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- đź’¬ Alpha Parasite | Worm Rave | Zappy Bandage
They say there's no such thing as "too many cookies". So I put that to the test while writing this, strictly for science...
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-Steve
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Michael LaRosa / Unsplash
Alpha Parasite
Wolfpack bravery is literally contagious. Wolves infected by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii are 46 times more likely to lead the group.
T. gondii = parasite that can affect all warm-blooded species
Increases dopamine and testosterone, promoting risk-taking
Matures in wolves, travels in fights & feces, reproduces in cougars
Studies show parasitically-brave wolf packs in Yellowstone engage in risky turf wars with feline foes. Regardless of territory ownership, the parasite continues winning. New theory: T. gondii also infected crypto bros.
Worm Rave
Remote-controlled worms can follow traffic lights. Scientists used optogenetics to implant two proteins into C. elegans, affecting their response to various wavelengths of light.
Optogenetics = genetically engineering vision systems
Proteins from mosquitos prompted worms to move away from light
Protein from lampreys sent “stop” signals under UV light
Similar optic practices have restored vision and controlled pain in mice. More research is needed to determine potential benefits of light-controlled worms, but this will jumpstart future optical studies. For now, Tesla can work on self-driving worms, T. muskegan.
Zappy Bandage
Electrified bandages can speed up healing. Stanford scientists developed a smart bandage that speeds up repair while communicating with an app.
All electrical components housed within the bandage
Skin sensors tell it when to apply a jolt
Mice healed ~25% faster than normal wound dressing
Bandage falls off when it senses the wound has healed by reaching a certain temperature. More research will help reduce production cost and eventually enable humans rapidly heal. One step closer to becoming Deadpool.
Clickables
Award-winning nature pics (#18 could be a Lion King spin-off)
Stay young with Disney’s age-controlling AI
Rock collecting robots help make more batteries
Working from inside an egg
Death metal growling bats are so metal
st3v on site
Wormula 1
Optogenetic studies are one of st3v's favorites. He gets to enjoy worm racing and the scientists don't have to keep turning on the green lights.
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