The 'Kraken' COVID subvariant: What to know about quickly rising omicron descendant

The 'Kraken' COVID subvariant: What to know about quickly rising omicron descendant | UV radiation pulse played a role in a mass extinction event, fossilized pollen reveals | Why do beavers build dams? Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( January 10, 2023 CONNECT WITH LIVESCIENCE  [Facebook]( [Twitter](  [LIVESCIENCE]( Amazing science every day [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Top Science News [] [The 'Kraken' COVID subvariant: What to know about quickly rising omicron descendant]( [The 'Kraken' COVID subvariant: What to know about quickly rising omicron descendant]( (Matt Anderson Photography) A new flavor of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was identified in October 2022. In the past several weeks, it has steadily gained prominence in the United States. The subvariant is known as XBB.1.5 but has also been given the unofficial nickname "Kraken," after the mythical sea monster. Here's what we know so far about XBB.1.5 so far. Full Story: [Live Science]( (1/9) [] Natural Disasters [] [UV radiation pulse played a role in a mass extinction event, fossilized pollen reveals]( [UV radiation pulse played a role in a mass extinction event, fossilized pollen reveals]( (Conor Haynes-Mannering/University of Nottingham) A lethal pulse of ultraviolet (UV) radiation may have played a role in Earth's biggest mass extinction event, fossilized pollen grains reveal. Pollen that dates to the time of the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event, roughly 250 million years ago, produced "sunscreen" compounds that shielded against harmful UV-B radiation, the analysis found. At that time, approximately 80% of all marine and terrestrial species died off. Full Story: [Live Science]( (1/10) [] Life’s Little Mysteries [] [Why do beavers build dams?]( [Why do beavers build dams?]( (Troy Harrison via Getty Images) Beavers are renowned for building dams, which the animals construct from trees and branches they cut using their strong front teeth, according to the National Park Service. The rodents also use grass, rocks and mud to reinforce these structures. But why do American beavers (Castor canadensis) build dams? Do they live in them? Full Story: [Live Science]( (1/8) [] [What is the rarest mineral on Earth?]( [What is the rarest mineral on Earth?]( (Courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM)) Most human eyes have seen the mystical beauty of quartz, possibly without knowing it is the most common mineral on Earth, but which is the rarest? Minerals are scattered everywhere on our planet, from glittering flecks in gravel or sand to actual hidden gems. According to the U.S. Geological Society, minerals are naturally occurring elements or compounds that are inorganic, meaning they do not contain carbon. Each type of mineral exhibits order in its internal structure and has a unique chemical makeup. Full Story: [Live Science]( (1/1) Featured Content Sponsored Content from Pfizer [Pfizer's using Artificial Intelligence to change medication development]( Artificial intelligence is set to play a massive role in how medication is developed going forward. Pfizer is using it to uncover how diseases develop in the body, screen for the best molecules for new medications, and even create individualized treatment plans. [Learn more here.]( [] Your Health [] [What is a runner's high?]( [What is a runner's high?]( (Getty Images) If you’ve ever cheered on a group of exhausted marathon runners with big smiles on their faces, you may find yourself wondering why they look so happy. As it turns out, there is a phenomenon called the “runner’s high” which floods the brain and body with feel-good chemicals. Ask a runner to explain themselves and chances are they'll say something about the fabled runner's high. But what exactly is a runner's high? How does it affect the body? And can it really make you feel intoxicated? Full Story: [Live Science]( (1/6) [] Your Brain [] [How does grief affect the brain?]( [How does grief affect the brain?]( (Getty Images) Grief is something nearly everyone will experience at some point in their lives. It can be overwhelming and confusing, and it can make the death of a loved one difficult to navigate. But when someone is experiencing grief, what exactly is happening to their brain? According to Dr. Lisa M. Shulman, a neurologist at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine, our brains perceive traumatic loss as a threat to our survival. Full Story: [Live Science]( (1/8) [] Daily Quiz [] POLL QUESTION: Why do beavers build dams? (Learn the answer [here]() [Vote]( [They live inside the dams]( [Vote]( [They use the dams to create protective pond habitats]( [Vote]( [The dams trap fish and other swimming prey]( [Vote]( [We don't actually know why beavers build dams](   [Sign Up]( | [Update Profile]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( | [Cookies Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](mailto:livescience@smartbrief.com) | [ADVERTISE]( Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036