Discoveries gleaned from ancient human DNA
Four research articles published in Nature follow the genetic traces and geographical origins of human diseases far back in time. The analyses provide detailed pictures of prehistoric human diversity and migration, while proposing an explanation for.....»»
Lizards and snakes are 35 million years older than we thought
Reanalysis of a fossil finds that reptiles' traits go back earlier than we thought. Lizards are ancient creatures. They were around before the dinosaurs and persisted long after d.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of collagen: How sea creature superpowers are inspiring smart biomaterials for human health
Major findings on the inner workings of a brittle star's ability to reversibly control the pliability of its tissues will help researchers solve the puzzle of mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) and potentially inspire new "smart" biomaterials for human.....»»
Computer modeling shows close encounters between distant DNA regions cause bursts of gene activity
Researchers at Kyushu University have revealed how spatial distance between specific regions of DNA is linked to bursts of gene activity. Using advanced cell imaging techniques and computer modeling, the researchers showed that the folding and moveme.....»»
Finding traces of fish with DNA from water samples
Silje Halvorsen bends down and fills a plastic bottle with water from Gillsvannet lake, a sheltered bathing spot just outside the center of Kristiansand......»»
Triassic reptile with unusual jaws named as a new species
A new species of ancient reptile has been named after spending more than 200 million years buried in the ground. Threordatoth chasmatos was one of the last survivors of the procolophonids, a group of lizard-like animals that were once widespread duri.....»»
Study reveals presence of fentanyl in Gulf of Mexico dolphins
A team of faculty and student researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Precision Toxicological Consultancy, have detected traces of human pharmaceuticals.....»»
The moon"s biggest and most ancient crater is more circular than previously thought
The South Pole-Aitken basin is the moon's oldest and largest visible crater—a massive geological wound 4 billion years old that preserves secrets about the moon's early history, much like a lunar time capsule......»»
3D scans of giant hailstones reveal surprising discoveries that could help predict future storms
Hailstones are formed during thunderstorms, when raindrops are propelled into very cold parts of a cloud, where they freeze. Once the particles are heavy enough, gravity pulls them back towards Earth. As they plummet, they grow into hailstones, which.....»»
Analysis method reveals unknown chemicals in human serum samples
In the past, chemicals like asbestos and lead caused widespread harm before their dangers were fully understood. Today, many unknown chemicals similarly pose potential risks. Recently, Chiba University researchers developed a new analysis method for.....»»
UN report: Invest in nature to cut billion-dollar costs of droughts
As droughts fueled by human destruction of the environment are projected to affect 3 in 4 people by 2050, investing in sustainable land and water management is essential to reduce their costs, which already exceed $307 billion per year globally, acco.....»»
Historical outbreaks of coffee wilt disease linked to gene transfer from another fungus
The fungus that causes coffee wilt disease repeatedly took up segments of DNA from a related fungal pathogen, which contributed to successive outbreaks of the disease. Lily Peck of Imperial College London, U.K., reports these new findings in a study.....»»
Study shows chimpanzees perform the same complex behaviors that have brought humans success
A new study suggests that the fundamental abilities underlying human language and technological culture may have evolved before humans and apes diverged millions of years ago. The findings were published 5 December 2024 in the journal PeerJ......»»
Could we use an asteroid to shield astronauts on their way to Mars?
Radiation is a primary concern for long-duration human spaceflight, such as the planned trips to Mars, which are the stated goal of organizations such as NASA and SpaceX. Shielding is the standard way to protect astronauts from radiation during those.....»»
James Webb spots ancient Spiderweb cluster that’s 10 billion years old
An image from the James Webb Space Telescope shows a group of galaxies called the Spiderweb protocluster, and it dates to when the universe was young......»»
After decades of plantation agriculture, coconut palms dominate over half of Pacific atoll forests
Coconut palms are king throughout the tropics, serving as the foundation for human lives and cultures across the Pacific Ocean for centuries. However, 200 years of planting by colonial interests transformed the palm from the revered "Tree of Life" to.....»»
Q&A: Researcher discusses protecting the health of wildlife ecosystems
The plague is one of the deadliest bacterial infections in human history. An estimated 50 million Europeans died from it in the mid-1300s when it was known as the "Black Death.".....»»
Delhi"s annual air pollution has become a human-made calamity
Delhi's air pollution is so bad that it's sometimes hard to discern anything more than a few meters in front of you. And it is affecting people's health. Breathing is uncomfortable, and one of us (Komali) developed rashes and red eyes on a recent tri.....»»
Isotope analysis reveals mammoth as key food source for ancient Americans
Scientists have uncovered the first direct evidence that ancient Americans relied primarily on mammoth and other large animals for food. Their research sheds new light on both the rapid expansion of humans throughout the Americas and the extinction o.....»»
Archaeological remains in Alaska show humans and dogs bonded 12,000 years ago
"Dog is man's best friend" may be an ancient cliché, but when that friendship began is a longstanding question among scientists. A study led by a University of Arizona researcher is one step closer to an answer to how Indigenous people in the Americ.....»»
Warming oceans are changing marine habitats. A new study explores the impact on thousands of species
Every year, human activities release billions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the Sun, making the Earth warmer than it would be without them. Over 90% of the extra heat from greenhouse gases gets absorbed b.....»»