Is magnesium the sleeping potion that enables sandhoppers to survive cold winters? A new study has shown for the first time that when sandhoppers want to enter a period of deep sleep each winter they have the means through which to increase the magnesium levels in their bodies -- in some instances more than doubling them. Essentially acting as a natural narcotic, the magnesium puts the sandhopper into a torpid state and this enforced rest means that the creatures can stay hidden in burrows up to 30cm beneath the beach surface, to some extent buffered from wintry conditions. How DNA analysis of our rivers and lakes can reveal new secrets about their biodiversity Science News: Freshwater ecosystems are the lifeblood of the natural world, yet they are facing a silent crisis. Weird ‘Phoenix’ sheds light on how planets evolve A planet that should have been stripped to bare rock by its nearby host star's intense radiation somehow grew a puffy atmosphere instead. |
Pregnant, Addicted and Fighting the Pull of Drugs Many pregnant women who struggle with drugs put off prenatal care, feeling ashamed and judged. But as fatal overdoses rise, some clinics see pregnancy as an ideal time to help them confront addiction. Medical breakthroughs discovered on International Space Station Conducting experiments in microgravity at the International Space Station has allowed scientists to make medical breakthroughs with the potential to help countless people on Earth. Judge halts ban on syringe programs as El Dorado County legal battle continues El Dorado County cannot enforce its ban on programs that hand out clean syringes as a legal battle continues between the county and the California Department of Public Health, a Superior Court judge ruled Friday. NASA, Boeing set new undocking, landing date for Starliner spacecraft More testing will be done on both the thrusters on the spacecraft’s aft section. The Starliner crew will also repeat some previously conducted test activities, like the ‘safe haven’ protocol. |