Scientists discover crude oil decimates sea otter buoyancy
Sea otters are famed for their luscious pelts, but the fur almost led to their extinction. By 1938, only a tiny population of ~50 remained clinging to the central California coast. Since then, the mammals have battled back. However, the charismatic c.....»»
Plasma heating efficiency in fusion devices boosted by metal screens
Heating plasma to the ultra-high temperatures needed for fusion reactions requires more than turning the dial on a thermostat. Scientists consider multiple methods, one of which involves injecting electromagnetic waves into the plasma, the same proce.....»»
Newly identified mysterious fossil seed reveals Ice Age climate patterns
La Brea Tar Pits scientists have identified a previously unknown juniper species as Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Juniper. The successful identification, along with the first-ever radiocarbon dating of these fossil plants.....»»
Scientists achieve collective quantum behavior in macroscopic oscillators
Quantum technologies are radically transforming our understanding of the universe. One emerging technology is macroscopic mechanical oscillators, devices that are vital in quartz watches, mobile phones, and lasers used in telecommunications. In the q.....»»
Apollo lunar mission samples reveal origins of lunar water and its connection to Earth"s early history
A team of international scientists has unveiled groundbreaking research on the origins of lunar water, offering insights that could reshape our understanding of the Earth-moon system and the broader solar system. Published in the journal Proceedings.....»»
Scientists document rich biodiversity along underexplored Chilean coastline
An international team of scientists on board a recent Schmidt Ocean Institute R/V Falkor (too) expedition surveyed nearly 20 methane seeps, some of which are new discoveries, and four submarine canyon systems previously never before seen by humans......»»
Cellular RNA plays key role in antiviral defense, study finds
Scientists have uncovered a new role for a cell's own RNA in fending off attacks by RNA viruses. Some of the cell's RNA molecules, researchers found, help regulate antiviral signaling. These signals are part of the intricate coordination of immune re.....»»
Harmful gas billowing from Texas and New Mexico comes mostly from smaller leaks, researchers say
The blob on the satellite image is a rainbow of colors. An analyst digitally sharpens it and there, highlighted in red, is the source: a concrete oil pad spewing methane......»»
Scientists recreate molecular timers to control nanomachine activation rates
Living organisms monitor time—and react to it—in many different ways, from detecting light and sound in microseconds to responding physiologically in pre-programmed ways, via their daily sleep cycle, monthly menstrual cycle, or to changes in the.....»»
Faster way to calculate electron structure makes it easier to discover new materials
Figuring out certain aspects of a material's electron structure can take a lot out of a computer—up to a million CPU hours, in fact. A team of Yale researchers, though, are using a type of artificial intelligence to make these calculations much fas.....»»
Top 10 plant and fungal species named new to science in 2024
Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and their partners reveal their pick of the top 10 plants and fungi named new to science in 2024......»»
Massive volcanic eruptions did not cause the extinction of dinosaurs, say climate scientists
Massive volcanic eruptions on the Indian peninsula have long been proposed as an alternative cause for the demise of the dinosaurs. This phase of active volcanism took place in a period just before Earth was struck by a meteorite, 66 million years ag.....»»
Clouds obscure link between extreme rainfall and rising temperatures
Extreme rainfall is usually defined as the heaviest 5% of rain events in a specific area. As global air temperatures rise, scientists expect extreme rainfall to increase. This is because warmer air can hold more moisture. Recent examples of more extr.....»»
Where"s my qubit? Scientists develop technique to detect atom loss
Quiet quitting isn't just for burned out employees. Atoms carrying information inside quantum computers, known as qubits, sometimes vanish silently from their posts. This problematic phenomenon, called atom loss, corrupts data and spoils calculations.....»»
Uncovering a centaur"s tracks: Scientists examine unique asteroid-comet hybrid
Although our solar system is billions of years old, we've only recently become better acquainted with one of its more dynamic and captivating inhabitants known as (2060) Chiron......»»
Scientists provide insights into photosystem II under low-light conditions
In higher plants and green algae, photosystem II (PSII) usually combines with light harvesting complex II (LHCII) to form the PSII-LHCII supercomplex. Under low-light conditions, the PSII-LHCII supercomplexes are organized laterally into higher-order.....»»
Melting sea ice in Antarctica causes ocean storms, scientists say
The record-breaking retreat of Antarctic sea ice in 2023 has led to more frequent storms over newly exposed parts of the Southern Ocean, according to a study published Wednesday......»»
How bad will it get? Political scientists have a pessimism bias, study finds
The past decade has seen historic challenges for U.S. democracy and an intense focus by scholars on events that seem to signal democratic decline. But new research released Dec. 17 finds that a bias toward pessimism among U.S. political scientists of.....»»
Ice is melting, seas are rising—how scientists are tracking the changes
Will the sea rise by 20 cm or 3 meters by 2100? This is obviously an interesting question to answer. Predicting the sea level in 75 years requires precise calculations and correct models of the melting of the ice from, e.g., Greenland. To do so, rese.....»»
Scientists witness evolution in action when two lizard species meet for the first time
In South Florida, two Caribbean lizard species met for the first time. What followed provided some of the clearest evidence to date of evolution in action......»»
Ancient clay remedy may have potential to boost modern gut health
A team of scientists has discovered that an ancient medicinal clay known as Lemnian earth (LE) could inspire new understanding of how to support present-day gut health......»»