science on localnews page 237

Running is a complex activity that involves a lot of moving parts. One key aspect is how the body manages to keep the foot at a consistent height during the swing phase. This is crucial for a smooth and safe landing. Researchers wanted to see how this process changes with different running speeds. T

Sea Compounds Speed Up Healing

When the skin is cut, the body goes through a series of steps to heal itself. This process can be slowed down by too much inflammation. One pathway that plays a big role in this is the cGAS-STING pathway. This pathway gets activated when cells are stressed or damaged, leading to more inflammation. T

How UV Light Boosts Vitamin K in Lettuce

Lettuce is a common plant-based food that contains phylloquinone. This is also known as vitamin K1. The body doesn't absorb phylloquinone very well. So, eating foods with high levels of it can help maintain good vitamin K levels. Scientists did two experiments to see how different types of light aff

The Sun's Storms and Our Grid: A Wake-Up Call

Solar storms are a big deal. They can mess with our power grids, GPS signals, and even satellites. Imagine a storm so strong it could cause a trillion-dollar disaster. That's what some experts are worried about. In 2024, a series of solar storms, known as the Gannon Storm, hit Earth. It was the firs

Lung Cancer: The Power of Targeted DNA Aptamers

Lung cancer is a significant health issue, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type. One way to fight it is by targeting something called PD-L1, which is often found on lung cancer cells. Blocking PD-L1 can help the body's immune system attack the cancer. This is where aptamers come i

The Secret Life of Steric Hindrance

The world of chemistry is full of surprises. One such surprise is the way certain reactions can happen even when things seem crowded. Think about trying to squeeze into a tight space. It's tough, right? Now, imagine trying to do that at a molecular level. That's what happens in a special type of che

What's Inside Your Rapid Test Kit?

The rapid test kits that have become so common are made up of many different parts. These parts are put together in a specific way. They are designed to detect certain things in a sample. The materials used in these kits can vary a lot. Some are quite simple, while others are quite complex. The choi

Unmasking GHB: The Race to Catch the Invisible Drug

GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, is a sneaky substance. It's often used in recreational drugs and, sadly, in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. The problem? GHB breaks down quickly in the body. This makes it hard for investigators to collect evidence. Plus, it's tricky to tell if GHB was added to a

The Hidden Threat in Farm Waste

Farm waste is not just about the smell or the mess. It's a big deal for our health. There's a lot of talk about antibiotic resistance. This is when bacteria learn to beat the drugs meant to kill them. It's a real worry for doctors. But did you know that farm waste plays a big role in this probl

Copper's Bonding Magic: How Copper and Boron Dance Together