How did evolution produce a firefly?
A new study looks at the development of a firefly's light-emitting organs. Enlarge (credit: Xinhua Fu) On one level, we have fireflies figured out. We know the enzyme they use to make light (called luciferase), as well a.....»»
The first 3D view of the formation and evolution of globular clusters
A study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics marks a significant milestone in our understanding of the formation and dynamical evolution of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters (spherical and very compact stellar agglomerates typically.....»»
Not the usual suspects: Research reveals novel genetic basis of pest resistance to biotech crops
If left unchecked, insect pests can devastate crops. To minimize damage and reduce the need for insecticide sprays, crops have been genetically engineered to produce bacterial proteins that kill key pests but are not harmful to people or wildlife. Ho.....»»
23 Years of the iPod: How Elite Obsolete Electronics keeps the music playing
There’s probably enough material to produce a book about the importance of the iPod to Apple’s history (and revenue). Yet, the company said goodbye to the brand in 2022 as it finally discontinued the last edition of the iPod Touch. There is a sma.....»»
"Wing spreading" adaptation in fruit flies offers insights into female courtship behavior
In the game of evolution, key behavioral adaptations that confer fitness in survival and reproduction, paying tremendous dividends for an individual's progeny, may seemingly arise from thin air—so much so, even familiar species like the humble frui.....»»
New insights into mango evolution: Study reveals extensive hybridization within the Mangifera genus
A research team investigated whole chloroplast genomes and nuclear gene sequences from 14 species, uncovering new insights into the genetic diversity and hybrid origins of mango species. They used the evolutionary relationships within the Mangifera g.....»»
Researchers seek understanding of early life on earth following Chilean expedition
In a discovery that may further our understanding of the early evolution of life on Earth, a research team, including associate professor Andrew Palmer and master's student Caitlyn Hubric, identified Chile's deepest and most northern cold seeps—ope.....»»
Google Calendar Might Replace Google Tasks
Google Tasks has undergone quite the evolution from its initial launch many years ago. It’s a pretty great app these days, but in typical Google fashion, the company might be eyeing a way to replace it with an already existing service. Spotted.....»»
Machine-learning analysis tracks the evolution of 16th-century European astronomical thought
A team of computer scientists, astronomers and historians in Berlin has used machine-learning applications to learn more about the evolutionary history of European astronomical thought in the 15th and 16th centuries. In their study published in the j.....»»
NASA to launch solar coronagraph to Space Station
NASA's Coronal Diagnostic Experiment (CODEX) is ready to launch to the International Space Station to reveal new details about the solar wind including its origin and its evolution......»»
New study explores adoption of robotic weeding to fight superweeds
Most corn and soybean fields in the U.S. are planted with herbicide-resistant crop varieties. However, the evolution of superweeds that have developed resistance to common herbicides is jeopardizing current weed management strategies. Agricultural ro.....»»
Prolonged brain development of marmosets could serve as model for human evolution
The development of primate brains is shaped by various inputs. However, these inputs differ between independent breeders, such as great apes, and cooperative breeders, such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and humans. In these species, gro.....»»
This iconic horror parody franchise is getting a reboot with the Wayans Brothers
The Wayans Brothers are back, as the brotherly trio will write and produce Scary Movie 6. They originally developed the horror parody franchise in 2000......»»
Analysis of aromas that differentiate beer and wine could lead to better non-alcoholic versions
Today, people increasingly seek non-alcoholic versions of beer or wine. Despite boasting different flavors, these two drinks share many aromas, which makes it difficult to produce alcohol-free versions that mimic the real thing. Researchers in the Jo.....»»
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer
Before your favorite produce arrives at the grocery store, it must be carefully harvested and maintained across long stretches of time. A recent University of Georgia review published in Scientia Horticulturae suggests new temperature measuring techn.....»»
Scientists transport protons in truck, paving way for antimatter delivery
Antimatter might sound like something out of science fiction, but at the CERN Antiproton Decelerator (AD), scientists produce and trap antiprotons every day. The BASE experiment can even contain them for more than a year—an impressive feat consider.....»»
More social species live longer, study finds
New research from the University of Oxford has revealed that species that are more social live longer and produce offspring for a greater timespan. This is the first study on this topic which spans the animal kingdom, from jellyfish to humans......»»
The Secret Electrostatic World of Insects
Invisibly to us, insects and other tiny creatures use static electricity to travel, avoid predators, collect pollen, and more. New experiments explore how evolution may have influenced this phenomenon......»»
Study reveals the twists and turns of mammal evolution from a sprawling to upright posture
Mammals, including humans, stand out with their distinctively upright posture, a key trait that fueled their spectacular evolutionary success. Yet, the earliest known ancestors of modern mammals more resembled reptiles, with limbs stuck out to their.....»»
Synthesis method improves catalytic activity by controlling the surface structure of metal particles
Fine-tuning the reactions that produce hydrogen (H2) for use as a clean fuel is an important endeavor to fight against climate change. Researchers at Tohoku University and the Tokyo University of Science have succeeded in improving the catalytic acti.....»»
Compost produced from organic solid waste could replace 21% of industrial fertilizers in urban agriculture
The organic solid waste that citizens deposit in brown recycling bins could currently produce the amount of compost needed to satisfy 8% of the nutrients demanded by urban and peri-urban agriculture, reducing environmental impacts such as soil eutrop.....»»