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Leftover Hardware Doctors Spotted Inside a Kidney Turned Out to Be Their Own Buckled Scope

A smooth, metallic-looking object inside a kidney was the doctor's own bent scope. A new case report shows how expectation can fool the eye.

Medical Daily · Sep 15

How to do your own online health research like a scientist – a biostatistician’s step-by-step guide

The instinct to “do your own research” when it comes to your health is a good one. The challenge often is not lack of information, but the opposite.

The Conversation · Aug 4

A South African tick is moving into new areas, and climate models warn that central and eastern regions could face higher disease risk by 2065

A tick species is expanding its habitat across South Africa due to climate change. This expansion poses significant risks to livestock industries and animal health. The tick carries diseases like heartwater and African tick-bite fever. These pathogens can affect cattle and, in some cases, humans. Disease prevention efforts must adapt…

The Times of India · Jul 13

Northern water snake size explained: Why this harmless snake can look massive

Northern water snakes are common in eastern North America. These snakes are harmless and not venomous. Many people mistake them for dangerous species due to their size, dark coloration, and stocky bodies. Their habitat and defensive actions also contribute to this misconception. These snakes play a vital role in freshwater…

The Economic Times · May 22

Cobra vs Cottonmouth: Why these two snakes are dangerous in completely different ways

Imagine navigating the wild terrains of Africa or Asia, where cobras lurk with their potent venom that disrupts the nervous system, leading to possible paralysis. In contrast, the cottonmouth, native to the southeastern United States, injects venom that wreaks havoc on blood and tissue. Survival from a bite largely hinges…

The Economic Times · May 20

In 2009, Jan Koum built a status app that kept failing: Adding messaging to fix it helped create whatsApp

Initially launched as a simple status update platform, WhatsApp struggled to capture the user base it desired. However, with the clever addition of messaging features, it evolved into a powerhouse of real-time communication. This transformation fostered continuous dialogue and formed lasting connections across distances, ultimately leading to its solidification as…

The Economic Times · May 18

How a failed refrigeration experiment unexpectedly led to the discovery of Teflon

The year was 1938 when a moment of accidental brilliance occurred in the lab of chemist Roy Plunkett, leading to the discovery of polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. This unassuming substance, which would earn the iconic name Teflon, showcased extraordinary traits like substantial heat resistance and an uncanny slipperiness.

The Economic Times · May 15

In the 1960s, Australian farmers digging through Queensland wetlands uncovered strange skulls that sparked debate over whether early Australians looked archaic

Fossils found at Kow Swamp, Australia, initially suggested archaic human presence due to robust skulls. However, later studies revealed these features could be due to cranial deformation, not ancient lineage. Analysis of leg bones and subsequent DNA studies confirmed the remains belonged to anatomically modern humans, highlighting the importance of…

The Economic Times · May 14

Tick-safe backyard checklist: 7 Normal things that quietly turn your yard into a tick magnet

Your backyard might be a tick haven. Moisture, leaves, and shaded spots create ideal conditions. These small creatures thrive in yard edges where lawns meet trees and shrubs. Fortunately, simple changes can make your yard safer. Clearing leaves, managing brush, and storing firewood properly reduce tick populations. Preventing deer access…

The Economic Times · May 12

The ‘silent subletter’: Why your rabbit burrow might have a hidden winter risk

Winter rabbit burrows are more than just shelters. They become ideal havens for mites and other parasites. These underground homes trap moisture and maintain stable temperatures, allowing parasites to survive between hosts. Scientists now use thermal cameras to study these burrows. This research reveals how these seemingly simple holes are…

The Economic Times · May 12