Peter Dockrill
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Articles by Peter Dockrill
Scientists Simulated What Earth Would Be Like if Life Never Existed Original
We're here. We're not entirely sure how we got here, but we're here. But… what if we weren't here? That's the question scientists posed in a new study, simulating an alternative vision of Earth where life, uh, never found a way. The findings, reported in The Planetary Science Journal, aren't just a surreal thought experiment. It's also a serious scientific question, and a new investigation of the ideas behind the Gaia hypothesis.
Pandemic stress linked to faster epigenetic aging, but only in one generation
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The world's biggest sea of sand shows no trace of ancient humans. Here's why.
The world's largest continuous sand desert wasn't always so unforgiving. The Rub' al Khali, or 'Empty Quarter' , stretches for 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of endless sand across the Arabian Peninsula. But during the Pleistocene, it was a different story. In wetter phases of deep history, the world's biggest sea of sand became at times a more hospitable place.
Study Identifies The #1 Issue Affecting The Academic Performance of US College Students Original
A college education is a life-changing experience, but nobody said it was easy. On top of all the studying, you need to make sure you get enough sleep, figure out how to block distractions, and find ways to handle academic stress. Even if you do all that, let's face it, thinking is hard. But if you ask college students about the challenges they face, one particular problem seems to overshadow all those other issues – and it's an internal struggle that basically anybody can relate to.
Pandemic Stress Linked to Faster Epigenetic Aging, But Only in One Generation Original
Stress is much more than just an emotional reaction. When we experience the feeling of stress, it can do things to our bodies, producing a distinct chemical response. What's more, physiological responses to stress exposure can speed up our biological aging, and the extent of the acceleration appears to be different for different people.
The World's Biggest Sea of Sand Shows No Trace of Ancient Humans. Here's Why.
The world's largest continuous sand desert wasn't always so unforgiving. The Rub' al Khali, or 'Empty Quarter', stretches for 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of endless sand across the Arabian Peninsula. But during the Pleistocene, it was a different story. In wetter phases of deep history, the world's biggest sea of sand became at times a more hospitable place.
The World's Biggest Sea of Sand Shows No Trace of Ancient Humans. Here's Why.
The world's largest continuous sand desert wasn't always so unforgiving. The Rub' al Khali, or 'Empty Quarter', stretches for 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of endless sand across the Arabian Peninsula. But during the Pleistocene, it was a different story. In wetter phases of deep history, the world's biggest sea of sand became at times a more hospitable place.
Scientists identified a biological signature of tinnitus, and it's in your blood
For the millions worldwide with tinnitus , silence never comes. The condition, estimated to affect 15 percent of people globally, produces the perception of persistent ringing and other phantom sounds. We've never known for sure what causes tinnitus , and we've also never had a reliable objective biomarker or test for it. Until now, the only way doctors could diagnose the condition was if you told them you heard sounds that weren't there But that could be set to change.
Scientists Identified a Biological Signature of Tinnitus, And It's in Your Blood Original
For the millions worldwide with tinnitus, silence never comes. The condition, estimated to affect 15 percent of people globally, produces the perception of persistent ringing and other phantom sounds. We've never known for sure what causes tinnitus, and we've also never had a reliable objective biomarker or test for it. Until now, the only way doctors could diagnose the condition was if you told them you heard sounds that weren't there. But that could be set to change.
Scientists Identified a Biological Signature of Tinnitus, And It's in Your Blood
The Taos Hum: What Is the Mysterious Noise Plaguing This Town? Read all the way to the end – we save the one detail most people never think about for last. Picture this: You’re lying in bed at night when a …
University Exams Produce a Distinct Chemical Signature in Sewage, Study Suggests Original
Stress doesn't just live inside your brain. The invisible chemical signature of stress and worry can be found all over your body – in your blood, in your saliva, and even in the hair upon your head. But just how far do these chemical markers of stress extend? Reading a saliva sample is one thing, but if we zoom out, is it possible to detect biological stress at the population level? In a new study, scientists showed that you can do this, and it's all thanks to human sewage.
People started to take cold showers in an experiment, and a strange thing happened
If you're not used to cold showers, they're not exactly for the faint of heart. Opting to immerse your naked body in a torrent of frigid water might even seem like pure masochism, but evidence suggests there are reasons to take the plunge. In a series of experiments, psychologist Lena Glaser investigated the effects of people having cold showers, as part of a broader study into the psychological factors involved when people are urged to adopt new behaviors.
