MI weekly selection #463
Scientists find galaxy far, far away
Astronomers discovered HD1, an extremely energetic galaxy candidate that is 13.1 billion light-years from Earth, making it 100 million light-years farther away than what is currently the most distant galaxy. According to research, the energy emitted from HD1 could be because it is a gigantic black hole or contains some of the first stars formed in the universe.
Drug-resistant bacteria may spread from pets to people
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes may be able to pass from healthy pet dogs and cats to their people, according to a study of 114 people and their companion animals presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. ESBL/AmpC-producing bacteria were detected in 13% of people and 15% of pets, while a smaller share of people and animals shared resistance genes.
Vegetarian birds more likely to practice polygamy
An analysis of research centered on the 118 species of Weaver birds has confirmed a hypothesis nearly six decades old — the vegetarian species of these sub-Saharan songbirds are more social, living in colonies and breeding with multiple partners each season. However, insect-eating varieties are likely to live a more solitary, monogamous life.
Honey sweetens computer chip technology
Using solidified honey placed between two electrodes, scientists were able to create a device to mimic the reaction and response time of human brain synapses. The technology could represent a sustainable, biodegradable way to build computer chips.
Events that influence estrogen may affect dementia risk
Reproductive events that affect estrogen levels may influence risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Early and late first menstruation, hysterectomy and younger age at first birth were associated with a higher risk of dementia, but number of children was not associated with differences in dementia risk between men and women. Longer time from first menstruation to menopause and ever having been pregnant were associated with lower dementia risk.