Photosensitive cells in the eye - cones and rods - change their sizes for a moment when light flashes on them. Polish researchers have just explained why. This tiny, fast pulsation of retinal cells can be seen live thanks to the Polish method of eye imaging.
Scientists, including researchers from Poland, have explained the formation and functioning of an important structure, the so-called cap, which is part of the mRNA of trypanosomes. Their research may help create new strategies to fight these dangerous parasites of humans and cattle.
The latest analysis of over 60 bones from Maszycka Cave (Lesser Poland) shows that people living there 18 thousand years ago practiced cannibalism. This is indicated by traces on the preserved bones, including attempts to extract bone marrow, archaeologist Dariusz Bobak told PAP.
The first prototype of a quantum computer infrastructure in Poland, based on calcium ions, is being developed at the Warsaw University of Technology. This project will help Poland to keep up with the development of quantum technologies, believes the representative of the MIKOK project, Zbigniew Wawrzyniak, PhD, from the Warsaw University of Technology.
Astrocytes, cells called the guardians of neuronal functions, appear to have a more significant role in brain evolution than previously thought. The team led by Professor Aleksandra Pękowska from the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in Warsaw conducts astrocyte research.
Precision of pre-Columbian tattoos often exceeded modern tattooing techniques. The thinnest lines were probably made with a single cactus needle or sharpened animal bone, an analysis of over 100 tattooed human remains of the Chancay culture has shown.
Thanks to the introduction of passenger compensation, average flight delays in the EU have been reduced by almost 5 minutes. This is only seemingly little - in the entire EU over a year, this means a time saving equal to about ten thousand years, according to analyses by a researcher from the Institute of Economics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Last year's research by a Polish-British team showed that the ratio of the length of the second to fourth digit can suggest which person is more prone to risky alcohol drinking. According to researchers, this ratio can also be a diagnostic marker in conditions related to hormonal disorders and a risk indicator in the prevention of certain diseases.
Where did romantic love come from among people around the world, and why was it promoted in human evolution? It was needed to guarantee a lasting relationship, support commitment between partners, give a sense of security, and thus - increase the number of their children. Conclusions from a survey in 90 countries confirm this.
More and more new chemical substances are entering the sewage system - from medicines, cosmetics, plastics. According to Monika Żubrowska-Sudoł, PhD, from the Warsaw University of Technology, their separation and safe disposal from wastewater treatment plants is a huge problem.
Photosensitive cells in the eye - cones and rods - change their sizes for a moment when light flashes on them. Polish researchers have just explained why. This tiny, fast pulsation of retinal cells can be seen live thanks to the Polish method of eye imaging.
