Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers converts surplus electric energy into transportable hydrogen energy as a clean energy solution. However, slow oxygen evolution reaction rates and high loading levels of expensive metal oxide catalysts limit its practical feasibility. Now, researchers have developed a new tantalum oxide-supported iridium catalyst that significantly boosts...
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Images of enzyme in action reveal secrets of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Advanced microscopy techniques give scientists valuable clues for how to fight an enzyme that is leading to a rise in cases of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections worldwide.
Scientists explore dinosaur ‘Coliseum’ in Denali National Park
Scientists have discovered and documented the largest known single dinosaur track site in Alaska. The site, located in Denali National Park and Preserve, has been dubbed 'The Coliseum' by researchers.
Illinois Professor Describes How Whaling Shaped u.s. Culture Even After Petroleum Replaced It
The whaling industry helped drive industrialization in the 19th century, with whale oil used to light lamps and lubricate machinery.
“Planting” Rocks in Farms, Along With Emissions Reductions, Could Help Meet Key IPCC Carbon Removal Goal
Farmers around the world could help the planet reach a key carbon removal goal set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by mixing crushed volcanic rocks into their fields, a new study reports.
For Decades, Our Carbon Emissions Sped the Growth of Plants — Not Anymore, Study Suggests
For the last century, rising levels of carbon dioxide helped plants grow faster, a rare silver lining in human-caused climate change.
Transforming flies into degradable plastics
Imagine using insects as a source of chemicals to make plastics that can biodegrade later -- with the help of that very same type of bug. That concept is closer to reality than you might expect. Researchers will describe their progress to date, including the isolation and purification of the...
Key role of ice age cycles in early human interbreeding
Recent paleogenomic research revealed that interbreeding was common among early human species. However, little was known about when, where, and how often this hominin interbreeding took place. Using paleoanthropological evidence, genetic data, and supercomputer simulations of past climate, a team of international researchers has found that interglacial climates and corresponding...
Dry lightning can spark wildfires even under wetter conditions
Dry lightning can still be disastrous even when conditions aren't so dry, a study has found. These cloud-to-ground strikes during little to no rainfall were previously thought to pose wildfire danger only if occurring with less than 2.5 mm of rain in a day (about 0.10 inches). A new study of...
Even treated wastewater affects our rivers
Wastewater treatment plants are undoubtedly a great achievement. After all, they have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of natural waters. A study shows, however, that substances still manage to enter the water cycle that have an impact on the composition of the organisms living in it.