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Bloodworms Make Their Teeth From Metal And Now We Know How
The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.In case your nightmares are insufficiently full of terrifying real creatures, here is another one for you: there is a ferocious and venomous worm whose four fearsome fangs are built from copper. Bloodworms’ metallic teeth are used both for biting prey and fighting with rivals, but it has taken 20 years of research to reveal the biochemistry that makes this possible.
Could We Run Out Of Sand? We Might Be Headed For A Crisis, UN Report Warns
Sand is the world's most-exploited resource after water, playing a vital role in both construction and the natural environment. Unlike water, however, sand isn't recognized as a strategic resource. A new report argues that our relationship with sand needs to change urgently or else humanity and the natural world could face some real difficulties.
A Cause Of Lupus Has Been Discovered, Offering Hope For New Treatments
A genetic cause of lupus – an autoimmune disease affecting at least 5 million people worldwide – has been discovered. A mutation in the TLR7 gene was identified as one of the causes of the condition, a discovery which could affect the way in which the disease is recognized and treated.
"Impossible" One-Way Superconductor Breakthrough May Pave The Way For Future Computers
One-way superconductivity without using magnetic fields has been discovered by researchers, smashing a strong barrier that held superconductivity from revolutionizing the electronics industry. While this feat was previously thought impossible, researchers have now found a way for electronics to become magnitudes faster than what is currently possible.
Large Hadron Collider Restarted And Immediately Breaks World Record
The world's largest particle accelerator restarted last Friday after a hiatus lasting more than three years and almost immediately broke a world record. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is now more powerful than ever, and its operators hope the upgrades performed in the downtime will enable the Standard Model of Particle Physics to be put to its most strenuous tests yet.
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome: How A Tick's Saliva Can Make You Allergic To Meat
In a cruel twist of fate that would make any BLT fanatic shudder, a tick bite could give you a deadly intolerance to red meat, but worry not, birds, fish, and people are still on the menu.
