Thunderstorms and lightning go hand in hand. Sometimes, they are accompanied by weak flashes of light called sprites which have been observed twice in one day by scientists on the International Space Station (ISS). ISS captured a sprite above a thunderstorm over Illinois or Missouri. Photo credits: ISS/JSC/NASA. A sprite is a burst of energy
Month: August 2015
What is the Source of our Inner Voice: The Work Of Angels & Devils?
What are the little voices we hear inside ourselves? Perhaps, they are but angels and devils whispering into our hearts? Scientists, unsurprisingly, do not believe that; rather, they have explained the occurrence of our “inner voice” in terms of our conscience. What is its real origin, though? Researchers of a new study hope that shedding light
Cancer Cells Turned Back Into Normal Ones
The battle against cancer rages on. A new study suggests that turning cancer cells back to normal ones might be possible. Cancer is characterised by cells that deviate from the normal rule and divide uncontrollably; the researchers of the new study say that these cells can be triggered to become normal ones again. The findings
Breastfeeding Causes Bioaccumulation of Chemicals In Infants
Breastfeeding is normally considered to be the best choice for infants. However, a new study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology suggests that breastfed babies are more exposed to toxins in the form of industrial chemicals categorised perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs). The findings reveal that the longer the baby is breastfed, the more
A Human Brain Is 30 Times More Powerful Than The Mightiest Supercomputer
The human brain is around 30 times more powerful than the world’s most advanced supercomputer, new research suggests. At this stage, we are very far away from Ultron-style machines to outsmart our brain. However we might attempt to mimic pieces of human characteristics to create advanced devices, we will not ever be able to match them
The Age of the Universe Is Relative To The Planet’s Location
How old is the universe? Scientists have attempted to come up with estimates that are believed to constitute a rather good idea of its age. However, a scientist suggests that the real answer might depend on your location in the universe: this means that those on a planet other than ours might have a different answer
Incense Smoke Is Worse Than Cigarette Smoke
A new study suggests that incense sticks might be worse than tobacco. The results have been published in the journal Environmental Chemistry Letters. Past studies have shown that smoke emanating from incense sticks are possibly noxious to the health. The new study, though, tackled the question from a different angle by comparing the effects of
Watch Out: Stopping Exercise Is A Very Bad Idea According To Science
Our body craves movement, whether we like it or not. As a consequence, the lack of exercise takes its toll on us. This fact is very well illustrated by the effects of interrupting exercise after one would regularly indulge in training: the body feels the change and reacts accordingly. Cardiovascular physiologist Andreas Bergdahl explains in
Vet Study Shows Dogs Cannot and Do Not Feel Guilty
Dogs do not feel guilty, regardless of their facial expressions and body language after they have misbehaved, according to veterinary scientist Susan Hazel. The latter explains that their apparent shame is reflective of our relationships with our pets instead of their ability to guilt. Guilt is a complicated emotion seemingly out of the reach of
Scientists Create A Functioning Human Brain In Laboratory
Scientists from the US claim to have created a brain in laboratory that is very similar to a real human one. Humans are determined not to leave any possibility untouched. Scientists from Ohio State University have thus shown how the prospects for creating a human brain under laboratory conditions can be stretched. They claim to
Stroke Risk is Higher When Working For Long Hours
Working too much can kill you by consuming your heart. The findings of a new study published in medical journal The Lancet reveal that spending long hours at work increases the risk of developing heart disease and having a stroke. Too much of anything (good or bad) is harmful to man – one of the
“Smart Drug” Modafinil Enhances Decision-Making Process
The medication known as modafinil used to treat narcoleptic patients has been documented from a different perspective in a new study: is it safe and does it act as a “smart drug” enhancing cognition? The findings published in European Neuropsychopharmacology suggest that it does improve concentration and other cognitive abilities. The team of researchers reviewed