See that small point at the center of the spiral on a snail’s shell? That is the snail’s protoconch…the bud of the mollusk’s lifetime home, its shell. The shell of a snail is more than just a domicile…it is a protective armor that is permanently and physically attached to the snail’s body. Although we like …
Author: Prentice, the Science Platypus
Prentice is the mascot of Insanitek.
Why a platypus? Well, why not? It's unusual, somewhat crazy, and evolution pretty much smashed a bunch of concepts together and said, "Try that."
What Are You Really Eating At Work?
Most of us look forward to Pizza Friday or Donut Day at work, but what are these foods doing to our overall eating habits? According to a new study, it’s all doing more harm than good. Recently, researchers looked at a group of 5,222 employees across the U.S. to determine just how these eating habits …
Fun Under the Sun: Treating Heat-Related Illnesses
Summer is a time for fun under the sun, but failing to prepare for the weather accordingly can result in a number of health issues. Everything from heat stroke to sunburn is a concern when the weather gets warmer, meaning it’s best to take precautionary measures whenever possible. Let’s take a look at some of …
Crow Funerals: Why the Murder Mobs the Dead
Scientists have known for years that crows have a lot more intelligence that we give them credit for. These common birds can solve puzzles and figure out tools. They even remember the faces of humans and if someone every does wrong to a crow, they can expect years of harassment from that crow and all …
Antarctica is Losing Its Ice — Or Is It?
Many coastal cities are already prone to flooding, but what if the situation became direr within the next century? This could very well be the case, and it’s all depending on Antarctica. A new study published in Nature recently looked at Antarctica’s ice loss, and discovered that if it continues to melt at the rate …
WHO to Include “Gaming Disorder” in Its Latest Edition of Mental Health Ailments
You might have it or know someone who shows symptoms of it – an obsessive love of video games. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) is finally acknowledging it as a form of mental illness. “Gaming disorder,” as it’s been called, is set to be included in the 11th edition of International Classification of Diseases …
1 in 3 Adults in the U.S. Take Medication that May Cause Depression
What if you found out that the medications you were taking for certain ailments were actually contributing to potential depression? This is what a new study now claims, and it’s more common than you may think. Researchers note that more than 200 common medications sold in the U.S. contain depression as a potential side effect. …
Coral Reefs Save Millions of Dollars By Preventing Floods
They’re bright, beautiful, and home to some of the world’s most gorgeous sea creatures, but did you know that coral reefs also play a critical role in the prevention of flooding? This is according to a new study recently published in Nature. “Coral reefs serve as natural, low-crested, submerged breakwaters, which provide flood reduction benefits …
The Secret Sex Lives of the Praying Mantis
Sex is risky business for male praying mantis. One of the most recognizable members of the insect world, with its triangular head, long body, and forearms that look like they are folded in prayer, the praying mantis is anything but pious. Females of the mantodea order are often seen as ruthless, cold-blooded seductresses because they …
Report: Frequent Exercise May Benefit Your Brain Health
Before you run your next mile, think about what it might be doing to your brain. As it turns out, physical activity may be benefiting your overall cognitive ability, according to new research. A group of scientists recently reviewed data from dozens of studies on older adults. They discovered that those who exercised an average …