is available for you to breathe in.
Ozone Is A Respiratory System Enemy
Ozone at ground-level is one of your respiratory system’s enemies. It can cause a bunch of respiratory ailments and is thought to increase mortality. So, it’s important to figure out ways to reduce our exposure.
Don’t Throw Out Your Shampoo
I wouldn’t chuck out that shampoo just yet though! The researchers also discovered that the unwashed hair samples caused a greater number of secondary-reaction products. One of these is 4-oxopentanal, which is a known respiratory irritant. It’s produced when the ozone reacts with the oils in hair. For people who are more prone to air pollution – such as the elderly or those who have compromised health from illness – reducing ozone exposure can be particularly important. It’s best, however, that they do it through an air filter. As for my readers, I certainly hope I don’t get emails from your parents complaining about your unwashed hair and birds nesting in your coiffs!
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Bye Bye Bats February 28, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Animals, Think About It.Tags: bats, disease, illness
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You probably don’t give a lot of thought to bats, maybe because they don’t tend to be particularly visible creatures to most of us. Biologists in North America, however, are giving a lot of thought to bats right now. In fact, they are extremely perplexed and confused about bats. Why? A very mysterious illness is killing off bats in enormous numbers.
Bat Illness Strikes
In New York state last winter, the illness was identified in two caves, where it killed off almost all of the bats. What is particularly worrisome now is that it has spread to Vermont, where it has afflicted bats in New England’s biggest bat cave – Aeolus cave.
White-nose Syndrome
It’s called white-nose syndrome, which leaves a bat emaciated and with a white fungus on its nose. While the fungus isn’t the actual cause of their death, the combination of changes that occur do lead to the bat’s death. These changes include abnormal hibernation patterns and weight loss, leaving the bats unusually thin and suffering from related problems. Biologists still aren’t sure exactly sure how this illness gets transmitted. They also don’t know what causes it – if it’s the result of something happening in the bat’s environment or perhaps another cause entirely. For now though, officials are recommending that people avoid caves in the affected area for the next few months because by then, we will all hopefully know more about this mysterious illness.
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Treating Burns With Nintendo Wii February 26, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Human Body, Technology, Think About It.Tags: burns, games, Nintendo
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For most of us, the Nintendo Wii games console is a fun way to hang out and play with a cool toy. For burns victims, however, it’s a lot more than just fun! They are using a Wii as part of their physiotherapy program. In fact, it’s currently available at a physiotherapy unit in England, where burns victims and those with hand injuries get to play around with a Wii as part of their therapy.
A Positive History
Better still, the Wii already has a successful history. In Manchester, it was used to rehabilitate a boy who suffered burns after being struck by lightning. Over here where I am currently living in Wales, it was even used in a care home with the aim to keep the residents physically and mentally active. Also, in other areas of the world such as Germany and the United States, it has been used to help stroke victims regain movement in their arms and legs.
Making It Work
What’s the deal with it? Well, playing on a Wii requires the user to mimic a whole bunch of physical movements used in sports such as tennis or boxing. It’s thought that the Wii is more than just fun because it helps the user to regain flexibility in damaged areas. Since the Wii isn’t seen in the same light as traditional physiotherapy activities, patients respond favorably and simply have fun doing it, without focusing on it being a treatment.
Still, the point of the Wii isn’t to totally replace conventional physiotherapy. Instead, it’s a cool complement to the more traditional types of exercise and movement needed to help a patient improve mobility. So far, it’s looking like the response to the Wii is fabulous. Patients have improved their range of motion and strength while having a blast doing it!
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Yay For Catnaps February 21, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Human Body, Psychology and Behavior, Think About It.Tags: catnaps, learning, memory, sleep
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Yawn. Maybe you were up too late playing X-box or perhaps you spent a little too much time chatting on the phone with your friend last night. Or maybe you got enough sleep but were thinking to just relax and take a little catnap anyways. But wait, could that catnap actually give you benefits beyond just feeling a bit refreshed from the sleep?
According to some scientists in Germany, even super short catnaps can be enough to boost your performance in memory tests. Led by Dr Olaf Lahl, researchers at the University of Dusseldorf gathered up a group of students. They showed the students a set of words and then over the next hour, some students got to sleep for six minutes while others had to stay awake. The results? The students who had the nap did the best in recalling the words.
Replacing Old Stuff
One thing you might find confusing about science is how it’s always changing! You’re not alone. New ideas replace the old and can totally change how we look at a problem. In this case, previous theories about sleep suggested that it took deep sleep – 20 minutes or more after falling asleep for memories to be processed. Yet, this new study showed that a mere six minutes of sleep enhanced memory. Lahl thinks that the moment of falling asleep begins a process in the brain that actually keeps going after a person wakes up. Lahl explains:
To our knowledge, this demonstrates for the first time that an ultra-brief sleep episode provides an effective memory enhancement.
