Metal detecting has always been a popular hobby for those looking to unearth hidden treasures buried beneath the soil. Recently, a metal detectorist in England struck gold – quite literally. Richard Brock, a dedicated treasure hunter, found what could be the biggest gold nugget ever discovered in the country, valued at an estimated £30,000 or
Science
Frogs, despite being hairless creatures, have played a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of mammalian hair evolution. Researchers at Ghent University, led by molecular biologist Marjolein Carron, found some surprising genetic similarities between frogs and mammals. By closely studying the tropical clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis), which shares keratinous components with nails, the team made
The Amazon basin was once home to a massive freshwater toothed whale that lived around 16 million years ago. This ancient dolphin, known as Pebanista yacuruna, measured up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in length, making it one of the largest of its kind. Although smaller than modern-day orcas, Pebanista highlights the incredible biodiversity that
Our love for coffee results in millions of tons of spent coffee grounds being wasted every year. Unfortunately, these grounds are often discarded, leading to environmental concerns. The accumulation of coffee ground waste poses a significant threat to the environment, whether they are dumped into water or sent to landfill sites. However, recent research has
Spending long hours in front of a computer screen or engaging in sedentary leisure activities may have negative implications for more than just your physical health. A recent study conducted by researchers from China has found a potential correlation between prolonged sitting and an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. This suggests that our modern lifestyle
Understanding how our immune system functions is crucial in maintaining overall health. When the immune system malfunctions, it can lead to autoimmune disorders and other serious health issues. Scientists are constantly researching and uncovering new information about the mechanisms behind the immune response. One such recent discovery involves a biological switch that deactivates a sensor
A recent study conducted by physicists from the US and Sweden has shed light on the elusive eight-atom body-centered cubic (BC8) phase of carbon. This phase is believed to be up to 30 percent more resistant to compression than diamond, which is currently the hardest known stable material on Earth. The researchers utilized quantum-accurate molecular
In a recent study conducted by the University of Portsmouth, researchers have found that threatening anti-piracy messages can have varying effects on individuals based on their gender. The study, which involved 962 adult participants, revealed that men and women tend to respond differently to messaging that threatens legal action and other negative consequences related to
In the depths of the Great Salt Lake in the United States, beyond the realm of brine shrimp and brine flies, lies a hidden world of nematodes. For years, scientists believed that only single-celled organisms inhabited the ultra-saline waters of the lake. However, researchers at the University of Utah have unearthed a third form of
The recent discovery of the oldest fossilized forest on planet Earth hidden in the highest sea cliffs in England has shed light on a long-lost ecosystem from 390 million years ago. This ecosystem, dominated by palm-like trees known as Calamophytons, predates the previous record holder in New York by three to four million years. The