Blood is composed of many different materials, including both small and large molecules, fats and bacteria. Activities such as eating and exercise can significantly alter the composition of our blood, which in turn can have an effect on how the body functions. Some of the materials found in the blood following these activities can actually be…
British Scientists First to Genetically Modify Embryos
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has made history this week by approving an application to begin gene-editing on human embryos. Dr Kathy Niakan, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, applied for approval in order to understand the processes behind unexplained miscarriages and infertility. Although similar research has been undertaken previously in China to correct a…
The Psychology of Beards
A fairly recent phenomenon has taken the world by storm. Beards have been springing up all over the place. Literally EVERYWHERE: Celebrities have them… Bar tenders have them… Even models have them!… Personally I’ll blame (thank?) Jason Momoa, AKA Khal Drogo. I mean seriously, he’s delicious both in and out of character. The beard only…
The Dirt: Exclusive Interview with Dr Ken Lacovara
Dr Kenneth Lacovara is the real life Alan Grant. At 54 years old, he has already discovered one of the world’s largest dinosaurs and undertaken roles as Professor of Paleontology and Geology at Rowan University and fellow of the prestigious Explorers Club. His most recent position as director of Rowan University Fossil Quarry, New Jersey, may be…
Analysis of ‘Hobbit’ Fossil Reveals New Species
“In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.” Unbeknownst to Tolkien, he actually wasn’t far from the truth. In 2003, archaeologists stumbled upon the fossil of a diminutive human species which they called Homo floresiensis which soon gained the nickname of ‘The Hobbit’. The fossil is at least 17,000 years old and about a meter tall (hobbits are…
Schizophrenia Linked to Brain Inflammation
People with schizophrenia, a type of psychosis, have much higher levels of immune system activity within the brain, a recent study finds. The research conducted by Peter Bloomfield and teams at both Kings College and Imperial College London investigated the activity of immune cells in 56 participants who already had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, were at high risk of…
Gingernut's Science Dunk 