Assemblages of bacterial communities depend on depths in paddy soils
Bacterial communities in soil play a key role in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. It is not clear how geographic divergence in bacterial community composition depends on soil depth, which processes underlie community assembly, and which are the main.....»»
Scientists reveal strategically applied livestock grazing can benefit sagebrush communities
While a cow grazing in a field isn't typically remarkable, United States Department of Agriculture scientists have identified potential ecological benefits of strategically applied livestock grazing in sagebrush communities across U.S. western rangel.....»»
Double whammy antibiotic makes antibiotic resistance much harder—new study
Most antibiotics are natural products of bacteria and other microorganisms from the environment. They are part of a silent chemical warfare among microorganisms in soils, rivers and seas right now. The fact that they are natural products that have be.....»»
New compound found to be effective against "flesh-eating" bacteria
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a novel compound that effectively clears bacterial infections in mice, including those that can result in rare but potentially fatal "flesh-eating" illnesses. The com.....»»
Communities can increase the prosocial tendencies of their authorities, study finds
A new paper by researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science shows that policymakers are more likely to support "prosocial" policies in.....»»
Breakthrough in plant disease: New enzyme could lead to anti-bacterial pesticides
Plant diseases pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, presenting formidable hurdles that require urgent attention. Left unchecked, these diseases can spread rapidly, inflicting widespread damage on crops and leading to reduced yiel.....»»
Grassroots sports clubs give children belonging and strengthen communities, according to new report
A University of Bath study of 12 grassroots sports clubs in Bristol, Manchester and London has found that almost all children who attend them feel a sense of belonging and emotional connection......»»
New derivative from long pepper shows promise against antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens are on the rise, while fewer antibiotics are being developed. Prof. Ariel Kushmaro and his local and international colleagues tackled the need by focusing on the long pepper. Known in traditional medicine for.....»»
How bacteria attach their cloaks of invisibility to immune defenses
Bacteria have different strategies for protecting themselves. Some bacterial pathogens surround themselves with a shell made of many sugar chains that lie close together, also known as capsular polymers. This protects the bacteria from drying out and.....»»
Agricultural soils are efficient ice nucleating particles in the southern great plains
INPs are a rare subset of atmospheric aerosol that can initiate ice formation in clouds. There is a significant gap between scientists' ability to measure INPs and to predict their concentrations and variability in large-scale weather and climate mod.....»»
Researchers use plant-inspired polymers for water purification
Clean drinking water is a basic demand for our health and well-being. However, as the global population grows, achieving this for all communities worldwide becomes more challenging......»»
Parched Central Valley farms depend on Sierras for groundwater
New research shows that California's Central Valley, known as America's breadbasket, gets as much as half of its groundwater from the Sierra Nevadas. This is significant for a farming region that in some parts relies almost entirely on groundwater fo.....»»
Cheesemaking is a complex science—a food chemist explains the process from milk to mozzarella
Cheese is a relatively simple food. It's made with milk, enzymes—these are proteins that can chop up other proteins—bacterial cultures and salt. Lots of complex chemistry goes into the cheesemaking process, which can determine whether the cheese.....»»
Boosting plant health: The role of gene exchange with bacteria
A recent study has unveiled how plants and bacteria exchange genes to boost plant health and development. The team discovered 75 genes that were transferred between small, fast-growing plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) and its bacterial companions, influ.....»»
Woodchip bioreactor helps reduce pesticide run-off from horticulture greenhouses
Pesticides seeping out of intensive horticulture into waterways have long-concerned NSW north coast communities. Now a new Southern Cross University study provides evidence that bioreactors can significantly limit this toxic run-off......»»
Dual action antibiotic could make bacterial resistance nearly impossible
A new antibiotic that works by disrupting two different cellular targets would make it 100 million times more difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance, according to new research from the University of Illinois Chicago......»»
Giraffes bring peace to Kenyan communities once at odds
On a vast farm in Kenya's Rift Valley, a veterinarian carefully takes aim before shooting a tranquiliser dart and sending another giraffe sinking slowly to the ground before it is roped and blindfolded......»»
Mantle upwelling may have triggered Morocco earthquake
On 8 September 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck western Morocco, causing damage and destruction that claimed thousands of lives in rural communities in the High Atlas Mountains......»»
Giant millipede was lost to science for 126 years: It"s just been found in Madagascar
When a new species is discovered in the depths of the rainforest or on top of a mountain, it can be years before the creature is cataloged again. Separated from science by elevation, water or tangled branches, the species lives undisturbed, its popul.....»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»
Researchers reveal pivotal role of online communities in helping those affected by pet theft
Social media and online communities can play a crucial role for owners searching for their stolen pets, researchers have revealed, both in physically tracking them down and as a source of comfort after their loss......»»