Precipitation underlies longitudinal variation cline in seed size across sand rice natural populations
Seed size is an important functional trait affecting multiple aspects of plant fitness and is also one of the most important agronomic traits in the process of plant domestication......»»
Invasive plants drive homogenization of soil microbial communities across US, new study finds
Invasive plants are doing more than just taking over landscapes—they're also changing the soil beneath them. A new study co-authored by Matthew McCary, assistant professor of biosciences at Rice University, reveals that these species are reshaping.....»»
Giant clam declared critically endangered after assessment
The giant clam, known for its colorful cape-like mantle, wavy shell and astonishing size, is in danger of going extinct after its population plunged by more than 80% over the last century, according to a new assessment by a CU Boulder biologist and c.....»»
A natural climate change laboratory in Japan reveals the adaptation dynamics of fishers
A new study published in the journal People and Nature reveals the complex relationship between the impacts of climate change and the adaptive responses of coastal fishers in one of the areas most affected by these environmental changes: the southern.....»»
From fireflies to drones: Researchers uncover strategy for synchronization efficiency
Researchers from The University of New Mexico School of Engineering looked to the natural world to explain how synchronized systems can work more efficiently and made a significant discovery. Their results were published in the journal Nature Communi.....»»
Synthetic asexual reproduction system in hybrid rice shows promise for seed production
Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction that allows hybrid rice to propagate by seeds. Recently, a collaborative research team led by Professor Li Jiayang from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sc.....»»
Large python swallows 77-pound deer, stunning researchers with the size of its mouth
Large python swallows 77-pound deer, stunning researchers with the size of its mouth.....»»
4 large asteroids, including a skyscraper-size "city killer," will zoom past Earth in a 12-hour span today (Oct. 24)
4 large asteroids, including a skyscraper-size "city killer," will zoom past Earth in a 12-hour span today (Oct. 24).....»»
Is "U-shaped happiness" universal? Not for rural subsistence populations, say researchers
A theory that's been around for more than a decade describes a person's subjective well-being—"happiness"—as having a U-shape throughout the course of one's life. If plotted on a graph, the shape would be concave, revealing high happiness levels.....»»
Natural compound found in flowers blocks activity of an enzyme involved in multiple sclerosis and cancer
Scientists have identified a natural compound that halts the process involved in the progression of certain forms of cancer and demyelinating conditions—those that damage the sheath, known as myelin, that surrounds neurons—such as multiple sclero.....»»
Molecular insights into the dynamic dance of nanoplastics and natural organic matter
Nanoplastics, emerging as persistent environmental pollutants, pose significant threats due to their durability and wide distribution in water bodies. Their interactions with natural organic matter are critical, influencing pollutant retention, micro.....»»
Understanding the influence of specific gene mutations on starch properties in barley
Cereals such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley are essential in the human diet and have various uses in the food industry. Their suitability for different industrial applications depends on the properties of their grains. The major component of these.....»»
Paleontologists discover Colorado "swamp dweller" mammal that lived alongside dinosaurs
A team of paleontologists working near Rangely, Colorado, has uncovered a new (or, more accurately, very old) state resident—a fossil mammal about the size of a muskrat that may have scurried through swamps during the Age of Dinosaurs......»»
Ground nesting birds declining faster than any other bird species in Europe
Ground-nesting bird populations are more likely to be in decline than any other European bird species, warns new report......»»
VW pushes back launch of ID7 EV in the U.S. to ‘probably" 2025
The VW ID7 electric sedan, similar in size to the discontinued Passat midsize sedan, was supposed to launch in the U.S. in the third quarter, but now it looks like it will likely launch in 2025......»»
McDonald’s deadly Quarter Pounder E. coli outbreak is likely bigger than we know
The size and span of the outbreak is likely larger than currently known. One person is dead and 48 others across 10 states have been sickened in an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that a.....»»
How bioacoustics and AI can help study animal populations in the forest and beneath the waves
Animal sounds combined with artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize biodiversity monitoring both on land and in aquatic settings according to researchers from the University of Copenhagen. By analyzing wildlife sounds, AI can now identify spec.....»»
I wish I played the original Romancing Saga 2 before its misguided remake
Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven reimagines an RPG cult classic, but its modern touches sand down the the original's pixelated charm......»»
Reducing moose numbers could help protect Canadian caribou populations from wolf predation
Woodland caribou populations in Canada are declining because of habitat changes that benefit common prey species of wolves (such as moose and deer), leading to increasing numbers of wolves that kill caribou. To protect caribou, wildlife managers have.....»»
Alleged iPhone SE 4 dummy units show iPhone 14 design, apparent ‘Plus’ size option
Some new images of iPhone SE 4 dummy units have been shared by Japanese Apple blog Macotakara today, showcasing a similar form factor to the iPhone 14, as we’d been expecting. The blog also highlights compatibility with existing iPhone 14 cases, an.....»»
Polar bears are sustaining ice-related paw injuries in a warming Arctic
Polar bears in some parts of the high Arctic are developing ice buildup and related injuries to their feet, apparently due to changing sea ice conditions in a warming Arctic. While surveying the health of two polar bear populations, researchers found.....»»