Understanding how hillslopes connect ecosystems
Hillslopes are essential landscape features. They physically tie ridges to valleys and link terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through sediment, water, and nutrients. Understanding how hillslopes interact is critical to understanding how landscapes w.....»»
Study shows organonitrates in atmospheric particles vary with altitude
While atmospheric particles directly affect climate (e.g., cloud formation), sampling atmospheric particles aloft is practically challenging. Therefore, a full understanding of how particle composition is linked to environmental function remains limi.....»»
Sea surface micro layer: Researchers study boundary between the ocean and the air
The boundary between the ocean and the atmosphere, where the air and sea interact, is known as the sea surface microlayer. Understanding how nutrients, pollutants and organic matter are exchanged between the air and the sea is also vital for better u.....»»
How your Zoom background could influence how tired you feel after a video call
Part of many people's pandemic experience included working from home. Even after lockdowns, videoconferencing remains a big part of life as people continue to work remotely, connect with families and friends online, and attend virtual events hosted o.....»»
Study explores metabolic disruptions in Artemisia annua mutant strain
Artemisia annua is celebrated for its production of artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial agent. Although its glandular secretory trichomes have been the focus of extensive research, a complete understanding of their metabolic processes remains elusiv.....»»
Understanding the Origins of Life on Earth Could Help Find Life beyond It
We can’t yet tell how life got its start on Earth. That’s one great reason to keep looking for life elsewhere.....»»
Going Back to the Moon, Researching Chickadee Hybrids and Understanding Addiction
This month’s issue covers the reasons it’s so hard to go back to the moon, the science of empathy and new advances in treating sickle cell disease.....»»
Zirconium metals under extreme conditions found to deform in surprisingly complex ways
Materials are crucial to modern technology, especially those used in extreme environments like nuclear energy systems and military applications. These materials need to withstand intense pressure, temperature and corrosion. Understanding their lattic.....»»
New method improves understanding of light-wave propagation in anisotropic materials
Understanding how light travels through various materials is essential for many fields, from medical imaging to manufacturing. However, due to their structure, materials often show directional differences in how they scatter light, known as anisotrop.....»»
Atmospheric lidar instrument on climate satellite enhances understanding of aerosols and clouds
The atmospheric lidar ATLID, the last of four instruments on board the EarthCARE satellite launched in May, has now been successfully put into operation. The joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) is des.....»»
Bridging large riverine ecosystems for inter-basin exchanges
Many of the world's large rivers have been modified to support food security, hydropower production, navigation and trade. While these developments are necessary to support a growing human population, they also pose substantial risks to the structure.....»»
Symmetry model sheds light on the chemistry surrounding peptide helices
Helices are structures found naturally in many important molecules, such as proteins. These helices possess a twist that depends on the arrangement of their basic components. By understanding how a helix is formed, we can gain deeper insights into ho.....»»
Technique to study how proteins bind to DNA is easily misused: Researchers offer a solution
Researchers at University of California San Diego have published new guidelines that could help scientists significantly improve their results when quantifying the interactions between DNA and proteins. Understanding these interactions is critical to.....»»
Device malfunctions from continuous current lead to discovery that can improve design of microelectronic devices
A new study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is providing new insights into how next-generation electronics, including memory components in computers, break down or degrade over time. Understanding the reasons for degrada.....»»
Study shows microbial diversity differences in volcanic cones and craters
Volcanic activity alters the Earth's surface and promotes the development of new ecosystems, providing valuable models for studying soil formation processes such as microbial composition and vegetation succession. Increasing evidence suggests that so.....»»
Early dark energy could resolve cosmology"s two biggest puzzles
A new study by MIT physicists proposes that a mysterious force known as early dark energy could solve two of the biggest puzzles in cosmology and fill in some major gaps in our understanding of how the early universe evolved......»»
Team develops new tool to map fossil fuel emissions from space
University of Minnesota researchers have developed a new tool to measure ethane from space, leading to a better understanding of fossil fuel emissions worldwide. Ethane is commonly found in natural gas and is primarily used in plastics manufacturing......»»
Human "molecular map" contributes to the understanding of disease mechanisms
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q) have created an intricate molecular map of the human body and its complex physiological processes based on the analysis of thousands of molecules in blood, urine and saliva samples from 391 volunt.....»»
High-Andean wetlands release more CO₂ under short-term warming, study suggests
The high-Andean wetlands of the Argentinean Puna region, called "vegas" by local inhabitants, although covering less than 1% of this arid mountain region, are important ecosystems as they support biodiversity and provide local people with fresh water.....»»
New classical algorithm enhances understanding of quantum computing"s future
In an exciting development for quantum computing, researchers from the University of Chicago's Department of Computer Science, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and Argonne National Laboratory have introduced a classical algorithm that simula.....»»
Opinion: Researchers don"t take enough account of variation in biology—doing so could unlock new understanding
The natural world is filled with variety. Ecological systems can look very different in different parts of the Earth. Every species has genetic variation, which means individuals can look and behave very differently. Diseases can affect people differ.....»»