Almost 75% of Deceased NFL Players Had Degenerative Brain Disease, Major Study Estimates
In 2017, a bombshell discovery rocked the world of American football. Alarmingly, scientists found that 99 percent of examined brains from deceased NFL players bore signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative neurological condition linked with repeated blows to the head. In the years since, studies have revealed numerous sports increase the risk of brain injuries from repetitive head trauma, including soccer and rugby.
You Might Be Throwing Out The Healthiest Parts of Fruit And Vegetables, Study Shows
Getting enough fiber is one of the healthiest tweaks you can make to your diet. But despite decades of nutritional advice, research shows the vast majority of Americans are falling short on fiber intake, with only 4 percent of men and 11 percent of women meeting recommended levels. It turns out, one way to address that huge gap has been hiding right in front of us.
Scientists Witness a Mysterious Sexual Bond Between a Bull And a Male Donkey
The heart wants what the heart wants. At least, that's one way of looking at an extraordinary relationship scientists discovered by chance during fieldwork in Ethiopia. Over a series of observations, researchers documented an unusual sexual bond between a male donkey and a bull. The observations, reported in Current Biology, show animal sexual behavior can be a more complex social phenomenon than we might realize, the team says.
The links between napping and dementia may go further than we realized
Dozing off in your armchair in the middle of the afternoon is one of life's simple pleasures. But depending on how often you find yourself doing it, those daytime naps could be a warning sign of worsening cognitive health, research suggests. In a new study, researchers found seniors who napped frequently were significantly more likely to develop dementia over the next decade, compared to people who rarely or never napped.
The Links Between Napping And Dementia May Go Further Than We Realized
Dozing off in your armchair in the middle of the afternoon is one of life's simple pleasures. But depending on how often you find yourself doing it, those daytime naps could be a warning sign of worsening cognitive health, research suggests. In a new study, researchers found seniors who napped frequently were significantly more likely to develop dementia over the next decade, compared to people who rarely or never napped.
Traditional Chinese medicine formula kills drug-resistant cancer cells in the lab
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Chernobyl's dogs are genetically different, and we may finally know why
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Kills Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells in The Lab Original
The most common form of esophageal cancer worldwide is notoriously difficult to treat, in part due to the scourge of drug resistance. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) – which is particularly common in Asia and developing nations – is often treated with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, but tumors can develop resistance to the medication, making the deadly disease difficult to contain.
Chernobyl's Dogs Are Genetically Different, And We May Finally Know Why Original
The world's worst nuclear disaster didn't only affect humans. When the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant experienced a catastrophic explosion on 26 April 1986, radioactive fallout compelled Soviet authorities to abandon the area, declaring a giant exclusion zone that covered about 2,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles). Studies have since shown that animals came to thrive in the abandoned Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), free from the interference of living human populations.
Chernobyl's Dogs Are Genetically Different, And We May Finally Know Why
18 hours ago Tabriz, Iran - October 31, 2026 An explosion was reported on Thursday at the Shahid Karimi complex in Tabriz, northwestern Iran. Emergency services rushed to the scene, while the cause of the explosion and any possible casualties or damage remain unclear.
Cold Triggers a Hidden Molecular Pathway That Extends Lifespan, Study Finds Original
When it comes to health, not all temperatures are equal. Evidence suggests that cold temperatures are mysteriously beneficial for longevity, helping to boost metabolism and delivering positive effects at the cellular level. On the flip side, excessive heat doesn't seem to do great things for the human body. But what is it about coldness that's so beneficial in comparison?
Scientists ran 100,000 simulations of comets striking Earth. The results are a surprise.
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Scientists Ran 100,000 Simulations of Comets Striking Earth. The Results Are a Surprise. Original
Where did we come from? The answer, many scientists have proposed, is space. One longstanding theory, hypothesized for over a century, is that life on Earth emerged from fragments of prebiotic chemistry that arrived from the cosmic unknowns, possibly delivered by far-flung comets.
