Researchers improve seed nitrogen content by reducing plant chlorophyll levels
Chlorophyll plays a pivotal role in photosynthesis, which is why plants have evolved to have high chlorophyll levels in their leaves. However, making this pigment is expensive because plants invest a significant portion of the available nitrogen in b.....»»
New mirror that can be flexibly shaped improves X-ray microscopes
A team of researchers in Japan has engineered a mirror for X-rays that can be flexibly shaped, resulting in remarkable precision at the atomic level and increased stability......»»
Physicists pioneer new quantum sensing platform
Quantum sensors detect the smallest of environmental changes—for example, an atom reacting to a magnetic field. As these sensors "read" the unique behaviors of subatomic particles, they also dramatically improve scientists' ability to measure and d.....»»
New Nevada experiments aim to improve monitoring of nuclear explosions
On an October morning in 2023, a chemical explosion detonated in a tunnel under the Nevada desert was the launch of the next set of experiments by the National Nuclear Security Administration, with the goal to improve detection of low-yield nuclear e.....»»
Demystifying the complex nature of Arctic clouds
With dancing ribbons of light visible in the sky, a team of researchers flew on a series of scenic and sometimes stormy flights into the cold unknown, trying to learn more about why one of the most frigid places on Earth is warming at a feverish pace.....»»
Researchers determine large numbers of wild mountain goats are killed every year by avalanches
A multi-institutional team of animal behaviorists, snow impact specialists and biologists from Alaska, Montana, Switzerland and Canada has found that large numbers of wild mountain goats die every year in Alaska due to avalanches. For their study, th.....»»
Novel chemical tool for understanding membrane remodeling in the cell
In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Umeå researchers describe a natural product-like molecule, Tantalosin, that inhibits interaction between two proteins in complexes that reshape membranes inside the cell......»»
New discovery of a mechanism that controls cell division
Researchers at Umeå University, Sweden, have discovered that how a special protein complex called the Mediator moves along genes in DNA may have an impact on how cells divide. The discovery may be important for future research into the treatment of.....»»
In medieval England, leprosy spread between red squirrels and people, genome evidence shows
Evidence from archaeological sites in the medieval English city of Winchester shows that English red squirrels once served as an important host for Mycobacterium leprae strains that caused leprosy in people, researchers report in the journal Current.....»»
Study finds microbiome changes dynamically and favors important host-relevant functions
All multicellular organisms—from the simplest animal and plant organisms to humans—live in close association with a multitude of microorganisms, the so-called microbiome, which colonize their tissues and live in symbiotic relationships with the h.....»»
Over 100 far-right militias are coordinating on Facebook
Despite bans on militias, Facebook continues to struggle with content moderation. Enlarge (credit: NurPhoto via Getty) “Join Your Local Militia or III% Patriot Group,” a post urged the more than 650 members of a Face.....»»
Researchers develop "founding document" on synthetic cell development
Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming the variety of all living things on Earth as individual cells and multicellular organisms. To better understand how cells perform the essential functions of life, scientists have begun developing synth.....»»
Scientists advance research of harmful PFAS chemicals and their impacts
A bemused fishmonger at a seafood market in Portsmouth, N.H., weighed and packaged a dozen filets of fish and three lobster tails for his unusually exacting customers, Dartmouth researchers Celia Chen, Guarini, a research professor of biological scie.....»»
When scientists and K-12 teachers team up, the results can be spectacular or lackluster
The results of an in-depth review of published research on scientists conducting K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach suggest that increased collaboration with K-12 educators could improve such projects......»»
Centipedes used in traditional Chinese medicine offer leads for kidney treatment
A venomous, 8-inch centipede may be the stuff of nightmares, but it could save the life of those affected by kidney disease. Researchers report in the Journal of Natural Products that the many-legged critter—used in traditional Chinese medicine—c.....»»
Researchers say nature recovery must be integrated across all sectors to bend the curve of biodiversity loss
The alarming rates of biodiversity loss worldwide have made clear that the classical way of governing biodiversity recovery based on protected areas and programs for the protection of endangered species is not enough. To tackle this, almost 200 count.....»»
Good vibrations: Low-energy lasers induce atomic excitation in semiconductor materials
Semiconductors are a cornerstone of next-generation technology, so a new method to excite atoms in semiconductor materials is likely to excite a broad range of researchers and industries as well......»»
Kids study in overheated slum as Philippines shuts schools
Fourth-grader Ella Araza sat on a tiny plastic box in her Manila slum home, trying to finish her homework before the afternoon sun sent temperatures soaring to unbearable levels......»»
International team cracks genomic code for earliest forms of terrestrial plant life
Plant life first emerged on land about 550 million years ago, and an international research team co-led by University of Nebraska–Lincoln computational biologist Yanbin Yin has cracked the genomic code of its humble beginnings, which made possible.....»»
Bioreactor processes and cryotechnologies improve active ingredient tests using human cell cultures
Many new drug candidates end up failing because they cause serious side effects in clinical trials even though lab tests involving cell cultures have been successful. This is a common occurrence if the cells used come from animal tissue, for example......»»
Investigation reveals varied impact of preschool programs on long-term school success
Early education programs are widely believed to be effective public investments for helping children succeed in school and for reducing income- and race-based achievement gaps. However, a new study conducted by a team of investigators from Teachers C.....»»