Searching for the decay of nature"s rarest isotope: Tantalum-180m
Tantalum is one of the rarest elements and has multiple stable isotopes. The least abundant tantalum isotope, Ta-180 is found naturally in a long-lived excited state, a feature unique to this isotope. In excited states, a nuclei's protons or neutrons.....»»
Why virtual reality nature can"t provide the same wellness benefits as the real thing
As nature connection researchers, we're aware of the innumerable benefits of spending time outside in nature. We're also aware that, like so many other interactions, immersing oneself in nature is an experience that is now available virtually. In fac.....»»
In the gateway to the Arctic, fat, ice and polar bears are crucial. All three are in trouble.
Searching for polar bears where the Churchill River dumps into Canada's massive Hudson Bay, biologist Geoff York scans a region that's on a low fat, low ice diet because of climate change......»»
Businesses trying to come clean about their impact on nature can end up concealing more than they reveal
Humans have overfished the ocean, cleared forests, polluted water and created a climate crisis by burning fossil fuels. These actions are affecting biodiversity around the world, from remote islands to our own backyards......»»
Indigenous outback rangers in WA find up to 50 night parrots, among Australia"s most elusive birds
In arid inland Australia lives one of Australia's rarest birds: the night parrot. Missing for more than a century, a live population was rediscovered in 2013. But the species remains elusive......»»
Proof-of-concept study uses X-rays to target mock-up asteroids in a vacuum
An X-ray pulse may be able to vaporize the surface of an asteroid and change its trajectory, according to a proof-of-concept paper published in Nature Physics. A laboratory experiment that mimics the deflection of an asteroid model using this techniq.....»»
A new genetic analysis of animals in the Wuhan market in 2019 may help find COVID-19"s origin
Scientists searching for the origins of COVID-19 have zeroed in on a short list of animals that possibly helped spread it to people, an effort they hope could allow them to trace the outbreak back to its source......»»
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Google If you’re searching for the fanciest thermostats on the market, you’ve probably discovered the new and the . These two gadgets make it easy to keep your home comfortable at all times of year while also helping you save money on your monthl.....»»
AI tools help uncover enzyme mechanisms for lasso peptides
Lasso peptides are natural products made by bacteria. Their unusual lasso shape endows them with remarkable stability, protecting them from extreme conditions. In a new study, published in Nature Chemical Biology, researchers have constructed and tes.....»»
Copper-based nanocapsules shown to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness
In a study published in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers discovered that cuproptosis may serve as a new target for radiosensitization in re-irradiation......»»
Evolved in the lab, found in nature: Uncovering hidden pH sensing abilities in microbial cultures
In a study led by Sarah Worthan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Behringer Lab at Vanderbilt University, scientists have successfully evolved microbial cultures that possess the ability to sense pH changes, enabling rapid responses to environ.....»»
Droughts likely to be even longer in the future due to climate change
Major climate reports may be underselling the risks of rising emissions. (credit: USGS) Droughts in the coming decades could be longer than projected by current climate models, a new study published Wednesday in Nature w.....»»
Advances in hydrogen research: More efficient isotope separation in sight
The lightest of all elements, hydrogen, is in great demand due to its promising role as a sustainable resource in the energy transition. A team from Leipzig University and TU Dresden, as part of the Hydrogen Isotopes 1,2,3H Research Training Group, h.....»»
Scientists can now predict catastrophic river shifts that threaten millions worldwide
Indiana University researchers have uncovered key insights into the dangerous phenomenon of "river avulsion," offering a way to predict when and where rivers may suddenly and dramatically change course. Published in Nature, this breakthrough study sh.....»»
Observations provide crucial insights into the nature of a white dwarf–brown dwarf binary
Using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), astronomers have performed spectrophotometric observations of an eclipsing white dwarf–brown dwarf binary known as WD1032+011. Results of their observational campaign, published September 10 on the preprint s.....»»
Were Bohr and von Neumann really in conflict over quantum measurements?
Analysis suggests that the two pioneers of quantum mechanics, Niels Bohr and John von Neumann, may have had more similar views than previously thought regarding the nature of quantum systems, and the classical apparatus used to measure them......»»
New research re-envisions Earth"s mantle as a relatively uniform reservoir
Lavas from hotspots—whether erupting in Hawaii, Samoa or Iceland—likely originate from a worldwide, uniform reservoir in Earth's mantle, according to an evaluation of volcanic hotspots published in Nature Geoscience......»»
Harnessing nature"s rhythm: Piezocatalysis for organic pollutant degradation
With the rapid growth of industrial and agricultural activities, water bodies are increasingly contaminated with harmful organic pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics, and bisphenol A. Traditional methods like adsorption, chemical treatments, and biol.....»»
Flushing rubbish down the toilet has impacts on nature
Sampling reveals that there is an incredible amount of rubbish lying on the seabed. This is because many people are still flushing all sorts of things down the toilet, believing that they will simply disappear. But, of course, this is not the case. B.....»»
Projections show future droughts could be longer than expected
The average longest periods of drought could be ten days longer by the end of the century than previously predicted by climate models, according to research published in Nature. The findings suggest that the hazards droughts pose to societies and eco.....»»
UN scientists warn about the low representation of women in leadership positions in the water sector
A new publication in Nature Water by UN University scientists sheds light on the persistent gender disparities in the global water workforce. The article, titled "Quantifying Women in the Water Workforce," warns that despite international discussions.....»»