A groundbreaking study on dinosaur feces has offered new insights into why dinosaurs, among all reptiles, came to dominate the planet.
By analyzing hundreds of coprolites—fossilized dinosaur droppings—and even a few pieces of fossilized vomits from 230 million years ago, researchers discovered that dinosaurs thrived because they were not picky eaters.
Led by paleontologist Qvarnström from Uppsala University, the research revealed that early dinosaurs were opportunistic feeders. They consumed a wide range of food, including insects, fish, and plants. This dietary flexibility likely gave them a survival advantage over other reptiles of the time. Unlike selective feeders, dinosaurs adapted to the shifting climate and ecological changes of the Triassic period. This adaptability ultimately enabled them to emerge as dominant species during the Triassic-Jurassic transition, approximately 200 million years ago. However, researchers stress the need for further studies on feces from other species of that era to confirm this hypothesis.
Superbugs Spread Across Warzones
A study from Lund University has uncovered alarming levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in combat hospitals. Analysis of samples from 141 combat casualties, including severely injured adults and infants with pneumonia, revealed that 6% of these bacteria were resistant to all tested antibiotics.
The most concerning culprit is Klebsiella pneumoniae, which has demonstrated resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics and has been linked to severe infections like sepsis and pneumonia. Genetic sequencing showed these pathogens carry multiple resistance genes, rendering them nearly impossible to treat with existing medications. Experiments with mice and insect larvae confirmed that the most resistant strains are also the most lethal. Researchers warn that as long as patients remain in inadequate facilities without proper isolation, the spread of these superbugs will continue, posing a long-term global threat.
From Prehistoric to Innovative Era
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a jellyfish-inspired underwater robot that can swim continuously for 90 minutes on a single nine-minute charge. This innovative design represents a significant advancement in cordless underwater robotics.
By mimicking the jellyfish’s elastic mesoglea, which stores and releases energy, scientists created a robot powered by soft, flexible batteries. These batteries double as hydraulic fluid reservoirs, supplying energy to the robot's movements. Additionally, the jellyfish-like hemispherical shape minimizes rotational inertia, enhancing agility.
The robot, capable of swimming at a speed of 2 centimeters per second, operates efficiently with just 0.04 kWh of energy. Its compact design and extended operational time make it a promising candidate for commercial use in underwater exploration and surveillance.
