Scientists say that the planet Mercury is still shrinking
New research indicates that Mercury's tectonic shifts are ongoing. We've known since the 1970s that the planet Mercury was, at one point, shrinking as its core cooled. But we didn't know if it was still happening...until now. Scientists from Th.....»»
Study reveals how a sugar-sensing protein acts as a "machine" to switch plant growth—and oil production—on and off
Proteins are molecular machines, with flexible pieces and moving parts. Understanding how these parts move helps scientists unravel the function a protein plays in living things—and potentially how to change its effects. Biochemists at the U.S. Dep.....»»
Scientists develop new geochemical "fingerprint" to trace contaminants in fertilizer
An international team of scientists has uncovered toxic metals in mineral phosphate fertilizers worldwide by using a new tool to identify the spread and impact of such contaminants on soil, water resources, and food supply......»»
Europe is uncertain whether its ambitious Mercury probe can reach the planet
"We are working hard on resolving these uncertainties." An artist's rendering of the BepiColombo mission, a joint ESA/JAXA project, which will take two spacecraft to the harsh environment of Mercury. (credit: ESA) This.....»»
Ultra-spicy One Chip Challenge chip contributed to teen’s death, report says
The high dose of capsaicin paired with a heart defect appear to have contributed. Enlarge (credit: Sarah Dussault/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images) An autopsy report of a Massachusetts teen who tragical.....»»
How your aurora photographs are helping NASA study solar storms
The most dramatic solar storm in decades wasn't only notable for the gorgeous colors seen in the sky -- it's also a way for scientists to learn about the sun......»»
Enhancing land surface models to visualize vegetation gradients in hilly terrain
Land surface models are an indispensable tool for environmental scientists to map the natural features of our world, particularly when they monitor the effects of climate change or assess conservation efforts......»»
Scientists demonstrate the survival of quantum coherence in a chemical reaction involving ultracold molecules
If you zoom in on a chemical reaction to the quantum level, you'll notice that particles behave like waves that can ripple and collide. Scientists have long sought to understand quantum coherence, the ability of particles to maintain phase relationsh.....»»
Researchers achieve ultra-high-Q free space coupling to microtoroid resonators
Scientists from the University of Arizona have achieved far-field coupling of light to ultra-high quality factor microtoroids using a single objective lens. This could provide the foundation for a fully on-chip multiplexed microtoroid sensing platfor.....»»
Scientists brew killer bee beer
Scientists from Cardiff University have used brewer's yeast that resides in the gut microbiome of killer honeybees in Namibia and applied it to develop a unique craft beer......»»
Experts say coral reef bleaching near record level globally because of "crazy" ocean heat
Ocean temperatures that have gone "crazy haywire" hot, especially in the Atlantic, are close to making the current global coral bleaching event the worst in history. It's so bad that scientists are hoping for a few hurricanes to cool things off......»»
How "ethical influencers" engage their audiences about saving the planet
Have a quick think back to the last time you scrolled through social media. Maybe it was this morning, last night or a few minutes ago. What do you recall? One thing you're bound to remember is the continuous stream of influencers showing off their l.....»»
AI can help researchers understand what viruses are up to in the oceans and in your gut
Viruses are a mysterious and poorly understood force in microbial ecosystems. Researchers know they can infect, kill and manipulate human and bacterial cells in nearly every environment, from the oceans to your gut. But scientists don't yet have a fu.....»»
Scientists use generative AI to answer complex questions in physics
When water freezes, it transitions from a liquid phase to a solid phase, resulting in a drastic change in properties like density and volume. Phase transitions in water are so common most of us probably don't even think about them, but phase transiti.....»»
Researchers uncover how jelly sea creatures might shape modern robotics
Scientists at the University of Oregon have discovered that colonies of gelatinous sea animals swim through the ocean in giant corkscrew shapes using coordinated jet propulsion, an unusual kind of locomotion that could inspire new designs for efficie.....»»
How saber-toothed tigers acquired their long upper canine teeth
An international team led by scientists from the University of Liège has investigated the evolutionary patterns behind the development of saber teeth, with some unexpected results along the way. Their study has been published in the journal Current.....»»
NASA researchers bid farewell to "flying laboratory" at Ames Research Center
For many NASA scientists, flying aboard a decked-out Douglas DC-8 plane provided them some unique glimpses of Earth: the Moai on Easter Island, Central Park in New York and Mount Vesuvius in Italy......»»
A golden layer unlocks sharper imaging and faster scanning with X-rays
Scientists have made a breakthrough in significantly improving the sharpness of X-ray imaging and potentially boosting the speeds at which X-ray scans can be processed. This lays the groundwork for both better medical imaging and faster security clea.....»»
Five things to know about how NASA"s tiny twin polar satellites will study the Arctic and Antarctic
Twin shoebox-size climate satellites will soon be studying two of the most remote regions on Earth: the Arctic and Antarctic. The NASA mission will measure the amount of heat the planet emits into space from these polar regions—information that's k.....»»
Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish
Scientists are one step closer to combating coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, following a University of Queensland study into the pest's genetics......»»
Astronomers discover new Earth-sized world orbiting an ultra-cool star
An international team of astronomers has detected a new, Earth-sized planet just 55 light years away, orbiting an ultra-cool red dwarf star......»»