South Africa: Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto"s water and soil—study finds food gardens are at risk
For 140 years, gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa have been leaking wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The acid mine drainage from Johannesburg's estimated 278 abandoned mines and 200 mine dumps includes uranium (a radioactive metal), t.....»»
Study suggests pawn loans compound the pain for many
Australia's pawnbroking industry is too lightly regulated, harming vulnerable consumers and leaving them in greater financial distress, according to new research by the University of Melbourne. The work is available in the University of Queensland La.....»»
The "15-minute city" might not be realistic for North America, researchers find
In the "15-minute city," a concept popularized in Europe, everything a resident might need on a daily basis is a short walk or bicycle ride away. A study by Transportation Research at McGill University (TRAM) suggests, however, that this model may no.....»»
Cooling "blood oranges" could make them even healthier—a bonus for consumers
An orange teeming with antioxidants and other health benefits may be a shot in the arm for consumers and citrus growers, if the fruit is stored at cool temperatures, a new University of Florida study shows. The findings are published in the journal F.....»»
Blooming through adversity: Roses" genetic defense against salinity stress
A cutting-edge study illuminates the intricate mechanisms of rose plants' resistance to salt stress, a critical issue for global agriculture. The research identifies the phenylpropane pathway, especially flavonoids, as key to this tolerance, offering.....»»
Study dissects histochemical localization and biosynthesis molecular mechanisms of Bletilla striata polysaccharides
The dry pseudobulb of the plant Bletilla striata Rchb. f. (Orchidaceae), spelled BaiJi in Chinese as an important traditional Chinese medicine, has the effects of astringent hemostasis, detumescence, and promotion of muscle growth......»»
How a biocatalyst might boost the growth of microalgae
Living organisms consist to a large extent of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) compounds. These have to be taken in with food or, in the case of plants, produced through photosynthesis......»»
Focusing micromechanical polaritons in topologically nontrivial hyperbolic metasurfaces
Dr. Johan Christensen, leader of IMDEA Materials Institute's Mechanical and Acoustic Metamaterials research group, is among the researchers behind a pioneering study exploring the topological properties of metamaterials......»»
After ISIS bombs, an urgent call to preserve an ancient Syrian temple
The Temple of Bel stands in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, adjoining a desert oasis with palm trees and bountiful water. Constructed in the first two centuries of the Common Era, the temple served for nearly two thousand years as a sanctuary for.....»»
Ariane 6 launches: Splashdown for Nyx Bikini
Europe's newest rocket soon launches, taking with it many space missions each with a unique objective, destination and team at home, cheering them on. Whether launching new satellites to look back and study Earth, peer out to deep space or test impor.....»»
Many more bacteria produce greenhouse gases than previously thought, study finds
Caltech researchers have discovered a new class of enzymes that enable a myriad of bacteria to "breathe" nitrate when in low-oxygen conditions. While this is an evolutionary advantage for bacterial survival, the process produces the greenhouse gas ni.....»»
Unlocking the entrepreneurial brain: New perspectives on cognitive flexibility
In a recent study led by the University of Liège researchers delved into the intersection of the fields of entrepreneurship and neuroscience, looking specifically at the cognitive flexibility of habitual entrepreneurs—those who repeatedly launch n.....»»
New AI-driven tool improves root image segmentation
In a world striving for sustainability, understanding the hidden half of a living plant—the roots—is crucial. Roots are not just an anchor; they are a dynamic interface between the plant and soil, critical for water uptake, nutrient absorption, a.....»»
Study challenges popular idea that Easter islanders committed "ecocide"
Some 1,000 years ago, a small band of Polynesians sailed thousands of miles across the Pacific to settle one of the world's most isolated places—a small, previously uninhabited island they named Rapa Nui. There, they erected hundreds of "moai," or.....»»
Climate change makes it harder for women to collect water in South American and Southeast Asian regions, study shows
Climate change could increase the amount of time women spend collecting water by up to 30% globally by 2050, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change. In regions of South America and Southeast Asia, the time spent collecting water.....»»
Enhancing the performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis by constructing electron/proton pathways
The proton exchange membrane electrolysis of water (PEMWE) is a critical process for hydrogen generation. However, the limited ability of electrons and protons to permeate the membrane and the inefficient arrangement of the transport structure in the.....»»
New computational tool helps interpret AI models in genomics
Artificial intelligence continues to squirm its way into many aspects of our lives. But what about biology, the study of life itself? AI can sift through hundreds of thousands of genome data points to identify potential new therapeutic targets. While.....»»
The joy of inflicting pain leads to increased prosocial behavior, study finds
Oh, the joy of inflicting pain upon others. The Germans have a word for it: "schadenfreude," meaning "malicious pleasure." And tapping into its sentiment properly can, ironically, do a lot of good by raising money for charity......»»
Lifesaving and life-changing: The kindness shown to forced migrants during their journeys
Forced migrant survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) have experienced acts of everyday and extraordinary kindness from people they met throughout their journeys, a new study reveals......»»
Finding the ecological balance while countering invasive species
In 2003, Anne Nielsen became the first doctoral student in the U.S. to study the brown marmorated stink bug, which was beginning its ascendancy as an invasive species notoriously damaging to crops......»»
Researchers release first national study on partner-friendly support for dual-career academic jobseekers
In the first national study analyzing the support of academic couples, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a full ranking of universities by their partner-friendly status and resources for dual-career academi.....»»