How "sleeping" microorganisms can determine the fate of a population
Microorganisms that temporarily "go to sleep" play an important role in the evolution and survival of a population. Mathematician Shubhamoy Nandan conducted research on the effect of this characteristic called "dormancy" in a novel mathematical model.....»»
Researchers develop framework for databasing properties of crystal defects
Point defects (e.g. missing, extra or swapped atoms) in crystalline materials often determine the actual electronic and optical response of a given material. For example, controlled substitutions in semiconductors like silicon are the backbone of mod.....»»
Culling controversy as French wolf population falls in 2023
The estimated number of wolves in France last year was 1,003, down nine percent from the year before, environmental associations said Thursday, urging the French government to lower its quota for the number of the animals which can be killed each yea.....»»
Researchers propose use of electrical blackouts to determine impact of artificial light on wildlife
New research proposes the use of electrical blackouts, such as those experienced during loadshedding in South Africa, to enhance our understanding of how artificial light in urban areas may be affecting wildlife behaviors......»»
Gene could unlock greater wheat yields for a growing population
A study from the University of Adelaide has discovered molecular pathways regulated by a gene traditionally used to control wheat-flowering behavior could be altered to achieve greater yields. The research was published in Current Biology......»»
Future climate impacts put humpback whale diet at risk
A new study led by Griffith University predicts that future climate change impacts could disrupt the krill-heavy diet that humpback whales in the southern hemisphere consume. The study, "No distinct local cuisines among humpback whales: A population.....»»
A diaspora-based model of human migration
How do migrants choose their destinations? Existing models, known as "gravity models," use population size and travel distance as explanatory variables—and often fail, especially at the neighborhood scale. Many migrants prefer to move to a location.....»»
Researchers discover distinct life cycle stages of the ectosymbiotic DPANN archaeon Nanobdella aerobiophila
Archaea are ubiquitous microorganisms whose evolution shaped the biosphere of Earth. Their evolutionary paths are truly fascinating. A great example is an ectosymbiotic lifestyle which is found among DPANN archaea......»»
Can disease-detecting dogs help save South Dakota"s bighorn sheep?
In summer 2021, Badlands National Park was home to a healthy and growing population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, with approximately 300 total among the three herds. Then in August, Paul Roghair, lead biological science technician for the park, ca.....»»
New research into the secrets of the forest: Finnish tree population is made up of families and neighborhoods
The trees in the forest are not just a random group. Fascinating facts reveal pine tree family relationships. The pollen that floats in the air can spread for hundreds of kilometers, but the offspring are usually found in the neighborhood......»»
Ancient DNA study reveals population history of Western Tibetan Plateau
According to a study published in Current Biology on May 22, the genetic components of the ancient populations in the western Tibetan Plateau are closest to ancient populations in the southern Tibetan Plateau, and their major genetic components have.....»»
Research team uncovers mechanism for spikelet development in barley
The inflorescence architecture of crop plants like barley is predominantly regulated by meristem activity and fate, which play a critical role in determining the number of floral structures for grain production......»»
Researchers identify gene important to adaptation and determine roots are a key to drought-tolerant maize
An international study headed by the University of Bonn has now demonstrated the important role of the plant root system in maize, a crop that can grow successfully in very different local conditions......»»
AI model accurately predicts male fruit flies" courtship behavior in response to sight of a female
We've been told, "The eyes are the window to the soul." Well, windows work two ways. Our eyes are also our windows to the world. What we see and how we see it help determine how we move through the world. In other words, our vision helps guide our ac.....»»
Wild birds possess genetic predispositions to learn population-specific songs, study finds
Genetic predispositions guide population-specific song learning in wild birds, shows new research from Stockholm University. By studying adult pied flycatchers that had been translocated as eggs from the Netherlands to Sweden, the researchers found t.....»»
Rise in sea urchins and related damage to kelp forests impacts Oregon"s gray whales and their food, study finds
A recent boom in the purple sea urchin population off the southern Oregon Coast appears to have had an indirect and negative impact on the gray whales that usually forage in the region, a new study shows......»»
Genes provide hope for the survival of Arabia"s last big cat
The authors of a major study on the critically endangered Arabian leopard say that the release of captive bred animals carefully selected for their genes can make a significant contribution to the successful recovery of the dwindling wild population.....»»
Genetic resilience and adaptation of the endangered Chinese hazelnut
Endangered species are often characterized by severe population decline or even near-extinction status during their demographic histories. Such threats usually stem from historical climate changes and human activities......»»
Chinese researchers issue critical warning on groundwater flooding risks
Karst regions, which cover about 15% of the Earth's land surface, provide freshwater for about a quarter of the world's population. Despite their importance, these areas are prone to frequent and often unnoticed groundwater flooding......»»
Astronomers determine Mars may face more potentially hazardous asteroids than Earth
A team of astronomers at Nanjing University has found evidence that Mars likely has more potentially hazardous asteroids in its path than Earth. In their study, posted on the arXiv preprint server, the group investigated the number of potentially haz.....»»
Researchers discover new family of bacteria with high pharmaceutical potential
Most antibiotics used in human medicine originate from natural products derived from bacteria and other microbes. Novel microorganisms are therefore a promising source of new active compounds, also for the treatment of diseases such as cancer or vira.....»»