Latest news with #Crumbs
Economic Times
24-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Why is it always the 'Orange Cat'? Scientists uncover the genetic secret that could prove they are freaks of nature
Cracking the Ginger Cat Code iStock While Orange Cats' eccentric behavior isn't linked to genetics yet, the findings open new doors in studying how unseen DNA regions affect traits. Why Most Orange Cats Are Boys You Might Also Like: World's fattest cat Crumbs gets admitted to fat loss camp, succumbs to cancer later Science Isn't Sold on the 'Orange Cat Energy' Just Yet iStock While the study dives deep into how orange cats get their signature hue, it stops short of linking the mutation to their infamous personalities. A Mutation with Ancient Roots Beyond Cats: A New Frontier in Mutation Science So, Why Is It Always the Orange Cat? They're chaotic, cuddly, clingy—and somehow, always up to something. If you've ever met an orange cat, chances are you've been left wondering: What is wrong with them? From viral memes to real-life mischief, orange cats have earned a reputation for being the wildcards of the feline world. Now, science has a real answer to why these ginger kitties stand out—not just in behavior, but right down to their to a report from the CNN, a groundbreaking new study published in Current Biology has, for the first time, pinpointed the unique mutation behind the fiery fur of orange cats. Researchers at Stanford University have identified a strange, one-of-a-kind genetic deletion that turns fur from black to orange—without following any of the usual pigmentation rules seen in other typical color mutations, this one doesn't even reside inside a gene. Instead, it's a tiny deletion—just 0.005% of the X chromosome—tucked between two genomic regions that were never previously linked to color. And yet, this small tweak mysteriously activates a nearby gene, Arhgap36, in pigment cells, causing them to block black pigment and produce orange rare mutation hasn't been found in any other animal, wild or domestic. In fact, scientists believe it likely occurred once in history and was passed down through generations—selectively bred into the golden goofballs we know science of this strange fur color gets even weirder. The mutation is carried on the X chromosome. Because male cats have only one X chromosome (paired with a Y), they only need to inherit the gene once to become fully orange. Female cats, on the other hand, need two copies—one from each parent—making it much rarer for them to be entirely orange. Instead, most female ginger cats wind up with patchy coats, appearing as calicos or genetic quirk makes orange males vastly more common, and possibly the reason for their more 'out-there' reputations. But can we really blame their bizarre behavior on a genetic glitch?While the study dives deep into how orange cats get their signature hue, it stops short of linking the mutation to their infamous personalities. Lead scientist Christopher Kaelin joked that orange cats have surely convinced their owners they're different—but the data doesn't yet back it up. Still, the mystery has laid the groundwork for future research connecting coat color to even more fascinating is how long this peculiar genetic trait has been with us. Researchers believe the mutation is centuries old, supported by depictions of tri-colored cats in Chinese art dating back to the 12th century. The consistency of this mutation across ginger cats worldwide hints at a single point of origin—an evolutionary 'oops' that turned out to be study is more than just a cute curiosity—it's also pushing the boundaries of genetic science. Since the mutation lies outside of any gene, it raises big questions about how genetic changes in non-coding DNA might affect traits in other animals—and even humans. Could diseases we've failed to trace to genes actually stem from overlooked regulatory regions? This unusual cat mutation might just lead the out, the answer is written in their DNA. From their flamboyant fur to their larger-than-life antics, orange cats truly are genetic outliers—living, purring proof that nature sometimes likes to break its own rules. Whether it explains their antics or not, one thing's certain: orange cats aren't just memes—they're miracles of mutation.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Why is it always the 'Orange Cat'? Scientists uncover the genetic secret that could prove they are freaks of nature
Cracking the Ginger Cat Code iStock While Orange Cats' eccentric behavior isn't linked to genetics yet, the findings open new doors in studying how unseen DNA regions affect traits. Why Most Orange Cats Are Boys You Might Also Like: World's fattest cat Crumbs gets admitted to fat loss camp, succumbs to cancer later Science Isn't Sold on the 'Orange Cat Energy' Just Yet iStock While the study dives deep into how orange cats get their signature hue, it stops short of linking the mutation to their infamous personalities. A Mutation with Ancient Roots Beyond Cats: A New Frontier in Mutation Science So, Why Is It Always the Orange Cat? They're chaotic, cuddly, clingy—and somehow, always up to something. If you've ever met an orange cat, chances are you've been left wondering: What is wrong with them? From viral memes to real-life mischief, orange cats have earned a reputation for being the wildcards of the feline world. Now, science has a real answer to why these ginger kitties stand out—not just in behavior, but right down to their to a report from the CNN, a groundbreaking new study published in Current Biology has, for the first time, pinpointed the unique mutation behind the fiery fur of orange cats. Researchers at Stanford University have identified a strange, one-of-a-kind genetic deletion that turns fur from black to orange—without following any of the usual pigmentation rules seen in other typical color mutations, this one doesn't even reside inside a