High mountain rain has scientists rethinking river basics
Mountainous terrains have dynamic climates and can produce startling contrasts in precipitation. Increases in elevation can spell either more or less rainfall depending on atmospheric moisture content, general circulation patterns, and the specifics.....»»
Plasma heating efficiency in fusion devices boosted by metal screens
Heating plasma to the ultra-high temperatures needed for fusion reactions requires more than turning the dial on a thermostat. Scientists consider multiple methods, one of which involves injecting electromagnetic waves into the plasma, the same proce.....»»
Newly identified mysterious fossil seed reveals Ice Age climate patterns
La Brea Tar Pits scientists have identified a previously unknown juniper species as Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Juniper. The successful identification, along with the first-ever radiocarbon dating of these fossil plants.....»»
Scientists achieve collective quantum behavior in macroscopic oscillators
Quantum technologies are radically transforming our understanding of the universe. One emerging technology is macroscopic mechanical oscillators, devices that are vital in quartz watches, mobile phones, and lasers used in telecommunications. In the q.....»»
Apollo lunar mission samples reveal origins of lunar water and its connection to Earth"s early history
A team of international scientists has unveiled groundbreaking research on the origins of lunar water, offering insights that could reshape our understanding of the Earth-moon system and the broader solar system. Published in the journal Proceedings.....»»
Scientists document rich biodiversity along underexplored Chilean coastline
An international team of scientists on board a recent Schmidt Ocean Institute R/V Falkor (too) expedition surveyed nearly 20 methane seeps, some of which are new discoveries, and four submarine canyon systems previously never before seen by humans......»»
How prepared are we for another pandemic? Study provides mathematical insights into airborne viral transmission
Half a decade on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by the University of Surrey highlights the significant impact of combined public health measures in reducing airborne viral transmission. High-quality face masks were shown to reduce t.....»»
Cellular RNA plays key role in antiviral defense, study finds
Scientists have uncovered a new role for a cell's own RNA in fending off attacks by RNA viruses. Some of the cell's RNA molecules, researchers found, help regulate antiviral signaling. These signals are part of the intricate coordination of immune re.....»»
Apple’s Vision Pro strategy will succeed in creating a two-tier market – TrendForce
Apple’s Vision Pro strategy of launching a very high-end professional product first, and a more affordable consumer version second, is likely to prove successful in the long-run, predicts market intelligence company TrendForce. The company says.....»»
Scientists recreate molecular timers to control nanomachine activation rates
Living organisms monitor time—and react to it—in many different ways, from detecting light and sound in microseconds to responding physiologically in pre-programmed ways, via their daily sleep cycle, monthly menstrual cycle, or to changes in the.....»»
Molecular "pinball": Superfast collisions predict supercritical fluid properties
Neither gas nor liquid, supercritical fluids exhibit a unique mashup of the properties of both and arise when fluids are pushed to very high temperatures and pressures. Their properties make them ideal for a wide variety of chemical, pharmaceutical a.....»»
First-of-its-kind study uses remote sensing to monitor plastic debris in rivers and lakes
A first-of-its-kind study from researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities shows how remote sensing can help monitor and remove plastic debris from freshwater environments like the Mississippi River......»»
Top 10 plant and fungal species named new to science in 2024
Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and their partners reveal their pick of the top 10 plants and fungi named new to science in 2024......»»
Massive volcanic eruptions did not cause the extinction of dinosaurs, say climate scientists
Massive volcanic eruptions on the Indian peninsula have long been proposed as an alternative cause for the demise of the dinosaurs. This phase of active volcanism took place in a period just before Earth was struck by a meteorite, 66 million years ag.....»»
Nature"s instructions: How fungi make a key medicinal molecule
For roughly a century, ever since Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928, fungi have proven to be a goldmine for medicines. They've provided treatments for a wide range of diseases, from infections and high cholesterol to orga.....»»
Clouds obscure link between extreme rainfall and rising temperatures
Extreme rainfall is usually defined as the heaviest 5% of rain events in a specific area. As global air temperatures rise, scientists expect extreme rainfall to increase. This is because warmer air can hold more moisture. Recent examples of more extr.....»»
New radar algorithm reveals hidden dance of ionospheric plasma
At night, charged particles from the sun caught by Earth's magnetosphere rain down into the atmosphere. The impacting particles rip electrons from atoms in the atmosphere, creating both beauty and chaos. These high-energy interactions cause the north.....»»
Where"s my qubit? Scientists develop technique to detect atom loss
Quiet quitting isn't just for burned out employees. Atoms carrying information inside quantum computers, known as qubits, sometimes vanish silently from their posts. This problematic phenomenon, called atom loss, corrupts data and spoils calculations.....»»
Uncovering a centaur"s tracks: Scientists examine unique asteroid-comet hybrid
Although our solar system is billions of years old, we've only recently become better acquainted with one of its more dynamic and captivating inhabitants known as (2060) Chiron......»»
Scientists provide insights into photosystem II under low-light conditions
In higher plants and green algae, photosystem II (PSII) usually combines with light harvesting complex II (LHCII) to form the PSII-LHCII supercomplex. Under low-light conditions, the PSII-LHCII supercomplexes are organized laterally into higher-order.....»»
Flying this holiday season? Here"s why air travel makes us so cranky—and what to do about it
The holidays are coming, airports are packed and emotions are running high. You've probably seen it or even been part of it: that tense moment when a passenger snaps at a flight attendant, or a near-meltdown over a seat reclining too far. Why does fl.....»»