This article explores the unique nature of friendships and the science behind them. It discusses how friendships formed during adolescence are particularly special due to changes in the brain’s reward center and improvements in Theory of Mind. It also highlights the concept of interpersonal synchrony and how it contributes to the deep connections we form with our closest friends.
The article discusses the life cycle of conehead termites, focusing on their journey to reproduce and ensure the survival of their species. The termites brave numerous threats during their only flight, find a mate, and establish a colony in a rotting tree stump. The workers collect and decompose plant debris, the royals focus on reproduction, and the colony grows and defends itself. The termites continue their legacy by establishing new colonies and satellite nests, ensuring the persistence of their species for decades.
The article discusses the Victorian tapeworm diet and its similarities to modern fad diets that promise rapid weight loss. It compares the approaches of two hypothetical twins, one aiming for slow weight loss through a gradual reduction in calorie intake and increased exercise, and the other opting for drastic calorie restriction. The article highlights the negative impacts of extreme diets and emphasizes the importance of adopting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle instead.
The article discusses the challenges of treating the common cold, highlighting the rapid mutation of the virus that can outmaneuver years of research and development. It explains that the common cold is caused by many different viruses, making it difficult to find a cure, but suggests that targeting the rhinovirus, which causes a significant portion of colds, could be a step towards finding a cure. The article also mentions the challenges of developing vaccines and antiviral drugs, but remains hopeful for future breakthroughs, such as the potential use of CRISPR as an antiviral agent.
Sleepwalking is a common phenomenon that occurs during the deepest stage of non-REM sleep. Sleepwalkers are able to perform basic tasks and can sometimes engage in more complex activities like cooking or driving. The exact causes of sleepwalking are not fully understood, but factors such as stress, sleep disorders, and sedatives can increase the likelihood. Treatment options include promoting healthy sleep habits, implementing safety measures, and considering medication if necessary. If encountering a sleepwalker, it is best to gently guide them back to bed and ensure their safety until the episode resolves.
The article discusses the concept of a universal vaccine that could protect against all diseases. It focuses on the development of a universal flu vaccine that could protect against all strains of the flu, including future ones. The article explores the challenges in vaccine development, the design of a universal vaccine, and emerging science in the field. While a fully universal vaccine against all infectious diseases is currently beyond our reach, the article suggests that advancements in medical technology could bring us closer to this goal in the future.
The article discusses the ethical dilemma of using animal testing to protect against the potential threat of smallpox. While it is unethical to expose humans to the virus, labs are using animals as research subjects, raising the question of whether it is right to harm animals to protect humanity. The article explores different philosophical perspectives on the value of life and moral status, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties involved in making moral decisions.
The article discusses the reality of pandemics and the probability of future pandemics. It highlights that pandemics are not as unlikely as we may think, with several global pandemics occurring in recent history. The article also explores different ways to estimate the likelihood of future pandemics and emphasizes the importance of reducing the risk through measures such as early warning systems, contact tracing, and vaccines. It concludes by stating that we have the power to change these probabilities and must take the threat seriously to create a safer future.
The article explains how calcium carbonate, a common compound found in the Earth’s crust and in the sea, is used by sea creatures to create various structures such as shells and pearls. Mollusks, like oysters, use proteins and crystal structures to manipulate calcium carbonate and create different types of shells. Nacre, a special form of aragonite, is particularly strong and versatile, and is used by mollusks as a defense mechanism to create pearls.
The brain plays a crucial role in the experience of love, from the infatuation stage to the attachment stage. During infatuation, there is increased activation in the reward-processing and motivation hub of the brain, while during attachment, hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin promote feelings of trust and attachment. Heartbreak activates regions of the brain associated with pain and distress, but with time and support, individuals can heal and learn from the experience.
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