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News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Heaviest Bug Ever Discovered In Australian Jungle, Weighs...
Last Updated: Scientists discovered Acrophylla alta, Australia's heaviest insect, weighing 44g and measuring 40cm, in the high-altitude rainforests of Millaa Millaa, Queensland People are often afraid of insects, but given their small size, most don't hesitate to kill them. However, imagine if those very insects were much larger, would anyone still have the courage to face them? It's hard to picture such creatures growing in size, but when they do, their appearance can be truly terrifying. This is exactly what happened recently in Australia, where scientists discovered a massive insect, so large and heavy that it has now been declared the heaviest insect species ever recorded in the country. Giant Stick Insect Scientists have identified a new species of stick insect in the dense, high-altitude rainforests of Millaa Millaa in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. Named Acrophylla alta, this insect has stunned researchers with its size. It weighs approximately 1.55 ounces (around 44 grams), roughly the weight of a golf ball—and stretches about 15.75 inches (40 centimetres) in length. While longer stick insects have been documented in the past, Acrophylla alta is now considered the heaviest known species in Australia. Angus Emmott, a researcher from James Cook University who contributed to the discovery, said, 'An insect heavier than this has never been seen in Australia. Its size and weight are likely a result of evolutionary adaptation to its unique environment." Years Of Evolution The insect thrives in cool, moist, high-altitude forests, and scientists believe its large, heavy body helps it survive in such challenging conditions. 'It has evolved over millions of years to live in these tough environments," Emmott explained. Interestingly, it wasn't just the insect's size that confirmed it as a new species; its eggs also played a crucial role. Stick insect eggs are known to have unique characteristics, including differences in structure, surface texture, and size. 'The outer shell, small pits, texture, and even the cap of each species' egg are unique," Emmott added. Acrophylla alta was discovered in the upper canopy of rainforest trees, which explains why it had evaded discovery for so long. 'It lives at such heights that it's nearly impossible for humans to spot it—unless a storm or a bird brings it down," Emmott said. Two specimens have been sent to the Queensland Museum for further research. Scientists hope this discovery will not only deepen our understanding of insect biodiversity but also raise awareness about conservation efforts in Australia's unique rainforests. view comments Location : Australia First Published: August 07, 2025, 16:23 IST News viral Heaviest Bug Ever Discovered In Australian Jungle, Weighs... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Lizard vs. Snake Venom: Australian lizard develops immunity to deadly snakebites
In a discovery that could influence future antivenom development, scientists have found that the Australian major skink (Bellatorias frerei) has evolved a natural immunity to potent snake neurotoxins. Despite sharing little in common with mammals like honey badgers and mongooses, these reptiles have developed a similar molecular resistance, targeting the same critical receptor that snake venom typically shuts down. The breakthrough offers new insights into how evolution arms certain species against their deadliest predators and opens doors for biotech researchers studying antivenom therapies and neurological protection mechanisms. Snake venom resistance rooted in muscle receptor mutation The major skink's secret lies in a mutation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor—a critical site targeted by snake neurotoxins to paralyze prey. This genetic tweak prevents venom from binding and disrupting nerve-muscle communication. Researchers observed that this modification mirrors similar adaptations in other distant species like mongooses and honey badgers, despite their evolutionary differences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like With temperatures hitting 95°F, this is the mini air conditioner everyone's buying in the U.S News of the Discovery Undo The phenomenon is being hailed as an example of "convergent evolution"—where different species arrive at the same biological solution to a shared threat. According to zoologist Bryan Fry, one of the study's co-authors, evolution seems to repeatedly 'hit the same molecular bullseye' when it comes to venom resistance. This adaptation has independently emerged in at least 25 different skink lineages. Some variations also involve sugar molecule barriers and altered protein building blocks that further block venom activity. These defenses suggest that over millions of years, natural selection has equipped these reptiles with a robust biochemical shield. Breakthrough insights into future antivenom development By simulating snakebites using synthetic peptides and receptor models, scientists confirmed that the skink's altered receptors didn't react to venom the way normal ones do. The implications are profound—not just for evolutionary biology, but also for medicine. With better understanding of how certain species naturally neutralize toxins, researchers believe they can engineer more effective and universal antivenoms. This could be especially critical in regions like Australia, home to some of the world's most venomous snakes. An ancient arms race with modern-day medical potential The discovery underscores the biological arms race that has been unfolding for tens of millions of years between predators and prey. While venomous snakes evolved deadlier toxins, some prey species countered with molecular adaptations. Scientists now hope that decoding these evolutionary defenses will yield biomedical tools not just for treating snakebites, but possibly for broader neurological applications, including treating paralysis and neurodegenerative diseases.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Diet soda may raise Type 2 diabetes risk by 38%: Study warns
A new large-scale Australian study has raised serious concerns about the health effects of artificially sweetened beverages. According to researchers, consuming just one can of diet soda daily could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38%. Even more surprising is that this risk is higher than the 23% increase linked to traditional sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Type 2 diabetes currently affects 1.3 million Australians and over 500 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization. The vast majority of cases are linked to poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles. With diet sodas being widely marketed as 'safe' or 'diet-friendly,' the findings of this study may shift both public behaviour and industry regulations. This discovery challenges the long-standing belief that diet sodas are a healthier alternative for those trying to manage their weight, blood sugar, or diabetes risk. Artificial sweeteners like in diet sodas pose hidden diabetes risk; new study This study, published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism, was a collaborative effort by Monash University, RMIT University, and the Cancer Council Victoria. Researchers observed the dietary habits of 36,608 Australians over nearly 14 years, tracking their intake of sugary and artificially sweetened beverages and their subsequent health outcomes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Luxury Awaits at Paras Floret Paras The Florett Book Now Undo The research team, led by Professor Barbora de Courten, Associate Professor Allison Hodge, and PhD student Robel Hussen Kabthymer, found that artificial sweeteners were independently associated with a significantly higher diabetes risk, even when factors like body weight, exercise levels, and overall diet were accounted for. Diet sodas may trigger Type 2 diabetes risk independently of body weight Many people at risk of type 2 diabetes are advised to switch to diet sodas, assuming they're a safer option. However, this study suggests otherwise. 'Artificial sweeteners are often recommended to people at risk of diabetes as a healthier alternative,' explained Professor de Courten. 'But our results suggest they may pose their own health risks.' Interestingly, while the risk from sugary drinks can largely be attributed to obesity, the link between artificially sweetened drinks and diabetes remained strong even after accounting for body mass index. This suggests a direct metabolic effect may be at play. How diet sodas may affect metabolism Though low in calories, artificial sweeteners may disrupt gut microbiota, alter glucose metabolism, or cause insulin resistance. These changes can contribute to blood sugar dysregulation — a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. The authors point out that more research is needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms, but the current findings are enough to urge caution. This study carries major implications for public health messaging. Professor de Courten advocates for broader strategies beyond just taxing sugary beverages: 'We support measures like sugary drink taxes, but our study shows we also need to pay attention to artificially sweetened options. These are often marketed as better for you, yet may carry their own risks.' She emphasises that non-nutritive beverages—whether sugar-loaded or artificially sweetened—should be consumed sparingly, and policies must reflect this growing body of evidence. Also Read | Eating 2 apples daily help you fight fatty liver, colon cancer and heart diseases: Gastroenterologist reveals