Still, other scientists say that we should be careful before assuming that six minutes is enough time to make a difference in memory. Instead, they say we need more research into the area of sleep and memory. For now though, I just think that catnaps feel so nice and if they help my memory, that’s a big bonus! Zzzzz.
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A Bit Of Gorilla Love February 20, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Animals, Evolution, Psychology and Behavior, Think About It.Tags: behaviour, copulation, gorillas
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It seems that primates have gotten a lot closer. Not only have researchers recently observed primates in the wild- specifically gorillas – copulating face-to-face, but they have captured the first known photographs of the surprising event. Why surprising? It’s because very few primates actually mate in the face-to-face position. There is also a neat, complicated word for it called ventro-ventral copulation. It makes all of this gorilla lovin’ sound like a very technical act! What is the usual position for primates? Well actually, the majority of primates copulate in the dorsal-ventral position. This means that both primates are facing in the same direction.
Credit: Thomas Breuer – WCS/MPI-EVA. The female gorilla in the photo was nicknamed ‘Leah’ by researchers. She’s also familiar to researchers, who originally observed her in 2005 when she tested the depth of a pool of water with a stick, before splashing her way into it. This action was also considered unusual behaviour for a gorilla, which has piqued the interest of researchers even more. I think Leah sounds like a cool lady who likes to do things a bit differently!
Ready, Set, Camera Action
The study was led by Thomas Breuer of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA). The findings were published in the Gorilla Gazette. If you’re wondering where these pictures were taken, they were snapped in all their glory at the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo. According to Breuer:
Our current knowledge of wild western gorillas is very limited, and this report provides information on various aspects of their sexual behavior. We can’t say how common this manner of mating is, but it has never been observed with western gorillas in the forest. It is fascinating to see similarities between gorilla and human sexual behavior.
It’s also worth noting that other than humans, only a handful of animals have been observed mating face-to-face. These include bonobos and the observation of gorillas in captivity although none were ever photographed.
What’s The Big Deal?
You might be thinking to yourself that scientists are really peculiar (if you didn’t think so already!) to care about animal copulation or to even be taking pictures of animals mating. Think again! It actually does matter. Since gorillas are considered ‘cousins’ to humans, learning more about their behavior helps us to understand the evolutionary development of our own species. Speaking of our species, I almost considered being a typical lovey dovey girl by putting a red heart in above the gorilla picture!
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The Not-So-Sweet Side of Sugar Substitutes February 18, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Human Body, Nutrition and Health, Think About It.Tags: artificial sweeteners, sugar, weight
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For people with a sweet tooth who are concerned about calories, artificial sweeteners have seemed to be the ideal answer. Now, however, it’s not looking all that sweet. A new study suggests that artificial sweeteners may actually cause weight gain. For those who have been chugging back diet drinks on a regular basis, the news could be super surprising and upsetting.
Confusing Information
For a lot of people, the news was perplexing. Why? Because there is the idea that by cutting back calories through artificial sweeteners, a person can more easily lose weight. It’s confusing to hear that the opposite may, in fact, be true. So, how does this work? The researchers who conducted the study think that when you experience a sweet taste in your mouth but don’t consume any calories after, it leaves your body craving more food. Scientists at Purdue University in the United States tested out their theory on rats. Their work was published in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience.
Hello Rats!
First, they gave yogurt to different groups of rats. One group got to chow down on yogurt sweetened with sugar while the other group got to slurp up some yogurt sweetened with saccharin – an artificial sweetener. The rats were given an abundant supply of food. This means that they weren’t in starvation mode, which could have swayed the results because it affects the body’s metabolism and how appetite is regulated. Next, the researchers checked out how each rat reacted to the yogurt.
The Results Are In
The rats who ate the saccharin sweetened yogurt not only ate more calories, but they put on more fat and gained more weight than their friends who ate the yogurt sweetened with sugar. But wait, there’s more! Later on, the rats that were fed the saccharin sweetened yogurt didn’t eat less in an attempt to regulate their weight. This means that the effects of consuming sweeteners could be quite long-lasting.
Getting Inside The Body
If you are like me when I first heard about this study, you might be wondering just what is going on in the human body to cause the rats to eat more. Well, the researchers have a theory about it all. They think one possible reason is that normally, a person who experiences a sweet taste from food gets a metabolism that is all primed and revved up for a high-calorie, sweet and heavy meal. Instead, the consumption of an artificial sweetener can leave the body very confused as it asks: Where is my meal? Without the arrival of food, the body then has difficulty regulating appetite later on when other food is around.
