Study unravels the role of DNA methylation in oceanic microbial communities
DNA methylation is a biological process through which methyl groups are added to the DNA (genetic material). It is used as an epigenetic, i.e., a non-genetic strategy by prokaryotes to perform an array of functions such as gene regulation, repair, an.....»»
Biologists find nanoplastics in developing chicken heart
Nanoplastics can accumulate in developing hearts, according to a study published in Environment International by biologist Meiru Wang from Leiden University. Her research on chicken embryos sheds new light on how these tiny plastic particles pose a t.....»»
The death of Vulcan: Study reveals planet is actually an astronomical illusion caused by stellar activity
A planet thought to orbit the star 40 Eridani A—host to Mr. Spock's fictional home planet, Vulcan, in the "Star Trek" universe—is really a kind of astronomical illusion caused by the pulses and jitters of the star itself, a new study shows......»»
Does the requirement to offer retirement plans help workers save for retirement?
A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy reveals significant benefits gained from the first implementation of the state-run retirement savings program in Oregon, known as OregonSaves, in 2017......»»
Ecological impact of eucalyptus trees: Balancing benefits and risks
A new study has found that Eucalyptus trees, widely planted in Israel's Western Negev, have a significant allelopathic effect, reducing herbaceous plant biomass and flowering density of red anemones, particularly in unshaded areas......»»
New study unveils how water dynamics slow down at low temperatures
A scientist at the Institute for Molecular Science has published a study that provides insight into the puzzling phenomenon of dynamic slowdown in supercooled water, an essential step toward understanding the glass transition in liquids......»»
Study shows transgenic expression of rubisco factors increases photosynthesis and chilling tolerance in maize
Maize is one of the world's most widely grown crops and is essential to global food security. But like other plants, its growth and productivity can be limited by the slow activity of Rubisco, the enzyme responsible for carbon assimilation during pho.....»»
Researchers successfully fabricate NiS ultrafine nanorods with separated symmetry along two directions
Crystal symmetry is a fundamental concept in materials science, playing a crucial role in determining structure-property relationships. Typically, a crystal is a solid composed of structural units that periodically repeat in three-dimensional space,.....»»
Why do dyeing poison frogs tap dance?
The toe tapping behavior of various amphibians has long attracted attention from researchers and pet owners. Despite being widely documented, the underlying functional role is poorly understood. In a new paper, researchers demonstrate that dyeing poi.....»»
Study reports successful synthesis of centimeter-sized single crystals
A spin liquid is a special state of matter that arises in certain magnetic materials at very low temperatures. Despite its name, it doesn't have anything to do with liquids in the everyday sense. Normally, in a magnet, these electron spins like to li.....»»
New insights into juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish behaviors that threaten reefs
A new study by researchers from the University of Sydney provides new insights into the behavior of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), a significant contributor to coral reef devastation in the Indo-Pacific region. The research, published in P.....»»
Key factors that orchestrate mysterious synchronized coral spawning revealed
Corals play an essential role in ocean ecosystems, and like many organisms, they are under threat from climate change and other human activities. To better protect coral, it's first necessary to understand them, in particular their reproductive life.....»»
Scientists elucidate substrate recognition and proton coupling mechanism of transporter protein VMAT2
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is the only transporter protein in the central nervous system that mediates the storage of monoamine neurotransmitters. It plays a critical role in mediating nerve impulse transmission and neuroprotection......»»
Small birds boast range of flight styles thanks to evolutionary edge
Small birds have explored a wide variety of styles of flight, ranging from hovering hummingbirds to bounding sparrows to soaring swifts and swallows. A new Cornell University study could explain why......»»
Health risks from global warming can help drive city climate action, study finds
Cities around the world were more likely to maintain climate action and enact "green recovery" long-term plans after the pandemic if local decision-makers were more alert to the health risks of climate change, a new global study has shown......»»
Florida fossil porcupine solves a prickly dilemma 10 million years in the making
There's a longstanding debate simmering among biologists who study porcupines. There are 16 porcupine species in Central and South America, but only one in the United States and Canada. DNA evidence suggests North America's sole porcupine belongs to.....»»
Partial skeleton of a previously unknown medium-sized theropod dinosaur found in Siberia
Study of a partial skeleton found embedded in a rock has resulted in the discovery of a new species of dinosaur. Using a variety of technology and techniques, researchers affiliated with several institutions in the Russian Federation found that the f.....»»
Study finds fewer invasive alien species on lands of Indigenous Peoples
The introduction of animal and plant species into new regions by humans is increasing rapidly worldwide. Some of these alien species, such as the gray squirrel, have a far-reaching impact on nature as they displace native species......»»
Study shows plant hydraulics create streaming electric potential in sync with biological clock
When plants draw water from their roots to nourish their stems and leaves, they produce an electric potential that could be harnessed as a renewable energy source. However, like all living things, plants are subject to a circadian rhythm—the biolog.....»»
Study introduces a cleaner way to produce ammonia at room temperature and pressure
Ammonia is the starting point for the fertilizers that have secured the world's food supply for the last century. It's also a main component of cleaning products, and is even considered as a future carbon-free replacement for fossil fuels in vehicles.....»»
Salty soil sensitizes plants to an unconventional mode of bacterial toxicity
A collaborative study between researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research and the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology has shown how a single metabolite can render bacteria toxic to plants under hig.....»»