The last whalers are going to stop their fishing
A moratorium on whaling, with the exception of the needs of the indigenous population of certain regions, has been in effect since 1982. But Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to harvest whales through quotas and withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission.
In the UK, crabs, lobsters and octopuses are recognized as sentient animals and are protected under animal rights law
Decapods – crabs, lobsters, shrimp and crayfish; Cephalopod cephalopods – octopuses, squids and cuttlefish – have a complex central nervous system, which is one of the key features of their ability to experience various feelings.
NASA and UNESCO plan to study up to 80 percent of the ocean floor by 2030
The US space agency’s goal is twofold: to understand the nature of the oceans that exist on other planets and to develop technologies to operate in extreme conditions. UNESCO study of the world’s oceans is important for preserving a sustainable climate and ecosystems.
Giant bacteria measuring more than one centimeter were discovered in tropical forests
Before the discovery of the new bacterium Thiomargarita magnifica, the bacterium Thiomargarita namibiensis, measuring just over half a millimeter, was considered the largest.
Apes have their own alternative medicine
Researchers have noticed how chimpanzees use insects to treat their own wounds and the wounds of their relatives. At the same time, the healing properties of some insects have been known to people since ancient times.
Canadian scientists have achieved that 80 percent of organs for transplantation have become universal
The new technology involves replacing the second blood group of a donor organ with the first. The article says that this is already enough for 80% of organs selected for transplantation to become universal.
The number of refugees and migrants in 2021 has broken all previous records
More than 84 million people fled their homes between January and November 2021, according to the UN Refugee Agency
Heredity determines the age at which old age sets in
Humans, giant tortoises, and other animals have genes responsible for DNA repair, namely for the correct repair and self-destruction of cells that have received severe mutations.
The next breakthrough in the field of genetics – obtaining offspring of a certain sex and an artificial form of life
A new type of artificial life is called a “living programmable organism”: xenobots, millimeter-sized.
Unexpected sources of ocean pollution
Decaying plastic and nutrients from cities and farms pollute the ocean as much as oil spills.
Melting glaciers reveal unknown species and meteorite remains
Glaciers are capable of preserving information about the history of the Earth, as they trap dust particles, traces of gas, microbes and plant matter from the environment.
Nobel laureates in chemistry and medicine 2021 – nature-like technologies and a new understanding of sensations
Scientists have replicated the natural synthesis of organic molecules and discovered new touch receptors.
Russia will store and collect genetic information for research
In the Russian Federation, a National Genetic Information Database will be created by 2024, and in 2009 a “forensic” genetic information database was formed.
Chimpanzees figured out the function of television
Chimpanzees watch their relatives with interest on Zoom.
African elephants are on the verge of extinction
The number of animals that have lived on our planet for more than three million years has rapidly decreased to critical levels. African elephants have practically no enemies in their habitat; the reason for their extinction is human poaching.
Scientists explain confusion caused by coronavirus
So far, two reasons for the deterioration of cognitive functions have been identified. However, symptoms persist several weeks after infection with COVID-19.