Study ‘proves’ colonists brought smallpox to South America
Scientists have found direct molecular evidence that European colonisers brought smallpox to South America after recovering the first ancient smallpox genomes from the Americas, in the remains of individuals in Chile. The strains belonged to a now-extinct lineage that branched from European strains around 1296. Analysing the virus’s DNA revealed it actively adapted to human hosts until the mid-16th century, then experienced few changes for 200 years. Smallpox caused Indigenous populations to collapse following European contact.
Plant-based diet’s winning hand is protein-fibre combo
Researchers have figured out why plant-based diets improve gut health. While animal proteins are easily absorbed, many plant proteins reach the colon. There, gut bacteria turn them into beneficial compounds like hippuric acid. Soluble fibre protects the gut. When a diet lacks fibre, bacteria often eat the body’s own protective mucus, producing toxins. The researchers found fibre prevents this process. So fibre and plant proteins work together to help the microbiome create a healthier internal environment.
Dog’s tongue inspires new cooling tech for electronics
Scientists have found small, previously unknown hair-like structures on beagles’ tongues that help saliva spread and evaporate rapidly to cool the animal, and based on it created a material called BioCCS. Its surface has microscopic grooves that help liquid spread rapidly across the surface while nanowires within the grooves weaken bonds between water molecules, allowing them to evaporate more easily. In tests, BioCCS removed 150% more heat than standard materials without needing external power or pumps.
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