Alzheimer's drug lecanemab slows cognitive decline but concerns linger:
The drug lecanemab slowed the rate of cognitive decline among people with early Alzheimer's disease by 27 per cent, compared with placebo infusions, but some question if its potential safety concerns outweigh any benefits
An mRNA vaccine protects mice against deadly plague bacteria:
The bacterium Yersinia pestis causes frequent outbreaks that kill people, but a new vaccine based on cutting edge technology has shown promise in a mouse study
Critically endangered tiny gecko comes back from the brink:
The population of Union Island geckos plummeted due to growing demand from the illegal international pet trade, but conservationists working with locals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have helped boost its numbers
Drug clears sleeping sickness parasite from the body in clinical trial:
In a small trial, an experimental medicine was 100 per cent effective at ridding the parasite that causes sleeping sickness from the bodies of people with an early to intermediate infection
Mauna Loa eruption interrupts key record of atmospheric CO2:
The Mauna Loa Observatory has kept a nearly uninterrupted record of atmospheric carbon dioxide for more than 60 years, but a volcanic eruption has cut off power
'Unselfish' genes that make plants cooperate could boost crop yields:
A simple breeding experiment can identify genetic variants that make plants grow well without impeding their neighbours, improving overall yields
Bats and death metal singers use the same throat structure to growl:
Daubenton’s bats use false vocal folds in their throat to produce a lower frequency grunt for communication – the same structure that lets death metal singers growl
Gliding sensors inspired by floating seeds will biodegrade after use:
A biodegradable glider based on the seeds of the Javan cucumber, which float for long distances, could be used to monitor the environment without leaving polluting e-waste
Boarding school rules on phones and bedtimes help teens get more sleep:
At one high school, students who boarded had a consistent lights-out time and no phone access in bed, with these students getting almost five hours of extra sleep a week compared with the students who only attended school during the day
Do we have 'immunity debt' and how could it affect our infection risk?:
The covid-19 lockdowns undoubtedly saved many lives, but the prolonged restrictions also reduced our exposure and immunity to other infections, which could be set to spike in the UK this winter