Nine new and exotic creatures for the pulsar zoo
Researchers using MeerKAT in South Africa have discovered nine millisecond pulsars, most of them in rare and sometimes unusual binary systems, as the first result of a targeted survey. An international team with significant contributions from AEI (Ha.....»»
Why tickling turns some people on
In the wonderful world of sexuality, nearly anything is possible. Almost anything can be sexually arousing to someone, somewhere. We’re complex creatures, us humans, and our ability to use our imaginations never fails to astonish. Think of.....»»
Astronomers investigate the properties of a nearby pulsar
Using the XMM-Newton satellite and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), astronomers have conducted X-ray and near-infrared observations of a nearby middle-aged pulsar known as PSR B1055-52. Results of the observational campaign, published on the arXiv p.....»»
Discovery of a new animal parasitic euglenid species in rice fields
A detailed investigation has led to the discovery of a new species of parasitic euglenid found in ostracods and other creatures residing in rice fields. This euglenid has undergone a secondary loss of its photosynthetic capability. The infection rate.....»»
Thousands of New Creatures Discovered in Deep-Sea Mining Zone
A new study found more than 5,000 new species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mineral-rich area of seafloor that companies aim to mine for critical materials.....»»
Weevils, long-nosed beetles, are unsung heroes of pollination
Butterflies, bees, and even bats are celebrated as pollinators: creatures that travel from flower to flower to feed, and in the process, help fertilize the plants by spreading pollen. But some of nature's most diverse pollinators often go unnoticed,.....»»
The Trillion-Dollar Auction to Save the World
Ocean creatures soak up huge amounts of humanity’s carbon mess. Should we value them like financial assets?.....»»
Toward the realization of chiral spin liquids and non-Abelian anyons in quantum simulators
Chiral spin liquids are one of the most fascinating phases of matter ever imagined by physicists. These exotic liquids exhibit quasi-particles known as non-Abelian anyons that are neither bosons nor fermions, and whose manipulation could allow for th.....»»
New animal family tree raises questions about the origin of nervous systems
Sponges are more closely related to us than some animals with a nervous system. Enlarge / These complex creatures seem to be the earliest branch of the animal tree. We're more closely related to sponges than we are to them. (cred.....»»
Researchers use structured light on a chip in another photonics breakthrough
In everyday life we experience light in one of its simplest forms—optical rays or beams. However, light can exist in much more exotic forms. Thus, even beams can be shaped to take the form of spirals; so-called vortex beams, endowed with unusual pr.....»»
MeerKAT radio telescope catches a "Mini Mouse" in the sky
Using the MeerKAT radio telescope, European astronomers have serendipitously discovered a new radio nebula during observations of the black hole binary GRS 1915+105. The newfound object, dubbed "the Mini Mouse," is a young radio pulsar escaping its b.....»»
Converging ocean currents bring floating life and garbage together
The North Pacific "Garbage Patch" is home to an abundance of floating sea creatures, as well as the plastic waste it has become famous for, according to a study by Rebecca Helm from Georgetown University, U.S., and colleagues. The paper is published.....»»
Zoonomia: Genetic research reveals all we share with animals
By comparing the genetic blueprints of an array of animals, scientists are gaining new insights into our own species and all we share with other creatures......»»
New exposé of Australia"s exotic pet trade shows an alarming proliferation of alien, threatened and illegal species
Australia has a global reputation for being tough on biosecurity. There are strict rules around the import and export of both native and exotic species. Security is tight, and advanced screening technology commonplace at ports of entry and mail cente.....»»
Mixing theory and observation to envision a warmer world
Climate changes are conjuring a whirlwind ride that seems to present some creatures opportunities to thrive. Scientists scripting supercharged scenarios caution the difference between seasonal coping and long-term adaption is vast—and tricky to pre.....»»
Arctic ice algae heavily contaminated with microplastics, reports new research
The alga Melosira arctica, which grows under Arctic sea ice, contains ten times as many microplastic particles as the surrounding seawater. This concentration at the base of the food web poses a threat to creatures that feed on the algae at the sea s.....»»
PSR J0901-4046 is the most magnetized radio pulsar known, study finds
Astronomers have investigated an ultraslow radio pulsar known as PSR J0901-4046, finding that it has an extremely high magnetic field—at a level of 30 quadrillion Gauss. The discovery, published April 7 in Physical Review D, makes PSR J0901-4046 th.....»»
Primordial black holes may have "frozen" the early universe
Primordial holes formed in the exotic conditions of the big bang may have become their own source of matter and radiation......»»
Renfield and 5 more of the best vampire comedy TV shows and movies
Vampires are among the most prominent creatures in pop culture, and a few great comedy films and TV shows have helped them create a fresh subgenre......»»
What are these blue creatures washing up on Southern California beaches?
Thousands of dark blue creatures have been washing ashore at beaches across the state, littering the shores and bewildering passersby from Marin to Orange county......»»
A novel way to get to the excited states of exotic nuclei
An atomic nucleus assumes discrete energy levels when added energy excites that nucleus. These energy levels are the nucleus' unique fingerprint; no two nuclei have identical energy patterns. For exotic nuclei, which have unbalanced numbers of proton.....»»