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Happy National Leftover Fireworks day!
—Steve 🎆
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Orca Spa
Orcas may be more handy than we thought. Scientists observed the whales using a tool for the first time.
Some orcas drape their bodies with kelp
Then deliberately rub it against each other
Possibly removing dead skin or providing a nice massage
These seaweed spas are believed to be a social activity passed down through local generations of orcas seeking and swimming through kelp beds. However, scientists don’t believe humans will garner the same praise if covering themselves in kelp.
Hmm…Which spa treatment would you choose? |
Check out last week’s results in “Unnatural Selection” below
Plastic Meds
E. coli wants to replenish your medicine cabinet. Researchers engineered the bacteria to convert plastic into paracetamol (acetaminophen).
Plastic is first degraded into terephthalic acid (TPA)
TPA then converts to 4-aminophenol
E. coli finishes by converting to paracetamol
Similar biosynthetic procedures could be applied to higher-value chemicals. Reducing waste while potentially lowering pharmaceutical costs. Further complicating our love/hate relationship with E. coli.
These stories reminded me that dolphins were already using tools as medicine! Here’s a throwback form issue #50 🤯
Dolphin Pharma
Dolphins have pharmacies, too. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins rub against specific coral, causing it to release a medicated mucus.
Coral samples revealed bioactive compounds that treat skin issues
Dolphins use corals between naps, almost like a shower
Also observed in Orcas and Beluga whales
Coral reefs offer more than just a “SeaVS”, they are a safe-space for dolphins to sleep and play. The observing biologist hopes their research raises awareness for proper dolphin interactions. Imagine tourists barging in during your shower or nap…
Did you know I also write a parody newsletter?
If you’ve ever ridden a bike or seen one, you’ll find something to laugh at!
Recent Hits:
Clickables
🔍️ How King Tut is fighting cancer
⚽️ Will we see an AI team in the World Cup?
🦠 When your immune system has an identity crisis (Kurzgesagt)
🪃 Catch this — 40k year-old mammoth tusk boomerang
Unnatural Selection
Last week: “What type of music do bees listen to?”
Steve made this in Procreate
Imagine the whole hive is split into various musical areas for bees to enjoy. I bet they have a “Baby Shark” honeycomb. 😂
Make sure you vote up top for next week’s “Unnatural Selection”!
st3v on site
Light Show
Steve made this with chatGPT
st3v made sure to hack the fireworks display before taking this week off!
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