Island biogeography theory and habitat heterogeneity help explain global patterns of Rhododendron diversity
Mountains are defined by their prominence, steep sides, and significant height above the surrounding regions. They harbor exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and a great number of endemic species worldwide, which are also extremely sensitive to.....»»
Enzymes evolved mix-and-match characteristics to shape nitrogen metabolism diversity across the planet
To boost crops more efficiently in the future, the evolutionary past may hold key insights. The way that plants process nutrients has a rich back story—they rely on enzymes that have been evolving for billions of years. However, these enzymes are o.....»»
Floods, insufficient water, sinking river deltas: Hydrologists map changing river landscapes across the globe
A study in Science by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of Cincinnati has mapped 35 years of river changes on a global scale for the first time......»»
"Mirror bacteria" could pose serious global health risks
A group of researchers has published new findings in Science Policy Forum on potential risks from the development of mirror bacteria—synthetic organisms in which all molecules have reversed chirality (i.e., are "mirrored")......»»
How soil bacteria contribute to the growing global issue of antibiotic resistance
Soil plays a much bigger role in the spread of antibiotic resistance than one might imagine. Surprisingly, the ground beneath us is packed with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)—tiny codes that allow bacteria to resist antibiotics. Human activitie.....»»
Physicists introduce approach to control wave patterns via fluid flows
The reliable control of traveling waves emerging from the coupling of oscillations and diffusion in physical, chemical and biological systems is a long-standing challenge within the physics community. Effective approaches to control these waves help.....»»
Mosquito genetics may explain why Zika virus outbreaks are rare in Africa: Climate change could shift the balance
A study reveals that Africa's low rates of Zika virus outbreaks may be due to a surprising factor: the genetic makeup of local mosquito populations......»»
How job ads shape gender and racial segregation in UK workforce
In the UK, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) language in job advertisements (ads) could unintentionally have the reverse effect on attempts to create a more gender-balanced workplace, says a new study led by Lancaster University......»»
2024’s most underrated game turned me into a cheater
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island is the hardest game of 2024, surpassing even Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC......»»
The first search for soft unclustered energy patterns in proton–proton collisions at 13TeV
A key objective of many physics studies is to experimentally observe exotic phenomena beyond the Standard Model (SM) that are predicted by theoretical models. These include hidden valley models, which predict the existence of a dark sector in which p.....»»
Hedgehogs" hibernation patterns show surprising flexibility
Research has found hedgehogs living in the same, semi-rural area have wide variation in hibernation timing and pattern, with some entering hibernation as much as three months later than others. The researchers say this flexibility could help them ada.....»»
Ghost crabs devour nearly 30% of flatback turtle hatchlings on Thevenard Island
Ghost crabs were responsible for the loss of nearly 30% of flatback turtle hatchlings at Thevenard Island, near Onslow on the northwest coast of Australia, according to new research published in Marine Biology from Edith Cowan University (ECU) and th.....»»
US moves to save once-common monarch butterflies from extinction
The United States is moving to grant federal protection to the monarch butterfly—a once-common species recognizable by its striking black and orange patterns that has faced a dramatic population decline in recent decades......»»
Secret Level creators explain its horrifying Pac-Man episode
Pac-Man: Circle is the most shocking episode of animated gaming anthology Secret Level. Its creators explain how the subversive episode came to be......»»
Subsidized community restaurants could help tackle the UK"s broken food system
The UK's food system is fundamentally broken. As a researcher of the global agricultural system, I believe drastic, bold change is needed—and that community restaurants are an important model to consider......»»
Recycling human and animal excreta could help meet nutrient supply for global crops
It might not be a pleasant image, but recycling all the human and livestock feces and urine on the planet would contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide, thereby reducing the need to mine fertilizers such as pho.....»»
New set of human rights principles aims to end displacement and abuse of Indigenous people
For more than a century, conservationists have worked to preserve natural ecosystems by creating national parks and protected areas. Today the Earth faces a global biodiversity crisis, with more than 1 million species at risk of extinction. This make.....»»
Mathematicians make leap in modeling human impact on climate
A breakthrough in the theory of climate change science has given scientists the most robust way yet to link observed climate change to both human-made and natural causes and to spot early warning signals for potential climate disasters......»»
Ozone recovery delayed 17 years by feedstock emissions, old gear
A new study published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics reveals a 17-year delay in the projected recovery of the ozone layer since 2006, underscoring the need for enhanced global environmental policies and enforcement......»»
US businesses will lose $1B in one month if TikTok is banned, TikTok warns
US ban would also impact tens of millions of global users, TikTok claimed. TikTok is doing everything it can to delay a potential ban starting the day before Donald Trump takes of.....»»
A new global carbon trading market could be held hostage by speculators
Our planet's future hangs in the balance due to the unabated greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Treating these emissions as something that can be owned and exchanged in a market has been touted as a solution since the early 1990s, wh.....»»