Scientists create first ever chemical-free adder

Scientists at the University of Manchester have announced the development of the first ever chemical-free adder, which they say could pave the way for new generations of more environmentally friendly electronics.

Traditional adders, which are used to perform calculations in electronic circuits, contain harmful chemicals such as mercury and lead. The new adder, developed by a team led by Professor Andre Geim, is made entirely from graphene – a revolutionary material made of carbon atoms that can be created using simple materials and processes.

The team say that the graphene-based adder has already outperformed traditional adders in terms of speed and efficiency, and could eventually be used to create more environmentally friendly electronic devices such as phones and laptops.

"This is a major breakthrough that could pave the way for a new generation of more environmentally-friendly electronics," said Professor Geim. "Graphene is remarkable because it is not only completely chemical-free, but it also outperforms traditional materials in terms of speed and efficiency."

Graphene has been hailed as one of the most promising materials of the 21st century, with a range of potential applications in fields such as engineering, energy and healthcare. In addition to its potential use in electronics, graphene has also been explored as a material for building ultrafast computers, high-performance sports gear and even aircraft wings.

Adder venom found to contain powerful anti-cancer properties

Adder venom, long known to wield potent neurotoxic properties, has now been found to also contain powerful anti-cancer properties. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from University of Leicester discovered that two proteins found in adder venom, vesicle toxins (VT), were effective at killing cancer cells.

The study found that VTs inhibit cancer cells from dividing and spreading, and that they also trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. "We have demonstrated for the first time that two proteins from adder venom are cytotoxic to cancer cells in vitro and induce apoptosis," said lead author Dr. Annette MacLeod.

"The next step will be to test whether these proteins can effectively treat cancer in vivo." While more research is needed to determine if VT proteins can be used to treat cancer in humans, these findings provide a potential new avenue for cancer treatment.

Adder venom may offer new hope in fight against cancer

Despite its deadly neurotoxic properties, it appears that adder venom may also hold potential as a new treatment for cancer. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from University of Leicester discovered that two proteins found in adder venom were cytotoxic to cancer cells and induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

The study found that VTs inhibited cancer cells from dividing and spreading, and that they also triggered apoptosis in cancer cells. "We have demonstrated for the first time that two proteins from adder venom are cytotoxic to cancer cells in vitro and induce apoptosis," said lead author Dr. Annette MacLeod.

"The next step will be to test whether these proteins can effectively treat cancer in vivo." While more research is needed to determine if VT proteins can be used to treat cancer in humans, these findings provide a potential new avenue for cancer treatment

New adder species discovered in remote Indonesian rainforest

Scientists have announced the discovery of a new species of snake in the remote Indonesian rainforest. The new species, dubbed the 'roudwahi' adder, is a venomous snake that is closely related to the common adder.

The roudwahi adder was discovered by scientists from the University of Indonesia during a field expedition to the Foja Mountains in West Papua. The area where it was found is said to be incredibly remote and difficult to access, with dense rainforest, rugged terrain and few roads or trails.

The roudwahi adder has a black body with a distinctive yellow-green stripe running along its spine. It is about 1 metre long and shares many similarities with the common adder, including its venomous bite.

So far, only a handful of specimens of the roudwahi adder have been found, and little is known about this new species. However, scientists say that it is likely to be endangered given that its habitat is threatened by deforestation and mining operations.

Baby adders being threatened by loss of habitat

The small, threatened adders are in trouble due to a loss of their natural habitat. The baby adders, which are currently under threat, depend on heathlands and other transitional open habitats for their survival.

A recent study conducted by the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) has shown that the baby adders are declining in numbers at an alarming rate. This is primarily due to habitat loss as a result of development and land transformation.

The research found that the number of baby adders found at different sites had decreased by as much as 77% in the past 25 years. The reduction in numbers was most significant in southern England, where development is most prevalent.

Despite this worrying trend, the study also found that some populations of baby adders remain healthy and stable. These include populations in Northumberland, the Scottish Borders, and parts of Wales.

In order to protect these remaining populations from extinction, it is essential that conservation measures are put into place. This includes preserving and restoring suitable habitats for the snakes to live in.

Rachel Carstairs, ZSL's Head of Herpetology said: "This important study highlights how baby adders are struggling to find new homes as a result of increasing development across southern England. Whilst some populations are holding on, others have seen numbers decline by up to 77%. If nothing changes, we could see these beautiful little snakes disappear from our shores altogether within 25 years."

Conservationists call for greater protection for European adders

Adders are a protected species in the United Kingdom and across Europe, but conservationists say they need greater protection to prevent their decline.

The adder is the only venomous snake found in the UK, and while they are not aggressive, they can deliver a painful bite. Adders can be found in woodland and heathland in southern Britain, and while their numbers are declining, they are not considered to be endangered.

However, conservationists say that adders need greater protection if their numbers are to be maintained. They argue that development and land-use changes are reducing the amount of habitat available for adders, and that this could lead to their decline.

In addition, there have been cases of adders being killed by cars as they cross roads. Conservationists say that better roadside fencing and signage could help to prevent these deaths.

Finally, conservationists warn that the illegal trade in adder skins could also pose a threat to the future of these snakes. They call on the authorities to take action to stop this trade and protect the adders.