Fungi don’t turn humans into zombies. But The Last of Us gets some science right

Fungi like those in the post-apocalyptic TV show are real. But humans’ body temperature and brain chemistry may protect us from zombifying fungi.

A new treatment could restore some mobility in people paralyzed by strokes

Electrodes placed along the spine helped two stroke patients in a small pilot study regain control of their hands and arms almost immediately.

What has Perseverance found in two years on Mars?

NASA’s Perseverance rover has turned up volcanic rocks, signs of flowing water and some of the materials necessary for life.

This robot automatically tucks its limbs to squeeze through spaces

Inspired by ants, a robot with telescoping legs can crawl under low ceilings, climb over steps and move on grass, loose rock and mulch.

Greta Thunberg’s new book urges the world to take climate action now

Greta Thunberg’s ‘The Climate Book’ covers the basic science of climate change, the history of denialism and inaction, environmental justice and solutions.

Psychedelics may improve mental health by getting inside nerve cells

Psychedelics can get inside neurons, causing them to grow. This might underlie the drugs’ potential in combatting mental health disorders.

Glassy eyes may help young crustaceans hide from predators in plain sight

Nanospheres in the eye reflect light that matches the color of the surrounding water, possibly making the animals invisible to nearby predators.

50 years ago, scientists discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In 1973, plastic bottles adrift in the North Pacific alarmed scientists. Fifty years later, more than 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic litter the area.

Insect bites in plant fossils reveal leaves could fold shut millions of years ago

The 252-million-year-old fossil leaves have symmetrical holes, which suggest an insect bit through the leaves when they were folded.

Rapid melting is eroding vulnerable cracks in Thwaites Glacier’s underbelly

Thwaites is melting slower than thought, but the worst of it is concentrated in underbelly cracks, threatening the Antarctica glacier’s stability.

Here’s why icicles made from pure water don’t form ripples

A new study explains why icicles made from pure water have irregular shapes rather than the ripples typical of the salty icicles found in nature.

Why male giraffes drink potential mates’ pee

In giraffes, an organ that detects pheromones has a stronger connection to the mouth than the nose. That’s different from many other mammals.

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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiidigestscience.com).