Brains, spiders, (were)wolves and slimy eyeballs — a collection of creepy research topics that Dr. Frankenstein would appreciate! But unlike the mad scientist’s work, the research detailed below in ACS journals aims to improve human life by developing an alternative to animal testing, on-demand wound care, an edible protective coating...
How Climate-Damaging Nitrous Oxide Forms in the Ocean
To many people, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is only known as a party drug or from the dentist.
Preparing Communities for the Future of Wildfire
Last year saw DRI’s inaugural global initiative aimed at advancing community resilience and adaptability in the face of rapid global change – AWE+, for an Adaptable World Environment.
Carbon Offsets Are Failing. Can a New Plan Save the Rainforests?
It could be the last and best chance to save the world’s tropical forests. As international aid budgets for conservation crash and carbon offset schemes for protecting forests are widely discredited, Brazil is about to unveil an ambitious plan that would triple current finance for saving forests worldwide by channeling...
Marine Robots Field Tested in Kāneʻohe Bay to Better Understand Coral Reefs
A cutting-edge marine platform designed to revolutionize coral reef monitoring and mapping called ReefVision Robotics was field tested in Kāneʻohe Bay by University of Hawaiʻi researchers.
It sounds creepy, but these scientific breakthroughs could save lives
From mini-brains to spider-inspired gloves and wolf apple coatings, scientists are turning eerie-sounding experiments into real innovations that could revolutionize health and sustainability. Lab-grown brain organoids may replace animal testing, spider-silk gloves could create instant wound dressings, wolf apple starch keeps veggies fresh, and researchers even found microplastics lurking in...
Your pumpkin might be hiding a toxic secret
Researchers in Japan have revealed how some gourds draw pollutants into their fruits. The secret lies in a protein that carries contaminants through the plant sap. By manipulating this protein’s structure, scientists hope to breed crops that resist contamination or serve as natural soil purifiers. This finding bridges food safety...
Scientists discover a stunning new golden-tongued lizard in China
A new species of mountain lizard, Diploderma bifluviale, has been discovered in the upper Dadu River Valley of China. Its distinct traits and isolated habitat highlight the hidden biodiversity of the Hengduan Mountains.
Warwick Researcher Improves Century-Old Equation to Predict Movement of Dangerous Air Pollutants
A new method developed at the University of Warwick offers the first simple and predictive way to calculate how irregularly shaped nanoparticles — a dangerous class of airborne pollutant — move through air.
Low-Cost Pollution Monitoring is Global South Game Changer – Study
Low-cost sensor technology is revolutionising the way experts identify and manage sources of air pollution, offering a powerful, affordable tool for improving public health and environmental policy worldwide, a new study reveals.