University of Copenhagen

A plant known as the “Seven Steps of Death” holds within its poisonous growth a hotly touted anti-obesity compound, celastrol. For the first time, this compound has been genetically mapped and then synthesized safely, purely and quickly in a yeast host.

The animal kingdom has no shortage of weird and wonderful surprises, and this year biologists gave us some real treats to talk about. From microscopic bacteria to huge cetaceans, here are the most bizarre animal stories we covered in 2023.

Gigantic waves can seemingly come out of nowhere, threatening ships and oil rigs. Now, an AI system trained on centuries of data has been able to predict when these rogue waves will occur, revealing new insights into how they form.

Genitalia in the animal kingdom is rarely dull, from penis 'sword' fighting flatworms, to echidnas with four-headed phalluses. Let us introduce a new odd member contender: a beetle with an appendage that looks like you could crack open a beer with it.

Hijacking the body of another animal is nothing new in the opportunistic world of parasitism. But for the first time, scientists have observed how one crafty flatworm can switch ‘zombie mode’ on and off, leaving its host ant stuck between life and death.

A new study suggests that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have reduced lung function and to report lung problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or wheezing.

Researchers have developed a way of recycling polyester. Their new method is simple, non-toxic for humans and the environment and, what’s more, it preserves the integrity of the cotton removed from the fabric so that it’s ready for reuse.

Researchers have transplanted specialized brain support cells into mice and found that they replaced unhealthy and aged cells. The findings open the door to developing an effective treatment for a range of neurological conditions.

GPS-enabled tracking collars allow scientists to learn a lot about wild animals, but the devices do have one major drawback – limited battery life. A new tracker gets around that limitation, as it's continuously powered by the animal's movements.

Why do some people naturally make it to the ripe old age of 100 while remaining free of illness or disease? A new study may have an answer to that question, and the bottom line is that it has to do with what’s in our gut.

Beetles can live in incredibly dry environments by taking water from the air and absorbing it through their rectums. Scientists have now discovered how this rear-end phenomenon works, and the findings may help to protect world food supplies.

New research has found adding milk to your morning coffee may enhance the drink's anti-inflammatory properties. Across several studies scientists demonstrated how milk proteins can bind with antioxidants in coffee, amplifying any health benefits.