Polygamous birds shown to have fewer harmful mutations
Bird species that breed with several sexual partners have fewer harmful mutations, according to a study led by the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath. The study, published in Evolution, shows for the first time how polygamy increas.....»»
Microplastics and PFAS: Daphnia study finds combined impact results in greater environmental harm
The combined impact of so-called "forever chemicals" is more harmful to the environment than single chemicals in isolation, a new study shows. Researchers at the University of Birmingham investigated the environmental effects of microplastics and PFA.....»»
Discovery of new bacterial toxins could be key to fighting infections
Researchers have discovered a new group of bacterial toxins that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi, opening the door to potential new treatments for infections. These toxins, found in over 100,000 microbial genomes, can destroy the cells of bacteri.....»»
Wild animals can also experience trauma and adversity: Ecologists create an index to track the effects
Psychologists know that childhood trauma, or the experience of harmful or adverse events, can have lasting repercussions on the health and well-being of people well into adulthood. But while the consequences of early adversity have been well research.....»»
Owners" belief in horse emotion is linked to healthier animals, new study shows
Researchers have shown that owners who believe in their horses' emotions and treat them with care, have animals that are significantly healthier and better looked after. In many low and middle-income countries (LMICs), working horses are essential to.....»»
Turtle genome provides new clues on the evolution of vertebrates
Scientists from the UAB and Iowa State University have generated the genome assemblies of two hidden-neck turtles. The results, which revealed a new three-dimensional structure of the genome within the phylogenetic group of reptiles, birds and mammal.....»»
Research provides molecular insights into sexual dimorphism of chicken feathers
Birds possess unique skin appendages called feathers that are derived from the outermost layer of skin cells. Feathers are important for several functions, such as flight, temperature regulation, protection from external stimuli, and mating behavior......»»
Physicists show that neutron stars may be shrouded in clouds of axions
A team of physicists from the universities of Amsterdam, Princeton and Oxford have shown that extremely light particles known as axions may occur in large clouds around neutron stars. These axions could form an explanation for the elusive dark matter.....»»
Key role of structural defects in amorphous solid deformation uncovered
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune have shown that the macroscopic deformation of amorphous solids is controlled by structural defects within the mat.....»»
Global study reveals people, including those most affected by climate change, do not understand climate justice
An international study involving people from 11 countries has shown that most people, including those in areas most affected by climate change, don't understand the term "climate justice." However, they do recognize the social, historical, and econom.....»»
DNA-binding C2H2 zinc finger proteins also regulate RNA processing, researchers discover
Researchers at the University of Toronto have shown that an important class of DNA-binding factors can also bind to RNA, regulating gene expression through various mechanisms. The study significantly expands our understanding of these proteins' funct.....»»
This 2014 Brad Pitt movie spotlights an aspect of war rarely depicted on the big screen
Ten years ago, Brad Pitt starred in a brutally realistic movie that depicted an aspect of war not typically shown in films. Here's why it's so effective today......»»
Coastal cities have a hidden vulnerability to storm-surge and tidal flooding that"s entirely caused by humans
Centuries ago, estuaries around the world were teeming with birds and turbulent with schools of fish, their marshlands and endless tracts of channels melting into the gray-blue horizon......»»
Birds Practice Singing in Their Sleep
New work listens in on bird dreams.....»»
Flying Conservationists Teach Endangered Birds to Migrate
Inspired by a classic movie, conservationists are teaching endangered Northern Bald Ibises to fly south for the winter.....»»
Study suggests dolphins could be exposed to potentially harmful microplastics through inhalation
U.S. researchers have detected microplastic particles in air exhaled by wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting that inhalation may be a relevant route of exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants. Miranda Dziobak of the College of Charleston i.....»»
Arthropods dominate plant litter decomposition in drylands
Researchers have shown that larger insects such as woodlice and beetles play as much of a crucial role in leaf litter decomposition across different habitats and seasons as microbes and smaller invertebrates......»»
Less support for mental health when workplace managers are biased
Managers are not only influenced by their own views on mental health when employees with mental health problems need support. The attitudes of colleagues and the workplace in general can be equally important. This has been shown in a study conducted.....»»
Global study shows causes for the dominance of woody plants in drylands
Precipitation, temperature, and grazing have the greatest influence on whether woody or herbaceous species grow in dryland areas. This has been shown by a large global study that includes Potsdam researchers......»»
Scientists discover chemical probes for previously "undruggable" cancer target
Hormone-driven cancers, like those of the breast and prostate, often rely on a tricky-to-target protein called Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXA1). FOXA1 mutations can enable these types of cancers to grow and proliferate. Today, FOXA1 is notoriously diff.....»»
Study shows wild birds" health and likely survival is affected by the gut microbiome
Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have found that the gut microbiome affects the health of wild birds, which could impact their survival rates and ultimately population sizes......»»