Averting our eyes from things that scare us may be due to a specific cluster of neurons in a visual region of the brain, according to new research. Researchers found that in fruit fly brains, these neurons release a chemical called tachykinin which appears to control the fly's movement to...
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Plastic Pollution is Higher in Some Lakes Than Oceans
A new international study has found that the concentration of plastics and microplastics in some lakes is worse than in ‘garbage patches’ of oceans, and debris is reaching the most remote places of the world.
Small-Winged and Lighter Coloured Butterflies Likely to be at Greatest Threat From Climate Change
Butterflies with smaller or lighter coloured wings are likely to be ‘losers’ when it comes to climate change, with the Lycaenidae family, which contains over 6,000 species of butterflies, the majority of which live in the tropics, found to be particularly vulnerable.
Multiple ecosystems in hot water after marine heatwave surges across the Pacific
Rising ocean temperatures are sweeping the seas, breaking records and creating problematic conditions for marine life. Unlike heatwaves on land, periods of abrupt ocean warming can surge for months or years. Around the world these 'marine heatwaves' have led to mass species mortality and displacement events, economic declines and habitat...
Analogous to algae: Scientists move toward engineering living matter by manipulating movement of microparticles
A team of scientists has devised a system that replicates the movement of naturally occurring phenomena, such as hurricanes and algae, using laser beams and the spinning of microscopic rotors.
Titanium oxide material lets sunlight drive green hydrogen production
As part of ongoing efforts to develop materials that could enable alternative energy sources, researchers have produced a titanium oxide nanofilament material that can harness sunlight to unlock the ubiquitous molecule's potential as a fuel source.
Using AI to Save Species From Extinction Cascades
Algorithms can predict what movies or songs you might like, but they can also predict which species a predator would most likely eat.
Crawford Lake Chosen as the Primary Marker to Identify the Start of the Anthropocene Epoch
An international team of researchers has chosen the location which best represents the beginnings of what could be a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene.
Earth Just Had Its Hottest June on Record
The world just sweltered through its hottest June in the 174-year global climate record.
New Material Could Hold Key to Reducing Energy Consumption in Computers and Electronics
A University of Minnesota Twin Cities team has, for the first time, synthesized a thin film of a unique topological semimetal material that has the potential to generate more computing power and memory storage while using significantly less energy.