Exposure to microplastics may alter cellular function
Pollution from miniscule pieces of plastic, or microplastics, have been a growing concern for scientists, public health advocates and environmentalists as these nondegradable items have increasingly made their way into waterways and even the air we b.....»»
Car tires shed a quarter of all microplastics in the environment. Urgent action is needed
Every year, billions of vehicles worldwide shed an estimated 6 million tons of tire fragments. These tiny flakes of plastic, generated by the wear and tear of normal driving, eventually accumulate in the soil, in rivers and lakes, and even in our foo.....»»
Falcons exposed to heavy metals are a red flag for environmental health
Exposure to heavy metals compromises immune functions and reduces reproductive success in the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), according to a new paper by researchers working with the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) at Temple Universit.....»»
FCC approves Starlink plan for cellular phone service, with some limits
Starlink can provide cell service but FCC defers action on waiver of power limits. Starlink yesterday obtained federal approval to provide service to cell phones, with some limits.....»»
Researchers propose a mathematical definition of cell death
Cellular death is a fundamental concept in the biological sciences. Given its significance, its definition depends on the context in which it takes place, and lacks a general mathematical definition......»»
New imaging platform advances 3D visualization of cellular structures at the nanoscale
A team of researchers led by Anna-Karin Gustavsson at Rice University has developed an innovative imaging platform that promises to improve our understanding of cellular structures at the nanoscale......»»
FTC expresses concern about software updates for smart devices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expressed concern over lack of manufacturer commitment to software updates for smart devices, citing the risk that security flaws won’t be fixed, or that products will cease to function altogether. This ech.....»»
iPhone Diary: Focus and exposure lock is great in principle, but it’s for sure a beta feature
The Camera Control feature I was most looking forward to was half-press to lock focus and exposure – a key feature of traditional cameras. While I’m very happy to have this in the latest beta, testing it in real-life use definitely confirms it.....»»
Cyanobacterial circadian clock uses an AM radio-like mechanism to control cellular processes
Cyanobacteria, an ancient lineage of bacteria that perform photosynthesis, have been found to regulate their genes using the same physics principle used in AM radio transmission......»»
This app turned my iPhone into a vintage photography powerhouse
I recently went on a photo journey without letting the iPhone’s camera processing “pollute” an otherwise pristine frame. The tool I used was , and the objective was to eliminate excessive sharpening, saturation adjustment, and exposure compensa.....»»
Non-genetic reprogramming method to restore sweat gland function shows promise for burn victims
Sweat glands are vital for regulating body temperature, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting skin health. Yet, extensive skin injuries, such as burns, often result in the loss of these glands, leaving patients vulnerable to overheating, dehydrat.....»»
New technique points to unexpected uses for snoRNA across many cell types
Dynamic, reversible modifications of DNA and RNA regulate how genes are expressed and transcribed, which can influence cellular processes, disease development, and overall organismal health. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a common but overlooked.....»»
Durable supramolecular plastic is fully ocean-degradable and doesn"t generate microplastics
Researchers led by Takuzo Aida at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) have developed a new durable plastic that won't pollute our oceans. The new material is as strong as conventional plastics and biodegradable, but what makes it spec.....»»
Compound weather events found to have greater effect on wetland methane emissions than discrete weather extremes do
Human-caused climate change is driving an increase in extreme weather. Heat waves, droughts, and extreme precipitation are occurring more frequently, growing more intense, and directly affecting ecosystem function. For instance, the 2003 European hea.....»»
Researchers discover the essential role of light in the organization of retinal cells
New work from the laboratory of Michel Cayouette, Director of the Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montréal, reveals for the first t.....»»
Light-based photocatalytic system can break down PFAS at room temperature
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a new approach for breaking down PFAS—a group of human-made "forever" chemicals commonly used for their water-resistant properties that can carry health risks from long-term exposure......»»
Invasive zebra mussels are associated with elevated mercury levels in fish, study finds
A study found that invasive zebra mussels significantly alter aquatic ecosystems, and are associated with elevated mercury concentrations in fish. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, poses a serious threat to both aquatic life and human health......»»
World"s first visual grading system developed to combat microplastic fashion pollution
More than 14 million metric tons of microplastics are estimated to be lying on the ocean floor with the fashion industry among the worst pollutants......»»
Invisible touch: Researchers give AI the ability to feel and measure surfaces
AI-based technologies are rapidly learning to see, converse, calculate and create. One thing they still don't do well, however, is measure or "feel" surfaces—a purely mechanical function......»»
Archaea shape microbiomes by using molecular spring-loaded daggers
In a paper published in Science Advances, the Pilhofer Lab (IMBB) together with the Albers Lab from the University of Freiburg describe the structure and function of contractile injection systems from haloarchaea and show how it can structure the loc.....»»
Study links relative brain volume to temperament in diverse dog breeds
Researchers from the University of Montpellier, the University of Zurich, Naturhistorisches Museum Bern, and other institutions have found that breed function and behavior correlate with relative endocranial volume (REV) in domestic dogs......»»