Weekly Science Digest: Roars, Rays & A Rather Rogue Rock

Human skin detects light in much the same way as the eye, according to a recent study. Researchers from Brown University discovered that skin cells known as melanocytes contain rhodopsin, a photosensitive receptor the eye uses to detect light. When we step out into the sun these skin cells release calcium ion signals that trigger the production of melanin, which in turn absorbs incoming radiation from UVB rays - all in a bid to prevent damage to DNA. Sunscreen is still very much advised...

The ferocious roars of lions and tigers have at long last been attributed to the somewhat unconventional shape of their vocal cords. Researchers from the University of Utah found that the king of the jungle has square-shaped vocal cords, as opposed to the more traditional triangular shape most species possess. The study details how square-shaped vocal cords, which are able to withstand a high degree of stretching and sheering, make it easier for the tissue to respond to the passing airflow. All of this means that lions and tigers are able to produce louder roars at lower lung pressure. The findings will help scientists to better understand the structure of vocal folds, which could in turn help surgeons to more effectively repair damaged vocal fold tissue in humans.

Using the green marker that causes jellyfish to glow, researchers of Monash University in Melbourne have found a way to isolate heart cells by turning them green. As a result, the scientists discovered that heart cells can be infinitely produced, thereby providing a potentially inexhaustible source for research and drug testing. The findings are incredibly significant since, up until now, the development of drugs to treat heart disease has been hampered by the lack of a dependable supply of heart cells for experimentation.

A clinical trial carried out by researchers at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen shows hope for sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as ME. The study details how the disease, for which there is currently no cure, could be caused by a wayward immune system attacking the body. The researchers found that patients who were administered two doses of Rituximab, a cancer drug that eliminates a type of white blood cell, reported a 67% decrease in fatigue as opposed to 13% in the placebo group. Although these are very encouraging results, the authors of the study stress that they are years away from a major breakthrough.

The mysteries of the human brain have eluded even our greatest scientists - and quite rightly so. In this piece, the BBC have been debunking some of the myths surrounding this most complex of organs.

A 400 m (1,300 ft) asteroid will pass Earth tonight. In this NASA video, Lance Benner of JPL gives us all the necessary details including a word of reassurance that it will pose no danger to earth.

The 'Weekly Science Digest' is a compilation of science news from around the world. News suggestions are always welcome: mark.howardbanks (at) researchgate.net