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.....»»
Evolution in real time: Scientists predict—and witness—evolution in a 30-year marine snail experiment
Snails on a tiny rocky islet evolved before scientists' eyes. The marine snails were reintroduced after a toxic algal bloom wiped them out from the skerry. While the researchers intentionally brought in a distinct population of the same snail species.....»»
How did the building blocks of life arrive on Earth? Zinc fingerprints in meteorites offer clues
Researchers have used the chemical fingerprints of zinc contained in meteorites to determine the origin of volatile elements on Earth. The results suggest that without 'unmelted' asteroids, there may not have been enough of these compounds on Earth f.....»»
One-third of European plant species could be in trouble due to declining seed disperser populations
A team of ecologists at the University of Coimbra, Aarhus University and the University of Bristol has found that approximately one-third of plant species in Europe are under threat of population reduction as the number of seed dispersals declines......»»
Researchers examine potential population decline in the gray fox
Gray foxes have been a staple of Virginia's—and the Southeast's—landscape for decades. In recent years, there's been a growing concern that they might be undergoing a population decline in the commonwealth......»»
Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon
Extreme temperatures and humidity levels (excessive rain or drought) projected for the Amazon in the context of climate change may increase the volume of methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce potential uptake of this greenhouse.....»»
Underwater caves yield clues that may help explain early expansion of Homo sapiens into Mediterranean islands
Archaeological surveys led by scientists at Washington University in St. Louis suggest that coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily contain important new clues about the path and fate of early human migrants to the island......»»
Sperm whale departure linked to decline in jumbo squid population in Gulf of California
A PeerJ study has revealed a significant departure of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) from the central portion of the Gulf of California, is linked to the collapse of the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) population, their primary prey......»»
Scientists design silver nanoparticle–based self-hygienic resin for use in dental applications
The oral cavity is home to a rich ecosystem of microorganisms that are found in both healthy and diseased states. In the area of dental restoration, highly specialized materials are used to fulfill specific functions so that the patient recovers thei.....»»
Researchers determine how a protein contributes to human immune defense against RNA viruses
An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Janosch Hennig from the University of Bayreuth has discovered how the TRIM25 protein contributes to defense against RNA viruses whose genetic material is contained as ribonucleic acid (RNA)......»»
Scientists use tiny "backpacks" on turtle hatchlings to observe their movements
New research suggests that green turtle hatchlings 'swim' to the surface of the sand, rather than 'dig,' in the period between hatching and emergence. The findings have important implications for conserving a declining turtle population globally......»»
Only 5 women have won the Nobel Prize in physics—recent winners share advice for young women in the field
Out of 225 people awarded the Nobel Prize in physics, only five have been women. This is a very small number, and certainly smaller than 50%—the percent of women in the human population......»»
Study tracks traveling population wave in Canada lynx
A new study by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks's Institute of Arctic Biology provides compelling evidence that Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a "traveling population wave" affecting their reproduction, movemen.....»»
Cities unprepared for impact of climate change, says report
Half of the world's population lives in cities, and that proportion is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. With their large populations, lack of green spaces that can cool a warming environment, and aging infrastructure that is vulnerable to floods.....»»
What should declining Japanese cities do?
Aging societies and population decline have been on the rise globally, but in Japan, the situation has been exacerbated ten-fold. A staggering 36.21 million people, or 28.9% of the populace, are 65 and over. Further, 74.6% of Japan's 1,747 cities are.....»»
Why we need to talk about older people and climate change in Africa
Africa is often viewed as a relatively young continent, with less than 7% of the population over 60. But this is set to change. Declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy mean that by 2050, the number of people over 60 in Africa is proj.....»»
New method achieves first-ever imaging of pathogens on lettuce leaves in real-time
As the global population surpasses 8 billion, the challenge of producing sufficient food becomes increasingly pressing. The Netherlands stands as the world's second-largest food exporter, efficiently cultivating a wide variety of crops. However, plan.....»»
Prioritizing children"s health could influence election results nationally
A new multi-institution study found national political candidates miss an opportunity to sway voters by failing to prioritize the health of a key population: children......»»
Trimer complex TaNF-Y balances grain yield and quality in wheat: Study
Breeding efforts have focused intensively on improving grain yield and quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Content and composition of grain starch and seed storage protein (SSP) are two critical factors that determine grain yield and quality. St.....»»
How climate change affects deer—experts draw findings from 20 years of research
Temperature, rainfall, snow and extreme weather events are all factors linked to climate change that directly affect wildlife. Understanding the impact of these factors on the physiology, population dynamics and distribution of different deer species.....»»
Seal species carries "genetic scars" after being hunted to the edge of extinction, new research reveals
Northern Elephant seals have staged a remarkable comeback after narrowly escaping extinction by hunting, but new research reveals lasting genetic effects in the present population......»»