These 1970s Kids Had to Stay in School For 1 Year Longer. Decades Later, The Results Are Dramatic. Original
There's a lot of research showing that higher education levels are linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, and staying in school for longer is associated with benefits to health and longevity too. But because virtually all the evidence for this comes from observational studies, it's hard to know for sure whether education causes the positive health effects we see, or if other explanations drive the changes – like genetics, childhood circumstances, or socioeconomic factors.
These 1970s Kids Had to Stay in School For 1 Year Longer. Decades Later, The Results Are Dramatic.
Congress (INC) 8 hours ago More than 39 million Americans have voted early, including many Hispanic voters The Washington Post - Mariana Alfaro • 8h Reporter covering immigration and the Department of Homeland Security.
Cranberry Juice Appears to Suppress Dental Plaque Growth, Study Reveals Original
Do not underestimate the power of the humble cranberry. In recent years, studies have confirmed that cranberries can help people prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), harnessing traditional knowledge that goes back thousands of years in Native American culture, but which has often been debated in research circles. Now, it appears the same compounds that make cranberries effective against UTIs could offer benefits for a completely different aspect of human health – dental hygiene.
The world's first corporate psychopath may have just been identified
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The World's First Corporate Psychopath May Have Just Been Identified Original
There's something about psychopaths that gives them an edge. Research suggests people with the darkest of impulses can be remarkably adept at climbing the corporate ladder, often ending up in places of great power. But how far back does this creepy phenomenon of corporate psychopathy go?
The World's First Corporate Psychopath May Have Just Been Identified
Muscle Cars Now Australia's Answer To The Mustang: The Holden Monaro GTS silodrome.com - Ben Branch • 31m This is a 1971 Holden Monaro GTS fitted with the desirable Australian-developed 5.0 liter (308 cubic inch) V8, a popular engine with enthusiasts, as … Rugby League 1 hour ago RFL make BIZARRE funding request in NRL deal as ‘key sticking point’ revealed loverugbyleague.com - Aaron Bower • 1h How odd..
Talking Inside Your Head Changes Your Pupils in a Totally Different Way to Talking Out Loud
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and in actuality, there's almost no end to what they reveal about you. The fluctuating size of your pupils can offer clues about the information you perceive, indicate whether you're inhaling or exhaling, and even respond to things you're imagining.
Physically Touching Your Dog Can Help Protect You From Upcoming Stress, Study Suggests Original
The amazing thing about our pets isn't just the wonderful relationships we get to have with them. These beautiful creatures are actually good for us too, with research showing that petting your dog or cat can lower stress levels, and it's even an effect we can see in the brain. But while the health perks of pet ownership are well known, there's still a lot we don't fully understand about how they emerge.
The 'Obesity Paradox' May Be a Measurement Problem, And Brain Scans Suggest Why
Obesity is associated with a huge range of serious health problems, raising your risk of heart disease, multiple cancers, and overall mortality. But there's one area of the body where clinical obesity's effects have proven more difficult to unpack: the brain. In a study published in Neurology Open Access, scientists have revealed a new glimpse of what the condition might be doing to the brain, identifying an increased volume of abnormalities in the brain's white matter in people with obesity.
Herpes Virus Appears to Hijack The Brain's Immune Cells, And It Could Have Serious Consequences Original
For many, the herpes virus is a pervasive pest that causes painful and unsightly blisters. But the truth is far more concerning than any crusty cold sore. Research shows the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) can infect the brain and nervous system, where it's been implicated in triggering Alzheimer's disease, possibly even doubling your risk of dementia. For a virus that plagues billions, it's vital we learn more about how HSV-1 infection works, and scientists just figured out a new piece of the puzzle.
Herpes Virus Appears to Hijack The Brain's Immune Cells, And It Could Have Serious Consequences
1:03 1 day ago The Real Reason You Are Getting More Skin Tags Unbranded - unbranded - Lifestyle • 1d According to dermatological consensus, skin tags are benign growths that commonly form where skin rubs against skin or clothing. However, recent epidemiological research supported by institutions like the University of Liverpool link a sudden increase in skin tags to underlying metabolic changes.
Obesity Linked to Twice The Volume of Brain Abnormalities, Study Finds Original
Obesity is associated with a huge range of serious health problems, raising your risk of heart disease, multiple cancers, and overall mortality. But there's one area of the body where obesity's effects have proven more difficult to unpack: the brain. In a study published in Neurology Open Access, scientists have revealed a new glimpse of what the condition might be doing to the brain, identifying an increased volume of abnormalities in the brain's white matter in people with obesity.
