News 2-19-09

Saving Jaguars, Tigers Can Prevent Human Diseases?

If you think of big cats as deadly killers, they may actually be saving your life. New research implies that if these necessary predators are eliminated, prey populations will sky-rocket. Many animals that these felines hunt carry deadly human diseases that will just escalade as predator populations decrease.

Cooking Gave Humans Edge Over Apes?

Could the reason that humans evolved possibly be the fact that they learned how to be chefs? A new theory suggests that since we had to use so much energy simply to eat and digest food, there was little left to charge brain power. Once humans began to cook their food digestion became much easier, so the left over energy became new technologies, taking the species to new levels.

Darwin the Buddhist? Empathy Writings Reveal Parallels

When we think Charles Darwin, we think the exact opposite of religion. However decoding his beliefs, and human interaction, researchers find that he actually had much in common with Buddhists. He believed in extreme empathy, and even during his five year voyage, Darwin remained content with himself. A surprising number of other similarities would surprise any Darwin fan.

Odd, Identical Species Found at Both Poles

A swimming snail species and hundreds of other species have been found identically in both Arctic and Antarctic waters. This is so intriguing to researchers because this may give us new ideas and theories on early life. How could these species survive the journey across much warmer waters?