Evolved in the lab, found in nature: Uncovering hidden pH sensing abilities in microbial cultures
In a study led by Sarah Worthan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Behringer Lab at Vanderbilt University, scientists have successfully evolved microbial cultures that possess the ability to sense pH changes, enabling rapid responses to environ.....»»
Discovery of key protein complex shows evolution and adaptability of photosynthetic organisms
A team of researchers has revealed the structure of a modified and evolved version of Photosystem I (PS I), a key protein complex used by plants and cyanobacteria to convert sunlight into chemical energy. This discovery sheds light on the evolution a.....»»
That"s no straw: Hummingbirds evolved surprisingly flexible bills to help them drink nectar
Hummingbird bills—their long, thin beaks—look a little like drinking straws. The frenetic speed at which they get nectar out of flowers and backyard feeders may give the impression that the bills act as straws, too. But new research shows just ho.....»»
Meta-analysis of hunter–gatherer societies shows remarkable physical abilities of both genders
A trio of archaeologists at the University of Cambridge, in the U.K. conducted a study of hundreds of papers outlining research into hunter–gatherer societies, finding that people in such groups engage in a variety of physical activities. George Br.....»»
Scientists reveal superconductivity secrets of an iron-based material
Scientists at the University of California, Irvine have uncovered the atomic-scale mechanics that enhance superconductivity in an iron-based material, a finding published recently in Nature......»»
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......»»
Researchers reveal the mechanism of runaway electron generation in tokamak fusion reactors
A research team has clarified the mechanism behind the generation of runaway electrons during the startup phase of a tokamak fusion reactor. The paper, "Binary Nature of Collisions Facilitates Runaway Electron Generation in Weakly Ionized Plasmas," w.....»»
Spectroscopy and AI method provide unique window into protein structure and mechanism of action
The lab of Hassane Mchaourab, director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Protein Dynamics and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, has developed a methodological blueprint that couples experimental double electron–el.....»»
Four new mushroom species discovered in Sweden
A researcher at Uppsala University has discovered four new mushrooms, three of which are found in Sweden—where they are already threatened with extinction. It is a case of hidden species diversity in the group of hydnoid fungi......»»
Google says AI weather model masters 15-day forecast
A new artificial intelligence-based weather model can deliver 15-day forecasts with unrivaled accuracy and speed, a Google lab said, with potentially life-saving applications as climate change ramps up......»»
Polarization photodetector that mimics desert ant offers pathway for more sensitive, miniaturized imaging systems
Polarization photodetectors (pol-PDs) have widespread applications in geological remote sensing, machine vision, and biological medicine. However, commercial pol-PDs usually require bulky and complicated optical components and are difficult to miniat.....»»
Scientists develop ultrasound-based technique as a tool for directing cell growth and orientation
Developing reliable methods to replace dead or damaged tissue is one of the primary goals of regenerative medicine. With steady advances in tissue engineering and biomedicine, scientists are almost at a point where growing cell sheets in the lab and.....»»
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.....»»
Engineered enzymes may help plants adapt to higher temperatures
As global temperatures rise, it's imperative that plants can adapt to new and changing conditions. Michigan State University researchers from the Walker lab are looking at ways to give plants an assist. More specifically, their research aims to help.....»»
Unique microbial communities discovered beneath frozen surface of Antarctica"s Lake Enigma
An international team of polar researchers has found several types of microbiota living in the water below the frozen surface of Antarctica's Lake Enigma. In their study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, group members vent.....»»
How ecotourism can help promote cultural diversity and biodiversity
Around the world, people have developed strong, intimate connections with their surrounding wildlife and ecosystems. From traditional dances to inspiring ways of knowing and being, wildlife is woven into the fabric of cultures worldwide. This connect.....»»
Closing the green space gap: Addressing gender inequality in nature access
Urban green spaces are known to boost mental health. However, these benefits may not be equally shared, as new research from the University of Surrey suggests that women and gender minorities face unique barriers when it comes to enjoying these space.....»»
A key transcription factor unlocks new potential in stem cell-based embryo models
Researchers from the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) have identified Nr1h2, a critical transcription factor essential for early embryo development. Published in Nature Communications, their findings enhance our understanding of.....»»
Children"s toys offer insights into cultural adaptation in Little Ice Age Greenland
A study published in the European Journal of Archaeology by Ph.D. candidate Mathilde Vestergaard Meyer and Dr. Felix Riede explores the contribution of children's toys in coping with environmental change in Greenland during the Little Ice Age......»»
Starspot activity of the red giant XX Trianguli indicates non-periodic, chaotic dynamo
In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers from the Leibniz-Institut for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and the HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (HUN-REN CSFK) have reconstructed the temporal changes in the distrib.....»»
Securing AI’s new frontier: Visibility, governance, and mitigating compliance risks
In this Help Net Security interview, Niv Braun, CEO at Noma Security, discusses the difficulties security teams face due to the fragmented nature of AI processes, tools, and teams across the data and AI lifecycle. Braun also shares insights on how or.....»»