Scientists found a bizarre pattern in over 1,000 cases of alleged human reincarnation
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Scientists Found a Bizarre Pattern in Over 1,000 Cases of Alleged Human Reincarnation Original
Over 30 percent of Americans believe in the concept of reincarnation, the notion that people who die will be reborn again in this world. While there's no firm scientific evidence suggesting that it actually happens – nor of what happens to our consciousness after we die – the study of reincarnation, and our beliefs about it, is still a serious focus of scientific research.
Breathwork really can induce an altered state of consciousness, experiment shows
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Breathwork Really Can Induce an Altered State of Consciousness, Experiment Shows
Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives, usually without giving it a second thought. While it's easy to take breathing for granted, changing the way we breathe can actually have profound effects on our health, altering how we feel, and even perhaps how we think. These effects overlap with the practice of breathwork – a range of breathing exercises intended to influence your mental and emotional state, sometimes even helping to elicit psychedelic-like brain changes.
Breathwork Really Can Induce an Altered State of Consciousness, Experiment Shows
Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives, usually without giving it a second thought. While it's easy to take breathing for granted, changing the way we breathe can actually have profound effects on our health, altering how we feel, and even perhaps how we think. These effects overlap with the practice of breathwork – a range of breathing exercises intended to influence your mental and emotional state, sometimes even helping to elicit psychedelic-like brain changes.
Breathwork Really Can Induce an Altered State of Consciousness, Experiment Shows
7 hours ago The Eureka machine will be the culmination of several converging streams of AI development. Below, Richard Socher shares five key insights from his new book, The Eureka Machine: Why AI Is the Key to Unlocking a New Era of Scientific Discoveries. Richard is a pioneering AI researcher and serial …
Alcohol Doesn't Just Affect Neurons – It Triggers Immune Cells to Destroy The Brain's Structural Matrix, Mouse Study Shows
It's well known that alcohol has profound consequences on the way the brain works, and research shows that even low levels of the drug can damage your brain. But how does alcohol actually cause brain damage at the cellular level? In a surprising discovery reported in Immunity, scientists found that alcohol doesn't just interact with neurons.
Alcohol Doesn't Just Affect Neurons – It Triggers Immune Cells to Destroy The Brain's Structural Matrix, Mouse Study Shows
It's well known that alcohol has profound consequences on the way the brain works, and research shows that even low levels of the drug can damage your brain. But how does alcohol actually cause brain damage at the cellular level? In a surprising discovery reported in Immunity, scientists found that alcohol doesn't just interact with neurons.
There's a parasite you've probably never heard of, and it's more common in winter
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There's Another Cat Parasite That Can Infect Humans. A Huge Study Reveals How Common It Is. Original
In the annals of 'cat parasite' research, Toxoplasma gondii grabs most of the headlines. The mysterious pathogen, which may infect up to one-third of the global population, is famous for altering the behavior of its hosts, and it's also of serious concern for its varying effects on human health. But T. gondii isn't the only parasite that cats and humans have the misfortune of sharing.
There's Another Cat Parasite That Can Infect Humans. A Huge Study Reveals How Common It Is.
1 hour ago Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece. Shop Keri Russell’s Outfit Blueprint Plaid Jackets Under $40 Find: Zeagoo Cropped Flannel Shacket, $39; Amazon• Relaxed but Still Refined: Gap Oversized Crop Trench Jacket, …
Millions of Americans use cannabis to help them sleep. It could be doing the opposite.
An estimated 22 million Americans currently use cannabis as a form of sleep aid , and almost one in four says they're likely to try the drug to help them sleep. But despite the widespread view that cannabis can help you get a good night's rest, the evidence is starting to suggest otherwise.
Drinking 'Very' Hot Tea or Coffee Could Triple Your Risk of This Cancer, Huge Study Finds Original
Plenty of people like to start their day with a cup of tea or coffee, but the temperature of your preferred beverage could matter a lot more than you realize. A decade ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) made headlines when it classified very hot beverages at temperatures above 65 °C (149 °F) as "probably carcinogenic to humans".
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