Friday 27 March 2026

Science Daily

  1. Scientists have developed a breakthrough “superfood” for honeybees by engineering yeast to produce the essential nutrients normally found in pollen. In controlled trials, colonies fed this specially designed diet produced up to 15 times more young, showing a dramatic boost in reproduction and overall health. As climate change and modern agriculture reduce the availability of natural pollen, this innovation could offer a practical way to support struggling bee populations.
  2. A cow named Veronika has stunned scientists by using tools in a flexible and purposeful way. She chooses different ends of a brush depending on the part of her body and adjusts her movements accordingly. This level of tool use is incredibly rare and was previously seen mainly in primates. The finding hints that cows may be much smarter than we assume.
  3. Having both excess belly fat and low muscle mass isn’t just unhealthy—it’s potentially deadly, raising the risk of death by 83%. This condition, called sarcopenic obesity, creates a vicious cycle where fat accelerates muscle breakdown and inflammation. Researchers found it can be identified using simple measurements, not costly medical tests. That means earlier detection—and a real chance to intervene before serious decline sets in.
  4. Using a smartphone with long nails can be frustrating, forcing people to awkwardly tap with their fingertips instead of their nails. Now, researchers are working on a clear nail polish that could change that by turning fingernails into touchscreen-friendly tools. By experimenting with dozens of formulas, they discovered that combining common compounds like taurine and ethanolamine can help nails carry just enough electrical charge for screens to detect a touch.
  5. A sweeping global report finds that migratory freshwater fish are in steep decline, with populations down roughly 81% since 1970. These species depend on long, connected rivers, but dams and human pressures are cutting off their routes. Hundreds of species now need coordinated international protection. Experts say restoring river connectivity is critical to preventing further collapse.

Membership