"Do not anthropomorphize plants," say plant and forest researchers
Plants are often attributed with abilities similar to those known in the animal or human world. Trees are said to have feelings and can purportedly care for their offspring, like mothers. In an article in the review journal Trends in Plant Science, 3.....»»
Hidden mechanisms behind hermaphroditic plant self-incompatibility revealed
A new study presents an evolutionary-biophysical model that sheds new light on the evolution of the collaborative non-self recognition self-incompatibility, a genetic mechanism in plants that prevents self-fertilization and promotes cross-fertilizati.....»»
Researchers identify potential hazards in biosolid fertilizers
Fertilizers manufactured from the sludgy leftovers of wastewater treatment processes can contain traces of potentially hazardous organic chemicals, according to a new study by Johns Hopkins University researchers......»»
Researchers use gold membrane to coax secrets out of surfaces
Using a special wafer-thin gold membrane, ETH researchers have made it significantly easier to study surfaces. The membrane makes it possible to measure properties of surfaces that are inaccessible to conventional methods......»»
Heat and disease: The genetic tug-of-war in pepper immunity
Plants face simultaneous challenges from pathogens and environmental stresses, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Pathogens trigger immune responses through specific receptors, while high temperatures activate heat tolerance mechanisms......»»
Researchers develop polymer fibers that can facilitate controlled, local drug delivery
Medical products such as ointments or syringes reach their limits when it comes to delivering medication locally—and above all in a controlled manner over a longer period of time. Empa researchers are therefore developing polymer fibers that can de.....»»
Harvesting microbes for growth: A soybean success story in acidic soils
Acidic soils, characterized by low pH and poor phosphorus availability, pose significant challenges to leguminous plant growth and productivity. Traditional methods to improve soil phosphorus involve chemical fertilization, which can have environment.....»»
New security loophole allows spying on internet users’ online activity
Researchers at Graz University of Technology were able to spy on users’ online activities simply by monitoring fluctuations in the speed of their internet connection. This vulnerability, known as SnailLoad, does not require malicious code to ex.....»»
New paradigm in photothermal therapy: Researchers develop ultrasound-assisted photothermal therapy technology
Professor Jin-ho Chang's research team from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at DGIST has developed "Ultrasound-assisted photothermal therapy (ULTRA-PTT)" technology that significantly enhances the performance of conventi.....»»
Scientists identify safe havens we must preserve to prevent "the sixth great extinction of life on Earth"
In a new article, a coalition of conservationists and researchers have shown how we can protect Earth's remaining biodiversity by conserving just a tiny percentage of the planet's surface. This affordable, achievable plan would make it possible for u.....»»
Australia"s giant lizards help save sheep from being eaten alive
Giant lizards called heath goannas could save Australian sheep farmers millions of dollars a year by keeping blowfly numbers down—and must be prioritized in conservation schemes to boost native wildlife, say researchers......»»
Revived technology used to count individual photons from distant galaxies
Using an instrument on the 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope, researchers have obtained the first astronomical spectrum using skipper charge-coupled devices (CCDs)......»»
Violence towards refugee and migrant women often goes undetected. Researchers find a way to help fix that
Recent deaths have highlighted the seriousness of intimate partner violence nationally. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, the number of women killed by partners increased by 28% from 2022 to 2023. While the overall homicide rate r.....»»
Researchers develop RNA-targeting technology for precisely manipulating parts of human genes
Researchers at the University of Toronto have harnessed a bacterial immune defense system, known as CRISPR, to efficiently and precisely control the process of RNA splicing. The technology opens the door to new applications, including systematically.....»»
Biodiversity loss from 2010 oil spill worse than predicted
A new peer-reviewed study from researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington; the University of Nevada, Reno; Mokwon University in Daejeon, Korea; and Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi shows the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill of 2010 af.....»»
Researchers develop tuneable anti-counterfeiting material
Counterfeiters are becoming increasingly more sophisticated in forging everything from diplomas and currency to medications and artwork. While protective measures such as luminescent markings (which glow under ultraviolet light) have been around for.....»»
Hydrothermal vents on seafloors of "ocean worlds" could support life, new study says
We've all seen the surreal footage in nature documentaries showing hydrothermal vents on the frigid ocean floor—bellowing black plumes of super-hot water—and the life forms that cling to them. Now, a new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers suggest.....»»
Whistleblower claims to have nearly died because of illegal chemical exposure from Apple
An ex-employee has accused Apple of exposing her to gaseous organic chemicals from a secret chip fabrication plant located near her home.Apple's Santa Clara operation was visited by the EPA (Source: Apple Maps)Apple fired whistleblower Ashley Gjovik.....»»
Do protons decay? The answer might be on the moon
Does proton decay exist and how do we search for it? This is what a recently submitted study to the arXiv preprint server hopes to address as a team of international researchers investigate a concept of using samples from the moon to search for evide.....»»
Non-coding RNA acts as "superhighway" for gene expression, study finds
The function of non-coding RNA in the cell has long been a mystery to researchers. Unlike coding RNA, non-coding RNA does not produce proteins—yet it exists in large quantities......»»
Genetic switch in plants can turn simple spoon-shaped leaves into complex leaves with leaflets
The diversity of forms of living organisms is enormous. But how the individual cells together coordinate the formation of organs and tissues in complex organisms is still an open question......»»