Behold the Magnetar, nature’s ultimate superweapon
Their magnetic fields—the strongest we've observed—could melt you from 1,000 km away. Enlarge / Artist's conception of a magnetar. (credit: Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library) If you think black holes are the scariest thin.....»»
Combining trapped atoms and photonics for new quantum devices
Quantum information systems offer faster, more powerful computing methods than standard computers to help solve many of the world's toughest problems. Yet fulfilling this ultimate promise will require bigger and more interconnected quantum computers.....»»
New nature writing genre brings wild and tricky aspects of climate crisis to life
We live in an age of climate emergency and eco-anxiety. This is, after all, the Anthropocene—a geological period defined by the bootprint of humans on Earth. Bearing witness to our place in the world is critical now more than ever but writing about.....»»
Nature-inspired novel catalyst paves the way for efficient hydrocarbon decomposition
A research team affiliated with UNIST has developed a novel catalyst that mimics the ability of a natural enzyme to break down harmful hydrocarbons, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient approach to reducing pollutio.....»»
Forging of joined-up approach at COP29 and COP16 vital for urgent action for climate and nature, say scientists
World leaders must take advantage of a pivotal window of opportunity for forging a much-needed joined-up approach to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, say scientists from ZSL and York University. Without this, work on tackling either crisi.....»»
Stepping stones for wildlife: How linking up isolated habitats can help nature thrive in our cities
Imagine you're a fairywren living in a patch of scrub behind a schoolyard in the suburbs. It's been pretty nice so far, but a recent increase in neighborhood cats and the council's insect control tactics mean it's time to look for somewhere safer to.....»»
How nature-based solutions can promote effective flood management
This week, large areas of Ontario experienced severe flooding that caused widespread power outages, water damages and disruption. Severe rainfall events are not new, but they are becoming more frequent and costly due to human-caused climate change......»»
FTC attacks Microsoft’s post-merger Game Pass price increases
Regulator says move is "exactly the sort of consumer harm" it warned about. Enlarge / Access to first-party games on launch day remains a major selling point for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. (credit: Microsoft) The.....»»
Trillions are lost in worker productivity due to ecological anxiety and "lie-flat" lifestyles, argues researcher
Could nature and climate anxieties predict future social behaviors, in the same way that consumer sentiment predicts purchasing and investment?.....»»
MicroRNA study sets stage for crop improvements
MicroRNAs can make plants more capable of withstanding drought, salinity, pathogens and more. However, in a study published in Nature Plants, Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists show just how much we didn't know about the intricate processes plant.....»»
Space colonizers battle ultimate killing machines in Alien: Romulus trailer
"Whatever comes, we'll face it together." Director Fede Alvarez brings us Alien: Romulus, coming to theaters next month. The face huggers and chest bursters return with a vengeance in a few weeks when Alien: Romulus finally hits the.....»»
Nature"s gender reveal: Key gene controls female flowers in Cucurbita pepo
Sex determination in cucurbits such as squash is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors, with ethylene being the primary hormone promoting female flower development......»»
Scientists unveil cosmic fingerprints of sulfur rings
For the first time, a team of scientists from HFML-FELIX at Radboud University has unveiled the cosmic fingerprints of sulfur rings. These results, published in Nature Communications, may shed new light on the way sulfur was transported from dark int.....»»
Green agendas clash in Nevada as company grows rare plant to help it survive effects of a mine
A botanist gently strokes the pollen of endangered wildflowers with a paintbrush as she tries to reenact nature inside a small greenhouse in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada......»»
Ginseng"s full genome sequenced
Ginseng's role in traditional medicine is underscored by its complex genetic structure due to its allotetraploid nature. A recent study delves into this complexity, revealing key evolutionary insights into its subgenomes that govern saponin biosynthe.....»»
Minerals play newly discovered role in Earth"s phosphorus cycle
Northwestern University-led researchers have discovered a new way that nature cycles phosphorus, a finding that uncovers a missing piece of Earth's puzzling phosphorus cycle......»»
California"s dirtiest beaches reported
As Mother Nature continues to turn up the heat this summer, those looking to cool off along the California coast might want to reconsider where they're swimming......»»
Rural belts around cities could reduce urban temperatures by up to 0.5°C, study suggests
The key to cooling 'urban heat islands' may lie in the countryside, according to a new study, published in the journal Nature Cities, from scientists at the University of Surrey and Southeast University (China)......»»
Our cities" secret gardens: We connect with nature in neglected green spaces just as much as in parks
Access to nature is essential for our health and well-being. However, as our cities become increasingly crowded, it becomes more and more challenging to find ways to connect with nature in urban spaces......»»
Researchers build ultralight drone that flies with onboard solar
Bizarre design uses a solar-powered motor that's optimized for weight. Enlarge / The CoulombFly doing its thing. (credit: Nature) On Wednesday, researchers reported that they had developed a drone they're calling the Cou.....»»
How a futuristic material is able to change its properties from soft to rigid, and back again
In our everyday life, we are surrounded by objects that have properties enabling them to perform certain functions. Rigidity and softness enable an object to perform a specific function. These properties are seemingly opposing in nature, and one prop.....»»