Decoding reactive species in molten salts
By unraveling vibrational signatures and observing ion exchanges, an Oak Ridge National Laboratory team revealed how chemical species form in a highly reactive molten salt mixture of aluminum chloride and potassium chloride. The findings are publishe.....»»
Three new extinct walnut species discovered in high Arctic mummified forest
In a new study, scientists describe three new, but long-extinct, walnut species on an island above the Arctic Circle. The fossils were discovered further north than any known walnut species, living or extinct, and represent some of the oldest-known r.....»»
Researchers find genetic stability in a long-term Panamanian hybrid zone of manakins
We often think of species as separate and distinct, but sometimes they can interbreed and create hybrids. When this happens consistently in a specific area, it forms what's known as a hybrid zone. These zones can be highly dynamic or remarkably stabl.....»»
Learning from Great Tits" Urban Adaptability
One of Europe’s most common birds, the great tit, show an amazing adaptability to human-made habitats. There seem no limits for this species when it comes inventing new ways of acquiring food from people.....»»
Rewriting the armadillo family tree: A new species, plus a name change for the state mammal of Texas
While their scaly armor and long claws look vaguely reptilian, armadillos belong to the same group of mammals as sloths and anteaters. There are nearly two dozen species of armadillos, from six-inch long "pink fairies" to giant armadillos that measur.....»»
Lichen partnerships challenged by changes in the Northwoods
Lichen, which people may think of as a single organism, is in fact a community of several species that depend on each other for survival. Lichen symbiosis includes at least one fungus and one alga, along with other fungi and bacteria in roles that ar.....»»
Industrial fleets operating in the Indian Ocean turn off monitoring systems, fail reporting obligations
Industrial fleets from top fishing countries operating in the Indian Ocean and targeting export-market species such as tuna and squid are likely to disable monitoring systems to fish more than allowed and evade authorities, new research has found......»»
Frog "saunas" help endangered frogs survive the devastating impacts of a deadly fungal disease
Macquarie University researchers have used heat to develop a simple and effective way to help endangered frogs survive the devastating impacts of a pandemic sweeping multiple species......»»
From wild to sweet: Decoding the jujube"s genetic journey
Chinese jujube, known for its economic and nutritional significance, was domesticated from its wild ancestor. While previous studies have shed light on some aspects of its domestication, many genetic details remain unexplored. The jujube's transforma.....»»
Pauses in human activity benefit biodiversity
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation shows that COVID-19 lockdowns had a positive impact on the quality of species' habitats......»»
Decoding apples: Nitrogen"s role in shaping fruit sugar content
Apple quality and yield are significantly affected by nitrogen levels in the soil, which influence various biochemical processes. Insufficient nitrogen can result in poor fruit quality, while excessive nitrogen leads to environmental pollution. Under.....»»
Species composition and succession of coral reef fishes in Huaguang Reef, Xisha Islands
Huaguang Reef, one of the expansive atolls in the Xisha Islands, is completely mature, stretching 31 kilometers from east to west and 12 kilometers from north to south. Positioned as a concealed reef in the water, only the north and south gates are c.....»»
In a world-first, researchers map a 4,200 km transatlantic flight of the painted lady butterfly
In October 2013, Gerard Talavera, a researcher from the Botanical Institute of Barcelona at CSIC, made a surprising discovery of painted lady butterflies on the Atlantic beaches of French Guiana—a species not typically found in South America. This.....»»
Unlocking broccoli"s genome: Key to enhanced health benefits
Broccoli is renowned for its health benefits, primarily due to its rich glucosinolate (GSL) content, which has anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Despite extensive studies on Brassica species, the genetic basis for GSL diversity remains un.....»»
Exploring the roots of the Anthropocene
Understanding how tropical land use and deforestation affects the dynamics of the global Earth system and identifying potential tipping points are key to the future of our species on this planet. By exploring the long history of human societies in tr.....»»
Finding the ecological balance while countering invasive species
In 2003, Anne Nielsen became the first doctoral student in the U.S. to study the brown marmorated stink bug, which was beginning its ascendancy as an invasive species notoriously damaging to crops......»»
Saving the woodrats: Zoo raises endangered species for wild release
Inside a hallway of the veterinary hospital at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, a popular new program plays 24/7 on a computer screen......»»
Insecticides contribute to drop in butterfly species across US MidWest: Study
Insecticide use is a major factor causing a decrease in the size and diversity of butterfly populations across the US Midwest, reports Braeden Van Deynze of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and colleagues in a study published June 20 in.....»»
Scotland"s capercaillie population offered extinction lifeline
Researchers might have solved the riddle of how to save one of Scotland's most iconic protected species from eating another......»»
New species of Callicarpa discovered in Hunan, China
Callicarpa L. (Lamiaceae) consists of 140 species that are trees or shrubs, and there are about 53 species in China, mainly distributed south of the Yangtze River. Some plants of Callicarpa are used as traditional medicine in China. In addition, they.....»»
Unlocking the tea leaf"s secret: Decoding the amino acid blueprint of tea plant
Amino acids are vital for plant growth and significantly influence tea flavor and health benefits. Tea plants, particularly Camellia sinensis, exhibit unique amino acid profiles that contribute to their distinctive taste and nutritional value......»»