The Cortege

Botox has become a household name in the world of cosmetic treatments, with millions of people opting for the procedure to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. But have you ever wondered how Botox actually works? In a recent study published in the journal Science, researchers have uncovered the mechanism behind how Botox enters neurons and paralyzes muscles. Illustration of Clostridium botulinum, bacteria that produce botulinum neurotoxin Shutterstock/MZinchenko Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the skin, it blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This results in a temporary paralysis of the muscles, which smooths out wrinkles and fine lines. But how does Botox actually enter neurons to block the release of acetylcholine? The study found that Botox binds to a protein called SV2, which is found on the surface of neurons. SV2 is involved in the release of neurotran...

Have you heard about the recent news that a fake alien message was sent to Earth? According to a recent article from New Scientist, a group of researchers from the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute sent a message to a nearby star system, with the intention of preparing humanity for potential first contact with extraterrestrial life. New Scientist The message, which was sent to the star system of GJ 273, contained a series of images and sounds that were designed to convey basic information about humanity and our planet. The researchers behind the project hope that this message will serve as a "hello" to any potential alien civilizations that may exist in the universe. But why send a fake message? The researchers argue that it's important for humanity to be prepared for the possibility of first contact and that sending a message like this can help us to think more deeply about our place in the universe. By imagining what we might say to an alien civili...

In a recent discovery, Saturn has taken the lead as the planet with the most known moons in our solar system. With over 100 moons now identified, this gas giant has surpassed Jupiter, which was previously known to have the highest number of moons. This fascinating finding has sparked new interest in the study of Saturn and its numerous satellites. Image source : The Nine Planets New Moons Discovered: According to an article published by New Scientist on May 11, 2023, astronomers have identified several new moons orbiting Saturn, bringing the total count to over 100 (New Scientist, 2023). This discovery was made possible through the use of advanced telescopes and imaging technology, which allowed researchers to detect these previously unseen celestial bodies. Implications for Planetary Science: The discovery of these new moons has significant implications for our understanding of Saturn and its formation. By studying the composition, orbits, and interactions of these moons, scientis...

Werner Karl Heisenberg (1901-1976) was a German theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. He is best known for his uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to simultaneously determine the exact position and momentum of a particle. This principle has had a profound impact on our understanding of the subatomic world and the nature of reality itself.  Werner Karl Heisenberg mage source : Wikipedia Early Life and Education Heisenberg was born on December 5, 1901, in Würzburg, Germany. He showed an early aptitude for mathematics and physics, and by the age of 17, he had already published his first scientific paper (1). He studied physics at the University of Munich under Arnold Sommerfeld, one of the leading theoretical physicists of the time. Heisenberg received his doctorate in 1923 for his work on the anomalous Zeeman effect, a phenomenon in which spectral lines of atoms split under the influence of a magnetic field...

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, which is then used to fuel their growth and metabolism. Despite being one of the most fundamental and important biological processes on Earth, there are still many mysteries surrounding photosynthesis that scientists have been trying to unravel for decades. However, a recent breakthrough may have finally solved one of the most puzzling questions about photosynthesis. A fibre-like cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae Shutterstock / Ekky Ilham From New Scientist According to a new study published in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have discovered the mechanism by which plants protect themselves from damage caused by too much sunlight during photosynthesis. This mechanism involves a protein called PsbS, which acts as a sensor that detects excess light and triggers a protective response. The researchers used a com...

Earthquakes have long been a source of fear and fascination for humanity. Despite advances in technology and our understanding of the Earth's geology, predicting earthquakes remains a challenge. However, a recent study published in New Scientist suggests that bizarre lights in the sky may hold the key to predicting these natural disasters. In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of earthquake lights, the scientific theories behind them, and their potential for earthquake prediction. Image source : New Scientist Earthquake Lights: A Mysterious Phenomenon For centuries, people have reported seeing strange lights in the sky before, during, or after earthquakes. These lights, known as earthquake lights (EQLs), can take various forms, such as glowing orbs, flickering flames, or even colorful auroras. While these sightings were often dismissed as folklore or hallucinations, recent research has provided evidence that EQLs are a real and scientifically explainable phenomenon (New S...

Near-death experiences (NDEs) have long been a subject of fascination and debate among scientists, medical professionals, and the general public. These profound experiences, often described as a sense of detachment from the body, feelings of peace, and encounters with deceased loved ones, have been reported by individuals who have come close to death or experienced clinical death. A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience sheds new light on the brain activity of dying people, providing valuable insights into the phenomenon of NDEs. Image source: Scientific American The Study: Brain Activity in Dying Patients The groundbreaking research, led by a team of scientists from the University of Liège in Belgium, involved monitoring the brain activity of 16 terminally ill patients in their final moments of life. The researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) to record the patients' brain activity, focusing on the dying process and the moments immediately f...

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influential and versatile figures of the Renaissance. He was a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, inventor, scientist, and philosopher. He is widely regarded as a genius and a master of many disciplines. Image source : fineartandyou.com Leonardo was born in 1452 in the town of Vinci, near Florence, Italy. He was the illegitimate son of a wealthy notary and a peasant woman. He received a basic education in reading, writing, and arithmetic, but he did not attend a formal school. He showed an early interest in art and nature, and began to sketch and paint from a young age. At the age of 15, Leonardo became an apprentice to Andrea del Verrocchio, a prominent Florentine artist and craftsman. He learned various skills such as painting, sculpting, metalworking, and mechanics. He also studied anatomy, mathematics, geometry, and optics. He assisted Verrocchio in several projects, such as the Baptism of Christ and the bronze statue of David. Leonard...