Superior photosynthesis abilities of some plants could hold key to climate-resilient crops
More than 3 billion years ago, on an Earth entirely covered with water, photosynthesis first evolved in ancient bacteria. In the following millions of years, those bacteria evolved into plants, optimizing themselves along the way for various environm.....»»
Ferns" ancient resilience aids modern ecosystem recovery after disasters
Scientists have suggested an updated framework for the role of ferns in environmental recovery from disaster. Instead of competing with other organisms, ferns may act as facilitators that ease the way for other plants and animals to re-establish them.....»»
Shedding light on snow"s crucial role in Earth"s climate system
EU researchers are braving extreme Arctic conditions to shed light on snow's crucial role in Earth's climate system......»»
Global study reveals phenological divergence between plants and animals under climate change
A collaborative study reveals the distinct mechanisms by which plants and animals respond to climate change in their life-cycle phenology. This research, led by Piao Shilong's team and Zhang Yao's team from the Institute of Carbon Neutrality at Pekin.....»»
Dripstones from Romanian cave offer insights into climate dynamics in Europe
Investigations into precipitation patterns in eastern Central Europe since the end of the last ice age, conducted by an international research team led by Dr. Sophie Warken of Heidelberg University, have shown that dynamic processes in atmospheric ci.....»»
Gateway: Wired for deep space
A maze of cables and sensors snakes through a major piece of Gateway, humanity's first space station around the moon, during a key testing phase earlier this year to ensure the lunar-orbiting science lab can withstand the harsh conditions of deep spa.....»»
AI is becoming the weapon of choice for cybercriminals
AI changes how organizations look at cybersecurity GenAI is compromising security while promising efficiency This article highlights key findings from 2024 reports on AI and GenAI technologies, focusing on their potential and major challenges. Overre.....»»
New synthesis technique cuts drug development time and cost
A team of chemists from Scripps Research and Rice University has unveiled a novel method to simplify the synthesis of piperidines, a key structural component in many pharmaceuticals. The study, published in Science, combines biocatalytic carbon-hydro.....»»
Study reveals flies more vulnerable than bees to climate change
Despite their reputation as buzzing nuisances, flies serve a critical role as some of the Earth's most prolific pollinators—and new research led by Penn State scientists suggests they are increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures......»»
Environmental groups challenge update to California"s low-carbon transportation rules
A coalition of environmental groups challenged California's leading climate regulator on Wednesday, alleging that a recent update to a leading climate program will create additional pollution in the state's San Joaquin Valley......»»
Discovery of egg"s immune-like attack on sperm mitochondria may aid fertility
Within minutes of fertilization, the egg of a fruit fly becomes a scene from the battle of the sexes. The egg attacks and destroys the cellular "power plants" (mitochondria) from the sperm that had fertilized it, so that only its own mitochondria rem.....»»
Newly identified mysterious fossil seed reveals Ice Age climate patterns
La Brea Tar Pits scientists have identified a previously unknown juniper species as Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Juniper. The successful identification, along with the first-ever radiocarbon dating of these fossil plants.....»»
Climate change could trigger more earthquakes, study suggests
A recent Colorado State University study published in the journal Geology demonstrates that climate change can affect the frequency of earthquakes, adding to a small but growing body of evidence showing that climate can alter the seismic cycle......»»
Biotic factors contribute more to aboveground biomass across scales
The aboveground biomass of vegetation is significant to the global carbon cycle and climate change mitigation. Both biotic factors, such as forest structure attributes, community-weighted mean of traits, and functional diversity, and abiotic factors,.....»»
Cellular RNA plays key role in antiviral defense, study finds
Scientists have uncovered a new role for a cell's own RNA in fending off attacks by RNA viruses. Some of the cell's RNA molecules, researchers found, help regulate antiviral signaling. These signals are part of the intricate coordination of immune re.....»»
Solving renewable energy’s sticky storage problem
When the Sun doesn't shine and the wind is calm, humankind still needs power. When the Sun is blazing and the wind is blowing, Germany’s solar and wind power plants swing into h.....»»
Change management shows us how we all can become climate leaders
'Tis the season for resolutions, and if yours are all about reducing your impact on the planet then you may find yourself at loggerheads this holiday season with friends whose 2025 goals are a bit less green......»»
Valencia floods showed why coastal cities should restore their wetlands
Valencia, a city and province in south-east Spain, became synonymous with disaster in October 2024 when floods killed at least 231 people. Extreme rainfall will happen more often as the climate warms and the cost to coastal cities like Valencia is ex.....»»
This Oscar-winning Martin Scorsese movie doesn’t really hold up now
Twenty years ago, Martin Scorsese's The Aviator premiered to rave reviews, but why is it never top-of-mind when people discuss the director's 21st century oeuvre?.....»»
Study reveals how transcription factors navigate DNA architecture to shape cellular identity
A new study led by Prof. Yosef Buganim from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Dr. Abdenour Soufi from the University of Edinburgh reveals how transcription factors (TFs)—key proteins that regulate gene activity—navigate DNA and chromatin str.....»»
7 good things humanity did to combat climate change in 2024
Advocating for climate change action can sometimes feel like pushing a huge boulder up a hill. News headlines are filled with breaking climate records, while governments, including Australia's, are still approving new fossil fuel developments. Advert.....»»