Skull shape can predict how extinct vultures fed on carrion
Variations in the skull shape of vultures have been found to coincide with the preferred method each species uses to feed on a carcass......»»
Studies challenge established views on sand migration along San Diego County coast
A renowned oceanographer who has studied the California coast for decades says new research challenges a well-established notion about how sand flows within the surf and long-shore currents that constantly shape the state's beaches......»»
Bacteria opt for the best price-to-quality ratio to predict the future
Predicting the future can be a matter of life or death. Just think, every time you cross the street, you predict whether this is possible without being run over. Experiments show that even single-celled organisms such as bacteria can predict the futu.....»»
AI-driven earthquake forecasting shows promise in trials
A new attempt to predict earthquakes with the aid of artificial intelligence has raised hopes that the technology could one day be used to limit earthquakes' impact on lives and economies. Developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin.....»»
Lynxes and vultures offer insights for European wildlife conservation
EU research is providing the most far-reaching analysis of efforts to boost wild-cat populations and aiding scavengers that help balance the ecosystem......»»
Understanding the dynamics of snow cover in forests can help us predict flood risks
For more than six months a year, Quebec's boreal forest is covered in a thick blanket of snow. While this is essential for the balance of our ecosystems, for the people living downstream from forested watersheds the snow can be like a sword of Damocl.....»»
Molecular knots, left and right: How molecules form knots
Helical molecules, similarly to a corkscrew, have a spiral shape that can be either left- or right-turning. Such "chiral molecules" can collectively organize (assemble) into large left- or right-handed twisted structures. These exhibit special optica.....»»
Life-size images of extinct camel species found carved into stones in Saudi Arabia
An international team of archaeologists has discovered life-size images of an extinct camel species carved into rock formations in Saudia Arabia. In their project, reported in the journal Archaeological Research in Asia, the group discovered the carv.....»»
Feds propose protections for turtles that nearly went extinct in Washington state
A small and once-prominent species of turtle, endangered by invasive bullfrogs, human development and climate change, might soon see a boost in efforts to rebuild its populations throughout the West......»»
Scientists develop model to predict and simulate microplastic transport in South Australian waters
Australia has a big problem with plastic waste, with millions of tons of household and industrial plastics breaking down in landfill, rivers and the sea every year......»»
New species of cobra-like snake discovered, but it may already be extinct
Around the world, natural history museums hold a treasure trove of knowledge about Earth's animals. But much of the precious information is sealed off to genetic scientists because formalin, the chemical often used to preserve specimens, damages DNA.....»»
How new plant cell walls change their mechanical properties after cell division
Scientists have revealed new plant cell walls can have significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental cell walls, enabling cells to change their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs......»»
Scientists investigate Grand Canyon"s ancient past to predict future climate impacts
The Grand Canyon's valleys and millions of years of rock layers spanning Earth's history have earned it a designation as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But, according to a new UNLV study, its marvels extend to vast cave systems that l.....»»
Thunderstorms clumping together: How understanding water vapor helps scientists predict future climate change
A team of international scientists from the U.S., France, Germany, and Ethiopia recently published cutting-edge climate research on how thunderstorms can "clump" together and how that influences the Earth's climate. This led to the discovery that thi.....»»
Recombination dipole prototype successfully tested for the LHC"s high-luminosity upgrade
The LHC requires a variety of different types of magnets to direct the beams around its circular shape. Currently installed in the LHC's interaction regions are 9.45-m-long double-aperture magnets of 2.8 T, manufactured by BNL for the RHIC......»»
Machine learning helps predict drugs" favorite subcellular haunts
Most drugs are small molecules that bind firmly to a specific target—some molecule in human cells that is involved in a disease—in order to work. For example, a cancer drug's target might be a molecule that is abundant inside of cancer cells. The.....»»
Australia may swelter, but researchers predict blue whales will get some relief
While Australia is forecast to swelter under El Niño climate conditions this year, Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers say it's good news for blue whales after they suffered through three consecutive years of difficult La Niña conditions......»»
These solar-powered, origami-inspired robots can change shape mid-flight
Switching from unfolded to folded states stabilizes the microflyer's descent. Enlarge / Timelapse photo of the "microflier" falling in its unfolded state, which makes it tumble chaotically in the wind. "Snapping" into a folded st.....»»
Using Einstein"s tea leaf paradox to study nanofluids
Stirring can allow the dispersion of substances evenly in liquid. Einstein's tea leaf paradox is a concept that shows how tea leaves can concentrate in a doughnut shape through a secondary flow effect during stirring. In a new study published in Scie.....»»
Human evolution: Hominins challenge giant hyenas for carcasses in Prehistoric simulations
Hominins—the group that includes humans and our extinct relatives—may have been capable of competing with giant hyenas for carcasses abandoned by saber-toothed cats and jaguars during the late-early Pleistocene era (approximately 1.2 to 0.8 milli.....»»
Tesla trial over Autopilot fatality kicks off in California
Opening statements are set to begin on Thursday in the first U.S. trial over allegations that Tesla's Autopilot driver assistant feature led to a death, and its results could help shape similar cases across the country......»»