New Study Reveals the Secret of Bioluminescent Mushroom

Bioluminescence in some mushrooms has baffled the scientists since long. One such special mushroom, called ‘flor de coco,’ grows among decaying leaves at the bottom of young palm trees in coconut forests of Brazil. However, a recent research has uncovered the secret behind the bioluminescence of this big yellow mushroom. The researchers conducted an experiment and observed that the mushroom attracts insects and other creatures with its nighttime bioluminescence, which helps it to spread spores throughout the forest.

Aristotle was the first to ask about the unusual glowing of the mushroom. Biochemist Cassius Stevani from Brazil’s Instituto de Quimica-Universidade de Sao Paulo explained “The answer appears to be that fungi make light so they are noticed by insects who can help the fungus colonize new habitats.”  The concept of bioluminescence has been further explained by Jay Dunlap, geneticist and molecular biologist from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. This unique feature has evolved in several life forms like fishes, bacteria and insects. He remarked “Most of these make light in their own way, that is, with biochemistry that is unique to each organism.”

Boko Haram crisis: At least 70 bodies found in Nigerian town

Chadian and Niger troops liberated Damasak, which is near the border with Niger, on Saturday

At least 70 bodies have been found dumped outside the town of Damasak in north-eastern Nigeria, after it was recaptured from Boko Haram militants.

The victims appear to have been killed some time ago, as the bodies were partially mummified by the desert air.

'Ebola-proof' tablet device developed

Medics wear full protective gear to shield themselves from the virus

A tablet device that can withstand being doused in chlorine has been developed to help medics caring for patients with Ebola.

Designed by technology volunteers and Google, it can be used even wearing gloves and in storms and high humidity.

Medecins Sans Frontieres put out a call for an Ebola-proof tablet to help teams record vital patient information.

At the height of the current outbreak, doctors were shouting patient notes across fences to avoid contamination.

Tanzania's MPs approve anti-foreigner law

Tanzania's government says it wants to protect the jobs of its citizens

Tanzania's parliament has approved a tough new law aimed at curbing foreign employment.

The bill requires firms to satisfy the authorities that no local could do the job before employing a foreigner.

Rapid blood test to 'cut antibiotic use'

A new blood test can help doctors tease out whether an infection is caused by a virus or bacteria within two hours, reseaAppropriate drugs

Doctors face a number of challenges when deciphering which bug is responsible for an infection and the treatment that would best tackle it.

South Africans perform first 'successful' penis transplant

The world's first successful penis transplant has been reported by a surgical team in South Africa.

The 21-year-old recipient, whose identify is being protected, lost his penis in a botched circumcision.

Doctors in Cape Town said the operation was a success and the patient was happy and healthy.

The team said there was extensive discussion about whether the operation, which is not life-saving in the same way as a heart transplant, was ethical.

Gene Modification May Change Your Height, Complexion

    In what could be a stepping stone towards customised babies, researchers at McGill University have identified a key mechanism by which environmental factors influence traits like our height, skin colour, intelligence etc. They believe that by identifying a key gene for each trait and how it is affected by the environment (epigenetically), it is potentially possible to influence the degree of its expression - and so, create variation in how specific traits are expressed.