Science news in Malaysia
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Betel alkaloid found in prehistoric teeth on Sulawesi may rewrite earliest drug use
Griffith University archaeologists found two rare forager skeletons on Sulawesi, Indonesia, with arecoline detected in tooth tissue, direct evidence of prehistoric drug use. The remains date to about 25,000-16,000 and 7,600-6,300 years ago, and the study in Science Advances suggests whole-betel chewing may be the world's earliest known drug use.
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Scientists in India and Denmark create antivenom cocktail against multiple cobra species
Researchers from India and Denmark have produced an antibody cocktail offering broad protection against venom from multiple cobra species. A study in Science Translational Medicine shows nanobodies from alpacas and llamas can neutralise toxins and save mice even 30 minutes after venom injection. India records nearly 50,000 snakebite deaths a year, the highest in the world.
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Mercury is shrinking faster than expected, scientists find
Scientists say Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, is contracting about 30% faster than earlier estimates, with spacecraft data showing it has shrunk by 23 km. The extreme temperature difference between its Sun-baked surface and its cooling interior is blamed. Researchers warn the shrinkage is causing large rock folds and cracks on the surface.
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Babies as young as 8 months show deceptive behaviour: Bristol study
A study by the University of Bristol in Britain has found that children begin to show deceptive behaviour before they can speak. The research, which examined children aged 10 to 47 months, found such behaviour even in an 8-month-old baby.
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Japan develops new electrolyte additive, lithium battery retains 95.6% capacity after 1,000 cycles
Japan's JAIST research institute has developed a new electrolyte additive called FPTI that strengthens the protective layer on graphite anodes. Tests show batteries with the additive retain 95.6% capacity after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. The findings were published in the journal Energy & Fuels.
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Indian startup combines dog scent and AI to screen 7 cancers with over 90% accuracy
Indian startup Dognosis in Bengaluru is developing a non-invasive cancer screening technology that uses dogs' keen sense of smell combined with AI. A study involving over 1,500 participants found the technology to be over 90% accurate in detecting seven major cancers. The company hopes to begin commercial operations next year and is planning larger clinical trials.