Still, there are some studies showing that artificial sweeteners can help people lose weight. We definitely will need to see more research on this one. For now, I still say that a treat here and there with real sugar is delicious and works nicely in a healthy diet that incorporates a lot of different, nutritious and yummy foods. On that note, I think those little rats have had enough yogurt for now. I’m off to have a bowl of yogurt and fruit!
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Scratching That Awful Itch February 4, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Human Body, Psychology and Behavior, Think About It.Tags: itch, memories, scratch
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Scratch. Scratch, scratch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. When you have an itch, scratching it can bring some desperately needed relief. Now, we might actually know why scratching feels so good. A study led by dermatologist Dr Gil Yosipovitch at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina suggests that by scratching an itch, you momentarily turn off parts of the brain linked with bad feelings and memories. The full study can be seen in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Calling All Scratchers
To check out their theories around scratching, Yosipovitch and his team of researchers scratched each of 13 test subjects with a soft brush on the lower part of their leg in 30-second intervals for 5 minutes. Then, they investigated what was going on in the brain by using a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging. What were the results? Scratching reduced activity in two parts of the brain that are associated with pain aversion and memory. The more intensely a person was scratched, the less activity there was in the anterior cingulate cortex and posterior cingulate cortex. Yosipovitch thinks that scratching might prevent the emotional aspects of an itch, which is why people feel relief.
The Scratching Doesn’t Stop
So you have an itch – but why can’t you seem to stop scratching it? You can blame your good ol’ secondary somatosensory cortex. Say what? It’s a long, complicated-sounding word for your pain centre, which is linked with compulsive behavior. This helps to explain why people scratch so compulsively when they get an itchy spot on their body. It’s a bit confusing actually! On one hand, you feel relief each time you scratch because the two parts of the brain linked to icky feelings and memory are less active. But wait – you also have the secondary somatosensory cortex getting all riled up and encouraging that repetitive, compulsive scratching.
Fixing The Itch
Studies like this one are really important. Not just to satisfy our curiosity about why we get itchy and tend to scratch so much, but because it can help to treat different medical conditions. Some people suffer from skin disorders such as eczema, which can leave them with chronic itchy skin. This type of study can help us to figure out just what is happening in the brain when an itch strikes. This means that researchers can use this newfound understanding to develop effective treatments. For the rest of us, we will likely continue to scratch our itches. Since the study shows that this action shuts off the areas of the brain connected to unpleasant feelings and memories, it’s not too surprising that scratching feels so nice!
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A Self-Destructive Mosquito Bite January 18, 2008
Posted by Mrs Weird Scientist in Animals, Diseases, Human Body, Insects, Think About It.Tags: insecticide, malaria, mosquito
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A mosquito’s bite usually has a characteristic sting, but the pain subsides and at worst, most of us experience a bit of swelling, itching and redness for a few days. For some people, however, a mosquito’s bite can bring with it some lasting discomfort – namely when the mosquito is carrying a disease such as malaria, yellow fever or West Nile virus – among others. The good news is that researchers from the University of Arizona in Tucson may soon have a way to make the mosquito’s bite deadly to itself!
Figuring It Out
Researchers recently discovered something very peculiar. When a mosquito species known as Aedes aegypti gorges on human blood, it excretes a substance called nitrogen immediately afterwards. The nitrogen is toxic to the mosquitoes and must be released following its meal. What happens if the mosquito doesn’t excrete the nitrogen? Bam! Self-destruction! If the mosquitoes don’t excrete the nitrogen, they will not lay eggs and will most likely become ill and die.
Taking Advantage Of Nature
By taking into account this complicated metabolic pathway of the mosquito, researchers are now looking for a molecule that won’t harm humans but will basically muck up the metabolic pathways of mosquitoes, which means they’ll retain their nitrogen and effectively self-destruct. Once the researchers have figured out the mechanics of the molecule, they can then develop an insecticide and spray it in the areas where mosquitoes like to play – around the water, for example.
According to the lead researcher Roger Miesfeld:
Our goal is to turn the female mosquito’s blood meal into the last meal she ever eats. The whole community would essentially become one big mosquito trap. It would be a group effort that in the long run could have a huge impact. This would be one more weapon in our arsenal against diseases that kill millions of people a year.
Another potential application would be an oral insecticide. So, if you lived in an area where a disease such as malaria is prevalent, you could take a pill that would cause the mosquito to ingest the insecticide along with your blood. This wouldn’t prevent you from actually getting the disease but it would kill the mosquito after it bites, which means the spread of disease could be slowed.
I find it easy to forget just how potentially dangerous a mosquito’s bite can be, mostly because I am either living in North America or the United Kingdom, where the risk of disease from mosquitoes is fairly small. Yet, for many people, diseases passed through mosquitoes are a frightening reality. Hopefully, this new research can help to reduce the mosquito population and prevent both the initial sting and the spread of diseases.
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