No defects found in reproductive ability of male mice returning from short stay in space

Male mice raised in space using specially developed cages were returned safely to Earth. The sperm production/fertilizing ability of the mice were normal and the reproduction ability of the offspring were not affected by their parents' stay in outer space. The findings on the effects of the environment in space on the male reproductive system will contribute to the accumulation of basic knowledge for humankind to expand the range of its activity to space.

Read more

Newly identified compounds could help give fire ants their sting

Native to South America, imported fire ants have now spread to parts of North America and elsewhere around the world. These invasive pests have painful stings that, in some cases, can cause serious medical problems, such as hypersensitivity reactions, infections and even kidney failure. Now, researchers have identified pyridine alkaloids that, along with other venom components, could contribute to these conditions.

Read more