Scientists from 33 European countries join forces to generate reference genomes for the continent"s biological diversity
In a new publication, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) announces the success of its pilot project. This initiative assembled a large collaborative network of scientists and institutions across 33 countries to produce high-quality reference.....»»
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......»»
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.....»»
Hexagons of hexagonal boron nitride join up to form 2D insulator for next-gen electronic devices
A method that can grow a useful insulating material into exceptionally high-quality films that are just one atom thick and are suitable for industrial-scale production has been developed by an international team led by Xixiang Zhang from KAUST......»»
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......»»
Analysis of ground motions reveals the seismic signature of Hamas forces en route to their attack
A study in the field of forensic seismology, conducted by Tel Aviv University researchers, has identified the seismic signature of Hamas forces' movement before the October 7 attack. Researchers from the Department of Geophysics at Tel Aviv Universit.....»»
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......»»
AI was everywhere in 2024"s elections, but deepfakes and misinformation were only part of the picture
It's been the biggest year for elections in human history: 2024 is a "super-cycle" year in which 3.7 billion eligible voters in 72 countries had the chance to go the polls. These are also the first AI elections, where many feared that deepfakes and a.....»»
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......»»
Clay minerals: Researchers observe for the first time how sediment particles align during deposition
Clay minerals are a major constituent of the Earth's surface and are mainly found in the sediments of lakes, rivers and oceans. The properties of clay and claystone depend on how the tiny sediment particles are orientated. Using the European Synchrot.....»»
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.....»»
Desertification talks open in Saudi Arabia as experts fire warning
UN talks aimed at halting the degradation and desertification of vast swathes of land start in Saudi Arabia on Monday after scientists fired a stark warning over unsustainable farming and deforestation......»»
Using DNA to identify seabird bycatch
Australian Antarctic Program scientists have used DNA technology to help identify threatened albatross, petrel and shearwater species caught unintentionally (as 'bycatch') during longline fishing operations in Australian waters......»»
960 million dirty diapers are a big waste problem—what can be done with them
The use of disposable diapers (nappies) is growing in African countries. The disposable diaper undoubtedly makes it easier for many parents to work or spend time on other things, including their own and their child's well-being......»»
$400M seized, 5,500 arrested in global operation targeting cyber fraud
A coordinated international operation involving law enforcement agencies from 40 countries led to the arrest of over 5,500 individuals linked to financial crimes and the confiscation of more than $400 million in virtual assets and government-backed c.....»»
Scientists gather to decode puzzle of the world"s rarest whale in "extraordinary" New Zealand study
It is the world's rarest whale, with only seven of its kind ever spotted. Almost nothing is known about the enigmatic species. But on Monday a small group of scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand clustered around a near-perfectly preserved s.....»»
Landmark climate case to open at top UN court
The United Nations' top court will start unprecedented hearings on Monday aimed at setting legal guidelines for how countries should protect the planet against climate change and help vulnerable nations combat its devastating impact......»»