Scientists have uncovered the first direct evidence that ancient Americans relied primarily on mammoth and other large animals for food. Their research sheds new light on both the rapid expansion of humans throughout the Americas and the extinction of large ice age mammals.
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Male African elephants develop distinct personality traits as they age
Male African elephants have distinct personality traits, but also adapt their behavior to suit the social context, according to a new study.
Massive asteroid impacts did not change Earth’s climate in the long term
Two massive asteroids hit Earth around 35.65 million years ago, but did not lead to any lasting changes in the Earth's climate, according to a new study.
20th century lead exposure damaged American mental health
Exposure to car exhaust from leaded gas during childhood altered the balance of mental health in the U.S. population, making generations of Americans more depressed, anxious and inattentive or hyperactive, according to researchers. They estimate that 151 million cases of psychiatric disorder over the past 75 years have resulted from...
Can plastic-eating bugs help with our microplastic problem?
Previous research found that insects can ingest and absorb pure, unrefined microplastics -- but only under unrealistic, food-scarce situations. Zoologists have now tested mealworms in a more realistic scenario, feeding them ground-up face masks -- a common plastic product -- mixed with bran, a tastier option. After 30 days, the...
Record efficiency: Tandem solar cells made from perovskite and organic material
Trying to improve the efficiency of solar cells to become independent from fossil energy sources is a major goal of solar cell research. Physicists now combine perovskite with organic absorbers to form a record-level tandem solar cell.
Alaska’s changing environment
The University of Alaska Fairbanks released a new report this week highlighting environmental changes and extremes that impact Alaskans and their livelihoods. 'Alaska's Changing Environment' provides people with timely, reliable and understandable information on topics ranging from temperature and precipitation changes to salmon and polar bears.
Countdown to an Ice-Free Arctic: New Research Warns of Accelerated Timelines
The first summer on record that melts practically all of the Arctic’s sea ice, an ominous milestone for the planet, could occur as early as 2027.
Study: Even Low Levels Of Arsenic In Drinking Water Raise Kidney Cancer Risk
New research findings from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health indicate that exposure to even low levels of arsenic poses significant health risks, including an increased risk of kidney cancer.
Warming Temperatures May Shrink Wetland Carbon Sinks
The international team of scientists buried 19,000 bags of green tea and rooibos in 180 wetlands across 28 countries to measure the ability for wetlands to hold carbon in their soil, known as wetland carbon sequestration.