Hollywood’s historical use of chimp “actors” has distorted public perception of these creatures. Make no mistake, chimpanzees are wild animals that should not be underestimated. Over recent years, “domesticated” chimps have made headlines for attacking humans, or for being abused by their handlers. These cases are so horrifically memorable. It’s easy to forget all of...

Smartphones are way more than just phones. They are also calculators, maps, voice recorders, music players, photo albums, and calendars. With additional apps, they can become books, movie screens, bankers, and store shelves with every item. You no longer need a computer to check emails, look at social media, type a document, download PDF files,...

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that is neither fully understood nor easy to diagnose. People with this condition can go undiagnosed for years, seeking one doctor after another for their symptoms. Unfortunately, many finally hear the answer after surgery — one of the most invasive ways to receive a diagnosis. Fortunately, the Royal Australian...

The word “crime” comes with many severe connotations. It draws up images of burglars, drug dealers, embezzlers, carjacking thieves, scam artists, stalkers, and serial killers. But many crimes are much less dramatic and much more common, like underage drinking and distracted driving. Although these are laws people often break, it’s not surprising to receive a...

Food is more than fuel. It’s a form of communication and a holder of memories, including noteworthy meals, locations, people, and conversations. Even just the aroma of a certain dish can bring feelings of excitement and nostalgia. But eating can become difficult in end-of-life care as appetites diminish, palates change, and health issues get in...

With the prevalence of diet culture, carbohydrates have a bad reputation. But while trendy meal plans may allow complex carbs from whole grains, they usually demonize white rice and pasta. After all, they are lower in fiber and protein compared to whole grains. What’s more, the body digests them quickly, which leads to spikes in...

Experts once believed the Wollemi pine tree went extinct. But in the 1990s, it was rediscovered in Australia. Also called the dinosaur tree, the Wollemi pine is one of the oldest tree species in the world. However, it’s under threat of real extinction from climate change and wildfires. To guarantee their survival, conservationists bred genetically...

A scientist may have found the cure for breast cancer, but through a controversial approach. Beata Halassy, 50, is a PhD virologist who successfully treated her own breast cancer by injecting herself with viruses known to attack cancer cells. This method is known as oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) and is currently being studied as an experimental...

Caffeine aficionados may be familiar with coffee cherries. These are the fruits of coffee trees that look like ruby red grapes when ripe. Inside them are two bluish-green coffee beans. Once extracted and roasted, the beans are ready to be ground and turned into a morning cup of joe. The fruit is typically discarded, but...

Let’s be clear: Inflammation is not inherently bad. It’s a natural healing response to infections and injuries. It comes in the form of symptoms like swelling, pain, heat, and redness, and usually heals on its own. When inflammation is temporary, it’s healthy and essential. But when it becomes chronic or severe, it can contribute to...

Age affects everyone differently. Some people are active and sharp well into their 90s, while others suffer physical and mental decline starting in their 50s. There are exceptions to every rule, and unsafe drivers come in every age. However, in 2021 there were 8,209 fatalities involving drivers aged 65 or older, compared to the low...

Sperm whales appear all over the world. They swim in every deep ocean and brave extreme temperatures from the equator to the Arctic and Antarctic. They have massive heads that take up one-third of their body length. Inside are the largest brains in the planet, five times the size of a human’s. And they seem...