Science news from around the Web:
Life in and around the lakes near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant appears to be thriving 25 years after a disaster released radiation into the atmosphere and caused or contributed to the deaths of thousands of people. New Scientist reports that high levels of radiation remain around the plant, but the evacuation of humans from the area appears to have been a boon for wildlife. Radiation-related illnesses do not appear to be an issue, possibly because animals die before they may appear.
High gravity doesn't appear to bother certain species of bacteria. space.com reports tests have shown e. coli bacteria can survive "hypergravity" up to 400,000 times stronger than the force that keeps us bound to Earth's surface. Researchers say the findings are another example that life could thrive in environments hostile to humans.
Fire ants may have some amphibious qualities. Scientific American reports a Georgia Institute of Technology study has found that the insects will turn themselves into rafts when their homes are threatened by flooding. The ants grasp each others' legs and mandibles to create the vessel, and can keep it on water for months.
ScienceDaily reports red pepper may help people maintain weight. A study out of Purdue University found that using dried cayenne red pepper on meals boosted calorie burns and reduced hunger. The researchers stressed, however, that the use of red pepper was not a magic bullet to cure obesity but could be a useful addition to a weight loss or weight maintenance regime.
Last week, NASA released this video showing satellite photos tracing the path of the Gulf oil spill.