Advances in understanding the evolution of stomach loss in agastric fishes
Living beings can evolve to lose biological structures due to potential survival benefits from such losses. For example, certain groups of ray-finned fishes show such regressive evolution—medakas, minnows, puffera, and wrasses do not have a stomach.....»»
First ever goat-fish petroglyph reveals Egyptian understanding of zodiac symbols
A new study by Dr. Linda Evans and her colleagues from Macquarie University, Australia, published in the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, has recently identified what may be an Egyptian petroglyph depicting the zodiac sign Capricornus, a hybrid creat.....»»
With new imaging approach, scientists closely analyze microbial adhesive interactions
Scientists have identified many types of bacteria in the mouth, but many problems remain in understanding how they work with one another. One of the problems is that microbes assemble themselves into densely packed multi-species biofilms. Their densi.....»»
New fossil reveals the evolution of flying reptiles
The pterosaurs are extinct flying reptiles that lived alongside their close relatives, the dinosaurs. The largest of these reached 10 m in wingspan, but early forms were generally limited to around 2 m. In a paper, a team led by paleontologist Dr. Da.....»»
Electron imaging reveals the vibrant colors of the outermost electron layer
Surfaces play a key role in numerous chemical reactions, including catalysis and corrosion. Understanding the atomic structure of the surface of a functional material is essential for both engineers and chemists. Researchers at Nagoya University in J.....»»
Volcanic caves research advances the search for life on Mars
Through the intricate study of lava tubes—caves formed following volcanic eruptions when lava cools down—an international team of researchers has uncovered clues about Earth's ancient environments that could be significant in the search for life.....»»
Archaea shape microbiomes by using molecular spring-loaded daggers
In a paper published in Science Advances, the Pilhofer Lab (IMBB) together with the Albers Lab from the University of Freiburg describe the structure and function of contractile injection systems from haloarchaea and show how it can structure the loc.....»»
Transforming code scanning and threat detection with GenAI
In this Help Net Security interview, Stuart McClure, CEO of Qwiet AI, discusses the evolution of code scanning practices, highlighting the shift from reactive fixes to proactive risk management. McClure also shares his perspective on the future of AI.....»»
Study of Scotland"s last plague reveals humanity in face of "Black Death"
A new study led by the University of Aberdeen has provided greater understanding of Scotland's final deadly brush with the plague......»»
Ending NASA’s Chandra Will Cut Us Out of the High-Resolution X-Ray Universe
The Chandra X-ray Observatory is facing closure. Shutting it down would be a loss to science as a whole.....»»
Three innovative ways to help countries hit by climate disasters, beyond a loss and damage fund
These days, it's hard to escape news stories discussing how climate change is contributing to extreme weather disasters, including the recent U.S. hurricanes. Aid agencies are increasingly worried about the widespread damage......»»
Discovery of 2,586 orphan genes in Rosa chinensis reveals stress adaptation and flower development
Orphan genes, found only in specific lineages, are key drivers of new functions and phenotypic traits. This discovery lays a foundation for understanding how roses thrive under environmental challenges......»»
What Bird Flu in Wastewater Means for California and Beyond
Wastewater in several Californian cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, recently tested positive for bird flu. But understanding disease risk and exposure to humans isn’t so straightforward.....»»
Election Grief Is Real. Here’s How to Cope
Understanding the psychology of ambiguous loss can help people struggling with grief and depression in the wake of the 2024 election results.....»»
The Lucy Fossil’s Extraordinary Journey to Becoming an Icon of Human Evolution
The 3.2-million-year-old human ancestor known as Lucy rose to fame through an incredible combination of circumstances.....»»
Insects Played Pivotal Roles in the Evolution of Human Culture
Violins, the ink on the Declaration of Independence and other ways that insects shaped human history.....»»
How to Overcome Solastalgia, the Feeling of Profound Loss of Your Environment
Damage to your environment can bring a profound sense of loss; that feeling, called solastalgia, can also provide inspiration.....»»
Picky proteins: Understanding yeast adaptor protein selectivity
The cellular membrane controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell. Some larger cargo, such as membrane proteins, nutrients, and pathogens, enter the cell via a process known as clathrin-mediated endocytosis......»»
Q&A: Holobiont biology, a new concept for exploring how microbiome shapes evolution of visible life
Microorganisms—bacteria, viruses and other tiny life forms—may drive biological variation in visible life as much, if not more, than genetic mutations, creating new lineages and even new species of animals and plants, according to Seth Bordenstei.....»»
Fossil teeth suggest a long childhood is the prelude to the evolution of a large brain
Compared to the great apes, humans have an exceptionally long childhood, during which parents, grandparents and other adults contribute to their physical and cognitive development. This is a key developmental period for acquiring all the cognitive sk.....»»
Data from Jan. 6 insurrection links social media, growing levels of political violence
In an era where demonstrations involving force are growing in number and viewed as a likely source of increased collective violence, the scientific understanding of the correlation between protests and the social media communications of leaders remai.....»»