Water Bear Transport | Beetle Butts | Hi(ve)-Tech

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Water Bear Transport

Tardigrade super powers may increase shelf life for life-saving medications. Researchers identified the key protein enabling water bear anhydrobiosis and applied it to FVIII.

• Anhydrobiosis = reversible dehydration-caused suspended animation

• FVIII = blood-clotting factor VIII

• FVIII treats extreme bleeding, and hemophilia A

CAHS D was identified as the secret super ingredient protecting dehydrated enzymes in tardigrades. Scaling this discovery could save countless lives by limiting dependence on refrigerated medication. Radioactive water bears would be quicker, just saying.

Just add water

Beetle Butts

We finally know how beetles drink from their butts. Scientists discovered red flour beetles use their rectums to absorb hydration from the air.

• Can go entire life without drinking water orally

• Efficient absorption = no water wasted in stool samples

• Nha1 gene is expressed 60x more in rectum compared to rest of body

Red flour beetles and other pests destroy at least 25% of global food supply. Pesticides targeting Nha1 will help increase food production without harming surrounding organisms. Wait ‘til they learn about bidets…

Bottoms up

Hi(ve)-Tech

Honeybee hives, now with space heaters. Biologists and roboticists developed heated honeycombs to keep bees alive when temperatures drop.

• Bees fall into a deadly coma when hive temps drop below 50 °F

• Heated honeycombs covertly slide into existing hives

• Sensors study and warm bees as needed

Residents of the smart-heated hive survived a cold snap that killed all neighboring colonies during testing. The big win is conservationists utilizing new beehavior data to protect low-tech pollinators. May I suggest, bee sweaters?

That warm buzzy feeling

Clickables

• So you think you can Dance Your PhD

• 3D printed cake - mmm, science

• From saving lives to delivering snacks - Zipline drones

• Lego hive hosting 30k bees

• Never knew sea sponges ate so…uniquely

st3v on site

Micro Powers

After getting bitten by a radioactive tardigrade, st3v forgot he never needed water and could already hibernate. At least he can relate to Teddy Grade and Macrobiotus Leviosa now.

Based on last week’s poll, 60% of you would rather power your watch with Crab Cakes than Krabby Batties. Sending Bikini Bottom Bank into meme territory after a run on sand dollars.

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