How nanoplastics can influence metabolism
PET—the plastic used to make bottles, for example—is ubiquitous in our natural environment. In a joint study, scientists from Leipzig University and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) investigated the negative effects that tiny.....»»
High-pressure reactions can turn nonporous rocks into sponges
In deep Earth, rocks take up and release water all the time, and the effects can be wide reaching. Dehydration can cause rocks to crack and trigger earthquakes, and over geologic timescales, this water cycling can influence plate tectonics and move c.....»»
Research proposes theory to model interplay of personal and social beliefs
The beliefs we hold develop from a complex dance between our internal and external lives. Our personal-level cognition and our relationships with others work in concert to shape our views of the world and influence how likely we are to update those v.....»»
How your Zoom background could influence how tired you feel after a video call
Part of many people's pandemic experience included working from home. Even after lockdowns, videoconferencing remains a big part of life as people continue to work remotely, connect with families and friends online, and attend virtual events hosted o.....»»
Russian state media outlet RT banned by Facebook “for foreign interference”
US said Russian media worked with Kremlin to influence election, foment unrest. Enlarge / Russia President Vladimir Putin presents flowers to editor-in-chief of Russian broadcaster RT Margarita Simonyan after awarding her with th.....»»
Researchers test ChatGPT, other AI models against real-world students
William Hersh, M.D., who has taught generations of medical and clinical informatics students at Oregon Health & Science University, found himself curious about the growing influence of artificial intelligence. He wondered how AI would perform in his.....»»
Exploring how alternative splicing influences plant secondary metabolism
A recent study highlights the pivotal role of alternative splicing in controlling plant secondary metabolism, which is crucial for producing bioactive compounds with significant medicinal and industrial value. This research sheds light on the molecul.....»»
English Premier League football club"s performance can influence students" choice of university, research finds
Students can be swayed by the performance of English Premier League (EPL) football clubs when choosing a university, according to research......»»
Microbe dietary preferences found to influence effectiveness of carbon sequestration in deep ocean
The movement of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surface of the ocean, where it is in active contact with the atmosphere, to the deep ocean, where it can be sequestered away for decades, centuries, or longer, depends on a number of seemingly small proce.....»»
Decoding Atractylodes lancea: A genomic journey through adaptation and metabolism
The cultivation of high-quality medicinal plants like Atractylodes lancea involves intricate genetic processes influenced by environmental factors. Despite its extensive use in traditional medicine, the genetic basis and metabolomic diversity of A. l.....»»
Sweeping global study charts a path forward for climate-resilient agriculture
Around the world, research on climate change and agriculture has revealed a complex two-way relationship. Global agriculture is a major driver of climate change, extinctions and pollution, and its influence on the environment is growing. At the same.....»»
Murdoch to Musk: How global media power has shifted from the moguls to the big tech bros
Until recently, Elon Musk was just a wildly successful electric car tycoon and space pioneer. Sure, he was erratic and outspoken, but his global influence was contained and seemingly under control......»»
Trump plan for Musk-led efficiency commission could give CEO influence over rules for his work, wealth
Donald Trump's plan for a Musk-led efficiency commission could put him in position to change the rules for corporate America, including the industries in which his companies compete......»»
3D imaging allows researchers to observe degradation of micro- and nanoplastics with unprecedented detail
In a global first, University of Waterloo researchers have used 3D imaging technology to understand the fine details of microplastics, paving the way for more effective methods of plastic waste recycling......»»
STEM afterschool programs" benefits extend to friend groups
Research has established that youth participation in science-focused afterschool clubs leads to a higher science identity—or seeing oneself as a science kind of person or as a scientist—and that peers exert influence over interests, even in acade.....»»
Chinese influence campaigns targeted US voters, research finds
Chinese backed campaigns pushed propaganda and spam content on social media.....»»
The right to be wrong: How context or human rationality may influence our decisions
Conventionally, decision-making is portrayed as a rational process: individuals calculate potential risks and aim to maximize benefits. Yet, our brains do not always endorse rational action, particularly when an immediate response is required. Someti.....»»
Saturday Citations: Corn sweat! Nanoplastics! Plus: Massive objects in your area are dragging spacetime
It's the last day of August, which means that in the Northern Hemisphere, tomorrow will be 50 degrees and cloudy; conditions are expected to be hot and humid south of the equator. In science news this week, we reported on nanoplastic contamination, s.....»»
AI tool maps out cell metabolism with precision
Understanding how cells process nutrients and produce energy—collectively known as metabolism—is essential in biology. Modern biology generates large datasets on various cellular activities, but integrating and analyzing the vast amounts of data.....»»
Nanoplastics put stress on trees and impair photosynthesis
It is well known that more and more plastic waste is ending up in soil and bodies of water. Researchers are particularly concerned about tiny micro- and nano-sized particles. It remains unclear how and to what extent they are able to enter living org.....»»
What"s in the foods we eat? Researchers develop a food microbiome database
Microbes are part of the food we eat and can influence our own microbiome, but we know very little about the microbes in our foods. Now, researchers have developed a database of the "food microbiome" by sequencing the metagenomes of 2,533 different f.....»»