Death casts a shadow over life, not only for people but also other animals, plants and entire ecosystems.
A Missing Piece in Climate Models: Nature’s Own Emissions
For decades, climate scientists have issued warnings about positive global warming feedbacks, vicious cycles in the Earth system in which rising temperatures from burning fossil fuels beget more warming.
Ancient DNA reveals plague was already killing humans 5,500 years ago
Plague was already a deadly killer 5,500 years ago, long before cities, farming, or the rat-infested conditions usually linked to historic outbreaks. By analyzing ancient DNA from hunter-gatherer cemeteries in Siberia, researchers discovered early plague strains in nearly 40% of the individuals studied and found evidence of rapid family-based outbreaks...
Arizona reservoir nearly vanishes after snowpack collapse triggers massive fish kill
A historic lack of snow in the Gila River watershed has left Arizona’s San Carlos Reservoir less than 1% full, triggering a massive fish kill and an indefinite closure. Despite the bleak conditions, heavy summer rains could help the reservoir rebound.
Major errors found in Al Gore-founded Climate TRACE database
A new study from Northern Arizona University is raising red flags about a widely used global emissions database from Climate TRACE, a consortium co-founded by Al Gore. Researchers found that the database may be dramatically undercounting carbon dioxide emissions from cars and trucks in cities—by an average of 70% across...
Scientists discover spider that disguises itself as a parasitic fungus
Scientists have discovered a new Amazonian spider with an astonishing disguise: it looks like a parasitic fungus. The species, Taczanowskia waska, mimics both the appearance and behavior of the fungus, helping it stay hidden from predators and potentially catch prey more easily.
On the brink of extinction, the vaquita gets a digital lifeline
Scientists have digitally preserved the world’s most endangered marine mammal by creating highly detailed 3D models of a vaquita skeleton using advanced imaging technology. The virtual archive provides an unprecedented look at the species and could help inspire conservation efforts before the tiny porpoise disappears forever.
These bees have nowhere to hide from extreme heat
A major study of Australian native bees found that stem-nesting species may be the first to feel the impact of climate change. Unlike bees that nest underground, they have few ways to escape dangerous heat. Researchers also discovered that tropical bees are particularly vulnerable, even when they are already adapted...
From Speed to Stability: How Ageing Changes the Way We Walk
Reasons why our walking becomes slower and more tiring with age have been uncovered by new Australian research — with findings showing the body increasingly sacrifices efficiency to stay upright.
Scientist Creates ‘Mini Universe’ to Measure Time Without a Clock
Combining cold-atom experiments with ideas from stochastic thermodynamics and quantum gravity offers a new lab perspective on one of physics' oldest conundrums.