Science
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Paleontology
Oct. 8, 2012 — A new study from a team of researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Monell Chemical Senses Center, and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, reveals that a person's ability to taste certain bitter flavors is directly related to their ability to fight off upper respiratory tract infections, specifically chronic sinus infections. The new research is published in the latest edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation . Most humans experience five types of tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory. The sense of taste is mediated by taste receptor cells which are bundled in our taste buds. "Sour" and "bitter" taste sensations alert the body to harmful foods that have spoiled or are toxic.
Bitter taste receptors regulate upper respiratory defense system
A rough estimate based on geologic records indicates there's a 1-in-10,000 chance of a "supereruption" at Yellowstone during our lifetimes. However, given the erratic nature of volcanoes, that number doesn't mean much. The bulging pocket of magma swishing around beneath Old Faithful might never blow its lid again. Or, it might put on a surprise fireworks show next Independence Day. Scientists just don't know. But if or when it blows, what will actually happen?
What if Yellowstone's supervolcano erupts?
In this weekly series, Life's Little Mysteries provides expert answers to challenging questions. The end of the world as we know it could come in any number of ways, depending on who you ask. Some people believe global cataclysm will occur when Earth's magnetic poles reverse.
What If Earth's Magnetic Poles Flip? | Scientists Discuss the Effects of a Geomagnetic Field Reversal
100 Amazing Things You Never Knew About Your Body - Online Nursing Programs, Schools & Degrees
November 3, 2009 You think you’re learning everything you can in your biology and anthropology classes, but textbook editors simply don’t have all the space they need to give you the full story of your body.
The McLaren MP4-12C is one of the more interesting supercars on the road, and it conveys a certain sense of wealth and connoisseurship about its driver. Of course, the MP4-12C's prestige pales in comparison to any massive, multi-million-dollar yacht ... unless, of course, it happens to be on board such a vessel. The Ultraluxum CXL 160 is a huge, high-tech sailing yacht with a show garage designed specifically for the MP4-12C. <p style="text-align:right;color:#A8A8A8"></p>
On the Water - Page 4
A new study finds that a drop in testosterone levels over time is more likely to result from a man's behavioral and health changes than by aging. The study results will be presented Monday at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston. "Declining testosterone levels are not an inevitable part of the aging process, as many people think," said study co-author Gary Wittert, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, Australia. "Testosterone changes are largely explained by smoking behavior and changes in health status, particularly obesity and depression."
Declining testosterone levels in men not part of normal aging, study finds
LHC Physicists Explain the Higgs Boson Particle
The Large Hadron Collider is pretty interesting. New subatomic particles are being discovered with its utilization. Just last Friday a new particle was discovered – “neutral Xi_b^star baryon”.
Astronomy