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.....»»
Planetary scientists confirm new main-belt comet
A mysterious object discovered in the main asteroid belt in 2021 was determined to be a main-belt comet by Planetary Science Institute Senior Scientist Henry Hsieh, Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science and Audrey Thirouin of Lowell.....»»
Physicists take a step closer to controlling single-molecule chemical reactions
Controlling matter at the atomic level has taken a major step forward, thanks to nanotechnology research by an international team of scientists led by physicists at the University of Bath......»»
Countdown to an ice-free Arctic: Research warns of accelerated timelines
The first summer on record that melts practically all of the Arctic's sea ice, an ominous milestone for the planet, could occur as early as 2027......»»
Scientists question use of "tipping point" metaphor in climate change discussions
A group of scientists, including researchers from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Princeton University and Carleton University, has questioned the accuracy and utility of the metaphor "tipping point" in calling attention to the threat of climate ch.....»»
Deep-sea marvels: How anglerfish defy evolutionary expectations
A Rice University study sheds light on the extraordinary evolution of anglerfish, a group of deep-sea dwellers whose bizarre adaptations have captivated scientists and the public alike. The research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, uncovers.....»»
Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis
Scientists have uncovered genetic variation in the unexplored DNA of the photosynthetic and energy factories of Arabidopsis plants, which plays a crucial role in the efficiency of photosynthesis in plants. These insights—published Nov. 27 in the Pr.....»»
Giving coral reefs a fighting chance for survival with coral reef restoration
Scientists are sounding the alarm: coral reef restoration is not a distraction, but a crucial weapon in the battle against climate change and other threats to these vital ecosystems. While some critics question the effectiveness of restoration effort.....»»
Quantum sensing using ultrafast laser pulses and a new class of molecular probes
In the effort to develop new quantum technologies of the future, scientists are pursuing several different approaches. One avenue seeks to use molecules as the fundamental building blocks of quantum technologies......»»
Ancient maize samples in Brazilian caves suggest the crop"s domestication may have been completed in South America
Brazilian scientists have determined that ancient specimens of partially domesticated maize (Zea mays, also known as corn) originally from Peruaçu Valley in Minas Gerais state (Brazil) were the farthest from Mexico, the plant's historic center of or.....»»
20-year study in Congo"s largest protected park confirms that rangers are effective in preserving endangered bonobos
Scientists now know how many bonobos live in one of the largest pristine tropical forests, a place believed to be the world's stronghold for the endangered species......»»
Research offers insights into Permian Basin earthquake hazards
A new collection of published papers offers the most detailed and comprehensive breakdown yet of how water injected into the Permian Basin during oil and gas operations is changing subsurface pressures and causing earthquakes......»»
Coastal revelations from space: New satellite tech maps sandy beaches
Scientists have developed a method to map sandy beach intertidal zones with unprecedented accuracy using satellite data. This innovative approach allows for precise measurements of coastlines that are constantly shaped by tides and waves, providing c.....»»
Scientists create an enzyme not found in nature for use in efficient synthetic metabolic pathways
A team of researchers led by Tobias Erb at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg has succeeded in developing a new enzyme. The "lactyl-CoA mutase" can efficiently convert a key metabolic compound into valuable products......»»
"Spooky action" at a very short distance: Scientists map out quantum entanglement in protons
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborators have a new way to use data from high-energy particle smashups to peer inside protons. Their approach uses quantum information science to map out how.....»»
Resurrecting an ancestral protein as a novel tool to study RNA biology
By deducing the possible ancient forms of a bacterial enzyme, OIST scientists have resurrected one of its ancestral versions, with a comparably higher ability to chemically modify RNA......»»
Getting to the bottom of Cenozoic deep-ocean temperatures
Understanding ancient ocean temperatures—particularly from the Cenozoic era (the past 66 million years), in which Earth experienced dramatic climate shifts—helps scientists reveal more about the planet's past climates......»»
Marine conservation law and policy: Research investigates effectiveness of UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
A decade ago, a Singapore Management University academic took in the sights of colorful, healthy corals playing host and habitat to myriad marine creatures at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia......»»
Scientists develop self-sustained protein transport and tissue assembly in artificial cells
In a new Nature Communications study, scientists have developed a novel method for artificial cells to interact with their external environment without the need for complex modification processes......»»
Exploring the ecological role of deep-sea viruses
The significance of deep-sea virology and its impact on global climate and biogeochemical structures is not unknown, though its importance might be understated......»»
Four projects blending First Nations knowledge and science to rewrite our understanding of the past
A lot of things scientists study are part of Country—the lands, waters and skies to which First Nations peoples are connected. In Australia, there has to date been little respect for the significance or value of cultural knowledge in scientific pra.....»»