Unlocking the mystery of skin cracking in chili peppers
The outermost epidermal cell layer of fleshy fruit is surrounded by a hydrophobic cuticle, notably thicker than that found on vegetative tissues. This cuticle, primarily composed of the cutin polymer, also contains waxes and sometimes polysaccharides.....»»
Why do plants wiggle? New study provides answers
In a new study, physicists from the United States and Israel may have gotten to the bottom of a quirky behavior of growing plants—and a mystery that intrigued Charles Darwin himself during the later decades of his life......»»
The AI balancing act: Unlocking potential, dealing with security issues, complexity
The rapid integration of AI and GenAI technologies creates a complex mix of challenges and opportunities for organizations. While the potential benefits are clear, many companies struggle with AI literacy, cautious adoption, and the risks of immature.....»»
Rare archaeological site reveals "surprising" Neanderthal behavior at Pyrenees foothills
An unchartered area in the foothills of the Southern Pyrenees in Spain is providing insights into a poorly known period of Neanderthal history, offering clues that could help archaeologists uncover the mystery of their downfall, according to research.....»»
Starvation and adhesion drive formation of keratinocyte patterns in skin, research reveals
Fingerprints are one of the best-recognized examples of pattern formation by epithelial cells. The primary cells in the epithelium are the keratinocytes, and they are known to form patterns at the microscopic and macroscopic levels. While factors aff.....»»
Findings reveal eurypterids evolved giant size independently at least nine times
Sea scorpions, ancient predators that patrolled Earth's marine and freshwater habitats hundreds of millions of years ago, are the focus of a sizable scientific mystery......»»
Jamestown DNA helps solve a 400-year-old mystery and unexpectedly reveals a family secret
An ancient DNA (aDNA) study at the 17th-century English colony of Jamestown, Virginia, has identified two of the town's earliest settlers, and revealed an unexpected family secret......»»
A galactic "comet" called Terzan 5 illuminates a 100-year-old puzzle about cosmic rays
When my colleagues and I set to work on a century-old cosmic mystery, we found an unexpected celestial laboratory in Terzan 5, a dense star cluster currently plunging through our galaxy at breakneck speed......»»
Studying the skin of the great white shark could help reduce drag in aircraft
High-ridged dentricles reduce drag at low speeds; alternating ridges do so at high speeds. Enlarge / Great white sharks can reduce drag at different swimming speeds thanks to high and low ridged dentricles in its skin. (credit: T.....»»
Unlocking the genetic secrets of strawberries for superior fruit quality
Strawberries, treasured for their flavor and health benefits, have been at the forefront of breeding programs targeting enhanced sensory and nutritional profiles. Despite advances, the intricate genetic makeup of these fruits has complicated efforts.....»»
How do butterflies stick to branches during metamorphosis?
Most of us learned about butterfly metamorphosis as a kid—a wriggly caterpillar molts its skin to form a tough chrysalis and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. But how exactly do chrysalises stay anchored as the butterfly brews within?.....»»
Unlocking the potential of rapeseed: CRISPR edits for hybrid efficiency
Hybrid production in rapeseed faces several significant challenges, primarily due to the complexities and limitations of current male sterility systems. Traditional methods often involve intricate management processes and are highly sensitive to envi.....»»
Why is this unusual mystery one of Netflix’s most popular shows right now?
This six-episode murder mystery starring a cast of largely unknown actors is Netflix's most popular show right now. Is it worth streaming?.....»»
Unlocking the secrets of salt stress tolerance in wild tomatoes
As our climate changes and soil salinity increases in many agricultural areas, finding crops that can thrive in these challenging conditions is crucial. Cultivated tomatoes, while delicious, often struggle in salty soils. Their wild cousins, however,.....»»
Science is Solving Iceland"s Dangerous Volcanic Mystery
We take you down below Iceland's erupting surface with the researchers who are trying to understand what's going to happen next......»»
Disney+ will finally start cracking down on password sharing next month
Disney+ is finally about to begin rolling out its password sharing crackdown “in earnest,” according to Disney CEO Bob Iger. This change has been a long time in the making, with Disney first detailing its plans one year ago. It comes after Netfli.....»»
Teosinte Pollen Drive: Scientists may have discovered corn"s "missing link"
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has begun to unravel a mystery millennia in the making. Our story begins 9,000 years ago. It was then that maize was first domesticated in the Mexican lowlands. Some 5,000 years later, the crop crossed with a spec.....»»
Unraveling the mystery of Texas" cryptic freshwater blobs—expert discusses bryozoans
Despite what you may initially think, the gelatinous blobs occasionally found clinging to structures in ponds or reservoirs are not the nefarious, otherworldly creatures seen in classic science fiction or horror films......»»
Scientists equip Australian sea lions with cameras to explore previously unmapped ocean habitats
What lies deep beneath ocean surfaces is often a mystery. In Australia, many underwater habitats have not been mapped, and researchers know little about them. Now, scientists are working to change that by employing sea lions as videographers......»»
Vertically stacked skin-like active-matrix display with ultrahigh aperture ratio
Skin-like displays are critical components of information output in next-generation portable and wearable electronics. Currently, all such displays are fabricated on glass or thick plastic substrates, limiting the inherent mechanical flexibility of o.....»»
Researchers demonstrate mechanism that may have stabilized the first RNA molecules
The origins of life remain a major mystery. How were complex molecules able to form and remain intact for prolonged periods without disintegrating? A team at ORIGINS, a Munich-based Cluster of Excellence, has demonstrated a mechanism that could have.....»»