R&D INSIGHT IMAGE OF THE MONTH IN BRIEF
Alcohol substitutes could reduce health risks
© Johanna Werminghausen/University of Tübingen A different kind of mating dance
Many animals have been observed to have unusual mating habits, but this one might just top them all. Evolutionary biologists from the University of Tübingen have observed that part of the hermaphroditic sea slug Siphopteron’s mating process involves reciprocally stabbing each other in
the head. The researchers suspect that the secretions they inject contain bioactive proteins which can enter the acting female’s nervous system to manipulate reproduction – possibly increasing the number of eggs laid or ensuring that the most recent sperm are preferred to those of earlier mates.
A drug that mimics some effects of alcohol but lacks its harmful properties would have real benefit for public health, a leading scientist has argued. Professor David Nutt of Imperial College London has identified candidate molecules that reproduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol but are much less toxic. “We want to get rid of any of the unwanted effects like aggression and memory impairment, leaving just pleasure and the sense of relaxation.
Evolvability is evolvable in bacteria
The capacity to generate genetic variation is itself an evolvable trait, according to new research. B. burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, uses unexpressed genetic sequences organised into “cassettes” to tweak its surface antigen in order to escape detection by the host immune system. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that natural selection seemed to favour bacteria with more genetic variability within these cassettes (and hence a greater capacity to generate different versions of the antigen).
New training network for asteroid deflection
Cow massage on-demand
We all appreciate a nice massage and a good scrub, and cows are no exception. Dutch farmer Gerrit Jan Vink decided to simplify the process of cleaning his herd by inventing the Rotating Cattle Brush. The cylindrical rotating brush is driven by an electric motor that starts automatically when the cow makes contact with it. Not only do the cows enjoy it, the brush also keeps them clean, healthy and calm, which in turn produces more milk.
www.projectsmagazine.eu.com
World-leading scientists will push the boundaries of studies on how to deflect asteroids and manipulate space debris. Led by the University of Strathclyde, the Stardust programme – the first research-based training network of its kind – aims to protect the planet and space assets from catastrophic impacts. Lead scientist Professor Massimiliano Vasile said: “Asteroids and space debris represent a significant hazard for space and terrestrial assets. However, they may also represent opportunities for debris recycling or asteroid mining.”
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