Using MRI scans and ultrasound, scientists compared the structure of regular high-heelers’ calves to those of women who usually wear flat shoes. The women all had similarly sized calf muscles, but those who preferred high heels had markedly shorter muscles and thicker, stiffer tendons attaching the muscle to the heel. Although the thicker tendon makes walking on heels effortless, it can’t stretch enough to allow easy flat-footed walking. But hey, if the shoe fits…

 

 

Some guys really light up when trying to get girls’ attention. Especially if they’re fireflies. But according to a recent report in the journal Science, males of the Photinus carolinus species have upped their game. Rather than each flashing separately, a swarm all flash together to improve their chances of getting female attention.

 

When scientists exposed female fireflies of the species to LED signals that mimicked males’ signals, females responded best to flashes that were perfectly synced, while those that were totally out of sync received only a 10% response rate. The scientists believe that flashing en masse, well, outshines other species’ signals and so sends females a clear message that their male mates are around. This probably gives the species an evolutionary advantage. Unity is strength they say.

 

 

Science has confirmed what we’ve suspected for a long time: chocolate is comfort food. In a study recently reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine, about 1000 volunteers, who were not taking any antidepressants at the time, were asked to describe their choc habits and then complete a survey to assess their general mood. The results showed that people who regularly feel down eat more than twice as much chocolate as people with lighter moods.

 

Although it’s not yet sure whether the chocolate helps to lift your mood or actually makes you feel worse and so drives your craving even more, it seems that the association is due to something specifically chocolaty, rather than a general increase of caffeine, carbohydrates or fat that comes with eating the good stuff. It’s the upside to feeling down.

 

More cool reads:

 

• After Paul the octopus – are they really smart? 

• The chicken came first, not the egg.

• Compare the size of BP’s oil spill to your own city.