Rooted tree key to understanding bacterial evolution, new study suggests
The findings, published in the journal Science today, demonstrate how integrating vertical descent and horizontal gene transfer can be used to infer the root of the bacterial tree and the nature of the last bacterial common ancestor......»»
Google’s AI Overviews are already off the rails
A Google AI Overview suggests adding glue to your pizza. You read that right......»»
Genetic mutation responsible for new coat pattern in cats in Finland identified
A team of geneticists and animal welfare specialists from the U.K. and one from the U.S. has identified the genetic mutation responsible for a newly discovered cat coat color pattern in Finland. In their study, published in the journal Animal Genetic.....»»
Atomic-resolution imaging shows why ice is so slippery
A team of physicists affiliated with several institutions in China has uncovered the reason behind the slipperiness of ice. In their study, published in the journal Nature, the group used atomic force microscopy to get a closer look at the surface of.....»»
Seaweed forests are an overlooked component of oceanic carbon storage, study finds
A new study by an international team of researchers has revealed seaweed forests are significant contributors to ocean carbon storage......»»
Gene could unlock greater wheat yields for a growing population
A study from the University of Adelaide has discovered molecular pathways regulated by a gene traditionally used to control wheat-flowering behavior could be altered to achieve greater yields. The research was published in Current Biology......»»
Future climate impacts put humpback whale diet at risk
A new study led by Griffith University predicts that future climate change impacts could disrupt the krill-heavy diet that humpback whales in the southern hemisphere consume. The study, "No distinct local cuisines among humpback whales: A population.....»»
Bigger is better: Male proboscis monkeys" enhanced noses evolved to attract mates, says study
When it comes to the animal kingdom, bigger is better, at least for proboscis monkeys, famously known for their long, large and droopy noses......»»
The global clean water crisis looms large: Study finds water quality is underrepresented in assessments
Water scarcity will intensify with climate and socioeconomic change, disproportionately impacting populations located in the Global South, concludes a new Utrecht University article published in Nature Climate Change......»»
Study sheds light on how antibiotic "Velcro" kills bacteria
A small antibiotic called plectasin uses an innovative mechanism to kill bacteria. By assembling into large structures, plectasin latches onto its target on the bacterial cell surface, similar to how both sides of Velcro form a bond......»»
Study finds sea-level rise and weather-related shocks caused Louisiana marsh to die back
In 2016, observers in the wetlands of Louisiana's Bird's Foot Delta began to note dying stands of Phragmites australis, locally known as Roseau cane. By 2021, nothing but mud flats remained in some areas where the reeds once stood......»»
Study enhances plasticity of spontaneous coagulation cast oxide ceramic green bodies
Spontaneous coagulation casting (SCC), a new type of colloidal forming process, has garnered significant attention since 2011 due to various advantages of a high bulk density and non-toxicity, as well as the ability to achieve dispersion and coagulat.....»»
Study finds mitochondrial phosphate carrier plays an important role in virulence of Candida albicans
In a paper published in Mycology, Professor Yan Wang's team found that in both nematode and murine infection models, the lack of MIR1 gene, which encodes mitochondrial phosphate carrier, can lead to severe virulence defects in Candida albicans......»»
A merger of microbes: Study shows low-nutrient conditions alter viral infection
This much we know: When viruses infect bacteria—a common occurrence in oceans, soils, even human guts—the interaction results in the creation of entirely new organisms called "virocells." But scientists are still learning about how this merger of.....»»
Kenyan fishers face increased drowning risk from climate change
Fatal drownings are a big risk for small-scale fishers on Africa's largest lake, with many of those deaths attributed to bad weather—conditions that are likely to worsen with climate change, according to a new study......»»
Study unveils strategy for improving mechanical properties of aluminum composites
Particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PRAMCs), in which the aluminum matrix is reinforced with nanoparticles, exhibit great potential for applications in the aerospace and automobile industries. These materials combine the advantages of bot.....»»
Community science volunteers can set scientific world abuzz with new bumble bee sightings
Community science volunteers—laypeople with an interest in bees and conservation—significantly contribute to the scientific knowledge of native bumble bees across Canada and the United States, finds a new study by York University......»»
Study: Grocery shopping habits prove credit worthiness, aiding those without credit history
Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupled with the evolution of large-scale data storage, access and processing technologies, have fueled interest among financial institutions in new data sources for credit scoring......»»
Female judges tend to hand down harsher sentences in cases involving sex offenses, finds study
The Cannes Film Festival began a few days ago with nine women accusing the French producer Alain Sarde of raping or sexually assaulting them when they were minors or young actresses. If it reaches the courts, the sentence in this case will depend on.....»»
Preteens use dating apps, and 1 in 4 are sexual minorities: Study
Though most online dating apps have a minimum age requirement of 18 years, a new study finds that a small number of 11–12 year-olds use them. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) preteens are 13 times more likely to report engaging in online dating com.....»»
Many microplastics in the world"s oceans have likely escaped detection, researchers say
Chemicals within microplastics that are found in our world's oceans and waterways, and in drinking water sources, remain of concern to scientists and public health officials. A new study that investigated the presence of the smallest particles of mic.....»»