Twistronics

In past posts I shared articles dealing with graphene and its ability to produce electricity when twisted.  This new study is called "twistronics". This article continues that discussion highlighting the unique angle of 1.1 degrees that allows this fascinating phenomena to occur. 

Stiletto Snake

As if snakes weren't creepy enough, scientists have now discovered a new species of snake called the Branch's Stiletto Snake which can strike and attack sideways by using a fang protruding from the side of its mouth.  This also poses a danger to humans as the typical way of handling snakes by grabbing them behind their heads doesn't work since they can twist and strike to the side.  Check out more details here.

Case of the Missing Anus

Scientists have discovered a jellyfish that has an anus that is transient.  That's right, it only appears when the jellyfish needs to rid itself of excrement and then it disappears.  The anus can appear whereever the internal gut touches the outer epidermis. Fascinating!  Read more.

A Shape that Blocks All Sound

Scientists have created a 3D printed shape that blocks, by returning the sound waves to their source, 94% of the sound waves created. This new shape could have tremendous use on engines, HVAC systems, cubicles and more.  Shape your mind by reading here.

Dinnerplate-Sized Tarantula Drags Opossum for Dinner

A dinnerplate-sized tarantula in the Amazon rainforest was seen dragging an opossum across the forest floor for a snack.  The video is quite amazing, yet terrifying.  Check it out!

Zombie Deer Disease, Mad Cow Disease and the Jump to Humans

Mad Cow Disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, has been around for years.  It jumped to humans in the '90's and people still die from it. Basically, their brains are eaten away and there is no cure.  Now researchers have found a similar disease in deer.  The disease causes their brains to become like swiss cheese as prions wreak havoc inside their heads.  The jump to humans is not fiction.  It is feared that this could happen soon.  The whole article can be found here.

Cube-Shaped Poo

Wombats produce cube-shaped poo to attract mates and mark their territory.  But how in the world do they produce poo that's not round!  This article explains it.

Check out this post from last year. 

16 Billion Units on the Scoville Scale!

The Carolina Reaper is the world's hottest pepper coming in at 1.6 million on the Scoville scale of hotness.  Now, a cactus from Morroco has obliterated that with heat on the Scoville scale of 16 billion units!  The active ingredient is resiniferatoxin. What possible use could that kind of heat be used for?  How about killing pain receptors in bad knees? Or killing pain associated with cancer?  The article found in wired.com has much more information on this unique and mind-searing level of heat!

Atoms, Empty Space and Density

If atoms are mostly empty space, many wonder why matter is not transparent.  Here's a simple answer from sciencefocus.com. 

While atoms are indeed mostly empty space, the void is filled with the electromagnetic fields generated by the electrons within the atom. These affect light waves as they move through materials, preventing them from passing straight through unimpeded. Switching to radiation of shorter wavelength, like X-rays or gamma rays, allows even relatively dense materials to become transparent.

Rotting Corpses - Homes for Babies

Mothers love their children, even in the insect world. The Burying Beetle is no exception. This beetle uses corpses of dead animals to create a wonderful nursery for her young. Because of the beetles secretions, the carcass does not rot and the children have a warm, dry place to live and eat.  Here's another creative example of the intelligence of design.