MI weekly selection #30
Clouds protect habitable planets from star’s heat
According to a recent study that developed a 3D model to explore how clouds affect temperatures on exoplanets, the number of habitable worlds could be double the amount previously thought. The study found that as many as 60 billion exoplanets fall within a habitable zone around their star and planets closely orbiting smaller stars benefit from thick clouds that protect their surface from reaching deadly temperatures.
Los Angeles Times / Science Now
Temperature-Sensing Fat Cells
Researchers discover that unlike brown fat cells, white fat cells can directly sense cooling temperatures to switch on genes that control heat production.
Ultrasound from moth’s genitals blocks bat radar
Hawkmoths produce sonic pulses from their genitals in response to high-frequency sounds from bats.
Bengalis show genetic resistance to cholera, arsenic
People in Bangladesh who live in the Ganges Delta developed a genetic resistance to cholera and arsenic over the last 5,000 to 30,000 years to protect against the disease and toxin, according to research. Studying these protective genes could lead to the development of longer-lasting, more effective vaccines.
Miniature pyramids of Sudan
Archaeologists excavating on the banks of the Nile have uncovered a necropolis where hundreds of small pyramids once stood.