gene. Instead, it's a tiny deletion—just 0.005% of the X chromosome—tucked between two genomic regions that were never previously linked to color. And yet, this small tweak mysteriously activates a nearby gene, Arhgap36, in pigment cells, causing them to block black pigment and produce orange rare mutation hasn't been found in any other animal, wild or domestic. In fact, scientists believe it likely occurred once in history and was passed down through generations—selectively bred into the golden goofballs we know science of this strange fur color gets even weirder. The mutation is carried on the X chromosome. Because male cats have only one X chromosome (paired with a Y), they only need to inherit the gene once to become fully orange. Female cats, on the other hand, need two copies—one from each parent—making it much rarer for them to be entirely orange. Instead, most female ginger cats wind up with patchy coats, appearing as calicos or genetic quirk makes orange males vastly more common, and possibly the reason for their more 'out-there' reputations. But can we really blame their bizarre behavior on a genetic glitch?While the study dives deep into how orange cats get their signature hue, it stops short of linking the mutation to their infamous personalities. Lead scientist Christopher Kaelin joked that orange cats have surely convinced their owners they're different—but the data doesn't yet back it up. Still, the mystery has laid the groundwork for future research connecting coat color to even more fascinating is how long this peculiar genetic trait has been with us. Researchers believe the mutation is centuries old, supported by depictions of tri-colored cats in Chinese art dating back to the 12th century. The consistency of this mutation across ginger cats worldwide hints at a single point of origin—an evolutionary 'oops' that turned out to be study is more than just a cute curiosity—it's also pushing the boundaries of genetic science. Since the mutation lies outside of any gene, it raises big questions about how genetic changes in non-coding DNA might affect traits in other animals—and even humans. Could diseases we've failed to trace to genes actually stem from overlooked regulatory regions? This unusual cat mutation might just lead the out, the answer is written in their DNA. From their flamboyant fur to their larger-than-life antics, orange cats truly are genetic outliers—living, purring proof that nature sometimes likes to break its own rules. Whether it explains their antics or not, one thing's certain: orange cats aren't just memes—they're miracles of mutation.
Perth Now
28-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Innovative food app launches in Perth in bid to stop waste
Food destined for the bin will instead be sold as heavily discounted 'surprise bags' to customers keen for a bargain via new app Too Good to Go, which officially launches in Perth on April 29. Started a decade ago in Copenhagen by a group of young entrepreneurs looking for a solution to the massive amount of food wastage at Danish buffet restaurants, Too Good to Go has now spread to 19 countries with the app hitting Melbourne and Sydney in August last year. Perth is the third Australian city for Too Good to Go, which boasts 100 million users and 175,000 business partners globally. In the past nine years, the company claims to have saved 200 million meals worldwide by enabling food businesses to sell surplus stock for around a third of the price. The app, which has already accumulated 500,000 users in Australia with many posting their surprise bag hauls on social media, rolled out in Perth a few weeks ago before its official launch here later this month. It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. One of the first businesses to sign on is Crumbs Patisserie, which has stores in Applecross and Osborne Park. Owner Julia Buri said throwing out unsold pastries leaves her 'devastated', so anything that reduces food waste is welcome. 'From an environmental point of view, it's really gut-wrenching to see all that food go in the bin,' the gymnast turned pastry chef said. 'There's only so much we can bring home to family and friends or eat ourselves.' Crumbs Patisserie owner and head pastry chef Julia Buri. Credit: Danella Bevis / The West Australian Other local businesses to sign up with Too Good to Go include Roll'd, Jamaica Blue, Muffin Break, Sushi Sushi and Adore Bakery. Crumbs Patisserie sells a surprise bag of sweet and savoury pastries usually worth $30 for $10, with around $3 going to Too Good to Go. Ms Buri also pays an annual sign-on fee of $68. Since joining Too Good to Go in early April, Crumbs has sold more than 80 surprise bags in total. 'It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,' she said. 'We're not necessarily making money off this. This is more to cover our food waste costs.' Ms Buri, who trained at Heston Blumenthal's Michelin-starred UK restaurant The Fat Duck, said she used Too Good to Go to save on food when she lived in 'expensive' London. 'People love a bargain,' she said. 'Cost-of-living is only rising, and people are having to adjust and get thrifty. It is fantastic from a consumer point of view.' After moving back to Australia, Ms Buri opened her first Crumbs patisserie in Applecross in 2021. She said it is 'fantastic' that Too Good to Go is finally launching in Perth. Too Good to Go's Australian director Joost Rietveld. Credit: Frank van Beek Australians waste more than 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, or enough to fill Optus Stadium 10 times over. Too Good to Go's Australian director Joost Rietveld said that 40 per cent of all food produced worldwide is wasted. 'Too Good to Go saves four meals per second, while 80,000 still go to waste,' he added. The company has around 1500 employees worldwide, including a small team in Australia that is set to grow with the addition of a Perth office.
