Predator interactions chiefly determine where Prochlorococcus microbes thrive
Prochlorococcus are the smallest and most abundant photosynthesizing organisms on the planet. A single Prochlorococcus cell is dwarfed by a human red blood cell, yet globally the microbes number in the octillions and are responsible for a large fract.....»»
Root microbes may be the secret to a better tasting cup of tea
You'd think the complex flavor in a quality cup of tea would depend mainly on the tea varieties used to make it. But a study appearing in the journal Current Biology shows that the making of a delicious cup of tea depends on another key ingredient: t.....»»
Famed investor Warren Buffett again trims stake in Apple
The Sage of Omaha has decided to trim his Apple holdings, as part of what appears to be a small move away from big tech.Warren Buffett [Berkshire Hathaway]Buffett first invested in Apple in only 2016, and since then chiefly increasing its investment,.....»»
AutoNation cut back regional executives, reports $7 million in severance expenses
The company said in a statement it is trying to reduce internal bureaucracy, improve decision-making response times and "increase direct interactions with the executive team.".....»»
Microplastics in soils: First consistent risk assessment
Microplastics in soil are extremely diverse and complex. This makes it difficult to determine the risks of plastic pollution to soil life, which is an increasing concern among policymakers and scientists. Researchers from the Spanish Institute IMDEA.....»»
How NASA uses simple technology to track lunar missions
NASA is using a simple but effective technology called Laser Retroreflective Arrays (LRAs) to determine the locations of lunar landers more accurately. They will be attached to most of the landers from United States companies as part of NASA's Commer.....»»
Researchers directly detect interactions between viruses and their bacterial hosts in soil
Bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria—are common in soil ecosystems. However, many of these phages have not been identified, and the bacteria they target are also a mystery......»»
We"re social beings: So are the microbes in our microbiomes
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us that social interactions transmit pathogens. But do humans spread "good" bugs, too? Very much so, say a team of biologists who are probing the links between the microbiome and health......»»
Researchers uncover a key link in legume plant-bacteria symbiosis
Legume plants have the unique ability to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil, known as rhizobia. Legumes and rhizobia engage in symbiotic relations upon nitrogen starvation, allowing the plant to thrive without the need for externally.....»»
Scientists identify “universal network” of microbes for decomposing flesh
Findings could help forensic scientists better determine a body's precise time of death. Enlarge / It's tough to precisely determine cause of death in a corpse. Microbes found on decomposing flesh can help. (credit: Ralf Roletsch.....»»
New study on decomposing microbes could help transform forensic science
For the first time, researchers have identified what appears to be a network of approximately 20 microbes that universally drive the decomposition of animal flesh. The findings have significant implications for the future of forensic science, includi.....»»
Waymo robotaxi attacked and set on fire in San Francisco
Investigators are trying to determine what prompted a crowd in San Francisco to attack a Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco on Saturday night......»»
Noxious fumes at night aren"t a pollinating moth"s delight
Certain plants have flowers that open only in the evening, and depend on nocturnal pollinators such as moths to thrive......»»
Pioneering technique reveals new layer of human gene regulation
A technique can determine for the first time how frequently, and exactly where, a molecular event called "backtracking" occurs throughout the genetic material (genome) of any species, a new study shows......»»
Secrets of soil-enriching pulses could transform future of sustainable agriculture
From lentils to chickpeas, and even the humble baked bean, pulses are perhaps best known as an alternative, plant-based source of protein. These plants are environmental heroes: they work together with soil microbes to "fix" nitrogen from the air, en.....»»
Temperatures are rising, but soil is getting wetter—why?
Soil moisture can determine how quickly a wildfire spreads, how fast a hill turns into a mudslide, and perhaps most importantly, how productive our food systems are. As temperatures rise due to human-caused climate change, some researchers are concer.....»»
It"s award season: Let"s celebrate microbes in movies
Usually, show business depicts viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms as one of the worst menaces to humankind. Entertainment movies influence the way audiences understand and perceive these topics. Yet, few films accurately portray the science.....»»
Examining how molecular orbitals determine stability
Carboxylic acid dianions (fumarate, maleate, and succinate) play a role in coordination chemistry and, to some extent, also in the biochemistry of body cells. An HZB team at BESSY II has now analyzed their electronic structures using RIXS in combinat.....»»
Creating a toolkit of yeast strains that over-produce key cellular building blocks
Microbes such as bacteria and yeast are increasingly being used to produce components of medicines, biofuels, and food. Indeed, baker's yeast, also known as brewer's yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is responsible for the fermentation process used.....»»
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus additions on soil nematode community of soybean farmland
As a predator of soil microorganisms, nematodes respond rapidly to changes in soil environment, which can reflect climate conditions, ecosystem succession status, nutrient cycling and soil ecosystem health. In agroecosystems, nitrogen and phosphate f.....»»
Astronomers measure the mass of the Milky Way by calculating how hard it is to escape
If you want to determine your mass, it's pretty easy. Just step on a scale and look at the number it gives you. That number tells you the gravitational pull of Earth upon you, so if you feel the number is too high, take comfort that Earth just finds.....»»