Modeling the collective movement of bacteria to better understand the formation of troublesome biofilms
Biofilms form when microorganisms such as certain types of bacteria adhere to the surface of objects in a moist environment and begin to reproduce resulting in the excretion of a slimy glue-like substance......»»
Researchers witness nanoscale water formation in real time
For the first time ever, researchers have witnessed—in real time and at the molecular-scale—hydrogen and oxygen atoms merge to form tiny, nano-sized bubbles of water......»»
We’re only beginning to understand the historic nature of Helene’s flooding
How does a region that is nearly 500 miles from the Gulf become devastated by flooding? Enlarge / Hurricane Helene transported moisture from both the Gulf and Atlantic into the southeastern United States. (credit: NOAA).....»»
Hunting down giant viruses that attack tiny algae
They were said to come from outer space, and there were even claims that they were actually bacteria and that they undermined the very definition of viruses. Giant viruses, nicknamed "giruses," contain enormous quantities of genetic material—up to.....»»
Ryugu samples call into question previous ideas about the formation of carbon-rich asteroids
Asteroid Ryugu possibly did not travel as far from its place of origin to its current near-Earth orbit as previously assumed. New research published in the journal Science Advances suggests that Ryugu was formed near Jupiter......»»
Exploring the role of hydrogen sulfide in the expression of iron uptake genes in E. coli
Antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress response are important biological mechanisms that help bacteria thrive, especially pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a chemical messenger molecule, regulates several intracel.....»»
How large language models are changing collective intelligence
Within teams, organizations, markets and online communities, ideas from a larger group can help to solve complex problems. Large language models (LLMs) are emerging as powerful tools to unlock even greater potential. Picture an online forum where tho.....»»
Advanced data shed light on gravitational basins of attraction that shape the movement of galaxies
A new study has mapped out the gravitational basins of attraction in the local universe, offering fresh insights into the large-scale cosmic structures that shape the movement of galaxies. The study has been published in Nature Astronomy......»»
Presence of bacteria in soil makes flowers more attractive to pollinators, study shows
Bacteria that live in soil and help roots fix nitrogen can boost certain plants' capacity to reproduce, according to an article published in the American Journal of Botany describing a study of this mechanism in Chamaecrista latistipula, a legume bel.....»»
Future climate change predicted to shift flood-generating mechanisms and intensify extreme flooding events
The Delaware River Basin, a coastal watershed in the Mid-Atlantic region, has a long history of severe flooding with significant socioeconomic impacts. Recent research uses a process-based modeling approach to analyze hydrometeorological (like rainfa.....»»
Climate change will lead to wetter US winters, modeling study finds
Most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming, according to a new study led by a University of Illinois Chicago scientist......»»
Bulrush once kept NZ"s wetlands and lakes thriving—now it could help restore them
With about 90% of New Zealand's natural wetlands drained or severely damaged during the past decades, we need to understand the role of native plants in the restoration of these important habitats......»»
Bird study shows that grounded running styles conserve energy
A small team of biologists and animal movement specialists in the Netherlands and the U.K. has found that birds such as the emu have a grounded running style at medium speeds, allowing them to conserve energy compared to the ungrounded running style.....»»
‘That’s weird’: This galaxy could help astronomers understand the earliest stars
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have spotted a weird galaxy that originated just a billion years after the Big Bang......»»
ISS astronauts enjoy front row seats for comet’s journey toward the sun
Astronauts aboard the space station are following the movement of a comet, using the opportunity to capture some remarkable photos and footage......»»
Investigating "climate burnout" to learn how people can maintain motivation to fight climate change
As the occurrence of weather extremes continues to escalate, the climate change movement now grapples with a new challenge, "climate burnout.".....»»
Reproductive coercion is a form of gender-based violence—it"s likely more common than most understand
From contraception access to safe abortion, there is growing awareness about reproductive health and rights......»»
Bacterial "flipping" allows genes to assume different forms
Imagine being one cartwheel away from changing your appearance. One flip, and your brunette locks are platinum blond. That's not too far from what happens in some prokaryotes, or single-cell organisms, such as bacteria, that undergo something called.....»»
Ultra-high speed camera for molecules: Attosecond spectroscopy captures electron transfer dynamics
In nature, photosynthesis powers plants and bacteria; within solar panels, photovoltaics transform light into electric energy. These processes are driven by electronic motion and imply charge transfer at the molecular level. The redistribution of ele.....»»
Afar mantle plume study offers new insight into deep Earth processes
Sophisticated analysis of tiny bubbles of ancient gas trapped in volcanic rocks, combined with new geophysical modeling, has cast new light on long-held assumptions about the deep Earth......»»
Better together: Gut microbiome communities found to have enhanced resilience to drugs
Many human medications can directly inhibit the growth and alter the function of the bacteria that constitute our gut microbiome. EMBL Heidelberg researchers have now discovered that this effect is reduced when bacteria form communities......»»