Researchers develop algorithms to understand how humans form body part vocabularies
Human bodies have similar designs. However, languages differ in the way they divide the body into parts and name them. For example, English speakers have two words for foot and leg, whereas other languages express the concepts foot and leg in one wor.....»»
Ancient genomes link early Europeans to Neanderthal ancestry
After modern humans left Africa, they met and interbred with Neanderthals, resulting in around 2–3% Neanderthal DNA that can be found in the genomes of all people outside Africa today. However, little is known about the genetics of these first pion.....»»
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")......»»
More precise snowmelt forecasts thanks to high-resolution satellite data
SLF researchers have used satellite data to optimize their models, which they use to predict how much snow there is and when and where it will melt. This progress is important in order to be able to warn of floods and inundations in good time......»»
El Niño exacerbates effects of drought on Amazon groundwater and increases fire risk, study finds
The risk of fires in the Amazon is greater in regions where groundwater storage is compromised, especially when El Niño exacerbates the drought. Using satellite images and data from fires, researchers have been able to demonstrate the relationship b.....»»
South Dakota outbreak reveals potential H5N1 adaptation in domestic cats
University of Pittsburgh researchers have identified evidence of H5N1 adaptation in domestic cats. Work centered on a rural outbreak in South Dakota, where multiple cats died after showing neurological and respiratory symptoms......»»
ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode adding video and screen sharing input (plus a Santa mode)
OpenAI has unveiled two new ChatGPT features today as part of its 12 days of OpenAI campaign. Notably, ChatGPT is learning how to include video input and screen sharing in voice conversation. And while the firm is feeling festive, there’s a fun new.....»»
Studies pin down exactly when humans and Neanderthals swapped DNA
We may owe our tiny sliver of Neanderthal DNA to just a couple of hundred Neanderthals. Two recent studies suggest that the gene flow (as the young people call it these days) betw.....»»
Generating power with a thin, flexible thermoelectric film
Device could be integrated into clothing, harvest body heat to power gadgets. The No. 1 nuisance with smartphones and smartwatches is that we need to charge them every day. As war.....»»
Should mental health screening be part of lawyer licensing?
A new report from Stanford Law School's Rhode Center investigates how states screen bar applicants for mental health conditions—and finds a profession in transition......»»
Researchers turn coal into graphite for clean energy, electric vehicle batteries
Yesterday's polluting fuel could be transformed into a valuable material for tomorrow's electric vehicle batteries, thanks to a wide-ranging research project that utilizes expertise spanning the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory......»»
Atomic force microscopy reveals microtubule defects at submolecular resolution
In a study recently published in the journal Nano Letters, researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, used frequency-modulated atomic force microscopy to reveal the submolecular structure of micr.....»»
Human settlement of Mars isn"t as far off as you might think
Could humans expand out beyond their homeworld and establish settlements on the planet Mars? The idea of settling the red planet has been around for decades. However, it has been seen by skeptics as a delusion at best and mere bluster at worst......»»
Neuronal adaptations shed light on anglerfish hunting behavior
Characterized by their unique adaptations to extreme environments, anglerfish are known for using lures to attract prey. Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have discovered in frogfish (a subgroup of anglerfish) a specialized motor neuron popul.....»»
Google announces Android XR, launching 2025 on Samsung headset
Besides phones and tablets, Android is available on smartwatches, TVs, and even cars. Google today announced Android XR as the next form factor the operating system is coming to. more….....»»
27 DDoS-for hire platforms seized by law enforcement
As part of an ongoing international crackdown known as Operation PowerOFF, international law enforcement has seized over two dozen platforms used to carry out Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. These “booter” (aka “stress.....»»
Apple exec launches Apple Intelligence in Australia
Apple's Bob Borchers is in Australia for the launch of Apple Intelligence where he says he expects the new features will become a natural part of users' daily life.Apple's Bob Borchers — image credit: EFTMAs Apple releases iOS 18.2, alongside the n.....»»
Researchers identify amino acids that prevent sporulation in food poisoning
Food poisoning is a common, yet unpleasant, illness caused by eating contaminated items. It is sometimes caused by Clostridium perfringens, a pathogen widely found in soil and the intestinal tracts of animals......»»
Researchers reveal key factors behind Japan"s plastic waste removal rates in rivers
Plastic pollution is an ever-growing problem in today's world, as most societies have become overly dependent on plastics for packaging, medical supplies, and general goods......»»
Researchers explore likelihood of a future quake along the Nevis-Cardrona Fault in western Otago
A new study reveals the likelihood of a future earthquake occurring along the Nevis-Cardrona Fault in western Otago is lower than previously thought......»»